Valganciclovir as Add-On to Standard Therapy in Secondary Glioblastoma

Patients with glioblastoma have a very poor prognosis despite aggressive therapeutic strategies. Cytomegalovirus has been detected in >90% of glioblastoma tumors. This virus can affect tumor progression and may represent a novel glioblastoma therapy target. We report, here, a retrospective survival analysis of patients with secondary glioblastoma who were treated with the anti-viral drug valganciclovir at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm. We performed survival analyses of eight patients with secondary glioblastoma who were treated with a standard dose of valganciclovir as an add-on to second-line therapy after their disease progression to glioblastoma. Thirty-six patients with secondary glioblastoma admitted during the same time period who received similar treatment and care served as contemporary controls. The patients treated with valganciclovir showed an increased median overall survival after progression to glioblastoma compared with controls (19.1 versus 12.7 months, p = 0.0072). This result indicates a potential positive effect of valganciclovir in secondary glioblastoma, which is in agreement with our previous observation that valganciclovir treatment improves the outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Larger randomized studies are warranted to prove this hypothesis.

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Marriage stability in a pastoralist society

Behavioral Ecology ◽

10.1093/beheco/arz115 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (6) ◽

pp. 1567-1574

Author(s):

Juan Du ◽

Ruth Mace

Keyword(s):

Social Institutions ◽

Ecological Perspective ◽

Marriage Duration ◽

Time Period ◽

Marriage Stability ◽

The Family ◽

Trial Marriage ◽

Socioeconomic Data ◽

Positive Effect

Abstract We examined how individual investment was associated with the duration of marriage partnerships in a pastoralist society of Amdo Tibetans in China. We collected demographic and socioeconomic data from 420 women and 369 men over five villages to assess which factors predicted partnership length. We found that the payment of dowry and bridewealth from both sides of the family predicted marriage stability. The production of offspring, regardless of their survivorship, also had a positive effect on marriage duration, as did trial marriage, a time period before formal marriage. Finally, we found that if both bride and groom invest resources initially into a partnership—whether wealth or labor—their subsequent partnership is stronger than couples who do not make such investments. This paper adds to our understanding of complex social institutions like marriage from a behavioral ecological perspective.

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Carboplatin plus Taxol is an Effective Third-line Regimen in Recurrent Undifferentiated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Tumori Journal ◽

10.1177/030089160208800405 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 88 (4) ◽

pp. 273-276 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Mario Airoldi ◽

Fulvia Pedani ◽

Sara Marchionatti ◽

Anna Maria Gabriele ◽

Giovanni Succo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽

Median Overall Survival ◽

Low Dose ◽

Recurrent Disease ◽

Nasopharyngeal Cancer ◽

First Line ◽

Second Line Therapy ◽

Previously Treated ◽

Third Line ◽

Undifferentiated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background Recurrent undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a chemosensitive disease. Few third-line treatments have been reported. Methods Twelve patients (9 males, 3 females; median age 50 years, range, 20-62) with recurrent undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated with carboplatin AUC 5.5 + paclitaxel (175 mg/m2, 3-hr infusion) on day 1 every 3 weeks. All patients had been previously treated for recurrent disease with a first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy and a second-line therapy with low-dose continous infusion 5-fluorouracil. Results Overall, 54 courses were given (median, 5; range, 2-6). Three patients (25%) obtained a partial response lasting 6, 10 and 26+ months, 1 (8.3%) a minimal response lasting 6 months, and 3 (25%) no change with a median duration of 5 months. The median survival time was 14 months for patients who had a partial or minimal response or no change, and 5 months for nonresponders. Median overall survival was 9.5 months (3-30+). The treatment was well tolerated, and toxicity was manageable. Conclusions The combination has a good pallitive role as third-line chemotherapy in recurrent undifferentiated nasopharyngeal cancer.

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GMP production of 6-[18F]Fluoro-l-DOPA for PET/CT imaging by different synthetic routes: a three center experience

EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry ◽

10.1186/s41181-021-00135-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Valdemar L. Andersen ◽

Mikkel A. Soerensen ◽

Johan Hygum Dam ◽

Niels Langkjaer ◽

Henrik Petersen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Radiochemical Yield ◽

Ct Imaging ◽

University Hospital ◽

Dopamine Synthesis ◽

Congenital Hyperinsulinism ◽

Molar Activity ◽

Time Period ◽

Pet Ct ◽

Synthetic Routes ◽

Radiochemical Yields

Abstract Background The radiofluorinated levodopa analogue 6-[18F]F-l-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxy-6-18F-l-phenylalanine) is a commonly employed radiotracer for PET/CT imaging of multiple oncological and neurological indications. An unusually large number of different radiosyntheses have been published to the point where two different Ph. Eur. monographs exist depending on whether the chemistry relies on electrophilic or nucleophilic radiosubstitution of appropriate chemical precursors. For new PET imaging sites wishing to adopt [18F]FDOPA into clinical practice, selecting the appropriate production process may be difficult and dependent on the clinical needs of the site. Methods Data from four years of [18F]FDOPA production at three different clinical sites are collected and compared. These three sites, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Odense University Hospital (OUH), and Herlev University Hospital (HUH), produce the radiotracer by different radiosynthetic routes with AUH adopting an electrophilic strategy, while OUH and HUH employ two different nucleophilic approaches. Production failure rates, radiochemical yields, and molar activities are compared across sites and time. Additionally, the clinical use of the radiotracer over the time period considered at the different sites are presented and discussed. Results The electrophilic substitution route suffers from being demanding in terms of cyclotron operation and maintenance. This challenge, however, was found to be compensated by a production failure rate significantly below that of both nucleophilic approaches; a result of simpler chemistry. The five-step nucleophilic approach employed at HUH produces superior radiochemical yields compared to the three-step approach adopted at OUH but suffers from the need for more comprehensive synthesis equipment given the multi-step nature of the procedure, including HPLC purification. While the procedure at OUH furnishes the lowest radiochemical yield of the synthetic routes considered, it produces the highest molar activity. This is of importance across the clinical applications of the tracer discussed here, including dopamine synthesis in striatum of subjects with schizophrenia and congenital hyperinsulinism in infants. Conclusion For most sites either of the two nucleophilic substitution strategies should be favored. However, which of the two will depend on whether a given site wishes to optimize the radiochemical yield or the ease of the use.

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EFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS ON NIGERIAN ECONOMY

Annals of Spiru Haret University Economic Series ◽

10.26458/1814 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 105-122

Author(s):

Lawrence Olisaemeka UFOEZE ◽

Camilus OKUMA, N. ◽

Clem NWAKOBY ◽

Udoka Bernard Alajekwu

Keyword(s):

Economic Growth ◽

Exchange Rate ◽

Money Supply ◽

Significant Positive Effect ◽

Exchange Rate Fluctuations ◽

Fixed Exchange Rate ◽

Oil Revenue ◽

Time Period ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Positive Effect

This study investigated the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on Nigerian economy. The fixed and floating exchange eras were compared to know the exchange rate system in which the economy has fairly better. The time period covered was 1970 to 2012. The study employed the ordinary least square (OLS) multiple regression technique for the analysis. The coefficient of determination (R2), F-test, t-test, beta and Durbin-Watson were used in the interpretation of the results. The resulted revealed that about 85% of the changes in macroeconomic indicators are explained in the fixed exchange era. In the floating exchange era, 99% was explained while the whole periods has 73% explanatory power, hence the floating exchange era (1986 to date) is more effective in explaining economic trend in Nigeria. Also, exchange rate has significant positive effect on GDP during the fixed exchange rate era and negative effect the eras floating and all-time; inflation has insignificant negative effect on GDP during the fixed exchange era; significant effect in floating era and significant negative effect in the all-time period; money supply has insignificant negative effect GDP in fixed exchange era; and significant positive effect during the floating and all-time period; and oil revenue has significant positive effect on the GDP in all the exchange rate regimes (floating, fixed and all-time) in Nigeria. The study thus conclude that exchange rate movement is a good indicator for monitoring Nigerian economic growth. So far exchange rate has always been a key economic indicator for Nigeria. The floating exchange period has outperformed the fixed exchange rate in terms of contribution inflation, money supply and oil revenue to economic growth. This indicate that the floating exchange rate has been a better economic regime for sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. From the findings, it is evident that oil revenue has positive effect in Nigeria and has remained the mainstay of the economy. It is thus recommended among other things that a positive exchange rate stock should be monitored regularly, so as not to allow those that find exchange rate as an avenue of investment like banks and public carry out their business, which is more devastating to the economy.

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Cognitive and Applied Linguistics Aspects of Using Social Media: The Impact of the Use of Facebook on Developing Writing Skills in Learning English as a Foreign Language

European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education ◽

10.3390/ejihpe10010010 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 110-118 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Blanka Klimova ◽

Marcel Pikhart

Keyword(s):

Foreign Language ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Language Skills ◽

Writing Skills ◽

Review Article ◽

Language Competence ◽

Time Period ◽

The Impact ◽

Positive Effect ◽

Learning English

Facebook is undoubtedly the most popular social network site nowadays with over two billion users. Therefore, there has been research exploring its potential as a learning environment for various fields of education, including learning English as a foreign language (EFL). As the findings of research studies indicate, Facebook is especially used in developing productive language skills, such as writing, which is considered to be the least popular and the most difficult skill to master. Thus, the purpose of this article is to explore the impact of Facebook on developing writing skills in learning English as a foreign language. The methodology is based on the search for available studies on the research topic, i.e., the impact of Facebook on developing writing skills in EFL, in the world’s databases: Web of Science and Scopus. The search was not limited by any time period. The results of this review article reveal that using Facebook has a positive effect on developing writing skills in EFL classes, especially in shaping and organizing ideas, enhancing motivation, developing and supporting collaboration among peers, improving vocabulary, and reducing students’ shyness. However, more experimental research should be done in this area to reveal other aspects of the writing process, such as communicative language competence, which can be improved by using Facebook, as well as address researchers from continents other than Asia.

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Impact of standard care on elderly glioblastoma patients

Neuro-Oncology Practice ◽

10.1093/nop/npw011 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 4-14

Author(s):

Sarah Lapointe ◽

Marie Florescu ◽

David Simonyan ◽

Karine Michaud

Keyword(s):

Chart Review ◽

Median Overall Survival ◽

Performance Status ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Significant Prognostic Factor ◽

Resection Status ◽

Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma ◽

Similar Survival ◽

Stupp Protocol

Abstract Background. Uncertainty persists about the survival advantage of concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) plus radiotherapy (RT) in elderly patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). We compared the clinical outcome of unselected elderly GBM patients treated with 4 adjuvant treatment modalities, including the Stupp protocol. Methods. From 2010 to 2014, retrospective chart review was performed on 171 GBM patients aged ≥55 who received either concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) with standard 60 Gy/30 (SRT); CCRT with hypofractionated 40 Gy/15 (HRT); HRT alone; or TMZ alone. Stratification is by age (55–69, ≥70), KPS (<70, ≥70), and resection status (biopsy, resection). Results. Out of 171 patients identified, 128(75%) had surgical resection, median age was 66(55–83), and median overall survival (mOS) 11.4mo. Majority (109/171) were treated according to the Stupp protocol (CCRT-SRT), and 106/171 received post-CCRT adjuvant TMZ (median of 3 cycles). In our population, age <70yo was a significant prognostic factor (mOS of patients aged 55–69 vs ≥70 yo = 13.3 vs 6.6 mo; P = .001). However, among the population receiving the Stupp regimen, there was no difference in survival between patients aged 55–69 and those ≥70 (respectively, 14.4 vs 13.2 mo; P = .798). Patients ≥70 yo had similar survival when treated with CCRT-HRT and CCRT-SRT (P = .248), although numbers were small. Conclusions. Our data suggests that, despite having a worse global prognostic than their younger counterparts, GBM patients ≥70yo with a good performance status could be treated according to the Stupp protocol with similar survival. Theses results need prospective confirmation.

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554. The Changing Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Causing Bacteremia in Hiroshima, Japan During 2008–2017

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.623 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. S263-S263

Author(s):

Hiroki Kitagawa ◽

Junzo Hisatsune ◽

Hiroki Ohge ◽

Motoyuki Sugai

Keyword(s):

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Sccmec Type ◽

University Hospital ◽

Methicillin Resistant ◽

Type Iv ◽

Time Period ◽

Invasive Infections ◽

Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin ◽

Mrsa Strains

Abstract Background Recently, the Japanese intrinsic community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) clone (CA-MRSA/J), classified as sequence type (ST) 8 carrying staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IVl (ST8-IVl), has been identified that causes invasive infections similar to those of USA300 clone. However, epidemiological information regarding epidemic CA-MRSA clones is limited in Japan. This study was performed to investigate the changing epidemiology of MRSA causing bacteremia in Japan. Methods We performed whole-genome sequencing of MRSA isolates causing bacteremia at Hiroshima University Hospital between January 2008 and December 2017. MRSA isolates were subjected to multilocus sequence typing, SCCmec typing and were analyzed for virulence factors. Clinical data of patients with MRSA bacteremia were analyzed. Results A total of 193 MRSA strains causing bacteremia were identified during the study period. Among these, most belonged to ST764-IIa (30%; 59 of 193) and ST5-IIa (26.9%; 52 of 193). The proportion of ST5-IIa MRSA decreased from 39.6% (42 of 106) in 2008–2012 to 11.5% (10 of 87) in 2013–2017, and that of ST764-IIa MRSA increased from 23.6% (25 of 106) to 39.1% (34 of 87) in the same time period. The proportion of CA-MRSA (MRSA carrying SCCmec type IV or V) increased from 28.3% (30 of 106) in 2008–2012 to 42.5% (37 of 87) in 2013–2017. In CA-MRSA strains, clonal complex (CC) 8-IV MRSA was predominant (76.1%; 51 of 67). Those belonging to CC8-IV MRSA isolates were ST380-IVc (18 of 51), ST8-IVl (CA-MRSA/J; 15 of 51), ST8-IVj (15 of 51), ST8-IVa (2 of 51), and ST4803-IVl (1 of 51). The rate of hospital-onset infections of ST380-IVc, ST8-IVl, and ST8-IVj were 83.3%, 46.7%, and 60%, respectively. In CA-MRSA/J strains, including their variants (e.g., ST4803-IVl), 14 of 16 strains (87.5%) carried genes for toxic shock syndrome toxin (tst-1), enterotoxin C (sec), and enterotoxin L (sel), while none of the ST380-IVc and ST8-IVj MRSA strains carried these genes. Conclusion During the study period of 10 years, predominant ST5-IIa MRSA causing hospital-onset infections was replaced by ST764-IIa MRSA. In CA-MRSA clone, ST380-IVc, ST8-IVl (CA-MRSA/J), and ST8-IVj were dominant and have already spread to the healthcare environment. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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BCI-Based Rehabilitation on the Stroke in Sequela Stage

Neural Plasticity ◽

10.1155/2020/8882764 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Yangyang Miao ◽

Shugeng Chen ◽

Xinru Zhang ◽

Jing Jin ◽

Ren Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Motor Function ◽

The Body ◽

Control Group ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Time Period ◽

Average Improvement ◽

Study Results ◽

Electroencephalogram Eeg ◽

Positive Effect

Background. Stroke is the leading cause of serious and long-term disability worldwide. Survivors may recover some motor functions after rehabilitation therapy. However, many stroke patients missed the best time period for recovery and entered into the sequela stage of chronic stroke. Method. Studies have shown that motor imagery- (MI-) based brain-computer interface (BCI) has a positive effect on poststroke rehabilitation. This study used both virtual limbs and functional electrical stimulation (FES) as feedback to provide patients with a closed-loop sensorimotor integration for motor rehabilitation. An MI-based BCI system acquired, analyzed, and classified motor attempts from electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The FES system would be activated if the BCI detected that the user was imagining wrist dorsiflexion on the instructed side of the body. Sixteen stroke patients in the sequela stage were randomly assigned to a BCI group and a control group. All of them participated in rehabilitation training for four weeks and were assessed by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) of motor function. Results. The average improvement score of the BCI group was 3.5, which was higher than that of the control group (0.9). The active EEG patterns of the four patients in the BCI group whose FMA scores increased gradually became centralized and shifted to sensorimotor areas and premotor areas throughout the study. Conclusions. Study results showed evidence that patients in the BCI group achieved larger functional improvements than those in the control group and that the BCI-FES system is effective in restoring motor function to upper extremities in stroke patients. This study provides a more autonomous approach than traditional treatments used in stroke rehabilitation.

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Growth and Income Inequality: A Comparative Analysis

Economics Research International ◽

10.1155/2012/569890 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Ayla Ogus Binatli

Keyword(s):

Comparative Analysis ◽

Income Inequality ◽

Time Period ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Time Periods ◽

Growth Changes ◽

Changes Over Time ◽

The Relationship ◽

Positive Effect ◽

Over Time

This paper investigates whether the relationship between income inequality and growth changes over time. Two time periods, covering 1970–1985 and 1985–1999, are analyzed and compared. A statistically significant relationship between inequality and growth in either time period fails to emerge. However, there are indications that effect of inequality on growth may be different in the nineties when compared to the seventies. In the literature, a consistent negative effect of inequality on growth is documented although the significance of the effect is open to debate. This paper also finds a negative effect of income inequality on growth in the seventies but, although statistically insignificant, a consistently positive effect in the nineties.

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EORTC Study 26041–22041: Phase I/II study on concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy (RT) with or without PTK787/ZK222584 (PTK/ZK) in newly diagnosed glioblastoma—Results of a phase I trial

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.2026 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽

pp. 2026-2026 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

A. A. Brandes ◽

R. Stupp ◽

P. Hau ◽

S. Sleijfer ◽

D. Lacombe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phase I ◽

Kinase Inhibitor ◽

Standard Dose ◽

Dose Finding ◽

Hepatic Toxicity ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Triple Combination ◽

Adjuvant Temozolomide ◽

Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma ◽

Fixed Standard

2026 Background: VEGF is an essential mediator of angiogenesis. PTK/ZK is an orally available tyrosine kinase inhibitor of all known VEGF receptors. The EORTC has initiated a randomized phase I/II study in which PTK/ZK is being investigated in combination with standard RT and concomitant TMZ. The results of the safety and dose-finding run-in of the triple combination are reported here. Methods: Escalating doses of PTK/ZK QD continuously (using classical 3+3 design) and concomitant RT (60 Gy) and TMZ (75 mg/m2/day) during 6–7 weeks were to be administered. During the adjuvant/maintenance part, PTK/ZK was prescribed at a fixed standard dose of 750mg bid until progression. Dose limiting toxicities (DLT) were defined as >G3 toxicity occurring during RT + 2 weeks. Results: 18 GBM pts (M/F: 11/7, median age: 53 years, PS 0/1) have been enrolled and complete data for 15 pts are currently available. DL1 (500 mg): 4 pts; no DLT; DL2 (1000 mg): 6 pts: 1 DLT: G3, liver enzyme (ALAT) elevation and hyponatremia DL3 (1250 mg); 8 pts: 3 DLTs: G3 hepatic toxicity (2 pts) and G3 platelets and G4 neutrophil (1 pt). In a 4th patient a G3 diarrhea and hepatic DLT leading to PTK/ZK interruption was doubtful therefore it was decided to extend DL3. Frequently observed possibly related non-dose limiting drug adverse events of all grades included: abdominal pain/cramping (2 pts), ALAT/ASAT elevation (10 pts), creatinine elevation (2 pts), allergic reaction (2 pts), constipation (4 pts), diarrhea (5 pts), fatigue (11 pts), hypertension (6 pts), nausea (8 pts), vomiting (3 pts), and weight loss (4 pts). All toxicities were reversible. Conclusions: MTD has been reached at 1250 mg and the recommended dose of PTK/ZK in combination with RT and TMZ is 1000 mg/day. A randomized 3-arm phase II will start accrual in January 2007. Patients will receive standard TMZ/RT alone or with PTK/ZK starting at the beginning of radiotherapy or at the beginning of adjuvant therapy 4 weeks after the end of radiotherapy. [Table: see text]

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