The rangeomorph Pectinifrons abyssalis: Hydrodynamic function at the dawn of animal life.

Rangeomorphs are among the oldest putative eumetazoans known from the fossil record. Establishing how they fed is thus key to understanding the structure and function of the earliest animal ecosystems. Here, we use computational fluid dynamics to test hypothesized feeding modes for the fence-like rangeomorph Pectinifrons abyssalis, comparing this to the morphologically similar extant carnivorous sponge Chondrocladia lyra. Our results reveal complex patterns of flow around P. abyssalis unlike those previously reconstructed for any other Ediacaran taxon. Comparisons with C. lyra reveal substantial differences between the two organisms, suggesting they converged on a similar fence-like morphology for different functions. We argue that the flow patterns recovered for P. abyssalis do not support either a suspension feeding or osmotrophic feeding habit. Instead, our results indicate that rangeomorph fronds may represent organs adapted for gas exchange. If correct, this interpretation could require a dramatic reinterpretation of the oldest macroscopic animals.

Complete response and long-term survival (>20 years) of a child with tectal glioma: a case report.

Tectal glioma is a midbrain tumor. The patient generally presents with symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure and requires treatment for hydrocephalus. No effective pharmacological treatments have yet been introduced. This report discusses a case of a 13-year-old male diagnosed with tectal glioma who obtained a complete response and long-term survival after the treatment with antineoplastons (ANP) in phase II trial. Prior treatment consisted of placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. After 6 years of stabilization there had been an increase in tumor size with signs of malignant transformation. The patient received treatment with ANP A10 and AS2-1 infusions for 20 months, obtained a complete response, and was switched to maintenance with ANP capsules. All treatments were discontinued in December 2003. Adverse events according to CTCAE v3.0 included: hypernatremia (two events of grade 3, one event of grade 2, four events of grade 1), one case of fatigue (grade 2), and one allergic reaction (grade 1). Currently, over 20 years from his diagnosis and over 13 years from treatment start he is symptom-free and leads a normal life. This report indicates that it is possible to obtain long-term survival of a child with tectal glioma with currently available investigational treatment.

The response and survival of children with recurrent diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma based on phase II study of antineoplastons A10 and AS2-1 in patients with brainstem glioma.

BACKGROUND: Brainstem gliomas (BSG) are relatively rare tumors of which recurrent pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (RPDIPG) comprise a distinct group. Numerous trials have been conducted on RPDIPG, none of which have resulted in identifying any proven pharmacological treatment benefit. This study included 40 patients diagnosed with different types of BSG, but it was decided to describe first the encouraging results in the most challenging group of RPDIPG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-arm phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the combination of antineoplastons A10 and AS2-1 (ANP) in patients with RPDIPG. Seventeen patients (median age 8.8 years) were enrolled, and all were diagnosed with RPDIPG. ANP was administered intravenously daily. Efficacy analyses were conducted in this group of patients. RESULTS: In this group, complete responses were observed in 6 % of patients, partial responses in 23.5 %, and stable disease in 11.8 %. Six-month progression-free survival was 35.3 %. One-year overall survival was 29.4 %, 2 years 11.8 %, and 5, 10, and 15 years 5.9 %. One patient with DIPG is alive over 15 years post-treatment. Grade 3 and higher toxicities including hypokalemia and fatigue occurred in 6 %, hypernatremia in 18 %, fatigue and urinary incontinence in 6 %, and somnolence in 12 %. In a single patient, grade 4 hypernatremia occurred when he was on mechanical ventilation. He was disconnected from the ventilator and died from brain tumor according to the attending physician. Responding patients experienced improved quality of life. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that ANP shows efficacy and acceptable tolerability profile in patients with RPDIPG.

Long-term survival (>13 years) in a child with recurrent diffuse pontine gliosarcoma: a case report.

Pediatric gliosarcoma (GS) is a rare variant of glioblastoma multiforme. The authors describe the case of an unusual pontine location of GS in a 9-year-old boy who was initially diagnosed with low-grade astrocytoma (LGA) that was successfully controlled for 4 years. Subsequently, his brain tumor transformed into a GS. Prior treatment of his LGA included subtotal tumor resection 3 times, standard radiation therapy, and Gamma Knife procedure twice. His LGA was also treated with a standard chemotherapy regimen of carboplatin and vincristine, and his GS with subtotal resection, high-dose cyclophosphamide, and thiotepa with stem cell rescue and temozolomide. Unfortunately, he developed disseminated disease with multiple lesions and leptomeningeal involvement including a tumor occupying 80% of the pons. Upon presentation at our clinic, he had rapidly progressing disease. He received treatment with antineoplastons (ANP) A10 and AS2-1 for 6 years and 10 months under special exception to our phase II protocol BT-22. During his treatment with ANP his tumor stabilized, then decreased, and, ultimately, did not show any metabolic activity. The patient's response was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scans. His pathology diagnosis was confirmed by external neuropathologists, and his response to the treatment was determined by central radiology review. He experienced the following treatment-related, reversible toxicities with ANP: fatigue, xerostomia and urinary frequency (grade 1), diarrhea, incontinence and urine color change (grade 2), and grade 4 hypernatremia. His condition continued to improve after treatment with ANP and, currently, he complains only of residual neurological deficit from his previous surgery. He achieved a complete response, and his overall and progression-free survival is in excess of 13 years. This report indicates that it is possible to obtain long-term survival of a child with a highly aggressive recurrent GS with diffuse pontine involvement with a currently available investigational treatment.