Search

To investigate the incidence status of viruses in major cultivated areas of watermelon and melon in Chungbuk Province, samples were collected from 2020 to 2021 in vinyl greenhouse of Jincheon and Eumseong and examined for virus infection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Of the six viruses on watermelon that was analyzed in this study, watermelons were infected with cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV), and cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV). The incidence rate of CMV was 20.9–35.0%, WMV 0.4–15.8%, CGMMV 1.6–38.5%, and CABYV was 3.5–3.7% from 2020 to 2021. But strangely, there were no incidence of zucchini yellow mosaic virus and cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) during investigation. From this result, we knew the major virus was CGMMV on watermelon in Chungbuk Province. Molecular diagnosis assays of the two melon viruses, showed that melons were infected with CABYV and CCYV from 2020 to 2021. The incidence rate of CABYV was 53.9–92.2% and CCYV was 2.7–20.8%. The incidence of CABYV was high in melon cultivation of Jincheon and Eumseong, Chungbuk. Afterwards, it is necessary to establish a control management strategy for reduce the incidence of CABYV. Furthermore, we must pay attention that of CCYV even if the incidence was low.

In the process of creating a prediction model using artificial intelligence by utilizing a deep neural network, it is of utmost significance to know the amount of insolation that has an absolute effect on the quantity of power generation of a solar cell. To predict the power generation quantity of a solar power plant, a deep neural network requires previously accumulated power generation data of a power plant. However, if there is no equipment to measure solar radiation in the internal facilities of the power plant and if there is no record of the existence of solar radiation in the past data, it is inevitable to obtain the solar radiation information of the nearest point in an effort to accurately predict the quantity of power generation. The site conditions of the power plant are affected by the geographical topography which acts as a stumbling block while anticipating favorable weather conditions. In this paper, we introduce a method to solve these problems and predict the quantity of power generation by modeling the power generation characteristics of a power plant using a neural network. he average of the error between the actual quantity and the predicted quantity for the same period was 1.99, that represents the predictive model is efficient to be used in real-time.

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the available variables and treatment compliance in elderly cancer patients treated with radiotherapy and to establish a decision tree model to guide caregivers in their decision-making process. For this purpose, 456 patients over 74 years of age who received radiotherapy between 2005 and 2017 were included in this retrospective analysis. The outcome of interest was radiotherapy compliance, determined by whether patients completed their scheduled radiotherapy treatment (compliance means they completed their treatment and noncompliance means they did not). A bootstrap (B = 400) technique was implemented to select the best tuning parameters to establish the decision tree. The developed decision tree uses patient status, the Charlson comorbidity index, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance scale, age, sex, cancer type, health insurance status, radiotherapy aim, and fractionation type (conventional fractionation versus hypofractionation) to distinguish between compliant and noncompliant patients. The decision tree’s mean area under the curve and 95% confidence interval was 0.71 (0.66–0.77). Although external validation is needed to determine the decision tree’s clinical usefulness, its discriminating ability was moderate and it could serve as an aid for caregivers to select the optimal treatment for elderly cancer patients.

The conversion of closo-o-carborane–containing compounds to the nido-o-species via deboronation causes photophysical changes that could be used for sensing applications. 9-Methyl-9H-carbazole–based closo- (closo-Cz) and nido-o-carboranyl (nido-Cz) compounds were prepared and fully characterised by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and the solid-state molecular structure of closo-Cz was analysed by X-ray crystallography. Although the closo-compound exhibited an emissive pattern centred at λem = ca. 530 nm in the rigid state only (in THF at 77 K and as a film), nido-Cz demonstrated intense emission in the near-UV region (λem = ca. 380 nm) in both solution and film states at 298 K. The positive solvatochromic effect of nido-Cz and the results of theoretical calculations for both the o-carboranyl compounds supported that these emissive features originate from intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) corresponding to the o-carborane. Furthermore, the calculations verified that the electronic role of the o-carboranyl unit changed from acceptor to donor upon deboronation from closo-Cz to nido-Cz. Investigations of the radiative decay mechanisms of closo-Cz and nido-Cz according to their quantum efficiencies (Φem) and decay lifetimes (τobs) suggested that the ICT-based radiative decays of closo-Cz and nido-Cz readily occur in the film (solid) and solution state, respectively. These observations implied that the emission of closo-Cz in the solution state could be drastically enhanced by deboronation to nido-Cz upon exposure to an increasing concentration of fluoride anions. Indeed, turn-on emissive features in an aqueous solution were observed upon deboronation, strongly suggesting the potential of closo-Cz as a turn-on and visually detectable chemodosimeter for fluoride ion sensing.

When synthesizing nanoparticles in the liquid phase, polymeric materials (mainly polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP) are applied as capping and/or stabilizing agents. The polymer layer on the nanoparticles must likely be removed since it blocks the active sites of the catalyst and inhibits mass transfer of the reactants. However, we have found that the polymer can have a positive effect on the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide. By testing Pd/SiO2 catalysts with different amounts of PVP, it was revealed that an adequate amount of PVP resulted in a higher rate of hydrogen peroxide production (1001 mmolH2O2 gPd−1 h−1) than pristine Pd/SiO2 did (750 mmolH2O2 gPd−1 h−1), unlike other PVP added Pd/SiO2 catalysts containing excess PVP (less than 652 mmolH2O2 gPd−1 h−1). The effect of PVP on the catalysts was examined by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, CO chemisorption, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For the catalysts containing PVP, the oxidation state of the palladium 3d shifted to high binding energy due to electron transfer from Pd to the PVP molecules. Consequently, the presence of PVP on the catalysts inhibited oxygen dissociation and decomposition of the produced hydrogen peroxide, resulting in a high selectivity and high production rate of hydrogen peroxide.

The conversion of

The photophysical properties of closo-ortho-carboranyl-based donor–acceptor dyads are known to be affected by the electronic environment of the carborane cage but the influence of the electronic environment of the donor moiety remains unclear. Herein, four 9-phenyl-9H-carbazole-based closo-ortho-carboranyl compounds (1F, 2P, 3M, and 4T), in which an o-carborane cage was appended at the C3-position of a 9-phenyl-9H-carbazole moiety bearing various functional groups, were synthesized and fully characterized using multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Furthermore, the solid-state molecular structures of 1F and 4T were determined by X-ray diffraction crystallography. For all the compounds, the lowest-energy absorption band exhibited a tail extending to 350 nm, attributable to the spin-allowed π–π* transition of the 9-phenyl-9H-carbazole moiety and weak intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) between the o-carborane and the carbazole group. These compounds showed intense yellowish emission (λem = ~540 nm) in rigid states (in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 77 K and in films), whereas considerably weak emission was observed in THF at 298 K. Theoretical calculations on the first excited states (S1) of the compounds suggested that the strong emission bands can be assigned to the ICT transition involving the o-carborane. Furthermore, photoluminescence experiments in THF‒water mixtures demonstrated that aggregation-induced emission was responsible for the emission in rigid states. Intriguingly, the quantum yields and radiative decay constants in the film state were gradually enhanced with the increasing electron-donating ability of the substituent on the 9-phenyl group (‒F for 1F &lt, ‒H for 2P &lt, ‒CH3 for 3M &lt, ‒C(CH3)3 for 4T). These features indicate that the ICT-based radiative decay process in rigid states is affected by the electronic environment of the 9-phenyl-9H-carbazole group. Consequently, the efficient ICT-based radiative decay of o-carboranyl compounds can be achieved by appending the o-carborane cage with electron-rich aromatic systems.

Carcinosarcoma is an aggressive tumor that can develop in any organ but is rarely observed in the urinary tract. Given the radioresistant nature of carcinosarcoma and the rapidly regrowing tumor after primary surgery, carcinosarcomas that developed in the body showed poor outcomes regardless of aggressive management. However, the specific optimal treatment for periurethral carcinosarcoma remains unknown. The present study reports a rare case of periurethral carcinosarcoma with metastasis of the skull after receiving surgery for primary tumors with adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation therapy.

Aim We investigated the therapeutic effects of a mitogen-activated protein (MEK) inhibitor, selumetinib, in a hepatic melanoma metastasis model and studied its possible mechanism of action. Materials and methods Melanoma cell lines were exposed to selumetinib under different experimental conditions. We established a mouse model of liver metastasis and treated mice orally with vehicle or selumetinib and then evaluated metastasis progress. Results Growth inhibition was observed in melanoma cells as a consequence of G1-phase cell-cycle arrest and the subsequent induction of apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mice with established liver metastases that were treated with selumetinib exhibited significantly less tumor progression than vehicle-treated mice. c-Myc expression in metastasized liver tissues were suppressed by selumetinib. Moreover, oral treatment with selumetinib modulated expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition- and metastasis-related genes, including integrin alpha-5 (ITGA5), jagged 1 (JAG1), zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), NOTCH, and serpin peptidase inhibitor clade E (SERPINE1). Conclusion We established a mouse model of hepatic metastasis using a human melanoma cell line, such models are essential in elucidating the therapeutic effects of anti-metastatic drugs. Our data suggest the possibility that selumetinib presents a new strategy to treat liver metastasis in patients with melanoma by suppressing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related genes.

Background. The aim of the study was to investigate whether biologically effective dose (BED) based on linearquadratic model can be used to estimate spinal cord tolerance dose in spine stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) delivered in 4 or more fractions. Patients and methods. Sixty-three metastatic spinal lesions in 47 patients were retrospectively evaluated. The most frequently prescribed dose was 36 Gy in 4 fractions. In planning, we tried to limit the maximum dose to the spinal cord or cauda equina less than 50% of prescription or 45 Gy2/2. BED was calculated using maximum point dose of spinal cord. Results. Maximum spinal cord dose per fraction ranged from 2.6 to 6.0 Gy (median 4.3 Gy). Except 4 patients with 52.7, 56.4, 62.4, and 67.9 Gy2/2, equivalent total dose in 2-Gy fraction of the patients was not more than 50 Gy2/2 (12.1- 67.9, median 32.0). The ratio of maximum spinal cord dose to prescription dose increased up to 82.2% of prescription dose as epidural spinal cord compression grade increased. No patient developed grade 2 or higher radiationinduced spinal cord toxicity during follow-up period of 0.5 to 53.9 months. Conclusions. In fractionated spine SBRT, BED can be used to estimate spinal cord tolerance dose, provided that the dose per fraction to the spinal cord is moderate, e.g. < 6.0 Gy. It appears that a maximum dose of up to 45-50 Gy2/2 to the spinal cord is tolerable in 4 or more fractionation regimen.

Natural polymer-based drug carriers have been developed for antimicrobial applications but several problems remain with their poor controllability of drug loading and degradation. We introduce a novel method to produce improved antibiotic alginate fiber with high drug entrapment properties and a delayed degradation profile. A microfluidic spinning system with a low-polarity isopropyl alcohol (IPA) sheath flow was used to dehydrate an alginate/ampicillin aqueous solution and to form densely packed fiber with enhanced drug loading efficiency. The amounts of ampicillin initially loaded in the IPA-fiber were much higher than in the conventional water-based fiber and they released a more prolonged profile. The fibers were characterized by analyzing the morphology, mass loss and structural properties. The fibers were also used for an in vivo infected wound healing study. The results showed that the IPA-based fibrous alginate drug carrier possesses superior properties for loading drugs and potentials for wound healing applications with easy management.

This study was designed to assess whether the conventional tangential technique, using a multileaf collimator (MLC), allows a reduced dose to the organs at risk (OAR) in breast radiation therapy. A total of forty right and left 20 for each breast cancer patients that underwent radiation therapy after breast conserving surgery were included in this study. For each patient, the planning target volume (PTV) and OAR (heart, left anterior descending artery (LAD), liver and lung) were defined and dose distribution were produced for conventional tangential beams using 6 MV photons. The treatment plans were made using the following two techniques for all patients. For the first plan (P1), MLC was designed to shield as much of OAR as possible without compromising the coverage of PTV. In the second plan (P2), the treatment plan was created without using MLC. Dose-volume histograms for OARs were calculated for all plans. For left breast cancer, the percentage of maximum dose (Dmax%) and mean dose (Dmean%) of OARs (heart and LAD) were calculated, and for right breast cancer, the percentage of the mean dose (Dmean%) of the liver was calculated. The Dmean% of the lung was calculated in all patients. The mean values of Dmax% of the heart (86.9±19.5% range, 35.1-100.6%) in P1 were significantly lower than in P2 (98.3±3.4% range, 91.7-105.2%) (p=0.001). The mean values of Dmax% of LAD (78.4±22.5% range, 26.5-99.7%) in P1 was significantly lower than in P2 (93.3±8.1% range, 67.9-102.1%) (p

Purpose We aimed to assess prognostic value of metastatic pelvic lymph node (mPLN) in early-stage cervical cancer treated with radical surgery followed by postoperative chemoradiotherapy. Also, we sought to define a high-risk group using prognosticators for recurrence. Materials and methods A multicenter retrospective study was conducted using the data from 13 Korean institutions from 2000 to 2010. A total of 249 IB-IIA patients with high-risk factors were included. We evaluated distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in relation to clinicopathologic factors including pNstage, number of mPLN, lymph node (LN)ratio (number of positive LN/number of harvested LN), and log odds of mPLNs (log(number of positive LN+0.5/number of negative LN+0.5)). Results In univariate analysis, histology (squamous cell carcinoma [SqCC] vs. others), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), number of mPLNs (≤ 3 vs. g 3), LN ratio (≤ 17% vs. g 17%), and log odds of mPLNs (≤ ‒0.58 vs. g ‒0.58) were significant prognosticators for DMFS and DFS. Resection margin involvement only affected DFS. No significant survival difference was observed between pN0 patients and patients with 1-3 mPLNs. Multivariate analysis revealed that mPLN g 3, LVI, and non-SqCC were unfavorable index for both DMFS (p l 0.001, p=0.020, and p=0.031, respectively) and DFS (p l 0.001, p=0.017, and p=0.001, respectively). A scoring system using these three factors predicts risk of recurrence with relatively high concordance index (DMFS, 0.69; DFS, 0.71). Conclusion mPLN g 3 in early-stage cervical cancer affects DMFS and DFS. A scoring system using mPLNs g 3, LVI, and non-SqCC could stratify risk groups of recurrence in surgically resected early-stage cervix cancer with high-risk factors.

Department of Horticultural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763, KoreaAbstract - This study was accomplished to investigate the effect of harvest time on the contents of polyphenolic compounds such as epicatechin, catechin, resveratrol and quercetin in grapes ( Vitis spp.). The souble solids contents were increased with harvest time delay, while the titratable acidity continuously decreased in all cultivars. Brightness (L) was higher in ‘Campbell Early’ and ‘Shigyoku’, Hunter a value was high in ‘Shigyoku’ which was harvested later. Hunter b value seemed to be different in ‘Shigyoku’ depending on harvesting time . The contents of EC which was extracted ‘Campbell Early’, ‘Shigyoku’ and ‘M.B.A’ were higher late harvest time than early harvest time, reapectively, In ‘Shigyoku which requires the direct light, the contents of EGC and EC showed distinct di fferences depending on harvesting time. The compositions of epicatechin were different depending on cultivars. The contents of catechin and resveratrol were higher in ‘Campbell Early’ and ‘M.B.A’ which were harvested later, but ‘Shigyoku’ which was harvested earlier. The contents of quercetin was higher in ‘Campbell Early’ which was harvested earlier, but ‘Shigy oku’ and ‘M.B.A’ which were harvested later. In comparison with ‘Shigyoku’ and ‘M.B.A’, catechin and resveratrol contents we re seen to be higher in ‘Campbell Early’ irrespective of harvesting time.

This study was performed to clarify the effect of medium compositions and plant growth regulators on the shoot, root formation and growth of ‘Jarang’ grape for mass propagation of virus‐free plant. The formation and growth of shoot were considerably favorable in half ‐concentration of MS medium. However, the fo rmation of adventitious root per explants (avg. 2.1) was effective in higher concentration (two times) of MS medium. For sucrose concentration, 1% for the shoot formation, 3% for the adventitious root formation and 1% for the growth were observed as yield significant results. With the addition of 0.05% of activated carbon, the shoot growth was improved, and it was effective for the adventitious root formation and growth as well. A pH of 6.8 in the medium was the most suitable for mass propagation; the results showed significant enhancement in the number of nodes and the length of the shoot, 3.9 and 1.3 cm, respectively. The shoot growth was the most vigorous in BA 1.0 mg/L due to the impact of the growth regulator on the mass propagation in it. Consequently, 16.9 shoots per explant were formed in NAA 1.0 mg/L so good results were obtained.

This study was carried out of investigate the effect of weed control methods on the growth of‘campbell early’ grape at the vineyards which was divided into the 18 zone (3.5 m × 5.5 m/zone) in the graperesearch institute. It’s investigated control effects, growth and quantity of grape and dominant weed ofJuly~August by sprayed glufosinate ammonium and paraquat dichloride each 3 times, fabric covering, grassplanting (Festuca myuros), mechanical weeding (3 times). The weed showed total of 16 species at thevineyards. Late-May to early growth stage of grape was dominated Chenopodium album and Trifoliumrepens , but to late growth stage of grape from mid-July was dominated Erigeron canadensis, Echinochloacrus-galli and Chenopodium album. Weed control effect of 10 day after treatment showed fabric covering100%, grass planting (Festuca myuros L.) 95.3%, mechanical weeding 81.9%, glufosinate ammonium (3times) 98.1% and paraquat dichloride (3 times) 90.4%, respectively. Growth of grape was higher herbicidestreatment and mechanical weeding than others. Yield tended to be higher glufosinate ammonium (3 times)and paraquat dichloride (3 times) each 12.6 kg/tree, 12.3 kg/tree than others.Key words Campbell early, Control effect, Grape, Growth, Weed

We investigated the therapeutic effects of a mitogen-activated protein (MEK) inhibitor, selumetinib, in a hepatic melanoma metastasis model and studied its possible mechanism of action.Melanoma cell lines were exposed to selumetinib under different experimental conditions. We established a mouse model of liver metastasis and treated mice orally with vehicle or selumetinib and then evaluated metastasis progress.Growth inhibition was observed in melanoma cells as a consequence of GWe established a mouse model of hepatic metastasis using a human melanoma cell line, such models are essential in elucidating the therapeutic effects of anti-metastatic drugs. Our data suggest the possibility that selumetinib presents a new strategy to treat liver metastasis in patients with melanoma by suppressing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related genes.

Background This report describes the authors’ experience of “melting” septal cartilage after placement of a septal extension graft in a nasopharyngeal cancer patient that had been previously undergone radiation therapy, and provides a review of the literature. Methods Electronic medical records were used to obtain details of the patient’s clinical history. Results A 32-year-old woman, who had previously undergone radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer, visited our department to for rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty was performed using a septal extension graft to raise the nasal tip (first operation). Five days after surgery, it was found that the septal extension graft was melting without any signs of infection, that is, the graft had softened, lost elasticity, thinned, and partially disappeared without any sign of infection at 5 days, and thus, the nasal tip was reconstructed with conchal cartilage (second operation). Five months after surgery, it was found that almost all septal cartilage had disappeared without any sign of infection, and thus, the entire nasal septum was reconstructed using 2-mm costal cartilage and an onlay graft was used for tip augmentation (third operation). Conclusions After cartilage has been exposed to radiotherapy, its patency should be viewed with suspicion. Further studies are needed for determine the mechanism responsible for cartilage damage after radiotherapy.

We wanted to evaluate the outcomes of cervical cancer patients with supraclavicular lymph node (SCLN) involvement and who received radiation therapy (RT) combined with chemotherapy.From April 2001 to April 2009, seven cervical cancer patients with SCLN involvement were treated by RT and cisplatin-based chemotherapy. All of the patients also had a positive para-aortic lymph node(s) (PALNs). The RT field was designed to include the whole pelvis, the involved PALNs and the SCLN area. The median SCLN RT dose was 66.6 Gy (range, 60 to 75.6 Gy).The median follow-up period was 79 months (range, 13 to 98 months). The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 57.1% and 57.1%, respectively and the 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 57.1% and 42.9%, respectively. The acute hematologic toxicities according to the criteria of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) were G1/2 leukopenia in 2 (29%), G3/4 leukopenia in 5 (71%), G1/2 anemia in 6 (86%), G3 anemia in 1 (14%), G2 thrombocytopenia in 1 (14%) and G3/4 thrombocytopenia in 2 (29%). Within 6 months after RT, most of the patients (4/5; 80%) recovered from the G3/4 leukopenia, except for 1 patient who received chemotherapy after completing RT due to subsequent bone metastasis.RT with chemotherapy as active therapy can be expected to provide favorable results for appropriately selected cervical cancer patients with SCLN involvement but no evidence of distant metastasis. The well designed study enrolling more patients will be necessary to clarify the future indications and selection criteria [corrected].

Purpose To determine feasibility of RapidArc in sequential or simultaneous integrated tumor boost in whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for poor prognostic patients with four or more brain metastases. Materials and Methods Nine patients with multiple (≥4) brain metastases were analyzed. Three patients were classified as class II in recursive partitioning analysis and 6 were class III. The class III patients presented with hemiparesis, cognitive deficit, or apraxia. The ratio of tumor to whole brain volume was 0.8-7.9%. Six patients received 2-dimensional bilateral WBRT, (30 Gy/10-12 fractions), followed by sequential RapidArc tumor boost (15-30 Gy/4-10 fractions). Three patients received RapidArc WBRT with simultaneous integrated boost to tumors (48-50 Gy) in 10-20 fractions. Results The median biologically effective dose to metastatic tumors was 68.1 Gy10 and 67.2 Gy10 and the median brain volume irradiated more than 100 Gy3 were 1.9% (24 cm3) and 0.8% (13 cm3) for each group. With less than 3 minutes of treatment time, RapidArc was easily applied to the patients with poor performance status. The follow-up period was 0.3-16.5 months. Tumor responses among the 6 patients who underwent follow-up magnetic resonance imaging were partial and stable in 3 and 3, respectively. Overall survival at 6 and 12 months were 66.7% and 41.7%, respectively. The local progression-free survival at 6 and 12 months were 100% and 62.5%, respectively. Conclusion RapidArc as a component in whole brain radiation therapy for poor prognostic, multiple brain metastases is an effective and safe modality with easy application.

BACKGROUND Standard treatment for stage I or non-bulky stage II diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has been either a brief course of chemotherapy plus involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) or prolonged cycles of chemotherapy. The introduction of rituximab has necessitated re-evaluation of the treatment for limited disease (LD) DLBCL. METHODS Thirty-nine LD DLBCL patients (median age, 52 years; range, 24-85) treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP) were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment outcomes were evaluated, and toxicity, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared according to the treatment and risk factors. RESULTS The median follow-up duration was 34.6 months (range, 9.1-65.4). The 3-year EFS and OS were 76.0% and 86.0%, respectively. Among the 36 patients who underwent either 3-4 cycles of R-CHOP followed by IFRT (N=22) or 6-8 cycles of R-CHOP (N=14), there was no difference in the 3-year EFS (79.4% vs. 71.6%, P=0.638) and 3-year OS (85.7% vs. 92.9%, P=0.732). Severe neutropenia and neutropenic fever were more frequent in patients treated with R-CHOP alone, with 1 treatment-related mortality. Among the IFRT patients, 1 required hospital admission for IFRT-related complications. No events or deaths were reported among patients without adverse risk factors. CONCLUSION The difference in outcomes between the 2 treatment options was not significant. Analysis of treatment outcomes suggested that baseline characteristics and expected toxicities should be considered in LD DLBCL treatment. Further studies are needed to define the optimal treatment in the rituximab era.

Abstract The Catofin propane process is an emerging industrial process for propylene production through dehydrogenation of propane. It is composed of multiple adiabatic fixed-bed reactors which undergo cyclic operations where propane dehydrogenation and catalyst regeneration alternate over roughly ten minute period for each. One of the major concerns in the operation of the Catofin process is maintaining the reactor at an optimum condition while overcoming gradual catalyst deactivation. Addressing this issue, an online optimization of the Catofin process combined with a repetitive control has been investigated. The optimizer computes optimum initial bed temperatures for dehydrogenation and optimum air flow rate for regeneration, and the repetitive controller performs cycle-wise feedback action during regeneration to attain the target bed temperatures at the terminal time of the regeneration period. Numerical studies have shown that the proposed online optimizing control system performs satisfactorily coping with the catalyst deactivation and other disturbances.

We report on the synthesis and characteristics of polypyrrole (PPy) nanowires and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) films by using functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes (F-SWCNTs). The F-SWCNTs were prepared by the process of ultrasonication of SWCNTs mixture with nitric and sulfuric acid (3:1 volume ratio) solution. The F-SWCNTs has the pending carboxylic acid group ( COOH). The PPy nanowires and bulky P3HT film were electrochemically polymerized based on the Al2O3 nanoporous template and on the ITO glass, respectively, by using the F-SWCNTs as a dopant in electrolyte. We compared the structural characteristics between the arc-grown SWCNTs and the F-SWCNTs through a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscope, a Raman spectroscope, an X-ray photoelectron spectroscope, and an elemental analysis. The formation of PPy nanowires and bulky P3HT film were confirmed through SEM and FT-IR experiments.

Objective: Nail toxicity is one of the most frequent non-hematologic toxicities of docetaxel and often deteriorates patients’ quality of life, leading to treatment discontinuation. To define the incidence of nail change as well as its association with specific risk factors, we prospectively investigated data of 84 consecutive patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who received first-line docetaxel/cisplatin combination chemotherapy. Methods: Chemotherapy-nao¨ve patients were treated with docetaxel, either 3-weekly or weekly, in combination with cisplatin. All patients received adequate premedications including corticosteroids, antiemetics and intravenous hydration. Toxicity was evaluated using National Cancer Institute (NCI) CTCAE version 3. Results: Twenty-two patients (26%) developed nail changes, including nine (11%) with grade 3. Nine patients who developed grade 3 nail changes (seven of whom received weekly docetaxel) were not able to complete planned chemotherapy despite topical and/or oral antibiotic treatment. Most occurrences of nail changes were diagnosed in patients who were treated with weekly schedule (P ¼ 0.02). The number of chemotherapy cycles and cumulative docetaxel doses were strongly associated with the development of nail changes. The cumulative hazard of developing nail changes increased above 10% after 2.8 months up to 40% at 6 months. A multivariate analysis of factors associated with the development of nail changes identified the following to have independent adverse significance: weekly docetaxel administration (odds ratio, 0.084; 95% CI, 0.014 –0.510; P ¼ 0.01) and the number of chemotherapy cycles given (odds ratio, 0.232; 95% CI, 0.067–0.805; P ¼ 0.02). Conclusion: Nail changes occur with more frequent and prolonged use of docetaxel.

We here report a case of primary breast lymphoma (PBL). A 44-year-old woman presented with a painless mass in the right breast. Fine needle aspiration cytology and excisional biopsy were performed. Excisional biopsy revealed low grade lymphoma, which was subsequently confirmed with histopathology and diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A chest computed tomography scan revealed a 3.5 cm sized breast mass with skin thickening and a small sized lymphadenopathy in the ipsilateral axilla. Radiation therapy including the right whole breast and ipsilateral axilla and supraclavicular lymph node was performed after the patient received four courses of R-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone plus rituximab) chemotherapy. At the follow-up period of 42 months, the patient is surviving with no evidence of disease. No morbidities occurred in this patient during the follow-up period. We also briefly review the current practice pattern in PBL patients with DLBCL.

BACKGROUND Late rectal complication (LRC) was a major late complication in patients with uterine cervical carcinoma who were treated with a combination of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and high-dose-rate intracavitary irradiation (HDR-ICR). For the current study, the authors retrospectively evaluated dosimetric parameters that were correlated with LRC ≥ Grade 2 in patients with uterine cervical carcinoma who were treated with curative radiotherapy, and they analyzed the appropriate dose estimates to the rectum that were predictive for LRC ≥ Grade 2. METHODS Between July 1994 and September 2002, 157 patients who were diagnosed with Stage IB–IIIB cervical carcinoma and were treated with definitive radiotherapy were included. EBRT (41.4–66 grays [Gy] in 23–33 fractions) to the whole pelvis was delivered to all patients, with midline shielding performed after a 36–50.4 Gy external dose. HDR-ICR (21–39 Gy in 6–13 fractions to Point A) was administered at a rate of 2 fractions weekly after midline shielding of EBRT. LRC was scored using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. The total biologically effective dose (BED) at specific points, such as Point A (BEDPoint A), rectal point (BEDRP), and maximal rectal point (BEDMP), was determined by a summation of the EBRT and HDR-ICR components, in which the α/β ratio was set to 3. Analyzed parameters included patient age, tumor size, stage, concurrent chemotherapy, ICR fraction size, RP ratio (dose at the rectal point according to the Point A dose), MP ratio (dose at the maximal rectal point according to the Point A dose), EBRT dose, BEDPoint A, BEDRP, and BEDMP. RESULTS The 5-year actuarial overall rate of LRC ≥ Grade 2 in all patients was 18.4%. Univariate analysis showed that the RP ratio, MP ratio, EBRT dose, BEDPoint A, BEDRP, and BEDMP were correlated with LRC ≥ Grade 2 (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that, of all clinical and dosimetric parameters evaluated, only BEDRP was correlated with LRC ≥ Grade 2 (P = 0.009). The 5-year actuarial rate of LRC ≥ Grade 2 was 5.4% in patients with a BEDRP < 125 Gy3 and 36.1% in patients with a BEDRP ≥ 125 Gy3 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS BEDRP was a useful dosimetric parameter for predicting the risk of LRC ≥ Grade 2 and should be limited to < 125 Gy3 whenever possible to minimize the risk of LRC ≥ Grade 2 in patients with uterine cervical carcinoma who are treated with a combination of EBRT and HDR-ICR. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.

A 59-year old male had odynophagia and globus sensation for 10 days prior to his visit. Endoscopically, a fungating mass was observed in the right side of the tongue base (BOT). The peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) was confirmed by a punch biopsy. The patient was classified as stage IIA according to the Ann Arbor staging classification. Radiation therapy (RT) using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VAMT) began after 8 cycles of CHOP chemotherapy. Although the patient achieved a complete remission without RT relating morbidity during the follow-up period, recurrence occurred in the right orbit at 3 months after treatment. The patient received RT with high energy electron on the right orbit. The salvage chemotherapy was followed by RT. The patient died of aggravation of PTCL at 17 months after VMAT. We report a poor prognostic case of PTCL in BOT with chemotherapy followed by RT. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2193-1801-3-731) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background The effect of insufficient node sampling in patients with rectal cancer managed by neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery has not been clearly determined. We evalulated the impact of insufficient sampling or even abscence of lymph nodes in the specimen on survival in patients at high-risk (T3, T4 or node positive) for rectal cancer. Methods We conducted a single institution, retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent surgical rectal resection following neoadjuvant chemoradiation for treatment of mid to lower rectal cancer between 1997 and 2009. ypNX was defined as the absence of lymph nodes retrieved in the resected specimen. Results A total of 132 patients underwent resection for treatment of rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Ninety four patients (71.2%) were considered as having node-negative disease, including ypNx and ypN0. In 38 patients (28.8%), the primary tumor was associated with regional lymph node metastases (ypNpos). The mean number of retrieved nodes per specimen was 14.2, respectively. The five-year overall survival from initial operation for the ypNx group was 100%, respectively. The estimated five-year overall survival for ypN0 and ypNpos was 84.0% and 60.3%, respectively (P =0.001). No significant differences in overall survival were observed between the ypNx and ypN0 group (P =0.302). Conclusion Absence of recovered LN in resected specimens after neoadjuvant chemoradiation was observed in 7.6% of specimens. Absence of LN should not be regarded as a risk factor for poor survival or as a sign of less radical surgery.

To determine complete resection and sphincter preservation rates, down-staging, local control and survival associated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) using a moderately high pelvic radiation dose before surgery in rectal cancer.Fifty-seven patients with histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the mid to lower rectum were treated using preoperative CCRT and surgery. Median radiation dose to the pelvis was 5400 cGy (5040-5580 cGy). CCRT was administered during the first and fifth weeks of radiotherapy with bolus intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 400 mg/m(2)/day and leucovorin (LV) 20 mg/m(2)/day for 5 days. Surgery was attempted 4-8 weeks after completing preoperative CCRT. Post-operative chemotherapy was then added for up to four cycles of intravenous 5-FU and LV.Toxicities during CCRT were generally mild and manageable: Grade 1/2 anemia, 3.5%; Grade 1/2 leukopenia, 45.6%; Grade 3 leukopenia, 3.5%; Grade 1/2 diarrhea, 22.8%; Grade 1/2 abdominal discomfort, 7%; and perianal skin reaction, 5.3%. No late complication requiring surgical intervention occurred. Complete surgical resection with a negative resection margin was achieved in 98.2% of patients, and the down-staging rate was 52.6% (30/57; 95% CI 39.6-65.6%). Complete pathologic response was obtained in 5.3% patients (3/57; 95% CI 0-11.1%) and in other 2 patients only sporadic tumor cells nests were noted in surgical specimens. The sphincter preservation rate was 77.2% (44/57; 95% CI 66.3-88.1%). Of 30 patients with tumors located within 5 cm from the anal verge, sphincter preservation was possible in 18 patients (60.0%; 95% CI 47.3-72.7%). With a median follow-up duration of 40 months, overall and disease-free survival (DFS) rates over 3 years were 91.8% (95% CI 85.5-98.2%) and 79.7% (95% CI 71.2-88.2%), respectively. At univariate analysis, significant factors for DFS was LN involvement status (P = 0.024). Local and distant failure rates over the same period were 5.3 and 21.1%, respectively.Preoperative CCRT produced encouraging down-staging rates and was found to facilitate complete resection and sphincter saving in distal rectal cancer with acceptable toxicity. Further studies are warranted using this moderately high radiation dose to the pelvis to improve the local control.