bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma: Results from the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) study SIOPEL‐1 and review of the world experience
Authors: Otte J.B. , Pritchard J. , Aronson D.C. , Brown J. , Czauderna P. , Maibach R. , Perilongo G. , Shafford E. , Plaschkes J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackgroundFor hepatoblastoma (HB) that remains unresectable by partial hepatectomy after chemotherapy, total hepatectomy with orthotopic liver transplantation (LTX) has been advocated as the best treatment option. The role of LTX in the overall management of HB is still, however, unclear.ProcedureThe results of LTX from the first study of HB by the International Society of Pediatric Oncology, SIOPEL‐1, were analyzed. In addition, the world experience of LTX for HB was extensively reviewed. Twelve patients in the SIOPEL‐1 study underwent a LTX. Median (range) follow‐up at Dec. 31, 2001 was 117 months (52–125) since LTX.ResultsOverall survival at 10 years post‐LTX was 85% for the seven children who received a “primary LTX” and 40% for the 5 children who underwent a “rescue LTX” after previous partial hepatectomy. In the world experience (147 cases), the overall survival rate at 6 year post‐LTX was 82% for 106 patients who received a “primary LTX” and 30% for 41 patients who underwent a “rescue LTX.” Multivariate analysis of patients undergoing primary LTX showed that only macroscopic venous invasion had a significant impact (P‐value: 0.045 with a hazard ratio of 2.96) on overall survival.ConclusionsOrthotopic LTX has added a new dimension to the treatment of HB unresectable by partial hepatectomy. Because of the rarity of the disease and to optimize results, children with extensive HB should be treated in centers with surgical expertise in pediatric major liver resection and LTX, in close collaboration with pediatric oncologists, radiologists, and histopathologists. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2004;42:74–83. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic epidemiology of neuroblastoma: A study of 426 cases at the Institut Gustave‐Roussy in France
Authors: Shojaei‐Brosseau Taraneh , Chompret Agnès , Abel Anne , de Vathaire Florent , Raquin Marie‐Anne , Brugières Laurence , Feunteun Jean , Hartmann Olivier , Bonaïti‐Pellié Catherine 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackgroundGenetic susceptibility to neuroblastoma (NB) is now highly probable and the likelihood that it may also confer a higher risk of other cancer types has been suggested. The aim of this study was to estimate the fraction of inherited cases and penetrance associated with a carrier status, and to investigate the hypothesis that susceptibility cancer genes might be non‐specific.ProcedureThe family history of 426 children treated for NB at the Institut Gustave Roussy was obtained. The excess of relatives affected by NB or early‐onset cancer (EOC) was sought using the standardized incidence ratio (SIR). The risk of NB among sibs was estimated taking into account the age of patients' sibs. Estimation of penetrance in hereditary cases and of the proportion of sporadic cases was obtained using segregation analysis of proband sibships.ResultsThere was a positive family history of NB or ganglioneuroma in 5 of the 426 cases (1.2%). A highly significant excess of NB was found among relatives (SIR = 11.4, 95% CI: 3.7–26.5). The excess of EOC (SIR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.92–1.58) was non‐significant, but it was of borderline significance among first‐degree relatives (SIR = 1.70, 95% CI = 0.99–2.72). The risk of NB among sibs was estimated at 0.2% (95% CI = 0.004–1.0%). Penetrance in hereditary cases was estimated at 11.4% and the proportion of inherited cases, 3.5%.ConclusionsThe genetic factors heightening susceptibility to NB are most probably dominantly inherited with low penetrance and are involved in only a very small fraction of NB patients. The overall risk in sibs is very low and this should reassure parents with regard to their other children. We found some arguments for the existence of non‐specific genetic susceptibility, which would slightly in crease the probability of developing any cancer. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Favorable outcome in 20‐year follow‐up of children with very‐low‐risk ALL and minimal standard therapy, with special reference to TEL–AML1 fusion
Authors: Kanerva Jukka , Saarinen‐Pihkala Ulla M. , Niini Tarja , Riikonen Pekka , Möttönen Merja , Mäkipernaa Anne , Salmi Toivo T. , Vettenranta Kim , Knuutila Sakari 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackgroundAs the treatment results of childhood ALL have improved, avoidance of late effects has become increasingly important. Identification of favorable prognostic factors helps to achieve this goal.ProcedureWe studied the prognostic value of TEL–AML1 fusion and a risk factor composed of age, white blood cell count (WBC), lymphomatous features, and hemoglobin level (Hb). We also compared outcome between two cohorts; cohort 1 (n = 100) diagnosed 1975–1981, and cohort 2 (n = 102) 1989–1991. Both cohorts were retrospectively divided in two groups: very‐low‐risk (WBC <10 × 109/L, age 2 to <10 years, no lymphomatous features, Hb < 90 g/L), and non‐low‐risk (=the remainder). We performed fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of TEL–AML1 fusion of the marrow samples obtained at diagnosis.ResultsThe median follow‐up is 20 years in cohort 1, and 8 years in cohort 2. In both cohorts, the very‐low‐risk category comprised one‐fourth of the children. TEL–AML1 fusion was more frequent in the very‐low‐risk (35%) than in the non‐low‐risk group (17%) (P = 0.03). The 8‐year event‐free survival (EFS) of children with the fusion was better than of those without, 74 vs. 54% (P = 0.040). The 8‐year EFS in the very‐low‐risk group was 76% in cohort 1, and 79% in cohort 2 (n.s.). In the non‐low‐risk groups, EFS was 39 vs. 64% (P = 0.02), respectively.ConclusionsOur data support the reported association of TEL–AML1 fusion with a favorable outcome although the risk group had a greater impact. These very‐long‐term follow‐up data also indicate that children with very‐low‐risk ALL (slow disease) had a favorable outcome already in the late 1970s, and may be over treated with the contemporary ALL protocols. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐conventional therapies in childhood cancer: Guidelines for distinguishing non‐harmful from harmful therapies: A report of the SIOP Working Committee on Psychosocial Issues in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Jankovic Momcilo , Spinetta John J. , Gentil Martins Antonio , Pession Andrea , Sullivan Michael , D'Angio Giulio J. , Eden Tim , Weyl Ben Arush Myriam , X Sutaryo , Punkko Leena‐Riitta , Epelman Claudia , Masera Giuseppe 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis is the 11th official document of the SIOP Working Committee on Psychosocial Issues in Pediatric Oncology, instituted in 1991. There is a tendency for some physicians to make blanket statements against the use of non‐proven, non‐conventional therapies, even when these therapies are not harmful. There is an equal and opposite tendency on the part of many parents to do all that they possibly can for their children, including using any non‐conventional therapy they feel might do some good. The health care team must open a healthy dialogue with parents that will lead to a clear distinction between those complementary therapies that are harmful and those that are not, indeed, might even be helpful psychologically if not therapeutically. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methotrexate pharmacokinetics and survival in osteosarcoma
Authors: Aquerreta Irene , Aldaz Azucena , Giráldez Joaquín , Sierrasesúmaga Luis 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between exposure to high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX) and tumor response in terms of survival in children with osteosarcoma.ProcedureThis study included 44 patients (479 courses) who received a median dose of 5.92 g/m2 of MTX (interquartile range (IQR) 2.37 g/m2) in a 4‐hr infusion. The mean area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) estimated by parametric methods (non‐parametric expectation maximization, NPEM), and the mean concentration at the end of the infusion were considered to be the exposure parameters. Tumor response was recorded as disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and histologic tumor response. The relationship between MTX exposure and survival parameters was analyzed by Cox regression.ResultsThe group of 11 patients who were the least exposed to MTX (AUC < 2,400 μmol/Lhr) presented a high DFS, probably due to the shorter interval of time between MTX courses that led to a higher dose density. In patients with AUC > 2,400 μmol/Lhr, an increase in the AUC was related to an increase in the DFS. Significant differences were observed in the DFS between patients whose mean AUC was below or above 4,000 μmol/Lhr (P = 0.024), such that 4,000 μmol/Lhr was considered as the minimum AUC to be aimed at for future patients.ConclusionsDose density seems to be an important factor in osteosarcoma response, but this must be confirmed in further studies. In order to improve the response to osteosarcoma in children, it is recommended that the dose of MTX to be increased such as to obtain an AUC higher than 4,000 μmol/Lhr. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical features and treatment outcomes of 79 infants with immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Sandoval Claudio , Visintainer Paul , Ozkaynak M. Fevzi , Tugal Oya , Jayabose Somasundaram 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the clinical features and treatment outcomes of infants with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).MethodsRetrospective analysis of 79 infant ITP patients treated from 1987 to 2002. The data abstracted comprised age, gender, clinical features, and treatment outcomes. A score test for the trend in the odds ratios was used to determine the risk of chronic ITP with advancing age. The infants were compared to a group of contemporaneous older children with regard to bleeding severity and incidence of chronic ITP.ResultsThe 34 female and 45 male infants had a median age of 16 months. Seventy‐four presented with purpura, four with viral illnesses, and one was asymptomatic. Eight percent had active mucosal bleeding. The median platelet count was 8,000/μl. Forty infants received intravenous immunoglobulin, nine intravenous anti‐D immunoglobulin, six steroids, and seven were observed without treatment. Fifty‐five (76%) responded to a single course of treatment. Only 9% of infants developed chronic ITP compared to 18% of children between the ages of 25 and 119 months and 47% of children 120 months or older (P < 0.0005).ConclusionsInfants with ITP respond favorably to treatment and are less likely to develop chronic ITP compared to older children. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancing the cell affinity of macroporous poly(L‐lactide) cell scaffold by a convenient surface modification method
Authors: Yang Jian , Wan Yuqing , Tu Chifeng , Cai Qing , Bei Jianzhong , Wang Shenguo 
Published: December 2003

AbstractIn this study, the macroporous poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) cell scaffold was modified for enhancing its cell affinity by an improved surface‐treating medium, a mixture of aqueous 0.25 M NaOH/ethanol. Ethanol was applied as a co‐treating medium to wet the polylactone and assist the hydroxide nucleophilic attack on the ester bond. Low concentration of NaOH could be applied, severe bulk degradation could be avoided and the residual alkali was easy to remove. Treating time could also be shortened. After treatment under optimal conditions, the surface hydrophilicity and surface energy of PLLA were improved significantly and the surface roughness was also changed. Modification of the spherulite structure on PLLA surface was observed with the treating time using a computer‐assisted image analysis system (CAIAS). The results of gel permeation chromatography measurements indicated that only the outer layer of the PLLA was modified and the bulk properties were not altered. Mouse 3T3 fibroblasts culture results indicated that the improved surface‐treating medium was effective and convenient for enhancing the cell affinity of PLLA cell scaffold. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical grafting of sulfobetaine onto poly(ether urethane) surface for improving blood compatibility
Authors: Yuan J , Mao C , Zhou J , Shen J , Lin SC , Zhu W , Fang JL 
Published: December 2003

AbstractPoly(ether urethane)s (PEUs) are widely used as blood‐contact biomaterials because of their good biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Nevertheless, their blood compatibility is still not adequate for more demanding applications. Surface modification is an effective way to improve blood compatibility and retain bulk properties of biomaterials. The purpose of the present study was to design and synthesis a novel non‐thrombogenic biomaterial by modifying the surface of PEU with zwitterionic monomer. In this study, sulfobetaine was grafted onto PEU surface through the following reaction steps: (1) Poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) was reacted at both chain ends with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and OCN–PPO–NCO was obtained; (2) OCN–PPO–NCO was reacted at one chain end with N,N‐dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) and OCN–PPO–N(CH3)2 was formed; (3) the sulfobetaine was prepared by a ring‐opening reaction between OCN–PPO–N(CH3)2 and 1,3‐propanesultone (PSu); (4) the sulfobetaine was grafted onto PEU surface by the reaction between NCO and the N–H bonds of PEU. The surface composition of films and the hydrophilicity on the PEU surface were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and contact angle measurements, respectively. The blood compatibility of PEU was evaluated by platelet‐rich plasma contact experiments and the results were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The state of platelet adhesion and shape variation for the attached platelets was described. The modified surface showed excellent blood compatibility, featured by low platelet adhesion. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
The structural and mechanical properties of polysulfide‐based polyurea
Authors: Dong Wenzhao , Quan Yiwu , Zhang Junsheng , Chen Qingmin 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA series of polysulfide‐based polyureas was synthesized, which were based on isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), liquid polysulfide and 2,5‐diamino‐3,6‐dimethylmercaptotoluene (Ethacure‐300). The structure and mechanical properties of these elastomers were investigated using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, stress–strain analysis, water‐resistance and oil‐resistance tests. The results showed that there was phase segregation between soft and hard segments in polysulfide‐based polyurea. With the increase in number‐average relative molar mass and content of liquid polysulfide, the tensile strength decreased while the ultimate elongation increased. The effect of number‐average relative molar mass of polysulfide and hard‐segment content on oil resistance is also discussed. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Depolarization behaviour of dilute polymer solutions: II. Angular dependence and analyzer absorption
Authors: Striegel André M 
Published: December 2003

AbstractStudy of the depolarization behaviour of dilute polymer solutions leads to determination of the Cabannes factor, necessary for correcting the Rayleigh ratio used in light‐scattering calculations for deviations due to anisotropy. We present here a method to determine the Cabannes factor for polymers as a simultaneous function of both scattering angle and molar mass, accomplished by coupling size‐exclusion chromatography with depolarization multi‐angle light scattering (SEC/D‐MALS). The depolarization behaviour of brominated polystyrene (PSBr), previously studied at a right‐angle geometry, is seen to possess a non‐trivial angular dependence in addition to being a function of molar mass. We also demonstrate initial attempts at correcting SEC/D‐MALS results for absorption of light by the Polaroid filters that act as analyzers in the optical train of the system. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrophobic surface properties of fluoropolyetherimide blends for pervaporation membranes
Authors: Larhrafi M , Mas A , Toreis N , Blancou H , Schué F 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe well‐known polyetherimide (ULTEM 1000) is obtained by step‐reaction of bisphenol. A diphthalic anhydride (BAPA) with m‐phenylene diamine and newly related fluorinated poly etherimides synthesized from BAPA and 2,3‐bis(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5‐nonafluoropentyl)butan‐1,4 diamine (NFD) led to compatible blends over the entire range of composition. Miscible one‐phase blends have been suggested by a good correlation of Tg versus NFD monomer unit weight fraction (w) (Fox and Couchman equations) and a regular morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Surface energy of blend films fell from 45.3 to 27.4 mJ m−2 for w ≥ 0.1 corresponding to a NFD molar fraction y ≥ 0.06. Cast‐evaporated films from fluorinated copolyetherimides and blends with y < 0.15 were ductile and gave conveniently hydrophobic non‐porous membranes that withstood the experimental conditions of pervaporation tests. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
A mathematical model of heat transfer of a PU‐based intumescent flame‐retardant coating during combustion in a cabinet
Authors: Jincheng Wang , Shenglin Yang , Guang Li , Jianming Jiang 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis paper reports studies on the heat transfer of a PU‐based intumescent flame‐retardant coating. A three‐dimensional model has been developed to describe the various physical processes of the system when testing the flame‐retardant (FR) properties, such as char index and weight loss, by the cabinet method. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by comparing predicted and experimental temperature profiles. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermal properties and crystallization behaviour of blends of poly(ε‐caprolactone) with chitin and chitosan
Authors: Honma Tomonori , Senda Toshihiko , Inoue Yoshio 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBlend films of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with chitin and chitosan were prepared as completely biodegradable polyester/polysaccharide composites. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that the crystallization of PCL, which had been suppressed by blending with chitin and chitosan, progressed with the elapse of time after film preparation. The suppression of crystallization of PCL by blending with polysaccharides was also observed by solid‐state 13C NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, FTIR spectra indicated that the extent of hydrogen bonding between PCL and polysaccharides, which suppressed the crystallization of PCL, decreased with elapse of time after film preparation. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction indicated that the polysaccharides affected the crystallization of PCL and slightly deformed its crystalline lattice. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphologies and binding characteristics of molecularly imprinted polymers prepared by precipitation polymerization
Authors: Li Ping , Rong Fei , Yuan Chunwei 
Published: December 2003

AbstractMolecularly imprinted polymers using L‐2‐chloromandelic acid as templates were prepared by precipitation polymerization. The polymer particles exhibited a regular shape in the nanoscale range; moreover, the size and the uniformity of the particles were influenced by the concentration of monomers, polymerization temperature, types and concentrations of initiators. The experimental binding tests indicated that the nanospherical imprinted polymers possessed higher specific affinity to templates in comparison with traditional imprinted polymers prepared by bulk polymerization. Two classes of specific binding sites in the polymer matrix were investigated by the Scatchard method and ‘Hyperchem’ simulation studies. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of wood sawdust content on rheological and structural changes, and thermo‐mechanical properties of PVC/sawdust composites
Authors: Sombatsompop Narongrit , Chaochanchaikul Kantima , Phromchirasuk Chakarin , Thongsang Sirinthorn 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe use of untreated sawdust as a filler in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was examined—the effects of sawdust content on structural and thermal changes, and rheological and mechanical properties being of main interest. The results revealed that the torque and die entrance pressure drop values during mixing were independent of sawdust particles up to 23.1 wt%. The extrudate swell monotonically decreased up to 33.3 wt% sawdust content. Smooth wood‐like texture with controllable size of the extrudate could be obtained at a sawdust content greater than 33.3 wt%. Tensile, impact, flexural and hardness properties of the PVC/sawdust composites considerably decreased with up to 16.7 wt% sawdust content before leveling off for higher sawdust loadings. The composites having sawdust higher than 16.7 wt% showed a benefit of cost savings. The decreases in the mechanical properties of PVC with sawdust are explained in association with the presence of moisture, interfacial defects between fibre and polymer, and fibre dispersions in the PVC matrix. Thermal degradations of PVC in PVC/sawdust composites were evidenced by a decrease in decomposition temperature and an increase in polyene sequences, which were caused by Cl cleavage due to strong hydrogen bonds of fibre–PVC molecules. The maximum of tanδ transition and the glass transition temperature were found to improve with sawdust content as a result of re‐formation of hydrogen bonds between the macromolecules of the fibre and the polymer. The overall results in this work suggest that the properties of PVC/sawdust composites were strongly influenced by sawdust content up to 16.7 wt%. Beyond this value the effect of sawdust content on the properties was comparatively small. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Conformational properties of macromolecules of heterocyclic polyester imides in dilute dichloroacetic acid solutions
Authors: Andreeva L. N. , Bushin S. V. , Tsvetkov N. V. , Belyaeva E. V. , Il'In V. V. , Bilibin A. Yu. , Pospiech D. , Friedel P. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractSeveral series of polyester imides (PEIs) were prepared by melt polycondensation of trimellitimidobenzoic acid and acetylated, substituted hydroquinones as well as by solution polycondensation of corresponding dichlorides with hydroquinones. The influence of either phenyl‐ or tert‐butyl substituents at the hydroquinone unit on the hydrodynamic (diffusion and viscometry) and optical [flow (FB) and electrical (EB) birefringence] properties of solutions of these PEIs were investigated. Independent methods for quantitative evaluation of the length of the statistical Kuhn segment A gave values of 14.5 nm (translational friction and electrical birefringence) and 12.0 nm (flow birefringence), respectively. The equilibrium rigidity of PEIs with phenyl and tert‐butyl lateral substituents at the para‐aromatic chain fragment was comparable. Conformational properties of the PEIs were analyzed, and the conjugation energies of the ester and amide groups for para‐aromatic polyesters, PEIs, and structurally similar polyamidobenzoxazoles and polyamidobenzimidazoles were compared. The introduction of the phthalimide ring leads to a decrease of conjugation energy and deviation of the ester group from coplanarity. The Kuhn segment values obtained were useful for calculations of phase diagrams of semiflexible segmented block copolymers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 12–24, 2004