bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of High-Risk Neuroblastoma With Triple-Tandem High-Dose Therapy and Stem-Cell Rescue: Results of the Chicago Pilot II Study
Authors: Kletzel Morris , Katzenstein Howard M. , Haut Paul R. , Yu Alice L. , Morgan Elaine , Reynolds Marleta , Geissler Grant , Marymount Maryanne H. , Liu Dachao , Kalapurakal John A. , Shore Richard M. , Bardo Diana M.E. , Schmoldt Jennifer , Rademaker Alfred W. , Cohn Susan L. 
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: To investigate whether intensive induction therapy followed by triple-tandem cycles of high-dose therapy with peripheral-blood stem-cell rescue and local irradiation will improve event-free survival for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From August 1995 to January 2000, 25 consecutive newly diagnosed high-risk neuroblastoma patients and one child with recurrent MYCN-amplified disease were enrolled onto the Chicago Pilot II Protocol. After induction therapy and surgery, peripheral-blood stem cells were mobilized with three cycles of high-dose cyclophosphamide and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Patients then underwent triple-tandem cycles of high-dose therapy with peripheral-blood stem-cell rescue followed by radiation to the primary site. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the 26 patients successfully completed induction therapy and were eligible for the triple-tandem consolidation high-dose therapy. Sufficient numbers of peripheral-blood stem cells were collected in all but one patient. Seventeen patients were able to complete all three cycles of high-dose therapy and peripheral-blood stem-cell rescue, two patients completed two cycles, and three patients completed one cycle. There was one toxic death, and one patient died from complications of treatment for graft failure. With a median follow-up of 38 months, the 3-year event-free survival and survival rates are 57% ± 11% and 79% ± 10%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study demonstrate that it is feasible to intensify consolidation with triple-tandem high-dose chemotherapy and peripheral-blood stem-cell rescue and local irradiation, and suggest that this treatment strategy may lead to improved survival for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma.
Transvaginal trucut biopsy in patients with abdominopelvic mass
Authors: Sheth S.S. , Angirish J. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To perform an abdominopelvic or pelvic mass biopsy as an office procedure, as an alternative to laparoscopic biopsy. Methods: A transvaginal trucut biopsy using a disposable biopsy needle was carried out in 5 cases. Results: The biopsy gave a clear diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2 cases, non‐tubercular inflammation in 2 cases and tuberculosis in 1 case. Conclusions: In the developing world, transvaginal trucut biopsy is an important method for diagnosis.
Stimulation of glutamine synthetase activity by excitatory amino acids in astrocyte cultures derived from aged mouse cerebral hemispheres may be associated with non‐n‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor activation
Authors: Fleischer‐Lambropoulos Eleni , Kazazoglou Theodosia , Geladopoulos Taxiarchis , Kentroti Susan , Stefanis Costas , Vernadakis Antonia 
Published: July 2002

AbstractWe have been using glial cells derived from aged mouse cerebral hemispheres (MACH) at several passages to study the responsiveness of astrocytes to microenvironmental signals in culture. In the present study, we examined the effects of excitatory amino acids on the activity of glutamine synthetase, a marker for astrocytes. MACH glia cell passages 25 to 29 were used. Culture groups were Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium +10% fetal bovine serum (control); glutamate 100 μM; γ‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl isoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA) 50 μM; kainic acid 10 μM; N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) 10 μM. In all treated groups glutamine synthetase activity was significantly higher than in controls. We speculate that this increase represents an enhanced differentiation of immature astrocytes. In a second series, we examined the effects of glutamate receptor antagonists on glutamine synthetase activity as follows. MACH cultures were treated with glutamate 100 μM in combination with either L(+)‐2‐amino‐3‐phosphonopropionic acid (L‐AP3; 50 μM); D(−)‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid (D‐AP5; 50 μM) or 6,7‐dinitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (DNQX; 50 μM). The increase in GS activity produced by glutamate was exhibited by the non‐selective NMDA receptor antagonist, DNQX, but not by the metabotropic receptor antagonist, L‐AP3 or a selective NMDA receptor antagonist, D‐AP5. We also found that in cultures treated with glutamate, a number of astrocytes resembled “reactive astrocytes” morphologically. These astrocytes were absent in cultures treated with glutamate + DNQX. The findings provide supportive evidence that astrocytes from aged mouse cerebral hemispheres respond to excitatory amino acids and that this response is mediated by non‐NMDA receptor activation.
Infertility and pregnancy outcome in female genital tuberculosis
Authors: Tripathy Sindhu N. , Tripathy Satchida N. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjectives: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence rate, identify risk factors not conducive to pregnancy, and outcomes with regard to follow‐up treatment. Methods: This prospective study was carried out from 1988 to 2001, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack, and in the private clinics of both the authors in Cuttack, India. The incidence of tuberculosis in infertility and tubal factor infertility cases were determined. The incidence of infertility in genital tuberculosis (GT) was examined and a total of 97 cases of infertility with genital tuberculosis were studied. The patients were given short course chemotherapy and prednisolone (wherever feasible). The risk factors not conducive to pregnancy were identified. Results: The incidence of GT in infertility and tubal factor infertility were 3 and 41%, respectively. The incidence of infertility in GT was 58%. All patient were symptom free and no evidence of tuberculosis was detected after the end of the chemotherapy. The risk factors not conducive to pregnancy were secondary amenorrhea, no endometrium on curettage, and negative chromopertubation. The conception rate is low, i.e. 19.2%, the live birth rate being still low, i.e. 7.2%. Conclusion: The outcome of infertility in GT is not very optimistic. IVF and ET offers some hope to these unfortunate women.
Spatial and temporal gene expression in chondrogenesis during fracture healing and the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Nakajima Fumitake , Ogasawara Akira , Goto Ken‐Ichiro , Moriya Hideshige , Ninomiya Yoshifumi , Einhorn Thomas A. , Yamazaki Masashi 
Published: July 2002

AbstractChondrogenesis is an essential component of endochondral fracture healing, though the molecular and cellular events by which it is regulated have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used a rat model of closed fracture healing to determine the spatial and temporal expression of genes for cartilage‐specific collagens. Furthermore, to determine the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on chondrogenesis in fracture healing, we injected 100 μg recombinant human bFGF into the fracture site immediately after fracture.In normal calluses, pro‐α(II) collagen mRNA (COL2A1) was detected in proliferative chondrocytes beginning on day 4 after the fracture, and pro‐α(X) collagen mRNA (COL10A1) in hypertrophic chondrocytes beginning on day 7. In FGF‐injected calluses, the cartilage enlarged in size significantly. On day 14, both COL2A1‐and COL10A1‐expressing cells were more widely distributed, and the amounts of COL2A1 and COL10A1 mRNAs were both approximately 2‐fold increased when compared with uninjected fractures. Temporal patterns of expression for these genes were, however, identical to those found in normal calluses. The number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐positive cells was increased in the non‐cartilaginous area in the bFGF‐injected calluses by day 4.The present molecular analyses demonstrate that a single injection of bFGF enhances the proliferation of chondroprogenitor cells in fracture callus, and thus contributes to the formation of a larger cartilage. However, maturation of chondrocytes and replacement of the cartilage by osseous tissue are not enhanced by exogenous bFGF, and this results in the prolonged cartilaginous callus phase. We conclude that, in the healing of closed fractures of long bones, exogenous bFGF has a capacity to enlarge the cartilaginous calluses, but not to induce more rapid healing. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Punlished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor stimulates neurite outgrowth in a calretinin‐enriched neuronal culture system
Authors: Iwasaki Katsunori , Isaacs Krystyna r , Jacobowitz David M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractA calretinin enriched cell culture system which comprised approximately 40% of the total neuronal population of the E14 rat embryo was established from the region of the thalamic eminence (TE), and the effects of several neurotrophins on the neurite growth of calretinin‐immunoreactive (CR‐IR) neurons was investigated. A 4‐day treatment of BDNF significantly increased the ratio of CR‐IR to microtubule‐associated protein 2‐immunoreactive neurons at concentrations between 50 and 250 ng\ml. IGF‐I at 100 ng\ml and TGF‐ at 250 ng\ml also increased this ratio. None of the neurotrophins examined increased the number of primary neurites. BDNF did, however, increase the number of secondary neurites. BDNF‐treated primary and secondary neurites were also significantly longer than neurites from neurons in control cultures. IGF‐I elicited an increase in primary neurite length, but did not affect either number or length of secondary neurites. TGF‐α had no effect on either number or length of the primary and secondary neurites.These results indicate that the maturation and development of CR‐IR neurites is specifically affected by BDNF. It is suggested that BDNF increases the CR concentration above the threshold of detection by immunohistochemistry in cells and stimulates the sprouting of secondary CR‐IR neurites.
Expression of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of the developing rat
Authors: Ikeda Tomoaki , Xia Xiao Y. , Xia Yi X. , Ikenoue Tsuyomu , Choi Ben H. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractExpression of GDNF in developing rat brain from PND 1 to 14 and on PND 21 was examined immunocytochemically. At PND 1, intense diffuse immunoreactivity was noted within the cytoplasm of a diverse group of neuronal and nonneuronal cells, including choroid plexus epithelial cells, ependymal cells, tanycytes of the third ventricle, and cellular elements in the subarachnoid compartment. GDNF expression became more localized among these cells from PND 7–14 and was almost undetectable by PND 21. Although GDNF‐positive small glial cells were scattered within the cerebral cortical plate and the striatum already at PND 1, GDNF expression among astroglial cells within the corpus callosum and in the white matter adjacent to the lateral ventricles was more prominent between PND 5 and 8. GDNF expression among the pyramidal neurons of the cerebral cortex was evident relatively early in the postnatal period, but the neurons of the hippocampus and thalamus showed more intense immunoreactivity at later periods between PND 8–14. ELISA of the CSF revealed a rapid rise in GDNF levels from 71.4±10.9 pg/ml (mean±S.E.M.) at PND 1 to peak levels of 138.4±18.5, 135.1±5.4 and 132.9±8.0 pg/ml, at PND 5, 7 and 9, respectively. Peak CSF levels of GDNF occurred when GDNF expression was intense within astroglial cells in the corpus callosum and cerebral white matter. Thereafter, the levels gradually decreased to 76.5±9.7 pg/ml at PND 21. The widespread expression of GDNF among different cellular elements in the developing brain suggest that GDNF probably plays diverse functional roles in many different neuronal systems in addition to its known effects on the dopaminergic system. Developmental shifts in GDNF expression further suggest that GDNF may be of critical importance at different stages of brain growth and differentiation.
Long-term effect on outcome of clozapine in chronic therapy-resistant schizophrenic patients
Authors: Lindström LH , Lundberg T 
Published: July 2002

SummaryControlled clinical trials have shown that the atypical neuroleptic clozapine is highly effective in schizophrenic patients who are unresponsive to conventional neuroleptic agents. The long-term outcome of clozapine treatment was studied in 122 patients who were treated between 1974 and 1991. The mean duration of treatment was 5.2 years. At follow-up, 74 patients (61%) were still receiving clozapine. Only 11 patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events and eight because of poor compliance. Clinical improvement was seen in 87% of patients; 40% had resumed employment after 2 years' treatment. About one-third of patients who received clozapine for 5–10 years continued to improve during this time; this was probably because of a continuing process of socialisation. Thus, clozapine offers important advantages in schizophrenic patients resistant to conventional neuroleptics in terms of long-term efficacy and lack of extrapyramidal side-effects.
Soluble IL-6 receptors in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of paranoid schizophrenic patients
Authors: Müller N , Dobmeier P , Empl M , Riedel M , Schwarz M , Ackenheil M 
Published: July 2002

SummarySoluble Interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) levels are strongly related to the levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and sIL-6Rs increase the immune activating properties of IL-6. We estimated sIL-6R serum levels in 25 schizophrenic patients and 25 healthy controls. In the patients, SIL-6R-CSF levels were also measured. The psychopathology was rated according to the AMDP system. We found a significant correlation between serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of sIL-6R, suggesting that serum levels may be a meaningful marker for the central action of sIL-6R. Moreover, significant correlations between the paranoid-hallucinatory syndrome and sIL-6R levels both in serum and CSF were observed. This finding suggests that IL-6 plays a role in the paranoid-hallucinatory symptomatology in schizophrenia. This can be understood regarding the influence of IL-6 to the catecholaminergic neurotransmission. The downregulating effects of neuroleptic treatment to sIL-6R demonstrate that the sIL-6R levels are decreased in the whole group of schizophrenic patients compared to controls.
Nitric oxide: not just a negative inotrope
Authors: Sarkar David , Vallance Patrick , Harding Sian E. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) appears to play a role in modulating cardiac function in both health and disease. Early studies in isolated rodent cardiac myocytes demonstrated a depressant effect of NO supplied by NO donors (exogenous) as well as NO generated within myocytes (endogenous). There is increasing evidence for a functional NO generating system within the human myocardium, which appears upregulated in certain disease states. Induction of the high output nitric oxide synthase isoform (iNOS) has been demonstrated in the failing myocardium, though its functional significance remains unproven. More recently published data have contradicted the notion that NO acts solely as a negative inotrope demonstrating positive inotropy in both isolated rodent and human ventricular myocytes in response to a range of NO donors. Different NO donors have different NO release kinetics and generate a range of NO species (NO·, NO+ and NO−) which may interact at a number of subcellular targets. The observed response of any cardiac preparation to an NO donor represents the net effect of activation of different effector targets and may explain the contradictory reported effects of NO. To realise the therapeutic potential of NO will require specific targeting at a subcellular level.
A simple, yet novel hybrid‐dynamic conformal arc therapy planning via flattening filter‐free beam for lung stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Pokhrel Damodar , Halfman Matthew , Sanford Lana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeDue to multiple beamlets in the delivery of highly modulated volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) plans, dose delivery uncertainties associated with small‐field dosimetry and interplay effects can be concerns in the treatment of mobile lung lesions using a single‐dose of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Herein, we describe and compare a simple, yet clinically useful, hybrid 3D‐dynamic conformal arc (h‐DCA) planning technique using flattening filter‐free (FFF) beams to minimize these effects.Materials and MethodsFifteen consecutive solitary early‐stage I‐II non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who underwent a single‐dose of 30 Gy using 3–6 non‐coplanar VMAT arcs with 6X‐FFF beams in our clinic. These patients’ plans were re‐planned using a non‐coplanar hybrid technique with 2–3 differentially‐weighted partial dynamic conformal arcs (DCA) plus 4–6 static beams. About 60–70% of the total beam weight was given to the DCA and the rest was distributed among the static beams to maximize the tumor coverage and spare the organs‐at‐risk (OAR). The clinical VMAT and h‐DCA plans were compared via RTOG‐0915 protocol for conformity and dose to OAR. Additionally, delivery efficiency, accuracy, and overall h‐DCA planning time were recorded.ResultsAll plans met RTOG‐0915 requirements. Comparison with clinical VMAT plans h‐DAC gave better target coverage with a higher dose to the tumor and exhibited statistically insignificance differences in gradient index, D2cm, gradient distance and OAR doses with the exception of maximal dose to skin (P = 0.015). For h‐DCA plans, higher values of tumor heterogeneity and tumor maximum, minimum and mean doses were observed and were 10%, 2.8, 1.0, and 2.0 Gy, on average, respectively, compared to the clinical VMAT plans. Average beam on time was reduced by a factor of 1.51. Overall treatment planning time for h‐DCA was about an hour.ConclusionDue to no beam modulation through the target, h‐DCA plans avoid small‐field dosimetry and MLC interplay effects and resulting in enhanced target coverage by improving tumor dose (characteristic of FFF‐beam). The h‐DCA simplifies treatment planning and beam on time significantly compared to clinical VMAT plans. Additionally, h‐DCA allows for the real time target verification and eliminates patient‐specific VMAT quality assurance; potentially offering cost‐effective, same or next day SBRT treatments. Moreover, this technique can be easily adopted to other disease sites and small clinics with less extensive physics or machine support.
Idebenone increases chance of stabilization/recovery of visual acuity in OPA1‐dominant optic atrophy
Authors: Romagnoli Martina , La Morgia Chiara , Carbonelli Michele , Di Vito Lidia , Amore Giulia , Zenesini Corrado , Cascavilla Maria Lucia , Barboni Piero , Carelli Valerio 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe previously documented that idebenone treatment in OPA1‐Dominant Optic Atrophy (OPA1‐DOA) led to some degrees of visual improvement in seven patients. We here present the results of a cohort study, which investigated the effect of off‐label idebenone administration in a larger OPA1‐DOA group compared with untreated patients. Inclusion criteria were: OPA1‐DOA clinical and molecular diagnosis, baseline visual acuity (VA) greater than/equal to counting fingers and treatment duration greater than 7 months. We found a significant difference between the last visit and baseline VA in favor of stabilization/recovery in idebenone‐treated as compared to untreated patients. This effect was retained after controlling for confounders.
Self‐Healing Materials for Energy‐Storage Devices
Authors: Mai Weicong , Yu Qipeng , Han Cuiping , Kang Feiyu , Li Baohua 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe booming development of electronics, electric vehicles, and grid storage stations has led to a high demand for advanced energy‐storage devices (ESDs) and accompanied attention to their reliability under various circumstances. Self‐healing is the ability of an organism to repair damage and restore function through its own internal vitality. Inspired by this, brilliant designs have emerged in recent years using self‐healing materials to significantly improve the lifespan, durability, and safety of ESDs. Extrinsic and intrinsic self‐healing materials and their working principles are first introduced. Then, the application of self‐healing materials in ESDs according to their self‐healing chemistry, including hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, and borate ester bonds, are described in detail. Based on these, critical challenges and important future directions of self‐healing ESDs are discussed.
Nanoscale Assembly of 2D Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Jeong Gyoung Hwa , Sasikala Suchithra Padmajan , Yun Taeyeong , Lee Gil Yong , Lee Won Jun , Kim Sang Ouk 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRational design of 2D materials is crucial for the realization of their profound implications in energy and environmental fields. The past decade has witnessed significant developments in 2D material research, yet a number of critical challenges remain for real‐world applications. Nanoscale assembly, precise control over the orientational and positional ordering, and complex interfaces among 2D layers are essential for the continued progress of 2D materials, especially for energy storage and conversion and environmental remediation. Herein, recent progress, the status, future prospects, and challenges associated with nanoscopic assembly of 2D materials are highlighted, specifically targeting energy and environmental applications. Geometric dimensional diversity of 2D material assembly is focused on, based on novel assembly mechanisms, including 1D fibers from the colloidal liquid crystalline phase, 2D films by interfacial tension (Marangoni effect), and 3D nanoarchitecture assembly by electrochemical processes. Relevant critical advantages of 2D material assembly are highlighted for application fields, including secondary batteries, supercapacitors, catalysts, gas sensors, desalination, and water decontamination.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Steroid Hydroxylation at C7 by Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase Mutants
Authors: Li Aitao , Acevedo‐Rocha Carlos G. , D'Amore Lorenzo , Chen Jinfeng , Peng Yaqin , Garcia‐Borràs Marc , Gao Chenghua , Zhu Jinmei , Rickerby Harry , Osuna Sílvia , Zhou Jiahai , Reetz Manfred T. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSteroidal C7β alcohols and their respective esters have shown significant promise as neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory agents to treat chronic neuronal damage like stroke, brain trauma, and cerebral ischemia. Since C7 is spatially far away from any functional groups that could direct C−H activation, these transformations are not readily accessible using modern synthetic organic techniques. Reported here are P450‐BM3 mutants that catalyze the oxidative hydroxylation of six different steroids with pronounced C7 regioselectivities and β stereoselectivities, as well as high activities. These challenging transformations were achieved by a focused mutagenesis strategy and application of a novel technology for protein library construction based on DNA assembly and USER (Uracil‐Specific Excision Reagent) cloning. Upscaling reactions enabled the purification of the respective steroidal alcohols in moderate to excellent yields. The high‐resolution X‐ray structure and molecular dynamics simulations of the best mutant unveil the origin of regio‐ and stereoselectivity.