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Cr
Kinds of Cr Terms modified by Cr Selected AbstractsImpact of cerebrospinal fluid contamination on brain metabolites evaluation with 1H-MR spectroscopy: A single voxel study of the cerebellar vermis in patients with degenerative ataxiasJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 1 2009Laura Guerrini MD PhD Abstract Purpose To investigate the impact of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contamination on metabolite evaluation in the superior cerebellar vermis with single-voxel 1H-MRS in normal subjects and patients with degenerative ataxias. Materials and Methods Twenty-nine healthy volunteers and 38 patients with degenerative ataxias and cerebellar atrophy were examined on a 1.5 Tesla scanner. Proton spectra of a volume of interest placed in the superior vermis were acquired using a four TE PRESS technique. We calculated N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr), choline (Cho)/Cr, and NAA/Cho ratios, T2 relaxation times and concentrations of the same metabolites using the external phantom method. Finally, concentrations were corrected taking into account the proportion of nervous tissue and CSF, that was determined as Volume Fraction (VF). Results In healthy subjects, a significant difference was observed between metabolite concentrations with and without correction for VF. As compared to controls, patients with ataxias showed significantly reduced NAA/Cr and NAA concentrations, while only corrected Cr concentration was significantly increased. The latter showed an inverse correlation with VF. Conclusion CSF contamination has a not negligible effect on the estimation of brain metabolites. The increase of Cr concentration in patients with cerebellar atrophy presumably reflects the substitutive gliosis which takes place along with loss of neurons. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:11,17. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A multi-center 1H MRS study of the AIDS dementia complex: Validation and preliminary analysisJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 6 2003Patricia Lani Lee PhD Abstract Purpose To demonstrate the technical feasibility and reliability of a multi-center study characterizing regional levels of the brain metabolite ratios choline (Cho)/creatine (Cr) and myoinositol (MI)/Cr, markers of glial cell activity, and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/Cr, a marker of mature neurons, in subjects with AIDS dementia complex (ADC). Materials and Methods Using an automated protocol (GE PROBE-P), short echo time spectra (TE = 35 msec) were obtained at eight sites from uniformly prepared phantoms and from three brain regions (frontal white matter, basal ganglia, and parietal cortex) of normal volunteers and ADC and HIV-negative subjects. Results A random-effects model of the phantom and volunteer data showed no significant inter-site differences. Feasibility of a multi-center study was further validated by detection of significant differences between the metabolite ratios of ADC subjects and HIV-negative controls. ADC subjects exhibited significantly higher Cho/Cr and MI/Cr in the basal ganglia and significantly reduced NAA/Cr and significantly higher MI/Cr in the frontal white matter. These results are consistent with the predominantly subcortical distribution of the pathologic abnormalities associated with ADC. Conclusion This is the first study to ascertain and validate the reliability and reproducibility of a short echo time 1H-MRS acquisition sequence from multiple brain regions in a multi-center setting. It should now be possible to examine the regional effects of HIV infection in the brain in a large number of subjects and to study the metabolic effects of new therapies for the treatment of ADC in a clinical trial setting. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2003;17:625,633. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Magnetization and FMR studies of [Fe/Cr]n structures with ultrathin iron layersPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 1 2006A. B. Drovosekov Abstract Magnetic multilayer structures [Fe(tFe)/Cr(tCr)]n with ultrathin (tFe < 5 Å) iron layers prepared by a molecular beam epitaxy were studied using SQUID-magnetometry and ferromagnetic resonance technique. For the samples with tFe , 3 Å, the obtained magnetization curves and resonance spectra are typical for regular magnetic superlattices. On the contrary, the samples with tFe , 3 Å demonstrate superparamagnetic-like behavior. These samples show a strong temperature dependence of their static and resonance magnetic properties. To explain the obtained results, we propose a theoretical model considering a cluster structure of thin iron layers. Magnetization curves and resonance spectra are calculated using an effective field approximation taking into account an interlayer interaction and cluster size distribution. The calculated dependencies show a qualitative agreement with the experimental data. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Analysis of co-articulation regions for performance-driven facial animationCOMPUTER ANIMATION AND VIRTUAL WORLDS (PREV: JNL OF VISUALISATION & COMPUTER ANIMATION), Issue 1 2004Douglas Fidaleo Abstract A facial gesture analysis procedure is presented for the control of animated faces. Facial images are partitioned into a set of local, independently actuated regions of appearance change termed co-articulation regions (CRs). Each CR is parameterized by the activation level of a set of face gestures that affect the region. The activation of a CR is analyzed using independent component analysis (ICA) on a set of training images acquired from an actor. Gesture intensity classification is performed in ICA space by correlation to training samples. Correlation in ICA space proves to be an efficient and stable method for gesture intensity classification with limited training data. A discrete sample-based synthesis method is also presented. An artist creates an actor-independent reconstruction sample database that is indexed with CR state information analyzed in real time from video. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Conflict resolution education in the Asian PacificCONFLICT RESOLUTION QUARTERLY, Issue 1 2007Bruce E. Barnes Conflict Resolution Education (CRE) is taking hold in the Oceania-Island Pacific-East Asia and Southeast Asia region. This article highlights several promising programs from New Zealand-Aotearoa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Fiji, and Australia. Peer mediation programs range from the Cool Schools programs present in more than half of all the schools in New Zealand to newer programs in Singapore. Restorative justice programs are operating in New Zealand, Australia, and Hong Kong. International efforts in both CR and CRE by universities in the region are discussed, highlighting regional centers in South Australia (uniSA) and Queensland (ACPACS). Information is also given about the Asia Pacific Mediation Forum, which will be presenting its third regional conference in June 2008 in Malaysia. [source] Taming the shadow: corporate responsibility in a Jungian contextCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2008Tarja Ketola Abstract Rampant shadows undermine true corporate responsibility (CR) when companies try to keep up appearances by fair means or foul. This paper studies the thoughts, words and deeds of CR actors in their Jungian context. The aim is to help CR actors to understand different CR behaviour and to gain new insights into developing CR values, discourses and practices. This research builds on earlier psychological articles published in this journal, and digs deeper into the psychological resources of the human mind to show what vast potentials lie there to solve CR issues. Jungian theories open up the individual, organizational and societal personality and give opportunities to expand it horizontally and vertically. The Jungian prospective quality of the psyche is illustrated by three levels of unconscious , personal, cultural and collective, which can help the development of CR values, discourses and actions of individuals, organizations, societies and humankind. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] From CR-psychopaths to responsible corporations: waking up the inner Sleeping Beauty of companiesCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2006Tarja Ketola Many large companies seem to fulfil the psychiatric criteria for psychopaths in their corporate responsibility (CR) practices. Are they really incurable psychopaths, or is it possible that they could be counselled into accepting their responsibilities? CR studies have so far paid little attention to the variations in the CR emphases between different companies. This article, based on a conference paper (Ketola, 2005b), presents a CR emphasis model, pinpointing eight different approaches to corporate responsibility. Some companies do not voluntarily take any responsibilities. Companies acting like psychopaths need a Prince of Virtues to kiss awake their inner Sleeping Beauty from its 100-year irresponsibility sleep. All companies could take advantage of virtue ethics, which present the values shared by all humans, and hence exemplify the natural law (lex naturae). Counselling top managers and key individuals on their personal and professional values enables all personnel to integrate virtues into the company's CR practices. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] How can you help organizations change to meet the corporate responsibility agenda?CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2004David Lyon As corporate responsibility (CR) has developed over the past decade, companies have developed and communicated their formal values relating to environment, employees, stakeholders and governance through public statements. Many of these companies have produced formal reports covering their performance on environmental and social issues. Continued improvement and delivery of commitments depends on buy-in not just from senior management (and the CR manager), but from managers and staff across the organization. This is only possible if there is a culture that is supportive of corporate responsibility. One key aspect of making this change is understanding how the company's culture affects corporate responsibility performance. This paper discusses some areas of organizational culture that affect CR performance including rewards and recognition, learning and managing change, awareness and involvement, questioning culture and flexibility underpinned by mutual respect. It also provides an overview of our approach for assessing and fostering a supportive culture. This is based on working with clients to manage their licence to operate in addition to extensive experience in innovation culture and safety culture. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Increased immature hematopoietic progenitor cells CD34+/CD38dim in myelodysplasiaCYTOMETRY, Issue 2 2006Mariela B. Monreal Abstract Background Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal disorders affecting hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). Despite the relevance of clonal CD34+ cells in developing MDS, only few studies analyze the phenotype of this cell population. The aim of this study was to evaluate phenotypic changes on HPC in MDS that could reflect abnormalities in the differentiation process of stem cells. Methods We analyzed the expression of CD38 and HLA-DR on CD34+ cells by flow cytometry in 36 patients with MDS, as well as in healthy donors (n = 12) and patients with other hematological disorders: non-Hodgkin lymphomas and multiple myeloma, both in complete remission (CR) (n = 32); acute lymphoblastic leukemia in CR (n = 17); de novo acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) at diagnosis (n = 22) and in CR (n = 37); and AML secondary to MDS at diagnosis (n = 19). Cases with available karyotype were grouped according to the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS). Results Compared to normal BM, the fraction of immature HPC, characterized as CD34+bright, intermediate FSC/SSC, and CD38dim, was significantly increased in high risk MDS and secondary AML, but not in low risk MDS, (P , 0.001, P = 0.03, and P = 0.7). De novo AML showed decreased immature HPC. High numbers of immature HPC correlated with higher IPSS risk groups (P = 0.05) and showed significant impact on disease progression (P = 0.03). Conclusion Our study confirms that evaluation of CD38 expression pattern on HPC is an easy and reproducible test that allows evaluating the immature subset of progenitor cells. Increased immature HPC in high risk MDS and secondary AML may reflect blocked differentiation of CD34+ cells in these diseases. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology [source] Classical conditioning in the rat fetus: Involvement of mu and kappa opioid systems in the conditioned responseDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002William P. Smotherman Abstract When the Embryonic Day 20 (E20) rat fetus is given a conditioning trial involving a paired presentation of an artificial nipple (the conditioned stimulus; CS) with an intraoral infusion of milk (the unconditioned stimulus; US), it shows evidence of classical conditioning when again exposed to the CS during a test trial. Specifically, the fetus shows fewer oral grasp responses (the conditioned response; CR) when continuously presented with the artificial nipple. The present study further investigated this classically conditioned reduction in oral grasping. Separate experiments (a) examined the time course of the reduction in oral grasping (Experiment 1), (b) characterized the time course of mu opioid (Experiment 2) and kappa opioid (Experiment 3) involvement in the CR, and (c) described changes in fetal behavior (Experiment 4) associated with mu and kappa opioid effects on responding to the artificial nipple. The results are discussed in terms of opioid involvement in establishing and maintaining early suckling behavior. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 40: 104,115, 2002. DOI 10.1002/dev.10016 [source] Classical conditioning in the rat fetus: Temporal characteristics and behavioral correlates of the conditioned responseDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002William P. Smotherman Abstract This study examined the temporal characteristics and behavioral correlates of the conditioned response (CR) following classical conditioning of the embryonic Day 20 (E20 rat fetus). The conditioning procedure involved pairing of an artificial nipple (the CS) with an infusion of milk (the US) to establish classical conditioning. The test for classical conditioning involved measurement of a stimulus-evoked facial wiping response in a classical conditioning test. Experiment 1 compared the effectiveness of one- and three-trial procedures to establish classical conditioning. Experiment 2, 3, and 4 described the time course for the CR following one- and three-trial conditioning procedures. Experiments 3b and 4b describe the behavioral responses to (a) presentation of the CS at the time of conditioning, (b) infusion of the milk US at the time of conditioning, and (c) reexposure to the CS before the test for classical conditioning. Experiments 5 and 6 exposed the fetus to manipulations that either increased or decreased stretching (a behavior found to be associated with the CR). The results are discussed in terms of the temporal characteristics and behavioral correlates of conditioned and unconditioned responses and their mediation by activity in endogenous mu and kappa opioid systems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 40: 116,130, 2002. DOI 10.1002/dev.10017 [source] USEFUL ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY TO ASSESS THE EFFICACY OF NEOADJUVANT THERAPY FOR ADVANCED ESOPHAGEAL CARCINOMA: BASED ON THE RESPONSE EVALUATION CRITERIA IN SOLID TUMORSDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 1 2005Masaho Ota Objective:, The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy for advanced esophageal carcinoma based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Patients and Methods:, Sixty-two patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma underwent surgical resection after neoadjuvant therapy. The maximal tumor thickness was measured by EUS before and after neoadjuvant therapy, and the percent reduction was compared with the pathological response. Based on the RECIST, PD-SD (progressive disease-stable disease) was defined as < 30% reduction of tumor thickness on EUS, PR (partial response) as , 30% reduction of tumor thickness, and CR (complete response) as no detectable tumor (100%). Results:, The percent reduction of the thickness of Grade 0,1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 tumor was 11.5 ± 21.0%, 48.2 ± 17.0% and 74.9 ± 21.1%, respectively. There were significant differences in the extent of reduction among the three groups. Based on the RECIST, 80% of Grade 0,1 cases, 91% of Grade 2 cases and 22% of Grade 3 cases were PD-SD, PR, and CR according to EUS, respectively. EUS correctly identified 80% of non-responders and 94% of responders. Conclusions:, The percentage reduction of tumor thickness on EUS closely reflected the pathological evaluation. EUS evaluation based on the RECIST seems to be useful for monitoring neoadjuvant therapy in patients with esophageal carcinoma. [source] Study on minute surface structures of the depressed-type early gastric cancer with magnifying endoscopyDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 3 2001Kouji Tobita Background: Gastric surface patterns and morphology of minute surface vessels in depressed lesions were analyzed using a magnifying endoscope with high resolving power to contribute to qualitative diagnosis of gastric cancer. Methods: Subjects were diagnosed with depressed-type early gastric cancer (pT1), there were 63 lesions, 38 differentiated-type lesions, and 25 undifferentiated-type lesions. There were also 40 benign depressed lesions found. After routine observations with an endoscope, amplifying observations of lesions were made by EG-410CR (Fuji Photo Optical; Saitama, Japan) (CR). The images were compared with macroscopic patterns and histopathological patterns of the surgical specimens and endoscopic mucosal resection specimens. Results: Surface patterns of gastric depressed lesions were classified as irregular protrusion, normal papilla, pseudopapilla and amorphia. Irregular protrusion was found only in cancerous lesions. Characteristic minute vessels were observed in amorphia. Their patterns were classified into the following six types: sand, fence, round net, flat net, branch and coil. Irregular protrusion and minute vessels in amorphia (round net, flat net, branch and coil) were specific to cancers. There was a tendency for round net and flat net patterns to be found often in differentiated cancers and for branch and coil patterns to be found often in undifferentiated cancers. Conclusion: This magnifying endoscopic classification is considered useful for the qualitative diagnosis of depressed-type early gastric cancer. [source] Preoperative chemoradiotherapy in cancer of the thoracic esophagusDISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 1 2003G. Terrosu SUMMARY. Surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is the standard treatment of esophageal cancer. Preoperative radio- and chemotherapy (CT) have been introduced to improve prognosis. We report a phase II prospective non-randomized trial of preoperative RT (42 Gy/25) plus CT (cisplatin 20 mg/mq/day plus 5-fluorouracil 600 mg/mq/day, 1,5 weeks) for the treatment of thoracic esophageal cancer. From 1993, 50 patients were enrolled (40 men and 10 women, mean age 57 years, range 30,75 years). Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 90% of cases; 10% were adenocarcinoma. Downstaging of the disease was obtained in 77.3% of cases; there were 13 (29.5%) complete responses (CR) and 21 (47.7%) partial responses (PR). Median survival was 28 and 25 months, respectively, for CR and partial response (PR) plus stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) (P = 0.05). Progressive-free median survival was 22 and 17 months, respectively, for CR and PR + SD + PD (P = 0.08). Multimodal treatment of esophageal cancer showed promising results, although not significant, in terms of survival and disease progression for patients achieving a complete pathologic response. [source] Assessment of the predictive value of clinical and histopathological factors as well as the immunoexpression of p53 and bcl-2 proteins in response to preoperative chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinomaDISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 3 2000J. Szumilo The aim of the study was to determine the predictive value of selected clinical and histopathological factors as well as the immunohistochemical expression of p53 and bcl-2 proteins in the prediction of the pathological response to preoperative chemotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Thirty-four patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus (T2,4 N0,1 M0), who underwent one cycle of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil therapy followed by subtotal esophagectomy, were studied. All clinical factors (tumor longitudinal diameter in a computed tomographic scan, invasion depth, the presence of lymph node metastasis and clinical tumor staging) were evaluated before the onset of the therapy. The histopathological features (grade of differentiation, degree of keratinization, nuclear polymorphism, mitotic index, pattern of cancer invasion and inflammatory response), and the expression of p53 and bcl-2 proteins were also estimated in prechemotherapy endoscopic biopsy specimens. Pathological response to chemotherapy was assessed in surgically resected specimens. Of 34 patients, two (5.9%) showed complete response (CR), six patients (17.6%) exhibited major histological changes (partial response 1; PR1), 24 (70.6%) showed minor histological changes (partial response 2; PR2), and two patients (5.9%) exhibited no response to chemotherapy (stable disease; SD). There were no significant relationships between the response to preoperative chemotherapy (CR + PR1 vs. PR2 + SD) and the majority of the clinical and all the histopathological features. Deeper cancer invasion before chemotherapy was the only factor that tended to worsen the therapy effect (p < 0.01). The pathological response to treatment had no significant associations with the expression of p53 and bcl-2 proteins in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. It should be noted, however, that both patients in CR were p53 and bcl-2 protein-negative. [source] A yield displacement distribution-based approach for strength assignment to lateral force-resisting elements having strength dependent stiffnessEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 15 2003W. K. Tso Abstract Recent studies have shown that for many lateral force-resisting elements (LFRE) stiffness is dependent on strength, and as a result strength assignment to these elements would affect both the strength and stiffness distributions in a structure. Consequently, stiffness distribution cannot be considered known prior to strength assignment. This paper presents a yield displacement distribution-based strength assignment strategy that does not require the knowledge of stiffness distribution prior to strength assignment. It is shown that structural systems with their center of rigidity (CR) and center of strength (CV) located on the opposite sides of the center of mass (CM) will have small torsional responses under seismic excitation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley Sons, Ltd. [source] Electrochemical Determination of a Free Chlorine Residual Using Cathodic Potential-Step ChronocoulometryELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 8 2005Shin-ya Kishioka Abstract The cathodic reaction of chlorine residual (CR) combined with anodic pre-electrolysis enables the quantification of CR as a gaseous chlorine. Potential-step chronocoulometry was successfully applied to extend the CR detection range. [source] Caloric Restriction Inhibits Seizure Susceptibility in Epileptic EL Mice by Reducing Blood GlucoseEPILEPSIA, Issue 11 2001Amanda E. Greene Summary: ,Purpose: Caloric restriction (CR) involves underfeeding and has long been recognized as a dietary therapy that improves health and increases longevity. In contrast to severe fasting or starvation, CR reduces total food intake without causing nutritional deficiencies. Although fasting has been recognized as an effective antiseizure therapy since the time of the ancient Greeks, the mechanism by which fasting inhibits seizures remains obscure. The influence of CR on seizure susceptibility was investigated at both juvenile (30 days) and adult (70 days) ages in the EL mouse, a genetic model of multifactorial idiopathic epilepsy. Methods: The juvenile EL mice were separated into two groups and fed standard lab chow either ad libitum (control, n = 18) or with a 15% CR diet (treated, n = 17). The adult EL mice were separated into three groups; control (n = 15), 15% CR (n = 6), and 30% CR (n = 3). Body weights, seizure susceptibility, and the levels of blood glucose and ketones (,-hydroxybutyrate) were measured over a 10-week treatment period. Simple linear regression and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the relations among seizures, glucose, and ketones. Results: CR delayed the onset and reduced the incidence of seizures at both juvenile and adult ages and was devoid of adverse side effects. Furthermore, mild CR (15%) had a greater antiepileptogenic effect than the well-established high-fat ketogenic diet in the juvenile mice. The CR-induced changes in blood glucose levels were predictive of both blood ketone levels and seizure susceptibility. Conclusions: We propose that CR may reduce seizure susceptibility in EL mice by reducing brain glycolytic energy. Our preclinical findings suggest that CR may be an effective antiseizure dietary therapy for human seizure disorders. [source] The Costs of Childhood Epilepsy in Italy: Comparative Findings from Three Health Care SettingsEPILEPSIA, Issue 5 2001R. Guerrini Summary: ,Purpose: To determine the direct costs of epilepsy in a child neurology referral population, stratified by disease, duration, and severity, comparing three different health care settings [i.e., teaching or clinical research (CR) hospitals, general hospitals, and outpatient services]. Methods: Patients were accepted if they had confirmed epilepsy and were resident in the center catchment area. Eligible subjects were grouped in the following categories: (a) newly diagnosed patients; (b) patients with epilepsy in remission; (c) patients with active non,drug-resistant epilepsy; and (d) those with drug-resistant epilepsy. Over a 12-month period, data regarding the consuming of all resources (i.e., consultations, tests, hospital admissions, drugs), were collected for each patient. Using the Italian National Health Service tariffs, the unit cost of each resource was calculated and indicated in Euros, the European currency. Results: A total of 189 patients was enrolled by two teaching-CR hospitals, two general hospitals, and two outpatient services. The patients were evenly distributed across the four categories of epilepsy. The mean annual cost per person with epilepsy was 1,767 Euros. Drug-resistant epilepsy was the most expensive category (3,268 Euros) followed by newly diagnosed epilepsy (1,907 Euros), active non,drug-resistant epilepsy (1,112 Euros), and epilepsy in remission (844 Euros). Costs were generally highest in teaching-CR hospitals and lowest in outpatient services. Hospital services were the major cost in all epilepsy groups, followed by drugs. Conclusions: The cost of epilepsy in children and adolescents in Italy tends to vary significantly depending on the severity and duration of the disease Hospitals services and drugs are the major sources of costs. The setting of health care plays a significant role in the variation of the costs, even for patients in the same category of epilepsy. [source] The Silent Bared-Teeth Face and the Crest-Raise of the Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx): a Contextual Analysis of Signal FunctionETHOLOGY, Issue 2 2005Mark E. Laidre The functions of two visual signals of the mandrill [silent bared-teeth face (SBTF) and crest-raise (CR)] were investigated by quantifying the probability of each signal occurring across a set of distinct contexts. The motivation for the investigation was twofold: (1) SBTF had been interpreted in diverse and sometimes contradictory ways, and (2) CR had been interpreted as a distinct signal from SBTF, despite indications that the two signals grade into one another. In our investigation we considered four functions for both SBTF and CR (threat, submissive, conciliatory, and ambivalent), and we made specific predictions about the relative probability that a signal with each of these functions should occur in different contexts. To determine if SBTF and CR represent a single graded signal, we analyzed them separately and together. We predicted that if they represent a single graded signal, then they should exhibit similar patterns of occurrence across contexts when they were analyzed separately, and that these patterns should be strengthened when they were analyzed together. The results showed that both SBTF and CR met the predictions for conciliatory signals, occurring most often in non-aggressive, non-hostile contexts and least often in aggressive, hostile contexts. The results were also consistent with the hypothesis that SBTF and CR represent a single graded signal. [source] ThaDD plus high dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation does not appear superior to ThaDD plus maintenance in elderly patients with de novo multiple myelomaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Massimo Offidani Abstract Objectives:,With the aim to address the issue whether high-dose therapy (HDT) is required after new drugs combinations to improve outcome of elderly newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, we compared the toxicity and the outcome of ThaDD plus maintenance to those of ThaDD plus HDT-autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Methods: Sixty-two patients not eligible for HDT receiving six courses of ThaDD regimen plus maintenance with thalidomide were compared to 26 patients eligible for HDT treated with four courses of ThaDD followed by melphalan 100,200 mg/m2 and ASCT. The two groups were matched for the main characteristics except for age favouring the HDT group. Results and conclusions:,Complete remission (CR) obtained with ThaDD plus maintenance was 24% whereas it was 57% after ThaDD plus HDT-ASCT (P = 0.0232). However, after a median follow-up of 36 months, median time to progression (TTP) and progression free survival (PFS) of the group of patients undergone HDT were not significantly different to those of patients receiving ThaDD plus maintenance (32 vs. 31 months: P = 0.962; 32 vs. 29 months: P = 0.726, respectively). Five-year overall survival (OS) was 49% in the first group and 46% in the latter one (P = 0.404). As expected, a significantly higher incidence of grade 3,4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, infections, mucositis and alopecia were observed in the ThaDD plus HDT group. Our results suggest that in elderly MM patients ThaDD plus HDT, albeit significantly increases CR rate, seems to be equivalent to ThaDD plus maintenance in terms of TTP, PFS and OS. These results challenge the requirement for HDT consolidation in this subset of patients. [source] DV-ICE, intensive induction and early transplantation for adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a phase II studyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Christine Dudler Abstract Objectives:, Eighty percent of adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) achieve a complete remission (CR) but only 30,40% are long term survivors. Best treatment strategies remain to be defined. The role of induction intensity, first remission hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and maintenance chemotherapy continues to be discussed. We tested a strategy of high intensity treatment of short duration followed by HSCT. Patients and methods:, This prospective phase II study used induction with DV-ICE followed by immediate allogeneic or autologous HSCT (depending on donor availability) without additional consolidation or maintenance treatment. DV-ICE consisted of dexamethasone, vincristine, idarubicin, etoposide, and conventional dose cytosine arabinoside; HSCT was planned immediately if CR was achieved or after an additional course of intermediate high dose cytosine arabinoside and etoposide for patients with induction failure. A total of 42 consecutive patients between 17 and 67 yr of age (median 43 yr) were enrolled. Of the 42 patients, 57% were male, 76% had B-lineage ALL, 19% T-lineage ALL and two patients biphenotypic ALL. 29% were Ph+; 7% had 11q23 and 45% had a normal karyotype. CNS involvement was found in three patients. Results:, Thirty-three patients (79%) achieved a CR, 24 patients after induction I or II and nine patients after rescue HSCT. 31 patients received a HSCT (seven autologous and 24 allogeneic). 11 patients did not receive a HSCT because of early death in nine (treatment toxicity in five, refractory disease in four), one patient refused transplantation, one patient was not suitable. Disease-free survival (DFS) of the entire cohort was 46% (95% CI ±16%) at 1 yr and 16% (±13%) at 5 yr. Overall survival (OS) was 63% (±15%) at 1 yr and 23% (±15%) at 5 yr, with a median follow-up of surviving patients of 55 (4,136) months. Neither disease subtype, cytogenetic abnormalities nor patient age or gender was significantly associated with survival. Conclusions:, Intensive induction using DV-ICE followed by early transplantation without treatment beyond 4 months failed to improve outcome compared with standard treatment. [source] A systematic review of phase II trials of thalidomide/dexamethasone combination therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myelomaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Marie Von Lilienfeld-Toal Abstract Thalidomide monotherapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) has a response rate of 30%. The combination of thalidomide with dexamethasone (Thal/Dex) is expected to improve responses, but it is unknown if the combination increases the rate of adverse events. Here, we conducted a systematic review of studies evaluating Thal/Dex in relapsed/refractory MM. Twelve studies were included, comprising 451 patients. The response rate (CR and PR) was 46% (95% CI 42,51%). Therapy-related toxicity was comparable to thalidomide monotherapy and included somnolence (26%, 95% CI 22,31%), constipation (37%, 95% CI 32,42%) and peripheral neuropathy (27%, 95% CI 23,32%). Only venous thromboembolism appeared to occur more often with Thal/Dex (5%, 95% CI 3,8%). Thus, using Thal/Dex results in an improved response rate in relapsed/refractory MM, with a toxicity rate comparable to thalidomide monotherapy. [source] Rituximab therapy in adult patients with relapsed or refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura: long-term follow-up resultsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Marta Medeot Abstract Objective:, To evaluate the long-term activity and toxicity profile of rituximab in adult patients with idiopathic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Patients and methods:, Twenty-six patients with active and symptomatic ITP relapsed or refractory received weekly infusions of rituximab 375 mg/m2 for 4 wk. Median time from diagnosis to rituximab was 34.5 months. The following parameters of efficacy and toxicity were considered: complete response (CR) and partial response (PR), relapse rate, relapse-free survival (RFS), therapy-free survival (TFS), short- and long-term toxicity. Results:, CR and PR were 14/26 (54%) and 4/26 (15%), respectively. Median time of observation was 56.5 months (range 39,77). Nine of the 18 responding patients relapsed after a median of 21 months (range 8,66); 9/26 patients (35%) maintained the response, with a median follow-up of 57 months (range 39,69), and 11/26 (42%) did not necessitate further therapy; estimated 5 yr RFS and TFS were 61% and 72%, respectively. Younger age and shorter interval from diagnosis to rituximab appeared indicators of better outcome. Rituximab administration was associated with two episodes of short-term toxicity, with one case of serum sickness syndrome; no infectious or other significant long-term complications were documented. Conclusion:, Rituximab therapy may achieve long-lasting remission in nearly one-third of patients with relapsed or refractory ITP, with a good safety profile. [source] Ifosfamide, etoposide, cytarabine, and dexamethasone as salvage treatment followed by high-dose cyclophosphamide, melphalan, and etoposide with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for relapsed or refractory lymphomasEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007P. Schütt Abstract High-dose chemotherapy (HD-CT) with autologous stem cell transplantation is considered to be the treatment of choice for relapsed high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) patients, but the optimal treatment has not yet been defined. We evaluated a salvage treatment regimen consisting of conventional cycles with ifosfamide, etoposide, cytarabine, and dexamethasone (IVAD) followed by two cycles of HD-CT consisting of cyclophosphamide, melphalan, and etoposide (CMV) with autologous stem cell support in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL (n = 59) and HL (n = 16). Response to IVAD was complete remission (CR) in 16 patients (21%), partial remission (PR) in 39 patients (52%), stable disease (SD) in 18 patients (24%), and progressive disease (PD) in two patients (2.7%). Of 70 patients treated with HD-CT, 41 patients (59%) showed a CR, 20 patients a PR (29%), eight patients a SD (11%), and one patient a PD (1.4%). The 5-yr overall survival for the entire group of patients was 29%, and for patients with NHL and HL 25%, and 38%, respectively. The respective event-free survival probabilities at 5 yr were 22%, 16%, and 31%. Seven treatment-related deaths due to septicemia (three), cardiac arrhythmia (one), pneumonia (one), pneumonitis (one), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (one) were observed. In multivariate analysis, an International Prognostic Index of ,2 and resistant disease to first-line chemotherapy were poor independent prognostic factors for the subgroup of patients with NHL. In conclusion, these results indicate that IVAD/CMV is feasible as a salvage therapy for lymphoma patients. This treatment is currently evaluated with the addition of rituximab. [source] Results of the PETHEMA ALL-96 trial in elderly patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemiaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Juan-Manuel Sancho Abstract Background and aim:,Only 20,30% of elderly patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are enrolled in clinical trials because of co-morbid disorders or poor performance status. We present the results of treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph,) ALL patients over 55 yr treated in the PETHEMA ALL-96 trial. Patients and methods:,From 1996 to 2006, 33 patients 55 yr with Ph, ALL were included. Induction therapy was vincristine, daunorubicin, prednisone, asparaginase, and cyclophosphamide over 5 weeks. Central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis involved triple intrathecal (IT) therapy, 14 doses over the first year. Consolidation-1 included mercaptopurine, methotrexate, teniposide and cytarabine, followed by one consolidation-2 cycle similar to the induction cycle. Maintenance consisted of mercaptopurine and methotrexate up to 2 yr in complete remission (CR) with monthly reinduction cycles (vincristine, prednisone and asparaginase) during the first year. Results:,Median (range) age was 65 yr (56,77). Phenotype (30 patients): early-pre-B 7, common/pre-B 18, T 5. Cytogenetics (28 patients): normal 12, complex 10, t(4;11) 2 and other 4. CR was achieved in 19/33 (57.6%) patients, early death occurred in 12 (36.4%) and 2 (6%) were resistant. Overall survival and disease-free survival probabilities (2 yr, 95% CI) were 39% (21%,57%) and 46% (22%,70%), respectively (median follow up of 24 months). Removal of asparaginase and cyclophosphamide from the induction decreased induction death (OR 0.119, CI 95% 0.022,0.637, P = 0.013) and increased survival (20% vs. 52%, P = 0.05). Conclusions:,The prognosis of elderly Ph, ALL patients is poor. In this study, less intensive induction decreased toxic death, allowing delivery of planned consolidation therapy and increased survival probability. [source] Improved treatment outcome in Chinese children and adolescents with Burkitt's lymphoma and large cell lymphoma by using the modified B-non-Hodgkin's lymphoma-Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster-90 protocolEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2006Xiao-Fei Sun Abstract:,Objectives:,This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the modified B-Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)-Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM)-90-based protocol in Chinese children and adolescents with Burkitt's lymphoma and large cell lymphoma. Methods:,From September 1997 to August 2005, 55 untreated patients (age less than 20 yr) from a single institution were enrolled. The patients were stratified by risk factors (stage, LDH level and chemotherapy response). All patients were treated with a modified B-NHL-BFM 90 protocol. Results:,The median age of the patients was 8 yr (range 1.5,20 yr). Of these patients, 22 (40%) had Burkitt's lymphoma (BKL), 22 (40%) had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBL) and 11 (20%) had anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (ALCL). Complete remission (CR) occurred in 45 patients (83%), partial remission (PR) in eight patients (14.5%), and progressive disease (PD) in one patient (1.8%). At a median follow up of 24 months, the event free survival (EFS) for all patients was 85% ± 5% with 100% for group R1, 84% ± 7% for group R2 and 72% ± 13% for group R3, and most notably, 80% ± 6% for stage III/IV at diagnosis. There was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.96) in EFS among BKL and DLBL and ALCL. The major toxicity complications were myelosuppression and mucositis, but these conditions were tolerated and manageable. Conclusions:,This modified NHL-BFM-90 protocol is very effective for Chinese children and adolescents with BKL and large cell lymphomas, and represented an increase in the cure rates in childhood NHL in China. [source] A multicenter, open, non-comparative, phase II study of the combination of cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine), cytarabine, and G-CSF as induction therapy in refractory acute myeloid leukemia , a report of the Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG)EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2003A. Wrzesie Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine, 2-CdA), cytarabine (Ara-C), and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) (CLAG) regimen in refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the multicenter phase II study. Methods: The induction chemotherapy consisted of 2-CdA 5 mg/m2, Ara-C2 g/m2, and G-CSF. In the case of partial remission (PR), a second CLAG was administered. Patients in complete remission (CR) received two consolidation courses based on HD Ara-C, mitoxantrone or idarubicine, with or without 2-CdA. Results: Fifty-eight patients from 11 centers were registered; 50 primary resistant and eight early relapsed (CR1 < 6 months). CR was achieved in 29 (50%) patients, 19 (33%) were refractory, and 10 (17%) died early. Forty of 50 primary resistant patients received daunorubicin (DNR) and Ara-C as the first-line induction therapy (DA-7), 10 received additional 2-CdA (DAC-7). The CR rates after CLAG were 58% and 10%, respectively in each group (P = 0.015). Five of six patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/AML achieved CR. Hematologic toxicity was the most prominent toxicity of this regimen. The overall survival (OS, 1 yr) for the 58 patients as a whole, and the 29 patients in CR were 42% and 65%, respectively. Disease-free survival (DFS, 1 yr) was 29%. Only first-line induction treatment with DA-7 significantly influenced the probability of CR after CLAG. None of the analyzed factors significantly influenced DFS and OS. Conclusion: CLAG regimen has significant anti-leukemic activity and an acceptable toxicity in refractory AML. The addition of 2-CdA to the first-line induction treatment may worsen the results of salvage with CLAG. The high CR rate in patients with MDS preceding AML deserves further observation. [source] Treatment of intermediate- and high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma using CEOP versus CNOPEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2002A Hellenic Co-operative Oncology Group Study Abstract:Introduction: During the last few years epirubicin (E) and mitoxantrone (M) (Novantrone) have been used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), because of their favorable principal profile. In particular, M has less severe non-hematological toxicity. Patients and methods: A randomized multicenter phase III study was conducted in order to compare the efficacy and toxicity of CEOP and CNOP in intermediate- and high-grade NHL. CEOP (arm A) consisted of cyclophosphamide 1000 mg m,2, vincristine 2 mg, E 70 mg m,2 on day 1 and prednisone 60 mg on days 1,7. The CNOP regimen (arm B) was identical to CEOP except for replacement of E by M at a dose of 12 mg m,2. Randomization was stratified according to stages I,IV. From September 1993 to March 1999, 249 patients registered for the trial. Patient characteristics were equally distributed in the two arms, except for age and International Prognostic Index (IPI) groups. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the rates of complete (CR) and partial response (PR). The overall response rate was 78% in arm A (57% CR, 21% PR) and 82% in arm B (60% CR, 22% PR). With a median follow-up time of 47.3 months, the median survival was not reached in arm A, while it was 39.5 months in arm B (P = 0.09). Three-year survival rates were 62.5% for CEOP and 51.5% for CNOP. There was no significant difference regarding the time to progression between the two groups (29.7 vs. 18.5 months); furthermore the median duration of CRs was 71.6 and 49 months for CEOP and CNOP, respectively (P = 0.07). The therapeutic efficacies of both regimens were equivalent among the four IPI groups. More alopecia was observed in arm A. WHO grade >2 neutropenia was more frequent in arm B. Supportive treatment with G-CSF was given to 22 and 24 patients, respectively. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in terms of overall response rates, overall survival and time to progression between CEOP and CNOP in the treatment of intermediate- and high-grade NHL. Patients with low or low intermediate IPI risk treated with either CEOP or CNOP showed significantly better survival, response rates and time to progression than those with high intermediate or high IPI risk. Therefore, new improved therapeutic approaches should be developed for the treatment of high IPI risk patients. [source] Bis(acetylido) Complexes of Ruthenium(II) Bearing Monodentate Phosphane LigandsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 27 2008Leslie D. Field Abstract Terminal acetylenes react with cis -RuMe2(PMe3)4 to form the bis(acetylido) complexes cis/trans -Ru(C,CR)2(PMe3)4 in good yield. The structures of trans - 2 (R = Ph), cis - 3 (R = p -C6H4 -OMe), trans - 4 (R = p -C6H4 -Me), cis - 6 (R = Me), trans - 7 (R = SiMe3) and cis - 8 (R = H) were determined by X-ray crystallography. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||