bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Help Me Help You: Support Groups in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Penson Richard T. , Talsania Shivali H.G. , Chabner Bruce A. , Lynch Thomas J. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to:
Describe the controversy over survival benefit from group therapy. Outline the evidence-based support for psychotherapies. Discuss the benefit from support groups.
Access and take the CME test online and receive one hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at http://CME.TheOncologist.com
Shortly before his death in 1995, Kenneth B. Schwartz, a cancer patient at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), founded The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center at MGH. The Schwartz Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing compassionate health care delivery that provides hope to the patient, support to caregivers, and encourages the healing process. The Center sponsors the Schwartz Center Rounds, a monthly multidisciplinary forum where caregivers reflect on important psychosocial issues faced by patients, their families, and their caregivers, and gain insight and support from fellow staff members.
Three invited patients attended rounds and told their compelling stories; these each effectively demonstrated their fight as cancer survivors. Much of the strength that they displayed came from the different types of support they each received, and the invaluable role of the medical team. Each shared a very positive experience with ‘The Wellness Community,’ in Boston. The article discusses issues of support and the role of formal support groups. Types of support intervention, the impact they have on quality of life and survival are reviewed.
NMR Spectroscopy and Pediatric Brain Tumors
Authors: Warren Katherine E. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to:
Define the principal metabolites in the brain evaluated by proton spectroscopy. Identify factors that can potentially interfere with obtaining spectroscopy results. Assess the results from a patient's single or multivoxel spectroscopy analysis.
Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMRS) is a noninvasive in vivo technique that utilizes conventional MR imaging hardware to obtain biochemical information from a discrete volume of tissue after suppression of the water signal. MR spectroscopy coupled with conventional MR imaging allows correlation of structural changes with biochemical processes in tissues by measuring specific metabolites present in brain tissue. NMRS is commonly used in the evaluation of patients with brain tumors. This article reviews the basic principles of spectroscopy and its use in evaluating pediatric patients with brain tumors.
Cancer of Unknown Primary: Changing Approaches. A Multidisciplinary Case Presentation from the Joan Karnell Cancer Center of Pennsylvania Hospital
Authors: Mintzer David M. , Warhol Michael , Martin Anne-Marie , Greene Gary 
Published: August 2004

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to:
Describe the newer pathologic techniques for defining the site of origin of unknown primary cancers, including immunohistochemistry and molecular genetic techniques. List the subsets of patients with unknown primary cancers most likely to achieve long-term survival with appropriate therapies. Explain how the newer radiologic techniques such as MRI and PET scanning can help to localize unknown primary cancers.
Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Cancer of unknown primary is a common clinical syndrome, accounting for 2%–5% of cancer patients. A representative case is presented. This heterogenous group of disorders includes entities such as poorly differentiated carcinoma of unknown primary, adenocarcinoma of unknown primary, neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary, squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary, poorly differentiated (not otherwise specified) cancer of unknown primary, and melanoma of unknown primary. It is crucial to identify those treatment-responsive presentations of unknown primary with the greatest potential for long-term survival.
This discussion emphasizes newer approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of unknown primary cancer, including advances in pathology with immunoperoxidase and molecular genetic techniques, positron emission tomography, and published chemotherapeutic trials. With the increased sophistication of pathologic and radiologic techniques, the frequency of unknown primary cancers will likely continue to decline. Further, as newer and more targeted therapies for specific types of cancer are identified, the previously held nihilism regarding the search for and identification of the primary may become less supportable.
Primary Pulmonary Synovial Sarcoma: A Case Report and Review of Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Standards
Authors: Dennison Sheri , Weppler Eric , Giacoppe George 
Published: August 2004

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to:
Describe primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma as a rare tumor that usually arises in young adults as a large pleural-based intrathoracic mass. Explain that the diagnosis is made by histology, immunohistochemical studies, and, more recently, by identification of the SYT-SSX1 or SYT-SSX2 chromosomal translocations. List factors that portend a worse prognosis, including inability to achieve a complete resection, larger tumor size, male sex, older age, high-grade tumor with necrosis, and the SYT-SSX1 variant.
Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
A 30-year-old female presented with hemoptysis, chest pain, and a rapidly enlarging pleural-based mass, and was found to have primary synovial sarcoma of the lung. Primary pulmonary sarcomas comprise &lt;1% of all primary lung malignancies. They present clinically in young adults with cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or hemoptysis, with a mass on x-ray and computerized tomography scan. Diagnosis is made by histology and immunohistochemistry. Histologic diagnosis has recently been supplemented by cytogenetic analysis, which offers important prognostic information. The mainstay of treatment remains complete surgical excision. Prognosis is poor, with an overall 5-year survival rate of 50%.
Tamoxifen—What Next?
Authors: Gradishar William J. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to:
Understand the current treatment options available for postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Explain the impact of new clinical trial data on the existing schedule of endocrine therapy. Describe the future direction of endocrine therapy for advanced breast cancer.
Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Most patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC) ultimately die due to disease progression. Consequently, treatments for ABC are predominantly palliative in nature and, therefore, the tolerability profile of a given treatment is particularly relevant in these patients. While cytotoxic chemotherapy and endocrine therapy exhibit efficacy in hormone-sensitive, advanced disease, it is endocrine therapy that combines efficacy with minimal acute toxicity. Tamoxifen has been the chosen endocrine therapy for postmenopausal, hormone-sensitive, ABC for over 20 years. More recently, new endocrine agents with different mechanisms of action from tamoxifen have been introduced. Evidence indicates that the aromatase inhibitors anastrozole (Arimidex®; AstraZeneca; Wilmington, DE), letrozole (Femara®; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.; East Hanover, NJ) and exemestane (Aromasin®; Pharmacia Corp.; Peapack, NJ) offer superior efficacy and tolerability to tamoxifen in the first-line treatment of postmenopausal, hormone-sensitive ABC. Similarly, after tamoxifen failure, fulvestrant (Faslodex®; AstraZeneca), a new estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist that downregulates the ER, is at least as effective as anastrozole, is well tolerated, and is not cross-resistant with tamoxifen. Unlike tamoxifen, fulvestrant has no known agonist effects. The sequential use of such agents may prolong the time during which endocrine therapies can be used, thereby avoiding the more acute toxicities associated with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Indeed, a series of studies has shown that this sequential use is a relevant, active, and well-tolerated option. Establishing the comparative efficacies and optimal sequences that incorporate the newer endocrine agents will be central in determining the future role of hormonal therapy in ABC; the results of this work will determine the relative place of tamoxifen in what is a rapidly changing therapeutic environment.
Biology and Therapeutic Advances for Pediatric Osteosarcoma
Authors: Marina Neyssa , Gebhardt Mark , Teot Lisa , Gorlick Richard 
Published: August 2004

AbstractLearning ObjectivesAfter completing this course, the reader will be able to:Discuss etiologic and biologic factors in osteosarcoma. Select the appropriate diagnostic work-up for patients with newly diagnosed osteosarcoma. Select appropriate multidisciplinary treatment for patients with newly diagnosed osteosarcoma. Discuss various surgical approaches to the management of newly diagnosed osteosarcoma.Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.comOsteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. Survival for these patients was poor with the use of surgery and/or radiotherapy. The introduction of multi-agent chemotherapy dramatically improved the outcome for these patients and the majority of modern series report 3-year disease-free survival of 60%–70%. This paper describes current strategies for treating patients with osteosarcoma as well as review of the clinical features, radiologic and diagnostic work-up, and pathology. The authors review the state of the art management for patients with osteosarcoma in North America and Europe including the use of limb-salvage procedures and reconstruction as well as discuss the etiologic and biologic factors associated with tumor development. Therapy-related sequelae and future directions in the biology and therapy for these patients are also discussed.
A straightforward Rojas still riles some practitioners: California's top court endorses mediation law, but ADR professionals remain split about the decision
Authors: Bleemer Russ 
Published: August 2004

AbstractTwo articles sort out this summer's biggest ADR‐related case, the California Supreme Court's Rojas decision. First, Alternatives discusses the holding and the fallout. Then, full‐time neutral Jeff Kichaven, of Los Angeles, who worked on an amicus filing in the case, discusses why he believes the opinion, which backs an almost total ban on litigation discoverability of mediation materials, will hurt the profession.
A straightforward Rojas still riles some practitioners: Commentary: Exalting 'absolute confidentiality' hurts the practice
Authors: Kichaven Jeff 
Published: August 2004

AbstractTwo articles sort out this summer's biggest ADR‐related case, the California Supreme Court's Rojas decision. First, Alternatives discusses the holding and the fallout. Then, full‐time neutral Jeff Kichaven, of Los Angeles, who worked on an amicus filing in the case, discusses why he believes the opinion, which backs an almost total ban on litigation discoverability of mediation materials, will hurt the profession.
Untersuchung des Wärmeschutzes von Außenecken über unbeheizten Kellern in Wohngebäuden – die Achillesferse von massiven Außenwänden mit äußerer Wärmedämmung?
Authors: Geyer Christoph 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAußenwände von Wohngebäuden werden häufig als massive Mauerwerkswände mit einer außenliegenden Wärmedämmung erstellt. Bei dieser Wandkonstruktion trennt aber der Mauerwerkssockel der massiven Außenwand im Erdgeschoß die Wärmedämmebene der Außenwand von der Wärmedämmebene der Kellerdecke über einem unbeheizten Keller. Hierdurch entsteht eine linienförmige Wärmebrücke. Die für den Mindestwärmeschutz kritischste Stelle tritt an der Außenecke im Erdgeschoß auf, wo sich je zwei dieser linienförmigen Wärmebrücken überlagern. Daher wird die minimale raumseitige Oberflächentemperatur an dieser Ecke für die Beurteilung des Mindestwärmeschutzes der Konstruktion herangezogen. Durch eine Vielzahl von dreidimensionalen Wärmebrückenberechnungen werden die Konstruktionseigenschaften der angrenzenden ebenen Bauteile herausgearbeitet, welche die minimale, raumseitige Oberflächentemperatur in der Außenecke über einem unbeheizten Keller und damit den Mindestwärmeschutz der Konstruktion beeinflussen. Es zeigt sich, daß eine minimale raumseitige Oberflächentemperatur in der Außenecke von 12, 6 °C erst mit Wärmedurchlaßwiderständen der Tragschale bzw. der gesamten Wandkonstruktion nachgewiesen werden kann, die wesentlich höher als 1, 2 m2K/W sind. Damit ist für diese Art von Außenwänden ein Mindestwärmeschutz nach Tabelle 3, DIN 4108‐2 [1] mit einer Anforderung an den Wärmedurchlasswiderstand von R ≥ 1,2 m2K/W nicht ausreichend, um den Mindestwärmeschutz auch für die Außenecke im Erdgeschoß rechnerisch nachweisen zu können. Es wird daher vorgeschlagen, ergänzende Hinweise in die Norm aufzunehmen.
Risks of selected congenital malformations among offspring of mixed race‐ethnicity
Authors: Yang Juan , Carmichael Suzan L. , Kaidarova Zhanna , Shaw Gary M. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDLittle is known about the occurrence of specific congenital malformations among offspring of mixed race‐ethnicity.METHODSUsing data from a population‐based registry, we explored the occurrence of selected malformation phenotypes in offspring to parents who were of different race‐ethnicity. Data were derived from the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program, a population‐based active surveillance system for collecting information on infants and fetuses with congenital malformations using multiple source ascertainment. Approximately 2.6 million live births and stillbirths occurred during 1989–2000. Information on parental race‐ethnicity (non‐Hispanic white, Hispanic, black, and Asian) was obtained from birth certificates and fetal death files. Malformation phenotypes studied were spina bifida, anencephaly, cleft lip, cleft palate, tetralogy of Fallot, d‐transposition of great arteries, hypospadias, small intestinal atresia, preaxial polydactyly, microtia, and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.RESULTSA total of 11.2% of births were to parents of mixed race‐ethnicity. Compared to births of parents who were both white, moderately increased risks (risk ratio ≥ 1.7) of anencephaly, polydactyly, and microtia, and decreased risks (risk ratio ≤ 0.6) of hypospadias and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis were observed among births of several mixed race‐ethnicity groups. For anencephaly, polydactyly, and microtia, but not other phenotypes, the risks were different depending on whether maternal versus paternal race‐ethnicity was considered. Risks observed between births of a nonwhite parent and a white parent and births of parents who were both nonwhite were similar for most malformation phenotypes.CONCLUSIONSSome malformation phenotypes appear to vary in their risk based on mixed racial‐ethnic groupings. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental toxicity evaluation of butylparaben in Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Daston George P. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe developmental toxicity potential of butylparaben (CAS No. 94‐26‐8) was evaluated in rats. Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered butylparaben in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose by oral gavage at dose levels of 0, 10, 100, or 1,000 mg/kg/day on gestation days (GD) 6–19 (sperm positive day=GD 0). Caesarean sections were performed on GD 20 and fetuses were evaluated for viability, growth, and external, visceral, and skeletal abnormalities. Each group consisted of 25 females, with at least 21 per group being pregnant. The highest dose level caused decreases in maternal weight gain during some of the measurement intervals and was statistically significant during the GD 18–20 interval. Maternal food consumption was significantly decreased in the highest dose group over the dosing period (GD 6–20). There were no differences from control in any of the developmental parameters measured, including embryo/fetal viability, fetal weight, malformations, or variations. Based on the results of this study, the maternal NOAEL for butylparaben was 100 mg/kg/day. Butylparaben does not have the potential to cause developmental toxicity in the Sprague‐Dawley rat at oral dosages up to 1000 mg/kg/day. Birth Defects Res B 71:296–302, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemiluminescence assay of lipase activity using a synthetic substrate as proenhancer for luminol chemiluminescence reaction
Authors: Ichibangase Tomoko , Ohba Yoshihito , Kishikawa Naoya , Nakashima Kenichiro , Kuroda Naotaka 
Published: August 2004

AbstractA novel chemiluminescence (CL) assay method for lipase (triacylglycerol lipase, E.C.3.1.1.3) activity was developed by using the lauric acid ester of 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4,5‐diphenylimidazole (HDI) as a substrate. The method is based on the enhanced CL reaction of luminol–hydrogen peroxide–horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with HDI that is liberated from the substrate by enzymatic hydrolysis. To simplify the assay procedure, both the hydrolysis of the substrate and the enhanced CL reaction were performed in the same reaction mixture. Lipases from Candida cylindracea and porcine pancreas were successfully determined with the detection limits (blank signal + 3 SD) of 0.05 and 50.0 mU/tube, respectively. The method is simple and rapid, permitting the completion of single assay within 5 min. The reproducibilities obtained with replicate assays were relative standard deviations (RSDs) of ⪋ 4.7% for within‐day and ⪋ 6.0% for between‐day assays. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the degree of medical radiation damage with a highly sensitive chemiluminescence method
Authors: Zhu Debin , Xing Da , Wei Yadong , Li Xian , Gao Bo 
Published: August 2004

AbstractA highly sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) method for evaluation of medical radiation damage degree is presented. According to the principle of cell stress response to ionizing radiation, lymphocytes will produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) after irradiation. The ROS produced can react with 2‐methyl‐6‐(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐3,7‐dihydroimidazo[1,2‐α] pyrazin‐3‐one (MCLA), a speciﬁc CL probe for superoxide anion (O·‐2) and singlet oxygen (1O2), to emit light at 465 nm. The CL intensity is positively related to the amount of generated ROS detected 30 min after irradiation. Cell viability, which is inversely related to cell mortality, was determined by MTT assay after 3 days' culture. The results show that both CL intensity and cell mortality of lymphocytes increase with the increase of the radiation dose when the dosage is no more than 3 Gy, suggesting a positive relationship between the degree of lymphocyte cell damage and the amount of ROS generated. In addition, the effects of catalase, Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), mannitol, sodium azide (NaN3), and D2O on MCLA‐dependent CL of lymphocytes are discussed. We believe that the MCLA‐dependent CL method would potentially provide an easy way for evaluating the degree of lymphocyte damage induced by radiation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single nucleotide polymorphism detection in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene using bacterial magnetic particles based on dissociation curve analysis
Authors: Maruyama Kohei , Takeyama Haruko , Nemoto Etsuo , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Yoda Kiyoshi , Matsunaga Tadashi 
Published: August 2004

AbstractSingle nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection for aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene based on DNA thermal dissociation curve analysis was successfully demonstrated using an automated system with bacterial magnetic particles (BMPs) by developing a new method for avoiding light scattering caused by nanometer‐size particles when using commercially available fluorescent dyes such as FITC, Cy3, and Cy5 as labeling chromophores. Biotin‐labeled PCR products in ALDH2, two allele‐specific probes (Cy3‐labeled detection probe for ALDH2*1 and Cy5‐labeled detection probe for ALDH2*2), streptavidin‐immobilized BMPs (SA‐BMPs) were simultaneously mixed. The mixture was denatured at 70°C for 3 min, cooled slowly to 25°C, and incubated for 10 min, allowing the DNA duplex to form between Cy3‐ or Cy5‐labeled detection probes and biotin‐labeled PCR products on SA‐BMPs. Then duplex DNA‐BMP complex was heated to 58°C, a temperature determined by dissociation curve analysis and a dissociated single‐base mismatched detection probe was removed at the same temperature under precise control. Furthermore, fluorescence signal from the detection probe was liberated into the supernatant from completely matched duplex DNA‐BMP complex by heating to 80°C and measured. In the homozygote target DNA (ALDH2*1/*1 and ALDH2*2/*2), the fluorescence signals from single‐base mismatched were decreased to background level, indicating that mismatched hybridization was efficiently removed by the washing process. In the heterozygote target DNA (ALDH2*1/*2), each fluorescence signals was at a similar level. Therefore, three genotypes of SNP in ALDH2 gene were detected using the automated detection system with BMPs. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of baculovirus expression vectors with enhanced stability in continuous cascaded insect‐cell bioreactors
Authors: Pijlman Gorben P. , de Vrij Jeroen , van den End Fred J. , Vlak Just M. , Martens Dirk E. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractContinuous protein production with baculovirus expression vectors in insect‐cell bioreactors is characterized by a dramatic drop in heterologous protein production within a few weeks. This is mainly due to the spontaneous deletion of the heterologous gene(s) from the baculovirus genome and/or to the rapid accumulation of defective interfering baculoviruses (DIs). Cell culture experiments with bacmid‐derived baculoviruses showed that spontaneous deletions in the foreign bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) sequences readily occurred. These deletions correlated with a low density of baculovirus homologous (repeat) regions (hrs), which are located dispersed throughout the baculovirus genome and are believed to act as origins of viral DNA replication (oris). To test the hypothesis that deletions are more likely to occur in regions with a low ori density, the properties of bacmid‐derived baculoviruses with an additional hr in the unstable BAC sequences were compared to the standard bacmid‐derived baculovirus in a continuous cascaded insect‐cell bioreactor configuration. All viruses were equipped with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and a gene encoding the classical swine fever virus E2 glycoprotein (CSFV‐E2). The insertion of an extra hr in the BAC vector led to improved genetic stability of adjacent sequences, resulting in prolonged protein expression. The maintenance of the BAC sequences appeared to be dependent on the orientation of the inserted hr. The advantages of the utilization of hrs to improve the stability of baculovirus expression vectors for the large‐scale protein production in insect‐cell bioreactors are discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.