bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing comorbidity in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Visser Martine , Marinus Johan , van Hilten Jacobus J. , Schipper Ruth G.B. , Stiggelbout Anne M.
Published: March 2004

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of an interview‐based assessment of comorbidity, in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The Cumulative Illness Rating Scale‐Geriatric (CIRS‐G) was completed (1) in an interview with 31 PD patients and their caregivers, and (2) by reviewing the patient's medical charts from their general practitioners. Based on the interview, all patients had some comorbidity, 84% had one or more moderate comorbid diseases. The most frequently affected organ systems were “lower gastrointestinal” and “genitourinary”. The mean ± SD total score of the interview‐based (chart‐based) CIRS‐G was 6.9 ± 3.8 (7.6 ± 3.5) with a mean of 4.3 ± 1.9 (5.0 ± 1.9) affected organ systems and a mean of 2.1 ± 1.7 (2.3 ± 1.6) organ systems with at least moderate comorbidity per patient. The agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients) between the interview‐based and chart‐based assessments for the six summary scores ranged from 0.69 to 0.81. The agreement for the 14 organ systems ranged from 0.13 to 1.00 (weighted kappa); 12 had a Kw above 0.40 (moderate agreement). The comorbidity summary scores had a moderate correlation with age and disability. The interview‐based assessment of the CIRS‐G is easy to apply and is an accurate method to assess comorbidity in patients with PD. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Compound sensory action potential in normal and pathological human nerves
Authors: Krarup Christian
Published: March 2004

The compound sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) is the result of phase summation and cancellation of single fiber potentials (SFAPs) with amplitudes that depend on fiber diameter, and the amplitude and shape of the SNAP is determined by the distribution of fiber diameters. Conduction velocities at different conduction distances are determined by summation of SFAPs of varying fiber diameters, and differ in this respect, also, from the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) for which conduction velocities are determined by the very fastest fibers in the nerve. The effect and extent of temporal dispersion over increasing conduction distance is greater for the SNAP than CMAP, and demonstration of conduction block is therefore difficult. In addition, the effect of temporal dispersion on amplitude and shape is strongly dependent on the number of conducting fibers and their distribution, and, with fiber loss or increased conduction velocity variability changes of the SNAP may be smaller than expected from normal nerve. The biophysical characteristics of sensory and motor fibers differ, and this may to some extent determine divergent pathophysiological changes in sensory and motor fibers in different polyneuropathies. In this review, different factors that characterize sensory fibers and set the SNAP apart from the CMAP are discussed to emphasize the supplementary and complementary information that can be obtained from sensory conduction studies. Sensory conduction studies require particular effort and attention to theory and practical detail that may be time consuming. Muscle Nerve 29: 465–483, 2004
Amyloid myopathy presenting with distal atrophic weakness
Authors: Smestad Cathrine , Monstad Per , Lindboe Christian Fredrik , Mygland Åse
Published: March 2004

Amyloid myopathy is a rare complication of primary amyloidosis usually presenting with proximal muscle weakness. We report a woman with multiple myeloma in whom marked atrophy and weakness of finger flexor muscles were the first manifestations of systemic amyloidosis. Muscle biopsy revealed amyloid angiopathy with deposits of lambda light chains in vessel walls. The recognition of amyloid myopathy is important because clinical symptoms may respond to chemotherapy. Muscle Nerve 29:605–609, 2004
Modulation of human cervical premotoneurons during bilateral voluntary contraction of upper‐limb muscles
Authors: Stinear James W. , Byblow Winston D.
Published: March 2004

A greater proportion of the voluntary command to the affected upper limb of well‐recovered stroke patients descends via the putative C3/4 propriospinal system compared with the unaffected limb or the limbs of control subjects. We have examined whether there are differences in the pattern and extent of the modulation in intact subjects when the upper‐limb muscles are bilaterally activated compared with unilateral activation. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) recorded from flexor carpi radialis (FCR) in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) were assessed for an effect of cocontraction with biceps brachii (BB) and subthreshold electrical conditioning of the musculocutaneous (MC) nerve. No between‐hand differences were revealed, but there was less facilitation during bilateral than unilateral contraction. The findings suggest that the C3/4 propriospinal system is more active during unilateral muscle contraction and less active during bilateral contraction of upper‐limb muscles. Therefore, bimanual rehabilitation strategies for patients with upper‐limb hemiparesis should be developed with caution. Muscle Nerve 29: 506–514, 2004
Effects of high‐intensity endurance exercise training in the G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Mahoney Douglas J. , Rodriguez Christine , Devries Michaela , Yasuda Nobuo , Tarnopolsky Mark A.
Published: March 2004

The G93A transgenic mouse has a mutation in copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) that results in oxidative stress and motor neuron loss. Endurance exercise training is known to increase antioxidant capacity in skeletal muscle. Therefore, we hypothesized that endurance training may extend onset of disease or survival in the G93A mouse. We examined the effects of high‐intensity endurance exercise training (45 min/day, 5 times/week, progressive increase from 9 to 22 m/min) on disease onset and survival in G93A mice. Endurance training did not affect clinical onset, although it hastened death in male mice (P < 0.05). Endurance‐trained males had a statistically significant decrease in rotarod performance at 112 days (P < 0.05), whereas sedentary males decreased at 119 days (P < 0.05). Endurance‐trained and sedentary females decreased at 126 days and 129 days, respectively (P < 0.05). Female mice lived longer than males (P < 0.05), and there was a trend for hastened clinical onset in males (P = 0.062). We conclude that high‐intensity endurance exercise training does not affect onset of clinical symptoms in G93A mice but hastens a decrease in motor performance and death following onset of clinical symptoms in male mice only. In light of a recent report describing increased survival following low‐intensity endurance training, it appears that training intensity is an important determinant of survival in the G93A mouse. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 29: 656–662, 2004
Exon 17 skipping in CLCN1 leads to recessive myotonia congenita
Authors: Chen Lie , Schaerer Martin , Lu Zen H. , Lang Doris , Joncourt Franziska , Weis Joachim , Fritschi Juerg , Kappeler Lilianne , Gallati Sabina , Sigel Erwin , Burgunder Jean‐Marc
Published: March 2004

Mutations in CLCN1, the gene encoding the ClC‐1 chloride channel in skeletal muscle, lead to myotonia congenita. The effects on the intramembranous channel forming domains have been investigated more than that at the intracellular C‐terminus. We have performed a mutation screen involving the whole CLCN1 gene of patients with myotonia congenita by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), single‐strand conformation polymorphism studies, and sequencing. Two unrelated patients harbored the same homozygous G‐to‐T mutation on the donor splice site of intron 17. This led to the skipping of exon 17, as evidenced by the reverse transcriptase PCR. When the exon 17–deleted CLCN1 was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, no chloride current was measurable. This function could be restored by coexpression with the wild‐type channel. Our data suggest an important role of this C‐terminal region and that exon 17 skipping resulting from a homozygous point mutation in CLCN1 can lead to recessive myotonia congenita. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 29: 670–676, 2004
Motor function–muscle strength relationship in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Merlini Luciano , Bertini Enrico , Minetti Carlo , Mongini Tiziana , Morandi Lucia , Angelini Corrado , Vita Giuseppe
Published: March 2004

The relationship between motor function and muscle strength in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is still controversial. In 120 genetically proven SMA patients, aged 5 years or older, we measured muscle strength in the arms and legs by a hand‐held dynamometer, forced vital capacity by a spirometer, and the time needed to walk 10 m, arise from the floor, and climb steps. SMA patients had markedly reduced muscle strength, approximating 20% of that predicted from age‐ and gender‐matched normative data. Knee extensors were the weakest muscles in SMA patients. The young ambulant SMA patients performed better than adults in all the timed tests and had greater muscle strength on knee extension. This study shows a good relationship between motor ability and muscle strength in SMA and confirms that age‐related loss of function in SMA is due to loss of muscle strength. Muscle Nerve 29: 548–552, 2004
Postcontraction changes of muscle architecture in human quadriceps muscle
Authors: Mahlfeld Konrad , Franke Jörg , Awiszus Friedemann
Published: March 2004

Maximal voluntary contraction changes the mechanical properties of skeletal muscle. Using ultrasound, we investigated whether these changes are reflected by changes in muscle architecture in the vastus lateralis muscle of 8 healthy volunteers. The mean pennation angle during the time interval from 3 to 6 min after maximal voluntary contraction (late postcontraction state) was 14.4 ± 1.11° (mean ± SEM) and differed significantly from the precontraction state (16.2 ± 1.39°), but the pennation angle in the early postcontraction state did not change statistically from the precontraction angle. Thus, postcontraction changes of the muscle–tendon interface appeared for 6 min after a maximal contraction, which may be important for biomechanical optimization of force transmission in vivo. Muscle Nerve 29: 597–600, 2004
Concave envelopes of monomial functions over rectangles
Authors: Benson Harold P.
Published: March 2004

The construction of convex and concave envelopes of real‐valued functions has been of interest in mathematical programming for over 3 decades. Much of this interest stems from the fact that convex and concave envelopes can play important roles in algorithms for solving various discrete and continuous global optimization problems. In this article, we use a simplicial subdivision tool to present and validate the formula for the concave envelope of a monomial function over a rectangle. Potential algorithmic applications of this formula are briefly indicated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2004
Compartmentation of glycolysis and glycogenolysis in the perfused rat heart
Authors: Anousis Nick , Carvalho Rui A. , Zhao Piyu , Malloy Craig R. , Sherry A. Dean
Published: March 2004

Developing methods that can detect compartmentation of metabolic pathways in intact tissues may be important for understanding energy demand and supply. In this study, we investigated compartmentation of glycolysis and glycogenolysis in the isolated perfused rat heart using 13C NMR isotopomer analysis. Rat hearts previously depleted of myocardial glycogen were perfused with 5.5 mm [U‐13C]glucose plus 50 mU/mL insulin until newly synthesized glycogen recovered to new steady‐state levels (∼60% of pre‐depleted values). After a short wash‐out period, the perfusate glucose was then switched to [1‐13C]glucose, and glycolysis and glycogenolysis were stimulated by addition of glucagon (1 μg/ml). A 13C NMR multiplet analysis of the methyl resonance of lactate provided an estimate of pyruvate derived from glucose vs glycogen while a multiplet analysis of the C4 resonance of glutamate provided an estimate of acetyl‐CoA derived from glycolytic pyruvate vs glycogenolytic pyruvate. These two indices were not equivalent and their difference was further magnified in the presence of insulin during the stimulation phase. These combined observations are consistent with functional compartmentation of glycolytic and glycogenolytic enzymes that allows pyruvate generated by these two processes to be distinguished at the level of lactate and acetyl‐CoA. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain GABA editing by localized in vivo1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Bielicki G. , Chassain C. , Renou JP. , Farges MC , Vasson MP , Eschalier A. , Durif F.
Published: March 2004

Editing of GABA by 1H MRS in a specific brain area is a unique tool for in vivo non‐invasive investigation of neurotransmission disorders. Selective GABA detection is achieved using sequences based on double quantum coherence (DQC). Our pulse sequence makes accurate measurements without artefacts due to spatial localization. The sequence was tested on a phantom solution. The effect of vigabatrin, a specific inhibitor of GABA transaminase, was measured in rat brain and GABA detection was performed in vivo in monkey brain using this procedure. Rats were spilt into two groups. In the control group, the rats had access to water and, in the other group (vigabatrin, VGB, rats), animals were allowed free access to drinking water containing vigabatrin. After 3 weeks of treatment, rats were anesthetized for in vivo NMR spectroscopy investigation. At the end of the experiment, brains were quickly removed, freeze‐clamped and extracted with 4% perchloric acid. One part of the acid extract was used for GABA concentrations assessment by ion exchange chromatography with ninhydrin detection. The second was used for high‐resolution NMR analysis. By chromatography measurements, the GABA concentration was 1.23±0.06 μmol/g for controls, while for vigabatrin‐treated rats the GABA concentration was 4.89±1.60 μmol/g. The NMR in vivo results were closely correlated with the NMR ex vivo (r=0.99, p<0.01) and chromatography results (r=0.98, p<0.01). The correlation between ex vivo results and chromatography results was also high (r=0.99, p<0.001). This pulse sequence performed GABA editing from a 376 μl voxel located on the right basal ganglia area in a non‐human primate brain. This in vivo GABA editing scheme can thus be proposed for accurate measurement of brain GABA concentrations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H MRS studies of signals from mobile lipids and from lipid metabolites: comparison of the behavior in cultured tumor cells and in spheroids
Authors: Rosi Antonella , Grande Sveva , Luciani Anna Maria , Barone Piero , Mlynarik Vladimir , Viti Vincenza , Guidoni Laura
Published: March 2004

1H magnetic resonance studies on MCF‐7 and HeLa cells were undertaken to reveal differences in lipid and lipid metabolite signals during the growth in culture. High intensity mobile lipid (ML) signals were found during the first days in culture, while afterwards the same signals declined and started increasing again at confluence and at late confluence. At the same time, signals from the lipid metabolite phosphocholine decreased in intensity while signals from glycerophosphocholine in MCF‐7 and from choline in HeLa increased as cells approached confluence. Spectral parameters from actively proliferating and non‐proliferating cells were used to classify cells with respect to the proliferative conditions by means of a multivariate statistical analysis. Furthermore, it was shown that polyunsaturation of mobile lipid chains was lower in the confluent group with respect to the actively proliferating cells. The examination of spectra from suspensions of MCF‐7 spheroids with diameter smaller than 500 μm suggests that cells in spheroids are in condition of lipid metabolism similar to that of confluent cultured cells. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anisotropic mesh adaptation for numerical solution of boundary value problems
Authors: Dolejší Vít , Felcman Jiří
Published: March 2004

We present an efficient mesh adaptation algorithm that can be successfully applied to numerical solutions of a wide range of 2D problems of physics and engineering described by partial differential equations. We are interested in the numerical solution of a general boundary value problem discretized on triangular grids. We formulate a necessary condition for properties of the triangulation on which the discretization error is below the prescribed tolerance and control this necessary condition by the interpolation error. For a sufficiently smooth function, we recall the strategy how to construct the mesh on which the interpolation error is below the prescribed tolerance. Solving the boundary value problem we apply this strategy to the smoothed approximate solution. The novelty of the method lies in the smoothing procedure that, followed by the anisotropic mesh adaptation (AMA) algorithm, leads to the significant improvement of numerical results. We apply AMA to the numerical solution of an elliptic equation where the exact solution is known and demonstrate practical aspects of the adaptation procedure: how to control the ratio between the longest and the shortest edge of the triangulation and how to control the transition of the coarsest part of the mesh to the finest one if the two length scales of all the triangles are clearly different. An example of the use of AMA for the physically relevant numerical simulation of a geometrically challenging industrial problem (inviscid transonic flow around NACA0012 profile) is presented. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004.
Multigrid algorithm for the cell‐centered finite difference method II: discontinuous coefficient case
Authors: Kwak Do Y. , Lee Jun S.
Published: March 2004

We consider a multigrid algorithm for the cell centered finite difference scheme with a prolongation operator depending on the diffusion coefficient. This prolongation operator is designed mainly for solving diffusion equations with strong varying or discontinuous coefficient and it reduces to the usual bilinear interpolation for Laplace equation. For simple interface problem, we show that the energy norm of this operator is uniformly bounded by 11/8, no matter how large the jump is, from which one can prove that W‐cycle with one smoothing converges with reduction factor independent of the size of jump using the theory developed by Bramble et al. (Math Comp 56 (1991), 1–34). For general interface problem, we show that the energy norm is bounded by some constant C* (independent of the jumps of the coefficient). In this case, we can conclude W‐cycle converges with sufficiently many smoothings. Numerical experiment shows that even V‐cycle multigrid algorithm with our prolongation works well for various interface problems. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004.
Normal and tangential continuous elements for least‐squares mixed finite element methods
Authors: Huo‐Yuan Duan , Guo‐Ping Liang
Published: March 2004

We consider a finite element discretization of the primal first‐order least‐squares mixed formulation of the second‐order elliptic problem. The unknown variables are displacement and flux, which are approximated by equal‐order elements of the usual continuous element and the normal continuous element, respectively. We show that the error bounds for all variables are optimal. In addition, a field‐based least‐squares finite element method is proposed for the 3D‐magnetostatic problem, where both magnetic field and magnetic flux are taken as two independent variables which are approximated by the tangential continuous and the normal continuous elements, respectively. Coerciveness and optimal error bounds are obtained. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004.
Coupling harmonic functions‐finite elements for solving the stream function‐vorticity Stokes problem
Authors: Abboud T. , Salaün M. , Salmon S.
Published: March 2004

We consider the bidimensional Stokes problem for incompressible fluids in stream function‐vorticity form. The classical finite element method of degree one usually used does not allow the vorticity on the boundary of the domain to be computed satisfactorily when the meshes are unstructured and does not converge optimally. To better approach the vorticity along the boundary, we propose that harmonic functions obtained by integral representation be used. Numerical results are very satisfactory, and we prove that this new numerical scheme leads to an optimal convergence rate of order 1 for the natural norm of the vorticity and, under higher regularity assumptions, from 3/2 to 2 for the quadratic norm of the vorticity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004.
A simple Dufort‐Frankel‐type scheme for the Gross‐Pitaevskii equation of Bose‐Einstein condensates on different geometries
Authors: Lai Ming‐Chih , Huang Chung‐Yin , Lin Te‐Sheng
Published: March 2004

We develop a simple Dufort‐Frankel‐type scheme for solving the time‐dependent Gross‐Pitaevskii equation (GPE). The GPE is a nonlinear Schrödinger equation describing the Bose‐Einstein condensation (BEC) at very low temperature. Three different geometries including 1D spherically symmetric, 2D cylindrically symmetric, and 3D anisotropic Cartesian domains are considered. The present finite difference method is explicit, linearly unconditional stable and is able to handle the coordinate singularities in a natural way. Furthermore, the scheme is time reversible and satisfies a discrete analogue of density conservation law. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004
Numerical stability of the BEM for advection‐diffusion problems
Authors: Peratta Andrés , Popov Viktor
Published: March 2004

A boundary element method (BEM) approach has been developed to solve the time‐dependent 1D advection‐diffusion equation. The 1D solution is part of a 3D numerical scheme for solving advection‐diffusion (AD) problems in fractured porous media. The full 3D scheme includes a 3D solution for the porous matrix, which is coupled with a 2D solution for fractures and a 1D solution for fracture intersections. As the hydraulic conductivity of the fracture intersections is usually higher than the hydraulic conductivity of the fractures and by at least one order of magnitude higher than the hydraulic conductivity of the porous matrix, the fastest flow and solute transport occurs in the fracture intersections. Therefore it is important to have an accurate and stable 1D solution of the transient AD problems. This article presents two different 1D BEM formulations for solution of the AD problems. The particular advantage of these formulations is that they provide one of the most straightforward and simplest ways to couple multiple intersecting 2D Boundary Element problems discretized with linear discontinuous elements. Both formulations are tested and compared for accuracy, stability, and consistency. The analysis helps to select the more suitable formulations according to the properties of the problem under consideration. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004
Uniform stability of spectral nonlinear Galerkin methods
Authors: He Yinnian , Li Kaitai , Zhao Chunshan
Published: March 2004

This article provides a stability analysis for the backward Euler schemes of time discretization applied to the spatially discrete spectral standard and nonlinear Galerkin approximations of the nonstationary Navier‐Stokes equations with some appropriate assumption of the data (λ, u0, f). If the backward Euler scheme with the semi‐implicit nonlinear terms is used, the spectral standard and nonlinear Galerkin methods are uniform stable under the time step constraint Δt ≤ (2/λλ1). Moreover, if the backward Euler scheme with the explicit nonlinear terms is used, the spectral standard and nonlinear Galerkin methods are uniform stable under the time step constraints Δt = O(λ) and Δt = O(λ), respectively, where λ ≤ λ, which shows that the restriction on the time step of the spectral nonlinear Galerkin method is less than that of the spectral standard Galerkin method. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004
A dual‐reciprocity boundary element solution of a generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Ang Whye‐Teong , Ang Keng‐Cheng
Published: March 2004

A time‐stepping dual‐reciprocity boundary element method is presented for the numerical solution of an initial‐boundary value problem governed by a generalized non‐linear Schrödinger equation. To test the method, two specific problems with known exact solutions are solved. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 20, 2004.
Modified chitosan III, superabsorbency, salt‐ and pH‐sensitivity of smart ampholytic hydrogels from chitosan‐g‐PAN
Authors: Mahdavinia G. R. , Zohuriaan‐Mehr M. J. , Pourjavadi A.
Published: March 2004

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) grafted chitosan was prepared by ceric‐initiated graft polymerization of acrylonitrile onto chitosan in a homogenous medium. The copolymer chitosan‐g‐PAN product was then hydrolyzed to yield a novel smart hydrogel (H‐chitoPAN) with superabsorbing properties. The influence of add‐on values as well as temperature and time of hydrolysis of the initial chitosan‐g‐PAN on swelling behavior of the hydrogel was evaluated in water and various salt solutions. The swelling kinetics of the superabsorbing hydrogel was studied as well. The hydrogels exhibited ampholytic and pH‐sensitivity characteristics. Several sharp swelling changes were observed in lieu of pH variations in a wide range (pH 2–13). The swelling variations were explained according to swelling theory based on the hydrogel chemical structure. Superabsorbency, pH‐ and salt‐sensitivity of the chitosan‐based hydrogel was briefly compared with the classical starch‐based superabsorbent, H‐SPAN. The pH‐reversibility and on–off switching behavior of the intelligent H‐chitoPAN hydrogels makes them good candidates for considering as potential drug carries. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Results of treatment of fifty‐six patients with localized retroperitoneal and pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from The Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study‐IV, 1991–1997
Authors: Raney R. Beverly , Stoner Julie A. , Walterhouse David O. , Andrassy Richard J. , Donaldson Sarah S. , Laurie Fran , Meyer William H. , Qualman Stephen J. , Crist William M.
Published: March 2004

Background

We reviewed 56 IRS‐IV patients with localized rhabdomyosarcoma [RMS] of the retroperitoneum/pelvis to assess outcome and prognostic factors, including the value of initially excising ≥50% of the tumor (debulking) before chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients had embryonal RMS [N=38], alveolar RMS [N = 7], RMS not otherwise specified [NOS, N = 7], or undifferentiated sarcoma [N = 4]. Fifteen patients were debulked; 41 patients were biopsied. All received VAC; most received radiotherapy.

Results

Estimated 5‐year failure‐free survival [FFS] and overall survival rates were 70 and 75%, respectively. FFS rates were better for patients <10 years old and those with embryonal RMS compared to alveolar RMS/undifferentiated sarcoma. After adjusting for age and histological differences, FFS was better for patients whose tumor was debulked prior to beginning therapy [P = 0.02].

Conclusions

These results are superior to those of previous protocols for patients with RMS of the retroperitoneum/pelvis. Initial excision of ≥50% of the tumor may be associated with increased FFS. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Second neoplasms after treatment of childhood cancer in Slovenia
Authors: Jazbec Janez , Ećimović Patricija , Jereb Berta
Published: March 2004

Background

The number of long time survivors of childhood cancer treatment is constantly increasing over the last decades as a result of advances in diagnosis and treatment. The occurrence of second neoplasms is one of most serious late effects observed in cancer survivors.

Methods

The risk of secondary neoplasm was studied in a cohort of 1,577 patients treated for childhood cancer registered in the Cancer Registry of Slovenia (CRS) between 1961 and 2000. The time at risk was defined from the date of diagnosis of first malignancy to the time of death or the end of the study.

Results

The most frequent primary malignancies were: acute leukemia 28.5%, central nervous system (CNS) tumors 21.3%, and lymphomas 16.6%. Median observation time was 7.8 years. Forty‐eight patients developed second neoplasms. CNS tumors, acute leukemias, and thyroid carcinoma were most frequent second neoplasms. The cumulative risk for second neoplasm in the entire cohort was 0.06% at 5 years, 5.1% at 15 years, and 12.6% at 25 years after diagnosis of first cancer. The overall survival after second neoplasm was 65% 10 years after the diagnosis of second neoplasm.

Conclusions

Patients after treatment of childhood cancer are at special risk for subsequent neoplasms and long‐term follow‐up is mandatory. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extra‐target doses in children receiving multileaf collimator (MLC) based intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
Authors: Koshy Mary , Paulino Arnold C. , Marcus Robert B. , Ting Joseph Y. , Whitaker Daisy , Davis Lawrence W.
Published: March 2004

Purpose

To investigate the extra‐target doses using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Materials and Methods

Thirteen children underwent multileaf collimator (MLC)‐based IMRT. Treatment site was head and neck or brain in eight (Group I), trunk in two (Group II), and abdomen/pelvis in three (Group III). Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) were placed at the thyroid gland, breast, and testis. A control group of seven children received conventional RT and TLD measurements.

Results

For the eight Group I children, the median dose equivalent measurements during the course of IMRT to the thyroid, breast, and testis were 348 mSv, 110 mSv, and 30 mSv, respectively. For the two Group II patients, the measurements to the thyroid ranged from 1,525 to 2,449 mSv while for the testis was 62 mSv. For the Group III patients, the median dose equivalent measurements to the thyroid, breast, and testis were 182 mSv, 406 mSv, and 159 mSv. The median dose equivalent measurements to the thyroid, breast, and testis for Group I children were 300 mSv, 120 mSv, and 75 mSv. The Group II conventional patient had a measurement of 180 mSv, 80 mSv, and 80 mSv to the thyroid, breast, and testis. For the Group III conventional cases, the median dose equivalent measurements were 192 mSv, 496 mSv, and 434 mSv.

Conclusions

No significant difference was seen in the thyroid and breast doses of children receiving MLC‐based IMRT compared to conventional RT for the treatment of head and neck/brain and abdominal/pelvic tumors. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retinoic acid therapy in “degenerative‐like” neuro‐langerhans cell histiocytosis: A prospective pilot study
Authors: Idbaih Ahmed , Donadieu J. , Barthez M.A. , Geissmann F. , Bertrand Y. , Hermine O. , Brugières L. , Genereau T. , Thomas C. , Hoang‐Xuan K.
Published: March 2004

Background

Degenerative‐like neuro‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis (DN‐LCH) is a rare complication of LCH marked by progressive cerebellar ataxia. No treatment has so far been shown to slow this progression.

Procedure

All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was administered orally at a dose of 45 mg/m2 daily for 6 weeks and then 2 weeks every month for 1 year. The endpoints were clinical status at 1 year (assessed with rating scales for ataxia and disability), adverse effects, and changes in neurological abnormalities on MRI.

Results

Ten patients were studied. The treatment was well tolerated. All the patients were clinically stable at the end of the study. No MRI changes were noted.

Conclusions

DN‐LCH appeared to be stable during ATRA therapy, but further studies are required to appreciate the possible long‐term benefits of ATRA. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The determination of n‐alkanes in the cuticular wax of leaves of Ludwigia adscendens L.
Authors: Barik A. , Bhattacharya B. , Laskar S. , Banerjee T. C.
Published: March 2004

An n‐hexane extract of fresh, mature leaves of Ludwigia adscendens, containing a thin layer of epicuticular waxes, has been analysed for the ﬁrst time by TLC, IR and GC using standard hydrocarbons. The leaves contained 22 identiﬁed long chain (C15–C36) n‐alkanes, accounting for 74.27% of the hydrocarbons present, and an unknown number of unidentiﬁed branched chain alkanes. The predominant n‐alkane was C25 (11.02%), whilst C18 (7.62%), C20 (6.14%), C29 (5.36%) and C27 (5.29%) n‐alkanes were moderately abundant: the C35 homologue was present only in minor amounts (0.22%). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of epoxy‐functionalized polystyrene/silica core–shell composite nanoparticles
Authors: Zeng Zhong , Yu Jian , Guo Zhao‐Xia
Published: March 2004

Epoxy‐functionalized polystyrene/silica core–shell composite nanoparticles were prepared by the postaddition of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) via emulsion polymerization. The outermost shell of obtained multilayered core–shell particles was made up of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA). A semicontinuous process involving the dropwise addition of GMA was used to avoid demulsification of the emulsion system. The amount of grafted PGMA was quantified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and was altered in a wide range (1–50 wt % to styrene). The binding efficiency was usually high (ca. 90%), indicating strong adhesion between the silica core and the polymer shell. There were approximately four or five original silica beads, which formed a cluster, per composite of nanoparticles whose size was about 60–70 nm. Other main factors of polymerization conditions including the amounts of sodium dodecyl sulfonate and silica are also discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2253–2262, 2004
Preparation of poly(ethylene oxide) star polymers and poly(ethylene oxide)–polystyrene heteroarm star polymers by atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Du Jianzhong , Chen Yongming
Published: March 2004

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) star polymer with a microgel core was prepared by atom transfer radical poylmerization (ATRP) of divinyl benzene (DVB) with mono‐2‐bromoisobutyryl PEO ester as a macroinitiator. Several factors, such as the feed ratio of DVB to the initiator, type of catalysts, and purity of DVB, play important roles during star formation. The crosslinked poly(divinyl benzene) (PDVB) core was further obtained by the hydrolysis of PEO star to remove PEO arms. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) traces revealed the bare core has a broad molecular weight distribution. PEO–polystyrene (PS) heteroarm star polymer was synthesized through grafting PS from the core of PEO star by another ATRP of styrene (St) because of the presence of initiating groups in the core inherited from PEO star. Characterizations by SEC, 1H NMR, and DSC revealed the successful preparation of the target star copolymers. Scanning electron microscopy images suggested that PEO–PS heteroarm star can form spherical micelles in water/tetrahydrofuran mixture solvents, which further demonstrated the amphiphilic nature of the star polymer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2263–2271, 2004
Photoinitiators with functional groups. VI. Chemically bound sensitizers
Authors: Liska Robert
Published: March 2004

Several benzophenone‐ and thioxanthone‐based photosensitizers (PSs) were covalently bonded to hydroxyalkylphenone‐ and aminoalkylphenone‐based photoinitiators (PIs) to enhance the rate of the excitation‐transfer effect due to the close vicinity of the PS to the PI. The properties of these new systems were investigated with UV spectroscopy and photo‐differential scanning calorimetry. Broadband irradiation experiments and selective excitation of the PS were carried out for the physical mixtures and covalently bonded PI/PS combinations to investigate the effect of excitation transfer. Selective excitation of the PS chromophore revealed that the energy transfer was significantly increased in covalently bonded initiators in comparison with the physical mixtures. This effect was most pronounced for the hydroxyalkylphenones that were sensitized by suitable benzophenone derivatives, especially at low PI concentrations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2285–2301, 2004
Differences in health‐related quality of life of prostate cancer patients based on stage of cancer
Authors: Rosenfeld Barry , Roth Andrew J. , Gandhi Sanjay , Penson David
Published: March 2004

Background: Understanding medical factors that influence quality of life for men with prostate cancer is an important goal. This study analysed the relationship between cancer stage and quality of life, including measures of physical and psychological well‐being.

Method: A secondary analysis of data from 341 ambulatory men with prostate cancer. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)—Prostate version, Urinary Function Subscale of UCLA Prostate Cancer Index, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were administered during their clinic visit. Stage of disease and treatment history was obtained from clinic records. Patients were categorized into localised (T1–T2, N0, M0, n=186), locally advanced (T3–T4, N0, M0, n=92), and metastatic (T3–T4, N1–3 or Ma–c, n=63) disease. Differences in quality of life based on stage were examined using multivariate analyses controlling for age, treatment type, time since diagnosis, co‐morbidities, and urinary function.

Results: Stage of prostate cancer was significantly associated with most FACT scales (Physical, Functioning, Social) and summary scores (Treatment Outcomes Index, FACT total score). However, no significant associations were observed between stage of cancer and psychological symptoms of depression or anxiety. This association remained significant even after controlling for the influence of illness co‐morbidity, urinary functioning, time since diagnosis, age, and type of treatment.

Conclusions: Higher cancer stage appears to be associated with poorer quality of life in prostate cancer and this association does not appear to be simply a function of the symptoms and disability that accompany advanced disease. These results have implications for understanding the impact of progression of prostate cancer on patients' health‐related quality of life. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychometric analyses of the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale in a Greek palliative care unit
Authors: Mystakidou Kyriaki , Watson Maggie , Tsilika Eleni , Parpa Efi , Primikiri Afrodite , Katsouda Emmanuela , Vlahos Lambros
Published: March 2004

The purpose of the study was to assess the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale on a heterogeneous Greek sample of 200 advanced cancer patients. The results presented regard the validation analysis of the Greek version. The homogeneity of the original subscales proved to be satisfactory (α coefficients ranged from 0.81 to 0.91). A factor analysis was carried out using the LISREL 8.3 procedure. This yielded five factors, including 25 of the 40 original items (α coefficients 0.62–0.93). The resulting factors were called ‘hopeless’, ‘positive attitude’, ‘acceptance’, ‘mental engagement’, and ‘fatalistic’. Correlations between the MAC scale and the disease severity as measured by the ECOG performance status have shown difference only between patients with ‘good’ versus ‘poor’ performance status in the ‘hopeless’ scale (p=0.047). The results suggest that the Greek version, as measured in advanced cancer patients attending a palliative care unit, is a reliable and valid clinical tool in Greece. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prostein expression is highly restricted to normal and malignant prostate tissues
Authors: Kalos Michael , Askaa Jon , Hylander Bonnie L. , Repasky Elisabeth A. , Cai Feng , Vedvick Thomas , Reed Steven G. , Wright George L. , Fanger Gary R.
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND

Prostein is a recently described molecule expressed at the mRNA level in a prostate‐specific manner. A murine monoclonal antibody was developed, characterized, and used to evaluate the expression of prostein protein in prostatic, other normal tissue and tumor samples.

METHODS

The murine anti‐prostein monoclonal antibody 10E3‐G4‐D3 was generated using recombinant prostein. ELISA, FACS, and Western analyzes were used to characterize 10E3‐G4‐D3. Immunohistochemistry was used to characterize the expression of prostein in tissues.

RESULTS

10E3‐G4‐D3 specifically recognizes a linear intracellular epitope of prostein. IHC analysis demonstrates that prostein is expressed in the vast majority of normal and malignant prostatic tissues, regardless of grade and metastatic status. No protein expression is detected in a panel of approximately 4,700 normal and malignant tissue samples representing the great majority of essential tissues and tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostein is exquisitely specific for prostate tissues, indicating a potential clinical utility of 10E3‐G4‐D3 as a diagnostic biomarker, and support the use of prostein as a novel target for development of prostein‐specific antibody and T‐cell based therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pim‐1 expression in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and human prostate cancer
Authors: Valdman Alexander , Fang Xiaolei , Pang See‐Tong , Ekman Peter , Egevad Lars
Published: March 2004

Background

PIM‐1, an oncogene product of serine/threonine kinase, has been found to play an important role in induction/suppression of apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and transcriptional regulation by phosphorylating the target proteins involved in these processes. Recently, the expression of PIM‐1 has been shown to correlate significantly with measures of prostate cancer clinical outcome.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis was used to characterize the patterns of PIM‐1 expression in high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and cancer in 121 radical prostatectomy specimens.

Results

Moderate to strong cytoplasmic staining was observed in 68% of cancers, 12% presented nuclear positivity as well. Moderate to strong expression was seen in 76% of tumors with Gleason score (GS) 7 or higher compared to 58% in tumors with GS 6 or lower (P = 0.04). The staining intensity was moderate or strong in 97% of HGPIN lesions. PIM‐1 was overexpressed in HGPIN compared to cancer in 65% of cases. Expression in benign glands was negative or only weakly positive.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that PIM‐1 overexpression in HGPIN may be an early event in the development of prostate malignancy. Additionally, PIM‐1 expression provides supplementary information for distinguishing HGPIN from benign epithelium. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The use of trastuzumab in the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer; phase II trial
Authors: Ziada Ali , Barqawi Albaha , Glode L. Michael , Varella‐Garcia Marileila , Crighton Frances , Majeski Susan , Rosenblum Mark , Kane Madeleine , Chen Lin , Crawford E. David
Published: March 2004

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of the antibody to the HER‐2/neu receptor (trastuzumab, Herceptin®) in the treatment of advanced hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).

Materials and Methods

Eighteen patients with HRPC were recruited for this phase II trial in which they received trastuzumab for 12 weeks or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity was documented. HER‐2 receptor overexpression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and dual‐color fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) assays.

Results

Trastuzumab as a single agent demonstrated little efficacy in treating HRPC. Two patients demonstrated stable disease based on a decrease in PSA level to less than 50% of baseline. No patient demonstrated a regression of radiographic bony or soft tissue metastatic disease. The medication was well tolerated in 16 patients (89%), and 2 patients (11%) had to be hospitalized for cardiac complications.

Conclusions

Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) as a single agent demonstrated poor efficacy in treating HRPC. Based on promising results in treating breast cancer with regimens using Herceptin® and cytotoxic agents, a similar combination approach might demonstrate better efficacy in treating HRPC. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic analysis of dunning prostate cancer cell lines with variable metastatic potential using SELDI‐TOF
Authors: Gretzer M.B. , Chan D.W. , van Rootselaar C.L. , Rosenzweig J.M. , Dalrymple S. , Mangold L.A. , Partin A.W. , Veltri R.W.
Published: March 2004

Background

Surface enhanced laser desorption and ionization‐time‐of‐flight (SELDI‐TOF) is an evolving proteomic technology for improving biomarker discovery that allows for rapid and sensitive analysis of complex protein mixtures generated from body fluids, cells, and/or tissues. SELDI—based profiling identifies unique, differentially expressed proteins relating to specific cancer‐related disease states. We utilized SELDI‐TOF following pre‐processing with molecular separation and chemical fractionation of cell membrane extracts from three Dunning rat prostate cancer cell lines of varying metastatic potential to search novel proteins that are differentially expressed.

Methods

Dunning rat cell sublines of variable (%) metastatic potential; G (0%), AT‐1 (20%), and Mat‐Ly‐Lu (100%) were cultured in two different laboratories. Cell lysis was performed in a homogenation buffer (320 mM sucrose/50 mM Tris/0.5 mM PSMF) using Dounce homogenation. After centrifugation, the membrane pellet was washed 2× and then solublized in 2% CHAPS/8 M urea. This sample was further processed using positive pressure molecular ultrafiltration at 30 kDa or precipitation with 50% ammonium sulfate. Next, each sample was applied to an IMAC3‐Ni ProteinChip (Ciphergen Biosystems, Freemont, CA) and analyzed using Ciphergen's Protein Biology System with protein peak analysis software.

Results

SELDI‐TOF analysis differentiated the three Dunning rat cell sublines based upon protein concentration normalized profiles between 5,000 and 20,000 Da. The preparations from the three cells lines showed clear differences when the extracts from the metastatic sublines (AT‐1 and MLL) were compared to the benign subline (G) for proteins with molecular weights of 9 kDa (decrease), 12 kDa (significant decrease), 14 kDa (decrease), and 17 kDa (significant gain). After pre‐processing extracts with ammonium sulfate and molecular ultrafiltration, the molecular profile changes from one subline to the next became more apparent. Our results were reproducible using multiple runs including from Dunning cells cultured in a separate laboratory, and using different lots of SELDI ProteinChips.

Conclusions

The application of SELDI‐TOF to a series of Dunning rat prostate cancer cell lines illustrated apparent changes in protein profiles among the three cell lines with known differences in metastatic biologic activity. SELDI‐TOF identified four reproducible changes in protein expression in the AT1 and MLL metastatic cell sublines. Three of the expression changes were manifested as decreases, but one protein (17 kDa) was over‐expressed in the AT1 and MLL cell lines. Emphasis will be placed on the isolation, purification, and characterization of the 17 kDa over‐expressed protein and its potential role in PCa metastasis. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.