Formation of Si/organic interfaces using alkyne-functionalized cyclooctynes-precursor-mediated adsorption of linear alkynes versus direct adsorption of cyclooctyne on Si(0 0 1).

Adsorption of ethynyl-cyclopropyl-cyclooctyne (ECCO), an alkyne-functionalized cyclooctyne, on Si(0 0 1) was studied by means of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Together, XPS and STM results clearly indicate chemoselective adsorption of ECCO on Si(0 0 1) via a [2+2] cycloaddition of the strained triple bond of cyclooctyne without reaction of the ethynyl group. The results are compared to the adsorption of acetylene on Si(0 0 1): C2H2 adsorbs on Si(0 0 1) via a precursor-mediated reaction channel as it was shown by means of temperature dependent measurements of the sticking probability as well as by means of STM experiments at variable temperature. On the other hand, cyclooctyne adsorbs on Si(0 0 1) via a direct reaction channel. This qualitative difference in the reaction pathways of the two functionalities leads to the observed chemoselective adsorption of ECCO via the strained triple bond of cyclooctyne. As the ethynyl group stays intact, monolayers of ECCO on Si(0 0 1) form a well defined interface between the silicon substrate and further organic molecular layers which can be attached to the ethynyl functionality.

Interaction of psychosocial and physical risk factors in the causation of mammary cancer, and its prevention through psychological methods of treatment.

Some 8059 healthy women (mean age 58 years) were studied in 1973 with the aim of establishing the presence or absence of a variety of physical and psychological risk factors for mammary cancer. Mortality was established in 1988. factor predictors were highly significant. Physical risk factors were more predictive than psychological ones, but both interacted synergistically to predict mortality. Alone, psychological (stress) factors had little effect, while-physical factors did. However, psychological factors seemed to potentiate the effect of physical factors, particularly in the middle range. The causal relevance of psychological factors was established in a special intervention study using autonomy training as a method of prophylactic therapy and comparing outcome with the effects of no therapy (control).

A 19-week-old fetus with craniosynostosis, renal agenesis and gastroschisis: case report and differential diagnosis.

A case of a fetus affected with craniosynostosis, unilateral renal agenesis and gastroschisis is reported. The propositus was delivered on the 19th week of gestation for premature rupture of the membranes. Macroscopy showed turricephaly, shallow orbits, exophthalmos, hypertelorism, hypoplastic maxilla with relative mandibular prognathism and gastroschisis. Additional autopsy findings included a premature bilateral closure of the lambdoid suture and a unilateral renal agenesis. The nosological aspects of this fetus and the differential diagnosis of well-described craniosynostosis syndromes with characteristic craniofacial growth patterns (Crouzon syndrome, Jackson-Weiss syndrome, Apert syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome) are discussed.

Prognostic importance of DNA-ploidy and S-phase fraction in endometrial cancer.

On fresh frozen tumor tissue from 161 patients with endometrial cancer DNA-ploidy and S-phase fraction were measured in a prospective study to evaluate their prognostic and predictive value. All FIGO stage I or II patients had surgery and were included in an adjuvant trial comparing tamoxifen 30 mg p.o. versus medroxyprogesterone acetate 500 mg p.o. for 2 years versus no therapy. Diploid (DNA index (DI) 5%) in 46 (30%) of the patients. Significant correlations of DNA-ploidy and S-phase fraction were found with classical parameters such as stage, grade, histologic type and estrogen and progesterone receptor status. Patients with FIGO stage I aneuploid tumors showed significantly shorter disease-free interval (DFS) and overall survival (OAS). Recurrences and deaths occurred more often in tumors with raised S-phase fraction. In these early stages clinical outcome was worst if both factors were unfavorable. In multivariate analysis of stage I tumors DNA-ploidy and S-phase fraction were independent of grade, type and estrogen receptor status. Patients whose tumors had elevated S-phase fractions (>5%) gained more benefit from endocrine treatment than patients with low S-phase fractions. Patients with diploid and aneuploid tumors had prolonged DFS and improved OAS, if they had received adjuvant hormonal therapy. In endometrial cancer, DNA-ploidy and S-phase fraction are objective and reliable prognostic and predictive parameters which should be integrated into the clinical management.

[The action profile of D,L-kavain. Cerebral sites and sleep-wakefulness-rhythm in animals]. / Untersuchungen zum Wirkungsprofil von D,L-Kavain. Zerebrale Angriffsorte und Schlaf-Wach-Rhythmus im Tierexperiment.

To investigate neurophysiological effects of D,L-kavain, two studies were conducted on unrestrained cats with chronically implanted electrodes. In group A animals (n = 26) we recorded the blood pressure, the EEG of cortical and subcortical areas, the electromyogram, EEG arousal reactions, and subcortical evoked potentials elicited by central stimulation. This was done before and after injection of D,L-kavain (10-50 mg/kg i.p.) or--for comparison--of a kava extract in Ol. arachidis (50-100 mg pyrones/kg i.p.). Group B cats (n = 9) served for polygraphic, 10-h analyses of the sleep-wakefulness rhythm; they received--in a random sequence--0.9% NaCl (3 ml i.p.), D,L-kavain (28 mg/kg p.o.), pentobarbital (1 mg/kg i.m.), or the combination D,L-kavain plus pentobarbital. With both D,L-kavain and the extract, muscle tone was seen to be diminished in about 50% of the experiments. It was only the extract which exerted marked effects on the EEG; it induced high amplitude delta waves, spindle-like formations, and a continuous alpha- or beta-synchronization in the amygdalar recordings (p less than 0.001). Neither D,L-kavain nor the kava extract changed the threshold of the EEG arousal reaction. As to the evoked potentials, the hippocampal response following stimulation of the amygdalar nucleus showed an increase in amplitude in the animals given D,L-kavain (50 mg/kg; p less than 0.05) and in those given the extract (100 mg pyrones/kg; p less than 0.01). In addition, after injection of the extract, further projections arising from the amygdala as well as the connection from the caudate nucleus to the amygdala proved to be activated. The percentage duration of active wakefulness was significantly shortened by both D,L-kavain and pentobarbital, as compared to placebo. There was a likewise significant prolongation of synchronized sleep with D,L-kavain, pentobarbital, and the combination of both these agents. However, a potentiation of drug effects failed to occur. It is concluded from the findings that limbic structures and, in particular, the amygdalar complex represent the preferential site of action for both D,L-kavain and the kava extract. The participation of these structures in modulating emotional processes may explain the promotion of sleep, even in the absence of sedation. There is no congruity of D,L-kavain with either the tricyclic thymoleptics or the benzodiazepines regarding the profile of neurophysiological effects.

[Prognostic significance of cell kinetic parameters of endometrial cancer]. / Prognostische Bedeutung zellkinetischer Parameter beim Endometriumkarzinom.

In 120 patients suffering from carcinoma of the endometrium of a wide variety of histological types, conventional clinical and morphological criteria of prognosis were compared with the DNA index (DI) and the S-phase fraction. The cellular kinetics parameters were obtained via flow cytophotometry. Adenocarcinomas (n = 101) were more frequently DNA diploid and had a lower S-phase share (less than 5%) than adenoacanthomas, clear-cell carcinomas and malignant Müller's mixed tumors. There are close correlations between the conventional prognostic factors such as FIGO stage, relative tumor invasion depth, grading and oestrogen or progesteron receptor content and the DNA content or S-phase fraction. Carcinomas with a DI less than or equal to 1.1 (n = 83) and the S-phase fraction less than 5% (n = 77), have a significantly longer survival time and recurrence-free interval than DNA-aneuploid tumors with a high S-phase fraction. The studies underline the need to use flow cytophotometry in the prognostic assessment of the carcinoma of the endometrium. The method is superior to histological grading, since the results obtained can be objectively assessed.

[Capillary hemangioma of the umbilical cord as a cause of polyhydramnios]. / Kapilläres Hämangiom der Nabelschnur als Ursache eines Polyhydramnions.

The authors report on an encapsulated, fibrous capillary hemangioma, 4 cm in diameter, located at the insertion of the umbilical cord, which caused a polyhydramnion in the 26th week of gestation. The diagnosis of capillary hemangioma was confirmed by multiple sonographic examinations. In the 27th week of gestation, 700 ml of amniotic fluid were drained by a single transabdominal amniocentesis. The child had to be delivered by cesarean section in the 36th week of gestation owing to a breech presentation in a primigravida mother and signs of respiratory placental insufficiency. No malformations of any kind were found in the newborn. The importance of the capillary hemangioma as the cause of a polyhydramnion is discussed with regard to differential diagnosis.

[Current status of radiotherapy following ablative and breast-sparing treatment of breast cancer]. / Heutiger Stellenwert der Strahlentherapie nach ablativer und nach brusterhaltender Behandlung des Mammakarzinoms.

After a total mastectomy in cases of a high risk of loco-regional recurrence the postoperative irradiation of the chest wall is indicated in the following situations: Inflammatory type of carcinoma, tumor stage T3-T4, extended multifocal and multicentric primary tumor. After radical axillary surgery even in patients with positive nodes irradiation is not necessary except in cases where all axillary nodes are involved or with invasion of the axillary tissue. The supra- and infraclavicular lymph drainage regions caudal to the operated area (clip) should be irradiated with 50 Gy providing both an enlarged or subtotal involvement can be diagnosed. The irradiation of the retrosternal lymph-drainage system with 45-50 Gy is indicated as follows: Medial or central tumor site, extensive involvement of the axillary nodes and advanced stages of the primary tumor (T2-T4). Axillary irradiation alone cannot serve as a substitute for surgery. After segmental mastectomy without postoperative radiotherapy a local failure rate of 30% is to be expected during a 5 year period. After surgery with adjuvant postoperative irradiation the local failure rate can be reduced to about 5%: 50-60 Gy should be applied. In case of an unfavourable histology an additional boost dose is recommended. The objective of breast cancer irradiation is to achieve freedom of loco-regional recurrence. The survival can be improved occasionally after local irradiation, theoretically improvement of survival can be achieved in 7-10% at the most.

DNA flow cytometry of ovarian tumors with correlation to histopathology.

Tissue samples from 49 women with seven benign and 42 malignant ovarian tumors were examined by means of DNA flow cytometry (FCM). The FCM data (DNA-ploidy and the number of S-phase fractions) were compared with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, the histologic grade of differentiation and in some cases with the clinical outcome. The benign ovarian tumors were all diploid with a mean of 2.1% (+/- 1.66) S-phase fractions. Adenocarcinomas with the histologic grade 1 were diploid and had a mean of 2.1% (+/- 1.17) S-phase fractions. Grade 2 adenocarcinomas were aneuploid in eight of nine cases and revealed an increased proliferative activity (7.7% +/- 2.67 S-phase fractions). A high number of aneuploid cases (nine of 13) and an increased DNA synthesis were found in grade 3 adenocarcinomas (12.0% +/- 5.72 S-phase fractions). Four of six malignant nonepithelial tumors also had high numbers of S-phase fractions (9.7-14.5%). A significant correlation between the histologic grade and the DNA synthesis, FIGO stage, and DNA-ploidy was found. DNA-FCM may be used as an additional diagnostic tool supplementing routine histopathologic examination of ovarian tumors for better biological characterization, especially for those with uncertain grading, for grade 2 neoplasms, and for malignant nonepithelial tumors.

[Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of ovarian cysts and their frequency in newborn infants]. / Die pränatale ultrasonographische Diagnose von Ovarialzysten und deren Häufigkeit bei Neugeborenen.

Two cases of ovarian cysts in neonates are reported, one having been recognized by prenatal ultrasound examination. A review of 89 published cases is given, as well as recommendations for pre- and postnatal management.

[DNA measurement of malignant tumors by impulse cytophotometry. The principles and importance for assessing growth behavior and the degree of abnormality]. / DNS-Messung von malignen Tumoren mittels Impulszytophotometrie. Prinzipien und Bedeutung für die Beurteilung von Wachstumsverhalten und Abnormitätsgrad.

Monometric DNA impulse cytophotometry of ploidism state (diploid or aneuploid tumors with stemmline shift, polyploidism ) and proportion of DNA-synthesized cells (S-phase proportion) were determined on over 500, mostly malignant, tumors of different sites. The results were compared with histopathological findings (TNM stage and degree of differentiation). Large diploid carcinomas of the oral cavity have lower S-phase activity than aneuploid tumors. Carcinomas of the breast, stomach and ovary are frequently diploid. Aneuploid carcinomas of these regions generally have high synthesizing activity. Mucoid signet-ring carcinomas of the stomach have lower S-phase activity than non-mucoid carcinomas. In the colorectal region aneuploid carcinoma predominates, in the colon more than in the rectum. Tumor metastases from colon and rectum into the liver predominantly are from aneuploid primary tumors. For tumors of the breast, corpus uteri and ovary with high and moderate differentiation there is a direct correlation between histological grade of differentiation and the S-phase proportions. Aneuploid tumors vary from low to high synthesizing activity. Diploid meningioma and glioma have a low S-phase proportion, aneuploidism correlates with an increase in growth. Supplementation of histopathological diagnosis by determining ploidism and S-phase activity makes an important contribution in the assessment of the degree of malignancy, as well as for therapeutic purposes.

DNA-flow-cytometric measurements on the normal, atrophic, hyperplastic and neoplastic human endometrium.

DNA distribution patterns and the fractions of the cell cycle phases were determined by means of flow-through cytometry in 87 samples of normal, atrophic, hyperplastic and carcinomatous human endometrium. The S-phase fractions vary during the normal menstrual cycle between 1 and 3% and reach a periovulatory maximum between 4.4 and 4.7%. Atrophic endometrium and regressive glandular cystic hyperplasia have little DNA synthesis (1.01% and 1.68% S-phase fractions respectively). Proliferating glandular cystic hyperplasia reveals 3.38% S-phase fraction, whereas adenomatous hyperplasia has an increased number of DNA-synthesizing cells (4.81%). The well-differentiated endometrial carcinoma shows no cytophotometrically detectable differences in comparison to adenomatous hyperplasia. All endometrial samples except for poorly differentiated endometrial carcinoma showed a diploid to tetraploid DNA distribution pattern. The poorly differentiated endometrial carcinoma displays two different types: one rapidly growing diploid-tetraploid tumor with 8.0 to 9.6% S-phase fractions, and another type with stemline deviations, polyploid nuclei and less pronounced synthetic activity.

Effect of alpha-MSH on plasma levels of LH, FSH, progesterone and cortisol during the corpus luteum phase of the menstrual cycle.

In healthy women (21-28 years) the influence of synthetic alpha-MSH upon the peripheral plasms levels of LH, FSH, progesterone and cortisol was determined during the corpus luteum phase of the menstrual cycle. As controls 3 women were given 6 intravenous infusions of 250 ml NaCl; 4 women received a total of 18 intravenous infusions of 5-20 mg alpha-MSH from 9.00 to 11.00 a.m. on the 5th and 7th hyperthermic day of the menstrual cycle. The blood levels of the hormones were usually followed for 24 h, and in two cases for 48 h. During and after the control as well as the experimental infusions with 5-20 mg alpha-MSH, no significant changes in the plasma concentrations of LH, FSH and progesterone were found. The cortisol concentrations, however, showed on the average a 2-fold increase over the initial values during the infusion of 5 mg and 10 mg alpha-MSH. During the control infusions they were not enhanced. One experiment was conducted with 20 mg alpha-MSH. The increase in the plasma cortisol levels following alpha-MSH administration generally seemed to be dose dependent, but statistically no significant differences regarding the increase in cortisol level could be detected between the 5 mg and 10 mg doses.