Search

This paper presents novel and simplistic approach towards the development of graphene based near infrared (NIR) photodetectors. The developed device comprises of Au nanoparticles integrated within the channel of the back-gated graphene field effect transistors. The introduction of Au nanoparticles enhanced response of the device under IR illumination due improved NIR absorption. Further, dynamic response of the device under IR illumination is presented. This study will trigger the development of novel hybrid graphene device for graphene based photodetectors in IR regime.

Background Herbal medicines (HM) are those with active ingredients made from plant parts, such as leaves, roots or flowers. However, being ‘natural’ does not necessarily mean they are safe to take. 1 Taking HMs may not be suitable for children: as for all medicines. The NHS recommends that parents ask a paediatrician or pharmacist before giving a HM to their children. 1 Purpose To investigate HM use in the paediatric population (0–18 years). Material and methods We conducted a prospective study, using a questionnaire delivered to parents waiting in a paediatric practice office. Questions concerned: most used HMs, general opinion about HMs and practical experience (as to their efficacy and side effects). Results 92 questionnaires have been collected to date. 90.2% of those interviewed were mothers. 78.3% affirmed the use of HMs for their children. HMs were mostly used for cough and cold syndromes. 76.9% of mothers bought HMs less than 5 times a year. HMs were mostly suggested by the paediatrician (49.2%) or pharmacist (47.7%), and less frequently by the seller in the herbalist’s shop (10.8%) or by the natural health practitioner (6.2%). 63.6% considered HMs use as an alternative medicine, 50.6% as effective as conventional medicine and 44.4% affirmed that the efficacy HMs depends on the product. 83.8% considered HMs less dangerous than conventional drugs. 84% of parents said that children did not develop side effects after HM administration. The majority of parents reported HM use to the doctor in the case of drug prescription (45.1%); 68.4% were aware of interactions of HMs with other substances. Conclusion Even if this subject is relevant and our data show that HMs are frequently used in children, overall information are lacking in the literature. Hence one of our purposes would be to implement our study, extending it to a more widespread population. References and/or acknowledgements 1. National Health Service, Herbal Medicines http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/herbal-medicines/Pages/Introduction.aspx (accessed 15 October 2016). No conflict of interest

This paper summarizes the results of an EU project called ACTION: ACTive Implant for Optoacoustic Natural sound enhancement. The project is based on a recent discovery that relatively low levels of pulsed infrared laser light are capable of triggering activity in hair cells of the partially hearing (hearing impaired) cochlea and vestibule. The aim here is the development of a self-contained, smart, highly miniaturized system to provide optoacoustic stimuli directly from an array of miniature light sources in the cochlea. Optoacoustic compound action potentials (oaCAP) are generated by the light source fully inserted into the unmodified cochlea. Previously, the same could only be achieved with external light sources connected to a fiber optic light guide. This feat is achieved by integrating custom made VCSEL arrays at a wavelength of about 1550 nm onto small flexible substrates. The laser light is collimated by a specially designed silicon-based ultra-thin lens (165 um thick) to get the energy density required for the generation of oaCAP signals. A dramatic miniaturization of the packaging technology is also required. A long term biocompatible and hermetic sapphire housing with a size of less than a 1 cubic millimeter and miniature Pt/PtIr feedthroughs is developed, using a low temperature laser assisted process for sealing. A biofouling thin film protection layer is developed to avoid fibrinogen and cell growth on the system.

A maskless and non-invasive technique based on optical trapping is used for the direct writing of CNT patterns on Si wafers. Interconnections and active transistor devices are fabricated at room temperatures using this technique.

One hundred eighteen patients with stage D (D1 or D2) prostate cancer with a mean age of 69 years were treated with monthly goserelin (Zoladex; ICI 118, 630; ICI Americas Inc, Wilmington, DE, property of Imperial Chemical Industries PLC) injections and the data were analyzed for predictive parameters for best response and time to treatment failure (National Prostatic Cancer Project [NPCP] and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] criteria). For best response in a univariate analysis, the performance status (PS 0-1 v 2-3) (P = .01), hematocrit (P = .04), and pain (P = .04) were significant. For time to treatment failure by univariate analysis, ECOG performance status (0-1 v 2-3) was most predictive (P less than .0001), followed by pain at entry (P = .0002), initial testosterone (T) level (greater than 250 ng/dL) (P = .0005), age less than 69 years (P = .02), alkaline phosphatase (less than 115 IU/L) (P = .03), hemoglobin (less than 14 g/dL) (P = .03), whereas normal acid phosphatase (less than 3 IU/mL) (P = .29) was not predictive. In multivariate analysis for time to treatment failure, only the ECOG performance status was of significance (P = .01). Estimated median time to treatment failure for PS of 0-1 was 88 weeks and for PS of 2-3 was 31 weeks.

The thermal decomposition of iminodiacetic, oxydiacetic, and thiodiacetic acids in helium atmosphere has been studied by means of thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and temperature-programmed pyrolysis directly coupled with mass spectrometry (TPPy-MS). Evolved gas analysis (EGA) profiles of iminodiacetic and oxydiacetic acids were obtained and compared with TG and DTA profiles. The decomposition of iminodiacetic acid forms water, CO, CO2, CH3CN, HCN and some hydrocarbons. After water evolution a cyclic anhydride is formed, as well as for oxydiacetic acid. Thiodiacetic acid vaporizes without decomposition.

A highly needed major breakthrough in the nanotubes technology for electronic applications is the development of a fabrication method capable of producing well organized nanotube structures, with uniform nanotubes and reproducible electronic properties. In our Institute we are developing site-selective CVD nanotubes synthesis both on flat substrates with patterned catalyst layers and in nanotemplates. Several types of flat substrates such as silicon, silicon oxide, silicon nitride and porous silicon have been prepared. Transition metal catalysts, such as nickel and iron, have been investigated as seeds to nucleate the growth of nanotubes. Various CVD process parameters ( carbon gas precursor type and percentage in the gas mixture, use of etching or carrier gases in the gas mixture and deposition temperature) have been investigated to obtain ordered arrays of reproducible nanotubes. In this paper we report the results of this investigation showing the formation of CNTs on different substrates and different catalysts. The CNTs structural characterization by SEM and TEM observations is reported.

In order to enhance the output of highly charged ions from an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS), several techniques like wall coating, biased disk, electron gun have been proposed and are meanwhile employed as standard tools at most of the existing installations. Although the detailed mechanisms are not clear, it has become evident that the additional injection of electrons into the plasma chamber of an ECRIS considerably improves its performances. Depending on the special conditions of the source these additional electrons can either compensate for losses of plasma electrons or even may change global plasma parameters (e.g. plasma potential) and hence positively influence the extraction at high rates of highly charged ions. The first experiments on biased disk were carried out at CEA, Grenoble and KVI, Groningen in 1990-91 and since then, this method is used by almost any ECRIS in the world. Wall coating is not so widely used but it has been proved to be effective not only for ECRIS but also for microwave discharge ion source (MDIS). Other methods to provide electrons to the plasma will be described in the following. In particular, at the Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), Bucharest, special metal-dielectric (MD) structures of Al-Al2O3 have been developed. They are characterized by their very high secondary electron emission coefficients and therefore they seem to be ideal to be used in an ECRIS. Preliminary tests at IK in Frankfurt and at KVI have given interesting results. In the following an analysis of the possibilities opened by this method and other methods involving electron donors in ECRIS and MDIS field is carried out.

The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicities of fish oil fatty acid capsules containing omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters. Twenty-two patients with neoplastic disease not amenable to curative therapy who had lost 2% of body weight over a previous 1 month time period were given an escalating dose of fish oil fatty acids. The maximum tolerated dose was found to be 0.3 g/kg per day of this preparation. This means that a 70-kg patient can generally tolerate up to 21 1-g capsules/day containing 13.1 g of eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid, the two major omega-3 fatty acids. Dose-limiting toxicity was gastrointestinal, mainly diarrhea, and a poorly described toxicity designated as "unable to tolerate in esophagus or stomach." A patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia taking the fish oil provided an unusual opportunity to perform a detailed biochemical study of the effect of fish oil capsules on the lipids of malignant cells at several sequential time points in treatment. Studies of the malignant lymphocytes, serum, and whole blood of this one patient revealed an increase in eicosapentaenoic acid, the major component of the fish oil capsules, during fish oil capsule treatment. This study provides a scientific basis for the selection of omega-3 fatty acid doses for future studies in cancer. The maximum tolerated dose found is considerably higher than anticipated from published studies of many human diseases. The observation of a modification of the lipids of leukemic cells, serum, and blood in a patient with chronic leukemia provides a biochemical basis for a possible effect of fish oil supplements on cancer cachexia and tumor growth.

A novel gene, testes-specific protease 50 (TSP50), was isolated from a human testes cDNA library by using a genomic DNA probe, BR50. BR50 was isolated by a modified representational difference analysis (RDA) technique due to its hypomethylated feature in a breast cancer biopsy. This altered DNA methylation status was also detected by BR50 in other breast and some ovarian cancer tissues. The TSP50 gene product is a homologue to several human proteases, which indicates that it may encode a protease-like protein. Northern analysis of 16 different types of normal human tissues suggests that TSP50 was highly and specifically expressed in human testes, which indicates that it might possess a unique biological function(s) in that organ. Methylation status analysis in normal human testes and other tissues showed a correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression. Most importantly, reverse transcription-PCR analysis of 18 paired breast cancer tissues found that in 28% of the cancer samples, the TSP50 gene was differentially expressed. The possibility that TSP50 may be an oncogene is presently under investigation.

A diagnosis of cancer provides a teachable moment in which a physician can counsel or teach the patient. The Cancer and Leukemia Group B hypothesized that this teachable moment could also be used to encourage counseling of the patients' relatives who smoke. The authors' first study sought to determine the feasibility of such an intervention, the cooperation of the patients, and the compliance of relatives who were smokers. The long-range goal is to recruit by mail a large population of adult smokers into an intervention program and to assist them in quitting cigarette smoking.Oncologists and their clinical research associates asked recently diagnosed cancer patients to identify their relatives who were smokers and assist in persuading them to quit. Consenting patients spoke to relatives and mailed them a personalized motivational leaflet along with a list of the benefits of quitting smoking. Intervention was continued only with relatives who were contacted in this manner. The participating physicians then wrote to the smokers, advising them to quit; enclosed with each physician's letter were the National Cancer Institute booklet "Clearing the Air," which is about quitting smoking, and a questionnaire determining "stage of change" (the stage of the smoker's inaction or action regarding quitting smoking). After 6 months, a postintervention questionnaire was mailed to the relatives.Written consent was obtained from 89% of 144 eligible patients solicited. Eighty percent of patients involved in the study contacted relatives. Sixty-three percent of contacted relatives returned the first questionnaire and 40% answered the second. Nine percent of all contacted relatives reported having quit smoking after the intervention.The intervention proved to be feasible and will lead to the next study, which will randomize relatives who smoke within a more intensive intervention over 12 months and compare the results with nonintervention controls.

Purpose/Objective(s): The proximity of the pancreas to bowel presents a unique challenge for pancreatic cancer SBRT. This study explores the safety and effectiveness of a novel approach optimizing pancreatic tumor coverage and duodenal sparing. Materials/Methods: From 2010 to 2012, twenty-four patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (21 head/3 body) were treated with initial chemotherapy (Gemcitabine or 5-FU/Cisplatin) for 2-6 months. All underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fiducial placement in and around the tumor and had a 4D treatment planning CT scan with oral contrast. This CTwas used in conjunction with EUS findings, PET, and biphasic CT scans to identify the Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) in the expiration phases. The planning target volume (PTV) was created by expanding the GTV by 2 mm. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) endpoints were constructed, keeping V7/15/20 (stomach/duodenum volumes that receive 7 Gy/15 Gy/ 20 Gy)

Zeniplatin, a more water-soluble organoplatinum than cisplatin, was evaluated for clinical pharmacology in the context of a phase II trial in previously treated patients with ovarian carcinoma. A total of 12 patients were given zeniplatin at 120 mg/m2 by rapid intravenous infusion over 90 min, with both blood and urine being sampled. All platinum moieties were analyzed in whole blood, plasma, plasma ultrafiltrate, and urine by atomic absorption, and free zeniplatin was analyzed in plasma ultrafiltrate by specific high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In a comparison of the platinum-time concentration curve, AUC (area under the curve) values indicated that approximately 90% of platinum moieties were bound to circulating plasma proteins. There was no evidence of drug accumulation after repetitive dosing. The terminal half-life (t1/2) of this drug in plasma ultrafiltrate (3.7-7.2 h.) as measured by HPLC was slightly longer than that of carboplatin, whereas total platinum moieties in plasma displayed a long t1/2 (124-154 h). Approximately 60% of platinum moieties could be recovered in the urine within 24 h. These findings suggest that zeniplatin has a pharmacokinetic profile similar to that of carboplatin.

9119 Background: Cognitive difficulties affect up to 75% of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and these difficulties linger in up to 35% of survivors years after treatment. The extent to whic...

Comfort care for cancer patients in the terminal stage has been the goal of hospice programs since their inception. Among the many treatment modalities available to homebound patients, transfusions have been little studied for their effects on advanced disease symptoms, particularly for those in the terminal phase. Our work in a hospital-based home care program established in 1978 led us to believe that blood transfusions neither slowed the progress of symptoms nor relieved their severity. Our hypothesis being that transfusions do not improve or significantly change the quality of life of terminally ill patients, we studied 24 men and women with various forms of advanced cancer. The only significant clinical difference between pre- and post-transfusion variables was in hematocrit. In the subjective testing, the only significant difference was in the quality of life index completed by the patient. This result could be interpreted as a positive psychological benefit from blood transfusions. The results of other subjective tests, although statistically less significant, also showed a trend toward psychological benefit from transfusions. It would be necessary to carry out studies with a larger sample to conclude that this is indeed the case.

Summary This randomized phase II study was designed to evaluate the activity of intravenous 6-thioguanine (6-TG) as a single agent and of the combination of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) modulated by oral lcucovorin (PFL) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Eligible patients had measurable or evaluable stage III B or IV NSCLC, had not received prior chemotherapy and had a performance status of 0–2. Patients were randomized to treatment with intravenous 6-TG at 55 mg/m2 administered over 30 minutes for 5 consecutive days and repeated every 35 days, or PFL chemotherapy with cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1, 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day as a continuous intravenous infusion over 5 days and oral leucovorin administered at 100 mg every 4 hours during the entire duration of the cisplatin and 5-FU infusions. PFL was repeated every three weeks. Ninety-five eligible patients were randomized, 46 to 6-TG and 49 to PFL. Response rates were 4% for 6-TG (95% confidence interval 0.5%-14.8%, 1 partial, and 1 complete response) and 29% (16.6%-43.3%) for PFL (all partial). The median time to treatment failure was 2 and 4 months, respectively, and the median survival times were 6 and 10 months, respectively. Toxicities with 6-TG were, generally, mild to moderate but severe or life-threatening granulocytopenia was observed in 21% of patients. With PFL, mucositis was dose-limiting, and 78% of patients had severe or life-threatening mucositis. This led to dose reduction of 5-FU and leucovorin during subsequent cycles or treatment termination in 82% of patients. We conclude that intravenous 6-TG has no significant activity at the dose and schedule used in this trial. PFL is an active but toxic regimen.

The influence of gender, age, body size, cholelithiasis, and obesity on fasting gallbladder volume (GBV) was investigated by real-time ultrasonography in a general population cohort of subjects whose ages were between 30 and 69 yr, living in Bari, a Southeastern Italian city. Of the 2076 subjects analyzed, 1246 (60%) were males and 830 (40%) were females (mean age 50 yr). Among them, 1703 subjects were healthy, 108 had gallstones, and 265 were obese. Fasting GBV in healthy individuals was larger in males (M) than in females (F) [M, 18.7 +/- 0.3 (SEM) ml vs. F, 17.0 +/- 0.3 ml; p less than 0.001] and obese (M, 23.4 +/- 1.5 ml vs. 19.7 +/- 0.9 ml; p less than 0.05). The trend was similar in gallstone patients, but it was not statistically significant (M, 23.0 +/- 2.0 ml vs. F, 18.8 +/- 1.5 ml; t = 1.64). Gallbladder size correlated positively with body size in the lean healthy population (p less than 0.01), increased with age in healthy nonobese males (p less than 0.01), and was smaller in healthy males than in males with gallstones (0.01 less than p less than 0.02) and obese, in both sexes (p less than 0.01). We conclude that fasting GBV 1) is larger in lean healthy and obese males than females, 2) increases with age in lean males and with body size in healthy lean females, and 3) is greater in patients with gallstones and in obese subjects, and this might partially account for the defective gallbladder motor function reported in these patients.

The stereologic characteristics of monocytes from patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia containing a monocytic component (FAB M4 and M5), and the monocytes from normal individuals were determined by morphometric analysis. The cells studied were monocytic cells beyond the promonocyte stage of development, as defined by ultrastructural criteria. Parameters evaluated included cell and nuclear volumes and surface areas, mitochondrial and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-positive secretory granule volume and numerical density as well as volume and number of the organelles/cell. Peripheral blood and bone marrow monocytes of leukemic patients could not be distinguished by their cell or organelle stereologic characteristics. Monocytes from patients with both M4 and M5 acute leukemia had relatively large cell and nuclear volumes. Mitochondrial volume density and volume/cell were also high in monocytes from leukemic patients (M4; 21 microns 3/cell, M5 20 microns 3/cell) as compared with monocytes from normal individuals (8.5 microns 3/cell). On the other hand, MPO-positive secretory granule stereologic parameters in monocytes from leukemic patients were indistinguishable from those of normal individuals. A small number (3 of 18) patients showed very low monocyte MPO-positive granule volume densities. There was a slight positive correlation between MPO-positive granule volume density and patient survival time. No relationship between mitochondrial characteristics and survival was noted.

The BF3 catalyzed dimerization of (E)-3, 4-dimethoxycinnamic acid methyl ester offers a route to aryltetralin lignans. The mechanism of the reaction is discussed.

Ultrastructural cytochemical changes occurring during the blast phase of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) are described. Normal developing promyelocytes contain myeloperoxidase (MPO) -positive rough endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear envelope, and Golgi apparatus. All secretory granules of normal promyelocytes are also MPO-positive. In this study we have found abnormal promyelocytes with MPO-positive as well as MPO- negative secretory granules in blast phase CML patients which contrast with the normal pattern of MPO distribution in most CML patients not in the blast phase or in nonleukemic controls. Alkaline phosphatase activity was found in the nuclear envelope of blasts and promyelocytes of one of the blast transformation patients who had a markedly increased leukocyte alkaline phosphatase score. The cytochemical changes in the distribution of MPO suggest that immature leukemic cells may alter their patterns of secretory granule production. Such processes may reflect the emergence of an abnormal clone of cells during the blastic transformation of CML.

A comparative study evaluating home and hospital treatment for terminal cancer patients is reported. Home care was provided by a comprehensive home care program, the Don Monti Home Oncology Medical Extension (H.O.M.E.). A multispecialty team including an oncologist, oncology nurse, social worker, dietitian and technologist is transported to the home in a medically-equipped van to render treatment. Services provided include physical assessments, pain control, chemotherapy and transfusion administration, psychosocial support, nutrition education and bereavement counseling. Two-hundred eighteen patients were entered of which 174 were treated at home and 44 in the hospital. Patients were comparable in age, diagnosis, sites of metastases, prior treatment and Karnofsky status. Both groups received similar supportive care either at home or in the hospital. Cost analysis of home and hospital care revealed a per diem cost benefit of $256.00 for home treatment. Comprehensive home treatment provided by a multi-specialty team can deliver effective care with medical and financial benefits to terminal cancer patients.

An unusual case of an IgM producing lymphoproliferative disorder is presented. Using immunofluorescent techniques, this study shows that the heavy chain is associated with kappa light chain in some cells, and with lambda light chain in other cells. This indicates the presence of two distinct malignant cell populations in this patient.

The contribution of echotomography in the surgical approach to intra-abdominal masses is illustrated through description of several clinical observations. In order to effect frontal reconstruction of ultrasonic seriography, the authors used a manual-scanning B echotomograph probe working in the range of grays. This technic afforded detection of the intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal abdominal masses under investigation as well as precise definition of their location, size, and nature. Because of its rapidity and painlessness, echotomography should be adopted as firstchoice procedure for the diagnostic exploration of intraabdominal masses. Frontal reconstruction enables the surgeon to verify the topography of said masses with remarkable precision, and hence to plan surgery more intelligently.

Chloramphenicol-induced aplastic anemia is well described in the literature following oral use of the drug. Here we describe the first case we are aware of in which chloramphenicol eye ointment resulted in severe aplastic anemia and, subsequently, death. At least two cases of marrow hypoplasia following use of chloramphenicol eyedrops have been described previously in the literature. The absorption route, its possible relation to the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia, and the two types of marrow toxicity associated with chloramphenicol are reviewed. This case emphasizes the necessity for the same careful consideration for the use of topical preparations that one affords the use of parenterally and orally administered medications.

A phase II trial of mitomycin, vinblastine, and cisplatin was undertaken in 26 patients with non-small cell carcinoma of the lung. A major response rate of 46% was seen in measurable and evaluable disease, with a complete response rate of 12%. Median duration of response is 6.5+ months (range, 2.5-19+). Toxic effects included moderate myelosuppression, mild neuropathy, mild azotemia, and severe nausea and vomiting. These results are similar to previously reported studies using vinca alkaloids and cisplatin alone.

The pharmacokinetic parameters of low dose 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) infusions were studied in 11 patients, 6 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 68.5 +/- 13.8 (SD) years. The drug was infused to 4 patients with pre-leukemia (refractory anemia with excess blasts), 5 patients with acute myelogenous leukemia, and 2 patients with secondary leukemia due to chemotherapy, at a dosage of 20 mg/m2/day over 21 days. The patients' blood and urine were analyzed for ara-C content by radioimmunoassay. Mean steady state plasma levels of 7.7 +/- 4.7 ng/ml (31.7 +/- 19.3 nM) (n = 189) and a range 0.6 (2.5 nM) (lower limit of assay) to 29.7 ng/ml (122.1 nM), with significant inter- and intra-patient variations, were reached within about 2.7 h. The plasma levels of ara-C decreased rapidly, with a t1/2 alpha of about 12 min following discontinuation of the infusion, followed by a very slow t 1/2 beta of about 19 h. Other parameters (mean values of 10 or 11 patients) were: area under the curve, 182.1 +/- 64.8 ng X day/ml; total body clearance, 188.7 +/- 54.8 liters/h; renal clearance, 3.1 +/- 1.4 liters/h; volume of distribution at steady state, 53,913 +/- 17,626 liters; and recovery of ara-C in urine, 1.43 +/- 0.69% (n = 226) of daily administered ara-C. A linear relationship was observed with administered dose when the mean plasma levels of our study were compared with the ones reported for conventional ara-C infusions. Plasma clearance was comparable to that observed in conventional dose, when the observed values were extrapolated to the dose administered in this study.

The effects of chemotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy in previously treated advanced Hodgkin's disease were evaluated in a randomized study of 167 patients by CALGB. Combination chemotherapy consisted of treatment with one of three regimens with further randomization of MER (methanol extraction residue BCG) immunotherapy or no MER during chemotherapy. CVPP (CCNU, vinblastine, procarbazine, prednisone) was compared to a new combination, BAVS (bleomycin, Adriamycin, vincristine, streptozotocin), and to a third regimen consisting of alternating cycles of CVPP and BAVS. At the current analysis there is no significant difference in complete responses among the chemotherapy regimens. MER did not improve complete response frequency and was associated with significantly poorer survival for patients previously treated with chemotherapy. There was also no benefit with MER for patients with at least one pretreatment positive skin test. Because of the documented lack of therapeutic benefit and the morbidity of painful ulcers, MER treatment has been discontinued.

A role for vinblastine (VBL) in lung cancer has never been clearly defined. Because of recent pharmacokinetic data suggesting a biweekly schedule for VBL and recent antitumor activity shown for vindesine, a phase II trial of divided-dose VBL was initiated. Among 22 evaluable patients, a 27% major response rate was seen, with a median duration of 5.5 months (range 3.5-12+). The major toxic effect was myelosuppression but was easily manageable and tolerated. These results suggest schedule dependency for VBL and open the question of its efficacy in lung cancer.

An elderly woman with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia (AILD) presented de novo with DIC in the absence of other etiologic causes for DIC. Complete reversal of the defibrination process occurred with vincristine, methyl-prednisolone, and heparin therapy. This case illustrates that defibrination can occur de novo in the presence of a clinically, although not pathologically, malignant process. AILD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of DIC.

Patients with stage III and IV melanoma were randomly assigned to receive procarbazine (100 mg/m2, Days 1--10), vinblastine (5 mg/m2, Days 1 and 8), and actinomycin D (0.5 mg/m2, Days 1 and 8) with or without methanol-extracted residue (MER) of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (200 micrograms in five sites). In patients with measurable disease, 20% (eight of 40 patients) responded with only the combination chemotherapy while 15% (six of 39 patients) responded with the MER added. Toxicity was tolerable except for some instances of severe, gastrointestinal toxicity associated with procarbazine. MER as given in this study, failed to either increase the response rate or prolong survival.

To assess the prevalence of gallstone disease and the behavior of gallbladder (GB) volume in childhood and adolescence, an ultrasonographic survey was carried out on 1570 subjects (age range 6-19 yr). Entered in the study were 750 males and 752 females (attendance rate, 95.7%). Gallstones were detected in two females aged 13 and 18 yr, respectively. None of the subjects in the study population had undergone cholecystectomy. The overall prevalence of gallstone disease was equal to 0.13% (0.27% in the female sex). A positive family history for biliary calculous disease was present in one of the two lithiasic girls. A progressive increase of GB volume with age was observed in both sexes, and figures were greater in males, than in age-matched females. A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between GB volume and body mass index (BMI) in both sexes. Obesity was recognized in 188 males (25.3%) and 167 females (25.0%). Obese subjects exhibited larger GB volumes than the nonobese age- and sex-matched controls. The study supports the view of a very low prevalence of gallstone disease in people younger than 20. It also provides information on GB size in relation to age, sex, and BMI.