A widening gap between boys and girls in musculoskeletal complaints, while growing up from age 11 to age 20 - the PIAMA birth Cohort study.

Introduction: The adolescent years represent a key period for the development of musculoskeletal complaints (MSC) and the differences between boys and girls. We evaluated the prevalence and course of MSC and factors associated with MSC while growing up from age 11 to age 20.

Methods: Questionnaire-based data at age 11 (n = 2,638), age 14 (n = 2,517), age 17 (n = 2,094) and at age 20 (n = 2,206) from the ongoing Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy (PIAMA) birth cohort were analyzed.

Headache in girls and boys growing up from age 11 to 20 years: the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort study.

The striking difference between men and women in headache prevalence is suggested to develop in adolescence. Although headaches are common and affect quality of life and daily functioning, the evidence needed to develop effective counselling and preventive approaches is still limited. Using data collected at age 11, 14, 17, and 20 years in the Dutch Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort study (n = 3064 with ≥ 1 questionnaire), we assessed headache prevalence and incidence in girls and boys and explored associations with early life, environmental, lifestyle, health, and psychosocial factors.

Epitaxy of advanced nanowire quantum devices.

Semiconductor nanowires are ideal for realizing various low-dimensional quantum devices. In particular, topological phases of matter hosting non-Abelian quasiparticles (such as anyons) can emerge when a semiconductor nanowire with strong spin-orbit coupling is brought into contact with a superconductor. To exploit the potential of non-Abelian anyons-which are key elements of topological quantum computing-fully, they need to be exchanged in a well-controlled braiding operation.

Bortezomib-containing regimens are effective in multiple myeloma--results of a non-interventional phase IV study.

Background/aims: The incorporation of bortezomib into the chemotherapeutic regimens for non-transplant patients with multiple myeloma resulted in improved outcomes in controlled studies. This prospective, non-interventional study assessed the effectiveness and safety of bortezomib-containing regimens in daily practice.

Methods: Patients with untreated or relapsed multiple myeloma not eligible for high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation and who were scheduled for bortezomib mono- or combination therapy or melphalan-prednisone (MP) alone were included in this study.

Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMS), partially covered SEMS and self-expandable plastic stents for the treatment of benign esophageal ruptures and anastomotic leaks.

Background: Benign esophageal ruptures and anastomotic leaks are life-threatening conditions that are often treated surgically. Recently, placement of partially and fully covered metal or plastic stents has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option. We aimed to determine the clinical effectiveness of covered stent placement for the treatment of esophageal ruptures and anastomotic leaks with special emphasis on different stent designs.

Characterization of a photonic strain sensor in silicon-on-insulator technology.

Recently there has been growing interest in sensing by means of optical microring resonators in photonic integrated circuits that are fabricated in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. Taillaert et al. [Proc.

Simvastatin does not prevent acute cardiac allograft rejection in CD28-deficient mice.

Background: Heterotopic cardiac transplantation in mice was used to determine whether complementary immunomodulation by statins prevents lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1-dependent acute allograft rejection in vivo.

Method: Hearts from BalbC mice were transplanted to the cervical vessels of either C57BL/6, CD11a(-/-), CD28(-/-) or double-deficient animals lacking expression of both LFA-1 and CD28.

Results: Allografts were rejected at days 7.

Six versus eight cycles of bi-weekly CHOP-14 with or without rituximab in elderly patients with aggressive CD20+ B-cell lymphomas: a randomised controlled trial (RICOVER-60).

Background: Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (CHOP) is used to treat patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Interval decrease from 3 weeks of treatment (CHOP-21) to 2 weeks (CHOP-14), and addition of rituximab to CHOP-21 (R-CHOP-21) has been shown to improve outcome in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This randomised trial assessed whether six or eight cycles of R-CHOP-14 can improve outcome of these patients compared with six or eight cycles of CHOP-14.

Dose-escalated CHOEP for the treatment of young patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: I. A randomized dose escalation and feasibility study with bi- and tri-weekly regimens.

Background: To determine the maximum tolerated dose of a bi- and tri-weekly combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone plus etoposide (CHOEP) regimen without stem-cell support.

Patients And Methods: Randomized phase I/II multicenter four-level (cyclophosphamide: 1000-1200-1400-1600 mg/m2; doxorubicin: 55-60-65-70 mg/m2; etoposide: 375-450-525-600 mg/m2) dose escalation study with CHOEP-14 and CHOEP-21 in young patients (18-60 years) with newly diagnosed aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Dose-limiting toxicity was defined as thrombocytopenia <80,000/mm3 and leukocytopenia <2500/mm3 on days 16 (CHOEP-14) and 23 (CHOEP-21) or prolonged (>4 days) leukocytopenia (<1000/mm3) or thrombocytopenia (<20,000/mm3).

Prognostic factors for hematotoxicity of chemotherapy in aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Background: Little is known on the heterogeneity of hematotoxicity in patients receiving multicycle chemotherapy.

Patients And Methods: We analyzed data of 1399 patients with aggressive lymphoma from trials using CHOP (combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone)-like therapies. Multivariate modeling was carried out for leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia and the models were validated by two large independent datasets from trials with/without usage of the CD20-antibody rituximab.

Role of PECAM-1 in acute rejection of fully major histocompatibility complex class II-mismatched cardiac allografts in mice.

The aim of this study was to determine the role of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) in acute rejection of vascularized whole organ allografts in vivo. Hearts were transplanted between BALB/c, PECAM-1(-/-), or C57BL/6 wild-type mice. Grafts were harvested on the day of rejection or after 120 days and were analyzed histologically.

Statins inhibit lymphocyte homing to peripheral lymph nodes.

Lymphocyte homing to peripheral lymph nodes is governed by adhesion molecules, including lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1). Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors and exert anti-inflammatory effects, e.g.

The cervical lymph node preparation: a novel approach to study lymphocyte homing by intravital microscopy.

Objective: Lymphocyte recirculation constitutes an integral part of the adaptive immune system. Blood-borne lymphocytes migrate into secondary lymphoid organs, crossing the vascular wall of site-specific high endothelial venules (HEVs). We created a preparation of the cervical lymph node in mice to study lymphocyte homing in vivo.

Treatment results in localized primary gastric lymphoma: data of patients registered within the German multicenter study (GIT NHL 02/96).

Purpose: In the prospective study 02/96 on primary GI lymphoma, we have collected data on histology, clinical features, and treatment results. In particular, in stages I and II localized primary gastric lymphoma (PGL), our objectives were to reduce treatment intensity and to confirm our hypothesis from study 01/92, which maintained that an organ-preserving approach is not inferior to primary surgery.

Patients And Methods: Patients receiving radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy were stratified for histologic grade, stage, and whether surgery had been carried out or not (as decided by each participating center).

Frontline therapy with rituximab added to the combination of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) significantly improves the outcome for patients with advanced-stage follicular lymphoma compared with therapy with CHOP alone: results of a prospective randomized study of the German Low-Grade Lymphoma Study Group.

Phase 2 studies suggest that the monoclonal antibody rituximab may improve the prognosis of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) when it is added to chemotherapy. In the current study, 428 patients with untreated, advanced-stage FL were randomly assigned for therapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) alone (n = 205) or CHOP combined with rituximab (R-CHOP) (n = 223). R-CHOP reduced the relative risk for treatment failure by 60% and significantly prolonged the time to treatment failure (P < .

The best treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a German perspective.

While some improvement was achieved by adding etoposide and shortening the treatment intervals from 3 to 2 weeks (CHOEP-14), best results in young good-prognosis patients (age-adjusted International Prognostic Index [IPI] = 0,1) have been achieved with six cycles of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin HCl, vincristine [Oncovin], prednisone)-like chemotherapy in combination with the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab (Rituxan). The role of additional radiotherapy in this setting remains to be determined. With this approach, 2-year event-free survival rates of > 90% and overall survival of > 95% can be achieved in a very favorable subgroup (patients without IPI risk factor and no bulky disease), while further improvement is warranted for the less favorable subgroup (event-free survival only 77%).

Early consolidation by myeloablative radiochemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation in first remission significantly prolongs progression-free survival in mantle-cell lymphoma: results of a prospective randomized trial of the European MCL Network.

Mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) is characterized by poor prognosis with a median survival of only 3 to 4 years. To improve clinical outcome, the European MCL Network initiated a randomized trial comparing consolidation with myeloablative radiochemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) to alpha-interferon maintenance (IFN alpha) in first remission. Patients 65 years of age or younger with advanced-stage MCL were assigned to ASCT or IFN alpha after achievement of complete or partial remission by a cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP)-like induction therapy.

Two-weekly or 3-weekly CHOP chemotherapy with or without etoposide for the treatment of elderly patients with aggressive lymphomas: results of the NHL-B2 trial of the DSHNHL.

Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, given every 3 weeks (CHOP-21), is standard chemotherapy for aggressive lymphomas. To determine whether biweekly CHOP (CHOP-14) with or without etoposide is more effective than CHOP-21, 689 patients ages 61 to 75 years were randomized to 6 cycles of CHOP-21, CHOP-14, CHOEP-21 (CHOP plus etoposide 100 mg/m2 days 1-3), or CHOEP-14. Patients in the 2-weekly regimens received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) starting from day 4.

Two-weekly or 3-weekly CHOP chemotherapy with or without etoposide for the treatment of young patients with good-prognosis (normal LDH) aggressive lymphomas: results of the NHL-B1 trial of the DSHNHL.

The combination of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, given every 3 weeks (CHOP-21) is standard chemotherapy for aggressive lymphomas. To determine whether CHOP given every 2 weeks (CHOP-14) or the addition of etoposide (CHOEP-21, CHOEP-14) can improve results in patients ages 18 to 60 years with good prognosis (normal lactic dehydrogenase [LDH] level), 710 patients were randomized to 6 cycles of CHOP-21, CHOP-14, CHOEP-21 (CHOP plus etoposide 100 mg/m2 days 1-3), or CHOEP-14 in a 2 x 2 factorial study design. Patients in the biweekly regimens received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) starting from day 4.

Practicability and acute haematological toxicity of 2- and 3-weekly CHOP and CHOEP chemotherapy for aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: results from the NHL-B trial of the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group (DSHNHL).

Background: There is evidence that intensified variants of the classical 3-weekly CHOP-21 chemotherapy [cyclophosphamide (C), doxorubicin (H), vincristine (O), prednisone (P)] may improve treatment outcome in aggressive lymphoma. Three variants using either an addition of etoposide (CHOEP-21: 100 mg/m(2) on days 1-3), the shortening to 2-week intervals using recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF; CHOP-14) or both (CHOEP-14) are currently compared with CHOP-21 in the NHL-B trial of the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group (DSHNHL). To enable more extensive testing of these schemes we here characterise their practicability regarding schedule adherence, acute haematotoxicity and need for supportive treatment.

Systematic search and molecular characterization of the antigenic targets of myeloma immunoglobulins: a monoclonal IgA from a female patient targeting sperm-specific cylicin II.

The identification of the antigenic stimuli of B-cell neoplasms might be of considerable importance since a causal relationship between these neoplasms and antigenic stimulation has been suggested. To date the identification of such antigens has been erratic and accidental. For a systematic search and molecular characterization of human proteins that are antigenic target structures of myeloma-associated immunoglobulins, we applied SEREX (serological analysis of antigens by recombinant cDNA expression cloning) using a testis cDNA expression library and myeloma proteins from 42 patients.

Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cell-associated autoantigen CLIP-170/restin is a marker for dendritic cells and is involved in the trafficking of macropinosomes to the cytoskeleton, supporting a function-based concept of Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells.

Little is known about the distribution in normal cells of CLIP-170, a linkage mediator between endocytic vesicles and microtubules, and restin, a splice variant encoded by the same gene and marker for Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells of Hodgkin disease. Although only trace amounts of CLIP-170/restin are present in peripheral blood mononuclear cell subpopulations, monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) + CD40L-activated B cells express high levels of CLIP-170/restin. CLIP-170/restin colocalizes preferentially with membranes of intermediate macropinocytic vesicles, suggesting a new function of CLIP-170/restin in the trafficking of macropinosomes to the cytoskeleton, which is a crucial step in antigen presentation.