bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mini review: Proteases and invasion in human prostate epithelial cell lines: Implications in prostate cancer prevention and intervention
Authors: Webber Mukta M. , Waghray Anuradha , Bello Diana , Rhim Johng S.
Published: February 2007

We propose that, in prostate cancer, serine proteases occupy the apex of the proteolytic cascade and initiate the process of matrix degradation. Subsequently, collagenases are recruited after activation of procollagenases by another serine protease plasmin, which is formed by the activation of plasminogen by urokinase (u‐PA). We show that u‐PA alone can degrade fibronectin but not laminin. Serum free‐conditioned medium (SF‐CM) from DU‐145 human prostatic carcinoma cells can degrade both fibronectin and laminin. Urokinase and gelatinase secretion was compared and correlated with the invasive ability of several human prostatic epithelial cell lines. DU‐145 and LNCaP carcinoma cell lines and the following cell lines developed in our laboratories were used: PWR‐1E (Ad12‐SV40 immortalized, nontumorigenic), RWPE‐1 (HPV‐18 immortalized, nontumorigenic), and RWPE‐2 (HPV‐18 immortalized, Ki‐ras‐transformed, tumorigenic). Secreted urokinase levels were markedly increased in the malignant DU‐145 and RWPE‐2 cells and correlated with their invasive ability in vitro. Secreted gelatinase activity was undetectable in SF‐CM from DU‐145, trace in LNCaP, but detectable in the other three cell lines. The tumorigenic RWPE‐2 cells secrete higher levels of gelatinases than their parent RWPE‐1 cells. all‐trans Retinoic acid (RA) caused a decrease in the extracellular u‐PA and gelatinase activity and invasive ability of DU‐145 and RWPE‐2 cells. Treatment of cultures with RA reduced the ability of SF‐CM to degrade fibronectin and laminin. These results may explain one mechanism by which retinoids inhibit invasion and metastasis. These studies have important translational value in the chemoprevention of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and intervention in the progression of human prostate cancer. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immortalization of human uroepithelial cells by human papillomavirus 16 E6 or E7
Authors: Belair Cassandra D. , Blelloch Robert H. , Reznikoff Catherine A.
Published: February 2007

Many different human epithelial cell types have been immortalized by the high‐risk human papillomaviruses (HPV)16 and HPV18. Only a few cell types have been immortalized using either a high‐risk HPV E6 or E7 alone. Here, we report reproducible immortalization of human uroepithelial cells (HUCs) from several normal tissue donors after transformation with either HPV16 E6 or HPV16 E7. To date, this is the only report of a cell type in which both HPV E6 or E7 alone led to immortalization. The five E6‐HUC lines that were generated showed normal pRb levels and almost undetectable p53 levels (attributed to E6 directed ubiquitin degradation), whereas the five E7‐HUC lines showed decreased pRb levels and the stabilized p53 levels that are characteristic of E7‐transformed cells. In general, E7‐HUCs resembled normal HUCs in morphology and growth characteristics, whereas E6‐HUCs resembled HPV16 E6/E7‐transformed HUCs. These findings are consistent with our earlier observations that E7‐HUCs have relatively stable karyotypes, whereas E6‐HUCs show chromosome instability. Because both pRb and p53 alterations occur in a high percentage of clinical bladder cancers, these cell lines may be important tools in studying in vitro the biological significance of pRb and p53 alterations early in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radiogenic transformation of human mammary epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Yang Tracy Chui‐Hsu , Georgy Kerry A. , Tavakoli Azar , Craise Laurie M. , Durante Marco
Published: February 2007

Cancer induction by space radiations is a major concern for manned space exploration. Accurate assessment of radiation risk at low doses requires basic understanding of mechanism(s) of radiation carcinogenesis. For determining the oncogenic effects of ionizing radiation in human epithelial cells, we transformed a mammary epithelial cell line (185B5), which was immortalized by benzo(a)pyrene, with energetic heavy ions and obtained several transformed clones. These transformed cells showed growth properties on Matrigel similar to human mammary tumor cells. To better understand the mechanisms of radiogenic transformation of human cells, we systematically examined the alterations in chromosomes and cancer genes. Among 16 autosomes examined for translocations, by using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, chromosomes 3, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 18 appeared to be normal in transformed cells. Chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, and 17 in transformed cells, however, showed patterns different from those in nontransformed cells. Southern blot analyses indicated no detectable alterations in myc, ras, Rb, or p53 genes. Further studies of chromosome 17 by using in situ hybridization with unique sequence p53 gene probe and a centromere probe showed no loss of p53 gene in transformed cells. Experimental results from cell fusion studies indicated that the transforming gene(s) is recessive. The role of genomic instability and tumor suppressor gene(s) in radiogenic transformation of human breast cells remains to be identified. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The spatial arrangement of Neritina virginea (Gastropoda: Neritidae) during upstream migration in a split‐channel reach
Authors: Blanco Juan F. , Scatena Frederick N.
Published: February 2007

This paper relates differences in flow hydraulics between a main channel (MC) and a side channel (SC) of a river to patterns of upstream migration by Neritina virginea (Neritidae: Gastropoda), a dominant diadromous snail in streams of Puerto Rico (Greater Antilles). Near‐bed water velocity, snail density and shell size were measured on a weekly basis between August and December 2000 along cross‐sections in a main channel (MC) and an adjacent channel (SC) under a bridge crossing of the Río Mameyes of Northeastern Puerto Rico. Near‐bed velocity and water depth were used to compute Reynolds (Re) and Froude (Fr) numbers, and to classify flows within each channel. During base flow conditions (<2 m3 s−1), flow was chaotic and supercritical (Fr > 1) in the MC, and non‐chaotic and subcritical (Fr < 1) in the SC. Higher mean densities (>100 ind m−2) of relatively small snails (mean ± s.d., 6.3 ± 2.8 mm) were consistently recorded in the MC. Conversely, the SC had lower mean densities (<20 ind m−2) and significantly larger snails (7.6 ± 2.4 mm). Within the MC, migratory groups preferred near‐bed velocities > 0.8 m s−1. Within the SC, they preferred the channel thalweg and depths > 30 cm. The spatial arrangement that was observed between and within the channels may be related to food resources, predation pressure or biomechanics. Characteristics of preferred upstream migration pathways of N. virginea must be accounted when building road crossings in coastal streams with diadromous fauna. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Instream flows and the decline of riparian cottonwoods along the Yakima River, Washington, USA
Authors: Braatne Jeffrey H. , Jamieson Robert , Gill Karen M. , Rood Stewart B.
Published: February 2007

Under pre‐settlement conditions the Yakima River in Washington state, USA was characterized by multiple channels, complex aquifers and extensive riparian cottonwood forests. Subsequent implementation of headwater dams to supply irrigation water has altered river and floodplain processes critical to the cottonwoods and associated riparian vegetation. In this study, we analysed hydrology and floodplain forests and especially the dominant black cottonwoods (Populus trichocarpa) along sequential reaches of the Yakima River. Elevations were surveyed and vegetation inventoried along cross‐sectional belt transects, and cottonwood tree ring interpretations investigated historic associations between river hydrology and cottonwood establishment and growth. We analysed hydrographs relative to the apparent episodes of cottonwood recruitment and applied a quantitative model for seedling colonization that required: (1) floods, disturbance flows to produce barren nursery sites, and subsequent flows for seedling (2) establishment and (3) survival. In contrast to earlier conditions, flow patterns after the 1960s have generally been unfavourable for cottonwood recruitment although some cottonwood colonization has occurred in association with physical disturbance from gravel mining. With recent flow regimes, regulated flows along upper reaches maintain the river near bank‐full throughout the growing season, thus inundating suitable seedling recruitment sites. Downstream, irrigation withdrawals reduce the river stage, resulting in seedling establishment at low elevations that are lethally scoured by subsequent high flows. These regulated flow regimes have not hindered growth of established trees, but have reduced the recruitment of cottonwoods, and particularly disfavoured females, thus altering sex ratios and producing skewed cottonwood population age and gender structures. The cottonwood decline has also been associated with other changes in riparian plant community composition, including the encroachment of invasive weeds. Based on this ecohydrologic analysis we discuss flow adjustments that could rejuvenate cottonwood forests along the Yakima River. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exact one‐sided confidence limits for the difference between two correlated proportions
Authors: Lloyd Chris J. , Moldovan Max V.
Published: February 2007

We construct exact and optimal one‐sided upper and lower confidence bounds for the difference between two probabilities based on matched binary pairs using well‐established optimality theory of Buehler. Starting with five different approximate lower and upper limits, we adjust them to have coverage probability exactly equal to the desired nominal level and then compare the resulting exact limits by their mean size. Exact limits based on the signed root likelihood ratio statistic are preferred and recommended for practical use. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial stressors may be strongly associated with suicide attempts
Authors: Baca‐Garcia Enrique , Parra Claudia P. , Perez‐Rodriguez M. Mercedes , Sastre Carmen Diaz , Torres Raquel Reyes , Saiz‐Ruiz Jeronimo , de Leon Jose
Published: February 2007

Stressful life events are associated with a high proportion of suicide attempts. The aim of this study is to clarify the importance of psychosocial stressors in suicidal behaviour. A total of 258 suicide attempters seen at a general hospital emergency room, and 325 blood donors without suicide/psychiatric disorder history were recruited. Acute and chronic life events were assessed with the St. Paul Ramsey Life Experience Scale and Holmes and Rahe's Social Adjustment Scale, respectively. Lifelong adverse experiences were also assessed. After univariate analyses, the significant variables were introduced in a multivariate analysis (logistic regression). The logistic regression with a dependent variable (attempter versus control status) included psychosocial stressors (partner conflicts [odds ratio (OR) = 33.6] and other interpersonal conflicts [OR = 10.5], modification of life habits [OR = 14.6], and adult physical abuse [OR = 7.1]). Confounding factors with significant ORs were Cluster B traits [OR = 21.2]; and two protective factors, living with a partner [OR = 0.25] and currently working [OR = 0.06]. Psychosocial stressors and Cluster B traits appeared to be strongly associated with suicide attempter status. One limitation of the study is the lack of inclusion of psychiatric controls (psychiatric patients without history of suicide attempts). Another limitation is the difficulty of determining suicide intent. Finally, this study is mainly a replication of prior knowledge of psychosocial stressors, but compares their association strength (OR > 10) with the association strength of prior biological findings (OR = 1–2). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress in teaching: a study of occupational stress and its determinants among Italian schoolteachers
Authors: Zurlo Maria Clelia , Pes Daniela , Cooper Cary L.
Published: February 2007

This paper presents the findings of an investigation into stress among Italian teachers conducted by means of the Teacher Stress Questionnaire elaborated by Travers and Cooper. The questionnaire was submitted to 320 southern Italy teachers drawn from a cross‐section of school types. Data were discussed in order to highlight some features of teacher stress peculiar to the Italian sample with respect to those that emerged in the British validation of the questionnaire. In this perspective a comparison was drawn between the intensity and quality of mental ill‐health, the sources of job pressure, the intensity and quality of job satisfaction and the coping strategies adopted by teachers as emerged in this study and in the British study; and between the most predictive dimensions of mental ill‐health highlighted from the present study with respect to the British study. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spider Silk as an Active Scaffold in the Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles and Application of the Gold–Silk Bioconjugate in Vapor Sensing
Authors: Singh Amit , Hede Shantesh , Sastry Murali
Published: February 2007

Spider silk is being viewed with interest by materials scientists due to its excellent resilience and mechanical properties. In this paper we show that spider silk is an excellent scaffold for the one‐step synthesis and assembly of gold nanoparticles. Formation of a gold nanoparticle–spider‐silk bioconjugate material is accomplished by simple reaction of the fibers with aqueous chloroauric acid. The gold nanoparticles thus formed are strongly bound to the spider‐silk fiber surface enabling study of the electrical properties of the nanobioconjugate. Using the well‐known contraction/expansion behavior of the fibers in solvents of varying polarity, we show that exposure of the gold nanoparticle–spider silk bioconjugate to vapors of methanol and chloroform leads to changes in electrical transport through the nanoparticles and thus, the possibility of developing a vapor sensor. The bioconjugate shows excellent response time and cycling efficiency to methanol vapors. The activation energy of electron transport from one gold nanoparticle to another in the nanobiocojugate was determined from temperature‐dependent electron‐transport measurements to be approximately 1.7 eV.
One‐Step Production of Polymeric Microtubes by Co‐electrospinning
Authors: Dror Y. , Salalha W. , Avrahami R. , Zussman E. , Yarin A. L. , Dersch R. , Greiner A. , Wendorff J. H.
Published: February 2007

Herein we demonstrate the ability to fabricate polymeric microtubes with an inner diameter of approximately 3 μm through co‐electrospinning of core and shell polymeric solutions. The mechanism by which the core/shell structure is transformed into hollow fibers (microtubes) is primarily based on the evaporation of the core solution through the shell and is described here in detail. Additionally, we present the filling of these microtubes, thus demonstrating their possible use in microfluidics. We also report the incorporation of a protein (green fluorescent protein) within such fibers, which is of interest for sensorics.
Nitrogen‐Doped Tungsten Oxide Nanowires: Low‐Temperature Synthesis on Si, and Electrical, Optical, and Field‐Emission Properties
Authors: Chang Mu‐Tung , Chou Li‐Jen , Chueh Yu‐Lun , Lee Yu‐Chen , Hsieh Chin‐Hua , Chen Chii‐Dong , Lan Yann‐Wen , Chen Lih‐Juann
Published: February 2007

Very dense and uniformly distributed nitrogen‐doped tungsten oxide (WO3) nanowires were synthesized successfully on a 4‐inch Si(100) wafer at low temperature. The nanowires were of lengths extending up to 5 μm and diameters ranging from 25 to 35 nm. The highest aspect ratio was estimated to be about 200. An emission peak at 470 nm was found by photoluminescence measurement at room temperature. The suggested growth mechanism of the nanowires is vapor–solid growth, in which gaseous ammonia plays a significant role to reduce the formation temperature. The approach has proved to be a reliable way to produce nitrogen‐doped WO3 nanowires on Si in large quantities. The direct fabrication of WO3‐based nanodevices on Si has been demonstrated.
Cover Picture: A Single‐Step Photolithographic Interface for Cell‐Free Gene Expression and Active Biochips (Small 3/2007)
Authors: Buxboim Amnon , Bar‐Dagan Maya , Frydman Veronica , Zbaida David , Morpurgo Margherita , Bar‐Ziv Roy
Published: February 2007

The cover picture shows an image of fluorescent‐labeled double‐stranded DNA molecules encoded for entire genes some 2000 base‐pairs long. The molecules were immobilized on a silicon dioxide chip at one of their ends. The brightest regions of the image correspond to a high density of genes on the surface with 30 nm between molecules. Such gene chips can now be prepared using a new single‐step biocompatible photolithographic interface. This interface provides an adequate and simple‐to‐use platform for biosynthetic reactions localized to submicrometer resolution. The ability to fabricate gene layouts on a chip opens many new possibilities to explore artificial biological systems based on cell‐free gene expression at the scale of a living cell. For more information, please read the Full Paper, “A Single‐Step Photolithographic Interface for Cell‐Free Gene Expression and Active Biochips” by R. Bar‐Ziv and co‐workers on page 500 ff.
The impact of turbulence on the effectiveness and efficiency of software development teams in small organizations
Authors: Yilmaz Levent , Phillips Jared
Published: February 2007

This article presents an agent‐based simulation study that explores the effects of team behavior on the efficiency and effectiveness of software development organizations that pursue incremental and iterative processes such as the Rational Unified Process (RUP). The conceptual model underlying the simulation framework is based on the fundamental tenets of organization theory. We present the simulation framework Team‐RUP and use it to examine (a) which team archetypes and associated organizational cooperation mechanisms are effective in incremental and iterative software development strategies such as the RUP and (b) the extent of the impact of turbulence (i.e. change in requirements and employee turnover) on the effectiveness of software development under various team archetypes in small organizations. Using the model, we observe that ‘agility’ via incremental and iterative development strategy is a valid and useful counterbalance to the inevitable change involved in most software projects. Also, we observe that the autonomous and concurrent team archetypes are better suited for large, rather than small, enterprises. We believe that the findings reported in this study form the basis for future hypotheses that will facilitate further empirical studies on software team behavior. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photodynamic therapy with hematoporphyrin derivative in cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Hayata Yoshihiro , Kato Harubumi , Okitsu Hiroshi , Kawaguchi Minoru , Konaka Chimori
Published: February 2007

An historical overview is given of the development of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with hematoporphyrin derivative for the treatment of malignant tumors. Results in patients with superficial, and non‐superficial esophageal cancer and with early gastric cancer is described, with case illustrations and follow‐up. Due to the difficulty in early stage diagnoses and in determining all cases of lymph node involvement, mis form of treatment should be employed primarily in inoperable early‐stage cancer, to reduce the extent of resection, or to render previously inoperable cases operable. Combination with other treatment modalities and the effects of PDT on histologically different tumor types, need to be further examined.
Diagnosis and management of cavernous hemangioma of the liver
Authors: Takagi Hiroshi
Published: February 2007

Cavernous hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of the liver, which are now seen more often thanks to common use of newer imaging techniques. A review of the literature on cavernous hemangiomas of the liver, including our own experience with 14 cases, provides data as a touchstone for discussion of the incidence, etiology, symptoms, pathology, diagnosis including ultrasound, radionuclide imaging, computed tomography and angiography, management including resection, hepatic artery ligation, radiation and corticosteroid, and the natural history of these lesions. The author concludes that surgical resection of cavernous hemangiomas should be undertaken with due concern for the relation between the severity of symptoms and the operative risks involved.
Surgery of esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Huang Guo Jun , Wang Liang Jun , Liu Jia Sui , Cheng Gui Yu , Zhang Da Wei , Wang Guo Qing , Zhang Ru Gang
Published: February 2007

The experience of surgical treatment in 1,874 patients with carcinoma of the esophagus seen at the Cancer Institute and Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China, between 1958 and 1982, is reported. Despite the prevalence of this malignancy in this part of China, only 3% of the patients in this series had stage I disease, while 80% of the patients had either stage III or stage IV disease with extraesophageal tumor invasion and regional or distant metastases. Of the entire series there was an overall resectability rate of 83.9%, being 77.6% between 1958 and 1969 and 89.0% between 1970 and 1982. Among the 1, 572 resections of the entire series, there were 66 deaths within 30 days of operation, for a resection mortality rate of 4.2%, being 4.9% between 1958 and 1969 and 3.7% between 1970 and 1982. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 67 cases of the 1, 572 resections, for an incidence of 4.3%. Of the 67 cases with anastomotic leaks, 38 recovered after intensive treatment; the remaining 29 died eventually of the complication, giving a death rate of 43.3%. Pathologic studies of the 1,572 specimens showed lymph node metastasis in 46.1% of the cases. It is obvious that practically all the unresectable cases showed more extensive lymph node involvement at operation, although fixation of the tumor with severe invasion to the surrounding organs usually constituted the chief cause of unresectability.

The postresection long‐term survivals as calculated by the number of resections at 5, 10, and 15 years were 30.2% (390/1293), 22.4% (196/876), and 18.9% (112/594), respectively.

Over one‐third, or 36.8%, of the 1,874 patients in the present series were treated with a combination therapy of preoperative irradiation and surgery. The results in the group of 408 selective patients and those in the group of 83 randomized patients with midthoracic esophageal carcinomas were gratifying. In the latter group there was a resectability rate of 95.2%, a resection mortality rate of 3.8%, an incidence of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage of 0%, and a 5‐year survival rate of 45.5%, as compared to 89.6%, 4.3%, 1.7%, and 25%, respectively, in the control group treated by surgery alone. From these findings it is concluded that preoperative irradiation as an adjunct can promote both the immediate and long‐term results of surgery for carcinoma of the esophagus.

Recent advances in the surgical treatment of carcinoma of the esophagus may change the pessimistic philosophy for this malignancy. The results of surgery in the present series are encouraging, although there is still much to be desired. With reasonably early diagnosis, proper selection of patients, meticulous care in surgical managements, and judicious use of radiation and other adjuvant therapy, further improvements in both palliation and curability of this disease are possible.
The impact of combined therapeutic modalities in head, neck, and esophageal cancer
Authors: Desai Prafulla B. , Was J. J. , Sharma S. , Advani S. H. , Copal R. , Saikia T. K. , Dinshaw K. A. , Pinto J. M. , Swaroop V. Shanti
Published: February 2007

Nearly 50% of head and neck cancers and two‐thirds of patients with esophageal cancer generally present late for initial treatment. UK patterns of failure are generally locoregional with around 10% showing distant dissemination. Surgery alone and in combination with pre‐operadve radiation has not significantly increased salvage in these groups of cancer.

The availability of increasingly effective drugs (Cisplatinum, MTX., Bleomycin), for head, neck and esophageal cancers have produced dramatic initial responses with excellent palliative relief of symptoms enabling adequate definitive radiotherapy or surgery for advanced T3, T3 lesions.

Cisplatinum 20 mg/m2 daily × 5 ‐ twice at the interval of 10 days with MTX 25 mg/m2 and Bleomycin 15 mg/m2 weekly × 2 have been used for T3 and T4 Head and Neck Cancers and Cisplatinum in the same dosage and MTX 200 mg twice in 10 days have been used for esophageal cancers. 88% responses in 35 patients have been noted in head and neck cancers and when the chemotherapy was followed by definitive radiotherapy, complete responses were achieved in 16 out of 25 patients (64%). This is a very significant response rate for T3, T4 cancers. Patients who were in a reasonably acceptable general condition after mis regimen were further considered for two more courses of consolidative chemotherapy.

Response rates in esophageal cancer was 78% (26 of 34 evaluable patients) ‐ 6 of the 26 showed a complete response and all are alive from 8 months to 26 months.

Our failure to obtain increasing cures at 3 and 5 years may be due to our ignorance of the capacity of dormant cells to proliferate, tumor cell kinetics, more effective use of chemotherapy or the biology of the host. These areas need further investigation.
The present role of adrenalectomy in breast cancer
Authors: Burn Ian
Published: February 2007

Evidence does not support the argument that surgical adrenalectomy carries too great a risk to justify its use in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. The increasing availability of methods of measuring tumour receptors will undoubtedly increase the level of accuracy in predicting response to surgical adrenalectomy. The operation itself is well within the scope of most experienced general surgeons. In view of the good quality of life for those who respond well and the possibility of prolonging survival for beyond that achieved by other treatment methods, mere seems to be no reason why it should not continue to be recommended on a carefully selective basis to certain women with advanced and progressive breast cancer.
RNA tumor virus in human thymomas and thymus hyperplasias
Authors: Ono Akira , Saito Hidetsucu , Kondo Shunzo , Yoshimatsu Hiroshi , Tsuchiya Masaharu
Published: February 2007

Human thymomas and thymus hyperplasias were examined for retrovi‐ruses. Most of these patients were complicated by systemic immunoiogical diseases such as myasthenia gravis and pure red cell aplasia. The thymus cells were co‐cultured with allogenic B cells or peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) pretreated with mitomycin C, Retrovirus‐like particles were demonstrated in cultured thymus cells in all cases of thymomas and thymus hyperplasias examined by electron microscopy. In most cases, these particles were detected in thymus epithelial cells. Reverse transcriptase activity sedimenting at a density of i. 15–1.17 gm/cm3 in sucrose density gradients was eluted in the culture fluids.

Retrovirus‐like particles were demonstrated in human T cells infected with these particles. Antibodies to virus‐infected T cells were detected in sera of the patients with thymoma and thymus hyperplasia.

These results suggest that in thymomas and thymus hyperplasias, retro‐viruses mat can be induced, following a proliferative stimulus, may be involved in the genesis of thymic disorders and in the parhogenesis of systemic immunoiogical diseases.
Recent progress in the immunological monitoring of carcinomas using monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Papsidero Lawrence D.
Published: February 2007

In efforts to improve the specificity and sensitivity of tests to monitor patients with carcinoma, monoclonal antibody technology has been widely embraced by the scientific community. Results clearly indicate that novel antigen determinants have been identified and that significant improvements have been realized for the study of “classical” tumor antigens previously detected with polyclonal reagents. The concept of tumor specificity has also been amenable to an increased level of objectivity as based upon the probelike characteristic of monoclonal antibodies. It is apparent from this work that an antigen does not have to be tumor specific to be useful as a marker.
Immediate reconstruction using visceral transfer after pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy for advanced hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Tu Gui‐Yi , Hu Yu‐Hua
Published: February 2007

The management of 32 stage IV cases of cancer of the hypopharynx was reviewed retrospectively with a view of selecting a pertinent treatment modality to ensure low morbidity and high survival and evaluating the applicability of abdominal viscera as a reconstructive measure after total Pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy. Three methods of visceral reconstruction have been used at this hospital, viz., reversed gastric tube, colon interposition, and stomach transposition. In our experience, the gastric pull‐up is more reliable. The success rate of oral alimentation of 20 gastric pull‐ups was 95% and the mortality rate was 5%. The overall 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival rate was 37.5% (12/32), 38% (8/21), and 30% (3/10), respectively. Preoperative irradiation gave a 3‐year survival rate of 40% (8/20) for T4 N0–3 cases.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the neoplasms involving the head
Authors: Harms Steven E.
Published: February 2007

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a new method for producing high quality tomographic images with improved soft‐tissue definition. MR imaging is conceptually quite different from conventional imaging modalities. A number of variations in MR technique may be chosen to provide better resolution or improved specificity. Some of the current and future roles of MR in the evaluation of both cranial and extracranial neoplasms involving the head are discussed.
Hyperthermia for cancer: A practical perspective
Authors: Moffat Frederick L. , Falk Rudolf E. , Laingw David , Ketcham Alfred S. , Falk Judith A.
Published: February 2007

A causal relationship between hyperpyrexia and tumor regression was first suggested in 1866, when Busch reported the cure of a histologically diagnosed sarcoma in a middle‐aged woman, following a bout of erysipelas. Over the years, interest in the effect of heat on cancer has remained alive, but this interest has increased dramatically in recent years. The literature on this subject is broadly reviewed and the clinical results discussed. It is apparent from clinical studies thus far mat it is a relatively simple undertaking to treat superficial neoplasms with hyperthertnia. However, the major challenges in clinical thermotherapy pertain to patients with deeply situated tumors. The lack of safe and reliable methods of monitoring temperature in deep tissues is a major impediment to a thorough understanding of thermal dosimetry in clinical hyperthermia, and routine thermal dosimetry in clinical hyperthermia will have to await the development of reliable noninvasive thermometry. As responses have been reported with modest levels of hyperthermia, the need for thermometry is somewhat lessened, given that invasive monitoring is imperfect and somewhat risky when used in deeply seated tumours. The eventual place of thermotherapy in the treatment of malignant tumours in man is as yet unclear and must be rigourously and thoroughly assessed in well‐designed, prospective, randomized patient trials.
Management of osteogenic sarcoma patients
Authors: Trapeznikov N. N. , Yerimina L. A. , Amirasianov A. T. , Sinukov P. A.
Published: February 2007

The experience in the management of 246 patients with local osteogenic sarcoma and 67 patients with pulmonary metastases in the All‐Union Oncologic Research Center, AMS USSR, is presented here. All the patients underwent surgery, but starting in 1974, various modalities of adjuvant chemotherapy (not randomized) were applied in addition. In the surgery alone group, prognosis was very poor: only 7.0% of patients survived free of disease 5 years from the primary tumor treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy (adriamycin + vincristine + melphalan + cyclo‐phosphamide) following amputations increased this rate to 34.0%; combining segmental resections of an affected bone with preoperative intraarterial adriamycin infusion and radiation (36 Gy) increased the rate to 35.5%. In patients with grade 4 tumor damage (tumor cells are not found upon examination of a large number of sections), the rate increased to 57.9% (P < .05). Another regimen of adjuvant chemotherapy (plati‐diam or cisplatin + adriamycin + cyclophosphamide) gives a chance to 78.8% of patients to survive 1 year free of metastases. The same chemotherapy regimen enables us to achieve an objective effect in 30.8% of patients with pulmonary metastases, and its combination with surgical metastasis ablation makes it possible to obtain a complete remission, lasting from 2 to 46 months (average 13.9 months). Toxic manifestations of the chemotherapy regimens considered are moderate. Prognosis in adjuvant chemotherapy is related to age, tumor site, its local dissemination, and morphologic type of osteogenic sarcoma.
Protection from radiation‐associated small bowel injury with the aid of an absorbable mesh
Authors: Devereux Dennis F.
Published: February 2007

Radiation associated small bowel injury results from aggressive treatment of pelvic malignancies with radiation therapy. The incidence increases when radiation therapy follows pelvic surgery due to adhesions that form between the small bowel and the operated site. Application of an absorb‐able polyglycolic acid mesh to keep the small bowel from descending into the pelvis and around the operated site prevents this complication. Use to date in humans and non‐human primates has not been associated with any complications.
Hyperthermochemoradiotherapy and esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Sucimachi Keizo , Inokuchi Kiyoshi
Published: February 2007

Cancer of the esophagus still poses considerable treatment problems, with a poor 5‐year survival rate after surgery, an even worse outlook after radiation and surgery, and a not very satisfactory response to chemotherapy. After several years of continued research, in 1983 we developed a Radio Frequency System with endotract electrode and thermosensors for administering hyperthermochemoradiotherapy to patients with carcinoma of the esophagus. Results in 129 patients are discussed. Immediate improvement of subjective complaints and decrease or elimination of the cancer lesion are so distinct that this treatment, by means of an endotract antenna, shows promise as a modality for esophageal lesions and may find application in diseases such as colorectal cancer or carcinoma of the uterine cervix.
Prognosis of rectal carcinoma patients operated with a stapling device: A review of 150 cases
Authors: Yu Hongtiao , Liu Shaolong
Published: February 2007

A new type of suturing stapler was designed and has been tried in animal experiments and in clinical application, showing it to be an efficient instrument to use in colorectal surgery. During the period September 1977 to 1982, 150 cases of carcinoma of the rectum were treated by tumor resection and colorectal anastomosis with a suturing stapler device. The 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐year survival rates were 94.0, 83.8, 75.7, and 62.5%, respectively. For those patients with liver metastasis, operation including resection of the primary and, if possible, surgical removal of solitary metastatic nodules, was recommended.
Advanced transitional cell bladder cancer: A treatable disease
Authors: Roemeling Reinhard V. , Hrushesky William J. M.
Published: February 2007

Although metastatic bladder cancer is difficult to treat effectively, chemotherapy combinations and schedules have emerged recently that can result in long‐lasting complete responses in some patients. Response rates, response durations, and survival patterns of the entire patient population are, however, unsatisfactory. Whereas survival times of these patients following therapy with cisplatin alone or in combination with other drugs are not significantly different, complete response rates are higher and disease‐free survival is longer when combinations are used. Higher dosages are associated with better response rates but also with substantial toxicity. Extensive local pretreatment or prior systemic chemotherapy reduces the likelihood of clinically meaningful disease response. Several adjuvant studies have demonstrated an advantage in length of disease‐free survival for chemotherapy‐treated patients when compared to those who are observed following operation. Metastatic transitional cell bladder cancer is a chemotherapeutically treatable malignancy. Locally advanced disease may be most effectively treated by aggressive surgery followed by cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy. The highest response rates and longest disease‐free survivals are uniformly associated with aggressive and prolonged multidrug therapy.
Ear method: An alternative method of bone grafting following bone tumor resection (a preliminary report)
Authors: Sung H. W. , Wang H. M. , Kuo D. P. , Hsu W. P. , Tsai Y. B.
Published: February 2007

The EAR (Excision, Alcoholization, Replantation) method consists of a proper tumor resection, removal of tumor tissue extracorporally, soaking the residual bone shell in 95% alcohol for half an hour, and replantation in situ, the cavity being filled with bone graft or bone cement. Eighty‐three cases were treated in this manner, of which 95% were followed for 2 years or more, with complete success in cases with IA lesions and no recurrence in two‐thirds of those with IB‐IIB lesions.

Experimentally, it is proved that alcohol can kill tumor cells completely without interfering with osteogenesis. The joint cartilage, although degenerated, is replaced by newly formed fibrocartilage, thus preserving joint function.
A new technique for hepatic infusional chemotherapy
Authors: Pagana Timothy J.
Published: February 2007

Constant‐infusion intra‐arterial chemotherapy is associated with a significantly greater tumor response rate and perhaps an improved survival rate. Many intra‐arterial drug delivery systems have been described, the most popular of which is the implanted Infusaid pump. Unfortunately, this is an expensive device that requires considerable experience in its implantation and maintenance. This paper describes a simplified, inexpensive technique, which can comfortably and reliably provide intra‐arterial hepatic chemotherapy to patients treated in most moderate‐size community hospitals. Implantation requires angiography and a minor surgical procedure. Maintenance of the system is easy and inexpensive. While use of the Infusaid pump is preferable, this technique is a reasonable alternative for the following: 1) patients with very poor hepatic function, 2) patients who cannot afford the implanted pump, 3) patients who have concomitant extrahepatic tumor, 4) patients with noncolorectal metastasis to the liver, and 5) patients treated at hospitals that do not have implanted pump capabilities.
Present concepts in the treatment of neuroblastoma
Authors: Karp Melvyn P. , Bruce James , Cooney Donald R. , Allen James E. , Jewett Theodore C.
Published: February 2007

The outlook for the child with neuroblastoma remains dismal. The tumor has been known to undergo spontaneous resolution, and this phenomenon has led to increased interest and research in possible immune mechanisms that may be involved. Treatment often involves the use of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, frequently producing a short‐term response, but a cure of the disease in an advanced stage can rarely be attributed to any of these treatment modalities. The present staging and treatment method used by the authors is that of the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) #8104. As far as the immunological therapeutic approach is concerned, promising results have been obtained in animal studies with monoclonal antibodies and immunocellular components. Cumulative data from various pediatric centers have showed that the patient's age strongly influences the prognosis in all stages of the disease.
Present concepts in the treatment of Wilms' tumor
Authors: Allen James E. , Karp Melvyn P. , Cooney Donald R. , Jewett Theodore C.
Published: February 2007

Before 1969, 58 patients with Wilms' tumors treated at Children's Hospital of Buffalo had an all‐stage survival of 57%. From 1970 to 1983, following the National Wilms' Tumor Study protocols, this survival rate has improved to 79% in the last 47 patients. With continued attention toward early diagnosis, accurate and complete staging, refinement of radiation and chemotherapy protocols, and absolute follow‐up of all patients, the relapse‐free survival rate will continue to improve.
Advances in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Lacey Stuart R. , Jewett Theodore C. , Karp Melvyn P. , Allen James E. , Cooney Donald R.
Published: February 2007

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children under 15 years of age. Several decades ago it was associated with an 80% mortality rate. Recent advances with combined modality therapy have improved the 5‐year survival rate to almost 70%. The focus for the improvement in treatment regimens is now shifting to concerns regarding the preservation of body function and the treatment of far advanced disease. Regardless of age, histology, stage, or site of primary tumor, there has been no group where chemotherapy has not been proven beneficial. The current recommendations used by the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study, with regard to chemotherapy, are summarized. Radiation therapy adjunctive to surgery has a useful place in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma, but prophylactic nodal irradiation is not recommended. Involved nodes should, however, be treated. Since the potentially adverse side effects of chemotherapy and radiation are accentuated when combined, radiation therapy is no longer recommended in patients with group I rhabdomyosarcoma. Prognostic factors and future considerations from the operative standpoint are presented.
Ovarian cancer in children
Authors: Piver M. Steven , Patton Thomas
Published: February 2007

Gynecologic malignancies account for approximately 2% of all childhood cancers, 60–70% of which are ovarian in origin. New therapeutic modalities have resulted in a significant increase in survival rates for these young patients. Recent advances in the management of germ cell and sex cord tumors of the ovary have resulted not only in an increase in cure rates but also in simultaneous preservation of future fertility. The recent advent of surgical staging has elucidated the early sites of subclinical or occult metastases that accounted for the high mortality in patients who were previously presumed to have localized ovarian cancer. Treatment options are discussed for the various classes of ovarian tumors in children, at the hand of experience at the authors' institution, and of others.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery of cancer of the esophagus
Authors: Kelsen David P. , Hilaris Basil , Martini Nael
Published: February 2007

Neoadjuvant, or preoperative, chemotherapy for esophageal cancer has become an area of increasing interest because of the failure of conventional therapy (surgery or radiation) to improve disease‐free or overall survival. Several autopsy series have demonstrated that, in many symptomatic western patients, esophageal cancer is a systemic disease. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy thus, in theory, allows a simultaneous attack on both the primary and metastatic disease. A number of single‐arm, phase n multi‐modality trials have been completed. Toxicities of chemotherapy, while substantial, have been tolerable. With careful attention to detail, operative morbidity and mortality has not been increased. Large‐scale randomized trials are needed to evaluate the impact of this technique on disease‐free and overall survival.
Oral manifestations of systemic chemotherapy and their management
Authors: Carl William
Published: February 2007

Many antineoplastic drugs in use now have cytotoxic side effects that also manifest in the oral cavity or influence dental management. Chemothera‐peutic agents that have a high potential for precipitating oral mucosal damage and bone marrow depression are methotrexate, cyclophospha‐mide, daunorubicin doxorubicin hydrochloride, 5 fluorouracil, bleomy‐cin, nitrogen mustard, cytosine‐arabinoside, 6‐mercaptopurine, busulfan, and L‐phenylalanine mustard. Mucositis may lead to neglected oral hygiene, which in turn may cause a chain reaction of local infections, bleeding, and septicemia in myelosuppressed patients. Preventive oral care before chemotherapy and active oral care during therapy are necessary for compromised patients. A protocol for oral care is described.
The current status of early detection and screening for colorectal cancer
Authors: Mettlin Curtis , Cummings K. Michael
Published: February 2007

There are several approaches to the early detection of colorectal cancer that currently are in use in various segments of the health care system. Herein, the status of cancer control research regarding symptom and risk factor assessment, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy DOuble contrast barium enema, and fecal occult blood testing is reviewed. In addition to the different technologies of early cancer detection, there are different models of disease control intervention. These include the routine clinical activities of primary care providers as well as programmatic screening of mass populations. The currently available techniques for early colorectal cancer detection appear better suited for existing patient care settings than for programs outside the direct supervision and follow‐up, of the health professional.
Radiation‐induced chronic arterial injury
Authors: Himmel Peter D. , Hassett James M.
Published: February 2007

Acute arterial disruption associated with infection, previous irradiation, and the postoperative state is a well‐described entity. The recognition of a chronic form of radiation‐induced arterial injury presenting years after therapeutic doses of radiation is less well appreciated. This paper summarizes the vital data obtained by reviewing the literature concerning 162 cases of arterial injury associated with prior radiotherapy. The vessels involved include coronary arteries, the aorta, renal arteries, the extra‐ and intracranial circulation, the ilio‐femoral system, and the upper extremity arteries. A review of the histologic findings, me studies regarding pamo‐genesis, and the morphology of the lesions found in these 162 patients suggests a disease distinct from the atherosclerotic process.
A comparison of results of type I and type II radical operations for carcinoma of the gastric cardia
Authors: Wang De‐Yuan , Zhang Xi‐Zeng , Wu De‐Tai , Wei Jian
Published: February 2007

During 1954–1981, 527 patients with cancer of the gastric cardia underwent resection. Of these, 146 underwent type I radical operation (trans‐thoracic resection) with eight (5.5%) operative deaths; 344 underwent type n radical operation (abdominothoracic resection) with 42(12.2%) operative deaths; and 37 with Stage IV lesions underwent extended operation or palliative operation with 4(10.8%) operative deaths. Of 440 cases of Stage I‐HI cases that survived die operation, die 5‐year survival rate was 18.5%. and the 10‐year survival rate was 10.7%. For stage I cancer, the end results of type I and type II radical operations weft' similar. In Stage n, whether the lymph nodes were positive or negative, the end result of die type n operation was better, but without statistical significance. In Stage III cancer without lymph node metastases, die end result of the type n operation was better, but without statistical significance; in those with lymph node metastases, die type n operation was definitely better than the type I operation (P <0.05).