Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity Chemical Sorbents Utilizing Primary Amine Appendance Through Acid-Base and Hydrogen-Bonding Interactions.

Here, we present novel chemical sorbents based on polymers with intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). For the first time, alkylamines were incorporated in PIMs through an acid-base interaction to create a chemisorbent. The amine-appended PIMs not only showed a nearly four-fold enhancement in CO2 loading capacity (36.4 cc/g at 0.15 bar and 298 K) and very high CO2/N2 selectivity compared to neat PIM-1 but also proved to have stable performance when cycled between adsorption and desorption isotherms under both dry and humid conditions that are typical for postcombustion CO2 capture.

Effectiveness of an internet intervention (Deprexis) for depression in a united states adult sample: A parallel-group pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of an Internet intervention for depression with a randomized, controlled trial in a large sample of adults recruited from the United States. METHOD: The current study examines the effectiveness of Deprexis, an Internet treatment for depression that was provided with relatively minimal support. There were 376 treatment-seeking adults (mean age = 32 years; 74% female; 77% Caucasian, 7% Asian, 7% multiple races, 4% African American, and 11% Hispanic/Latino) with elevated depression (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms-Self-Report [QIDS-SR] > = 10) who were randomized to receive an 8-week course of treatment immediately (n = 285) or after an 8-week delay (n = 91; i.e., waitlist control). RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analyses indicated that treatment was associated with greater reduction in self-reported symptoms of depression (effect size d = .80) and 12 times greater likelihood of experiencing at least 50% symptom improvement compared with waitlist control. Similar effects were observed for several secondary outcomes, such as interviewer-rated depression symptoms, well-being, and depression-related disability. Treatment effects for symptoms of social anxiety, panic, and traumatic intrusions were relatively small. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that Deprexis can produce symptomatic improvement among depressed adults recruited from the United States. Additional research is needed that examines whether improvements are maintained over time and who is particularly likely to respond to this form of treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record

A phase 2 study of alisertib (MLN8237) in recurrent or persistent uterine leiomyosarcoma: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study 0231D.

OBJECTIVE: This two-stage Phase II study assessed the activity of single agent alisertib in patients with recurrent/persistent uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS). METHODS: Eligibility criteria included histologically-confirmed, recurrent or persistent uLMS, age≥18, 1-2 prior cytotoxic regimens, and RECIST version 1.1 measurable disease. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of alisertib through the frequency of patients with objective tumor responses and the frequency who survived event-free for at least 6months (EFS6). The endpoints for EFS were RECIST progression, death, or beginning a subsequent therapy. The null hypothesis jointly specified the probability of a patient experiencing a tumor response to less than or equal to 5% and the probability of a patient surviving event-free for at least 6months to less than or equal to 20%. A two-stage design was used with a target accrual of 23 patients for stage 1 and 47 pts. cumulative for stage 2. Confidence intervals do not correct for multiplicity. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were enrolled with two patients excluded on central histology review, yielding 21 eligible patients. Median age was 61years. Prior treatment was either 1 cytotoxic regimen (71.4%) or 2 (28.6%). The most common treatment related AEs (grade 3 or worse) were anemia Hensley et al. (2008a) , leukopenia Hensley et al. (2008b) , neutropenia Maki et al. (2007) , thrombocytopenia Huang et al. (2012) , mucositis Hensley et al. (2008a) , diarrhea Huang et al. (2012) , and palmer-planter syndrome Zivanovic et al. (2012) . There were no objective responses (0%; 90% CI: 0-10.4%). Best response was stable disease (38.1%); 12 patients had progressive disease (57.1%). EFS6 was 0% (90% CI: 0-10.4%). Median PFS and OS were 1.7 (90% CI: 1.4-3.2) and 14.5months (90% CI: 7.6 - NA), respectively. CONCLUSION: Alisertib did not demonstrate clinically meaningful single agent activity in previously treated uLMS.

Second Curettage for Low-Risk Nonmetastatic Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of second uterine curettage in lieu of chemotherapy for patients with low-risk, nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) and to evaluate whether response to second curettage is independent of patient age, World Health Organization (WHO) risk score, registration human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level, lesion size, and depth of myometrial invasion measured on ultrasound examination. METHODS: This was a cooperative group multicenter prospective phase II study. Prestudy testing included quantitative hCG level, pelvic ultrasonography, and chest radiography. Patients were categorized according to WHO risk scoring criteria (low risk with a score of 0-6). RESULTS: Sixty-four women with newly diagnosed low-risk, nonmetastatic GTN were enrolled. Four patients were excluded. Twenty-four patients (40%) (lower 95% confidence limit 27.6%) were cured after second curettage. An additional two patients (3%) achieved a complete response but did not complete follow-up. Overall, 26 of 60 patients were able to avoid chemotherapy. Surgical failure was observed in 34 women (59%) and was more common in women 19 years old or younger or 40 years old or older. One case of grade 1 uterine perforation was successfully managed by observation. Four grade 1 and one grade 3 uterine hemorrhages were reported. New metastatic disease (lung) was identified in one of these women after second curettage. In three patients (surgical failures), the second curettage pathology was placental site trophoblastic tumor, and it was placental nodule in one additional patient. CONCLUSION: Second uterine curettage as initial treatment for low-risk, nonmetastatic GTN cures 40% of patients without significant morbidity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov/, NCT00521118.

A phase I study of IV doxorubicin plus intraperitoneal (IP) paclitaxel and IV or IP cisplatin in endometrial cancer patients at high risk for peritoneal failure (GOG 9920): an NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of a modified paclitaxel/doxorubicin/cisplatin (TAP) regimen which incorporated intraperitoneal (IP) paclitaxel or IP paclitaxel/cisplatin in advanced endometrial cancer. METHODS: Patients (pts) with FIGO (1998) Stage IIIA/IIIC with positive cytologic washings/ascites, adnexa, or serosa or Stage IV (intraperitoneal disease spread), histologically confirmed endometrial cancer were eligible. The study was designed as a phase I, 3+3 dose escalation study evaluating 5 dose levels (DL). All pts received cycles 1-2 with IV TAP, and cycles 3-6 with IV/IP therapy, on a 21day schedule. Adverse events were evaluated on cycles 3-4 for dose limiting toxicity (DLT) and dose escalation decisions. RESULTS: Twenty-one pts were enrolled, of which 17 were evaluable for DLT. Most pts had Stage IV disease (76%) and serous/clear cell histology (59%). The MTD was determined to be DL 3 (cycles 3-6 including paclitaxel 90mg/m(2) IP, doxorubicin 45mg/m(2) IV, cisplatin 50mg/m(2)). Three DLT events occurred and were related to grades 3-4 metabolic toxicities. There was one grade 2 sensory neuropathy event and myelosupression was tolerable without the use of G-CSF. 88% of evaluable pts completed 6cycles of therapy. With a median follow-up of 22months, 46% of patients remain progression-free at 2years. CONCLUSION: We described an IV/IP based modification of a standard TAP regimen in endometrial cancer. Based on the high rate of completing 6cycles of therapy, low rates of neuropathy, and promising PFS, further study of IP therapy in endometrial cancer is warranted.

A phase II trial of brivanib in recurrent or persistent endometrial cancer: an NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group Study.

PURPOSE: Brivanib, an oral, multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) was investigated as a single agent in a phase II trial to assess the activity and tolerability in recurrent or persistent endometrial cancer (EMC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients had persistent or recurrent EMC after receiving one to two prior cytotoxic regimens, measurable disease, and performance status of ≤2. Treatment consisted of brivanib 800 mg orally every day until disease progression or prohibitive toxicity. Primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) at six months and objective tumor response. Expression of multiple angiogenic proteins and FGFR2 mutation status was assessed. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were enrolled. Forty-three patients were eligible and evaluable. Median age was 64 years. Twenty-four patients (55.8%) received prior radiation. Median number of cycles was two (range 1-24). No GI perforations but one rectal fistula were seen. Nine patients had grade 3 hypertension, with one experiencing grade 4 confusion. Eight patients (18.6%; 90% CI 9.6%-31.7%) had responses (one CR and seven PRs), and 13 patients (30.2%; 90% CI 18.9%-43.9%) were PFS at six months. Median PFS and overall survival (OS) were 3.3 and 10.7 months, respectively. When modeled jointly, VEGF and angiopoietin-2 expression may diametrically predict PFS. Estrogen receptor-α (ER) expression was positively correlated with OS. CONCLUSION: Brivanib is reasonably well tolerated and worthy of further investigation based on PFS at six months in recurrent or persistent EMC.

A phase II evaluation of aflibercept in the treatment of recurrent or persistent endometrial cancer: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

OBJECTIVES: Aflibercept targets vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor. We evaluated activity and toxicity of aflibercept in recurrent/persistent endometrial cancer patients. Biomarkers and association with clinical characteristics and outcome were explored. METHODS: Eligible patients had measurable disease; 1-2 prior cytotoxic regimens; performance status 0-2. Aflibercept 4 mg/kg IV q14 days (28-day cycles) was administered until disease progression or prohibitive toxicity. Primary endpoints were the proportion of patients with progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS6) and tumor response rate. A flexible two-stage group sequential design to detect 20% increases in the proportion of patients responding or enduring PFS6 with 90% power (α=10%) was employed. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were enrolled; five were excluded: wrong primary (2), second primary (1), wrong cell type (1); and never treated (1). Median age was 64 (range 48-83). Eighteen patients (41%) had two prior regimens; 27 (61%) had prior radiation. The PFS6 rate was 41%; three patients (7%, 90% CI: 2-17) had partial response. Of note, 10 patients (23%) met the PFS6 endpoint without starting a subsequent therapy; the remaining eight patients discontinued therapy for toxicity and started another therapy before 6 months elapsed. Median PFS and overall survival were 2.9 months and 14.6 months, respectively. Significant grade 3/4 toxicities were: cardiovascular (23%/5%), constitutional (7%/0), hemorrhage (2%/5%), metabolic (7%/2%), and pain (18%/0). Two treatment-related deaths were recorded: GI perforation (1), and arterial rupture (1). FGF1 expression was associated with response. CONCLUSIONS: Aflibercept met pretrial activity parameters, but was associated with significant toxicity at this dose and schedule in this population.

A phase II evaluation of nanoparticle, albumin-bound (nab) paclitaxel in the treatment of recurrent or persistent platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

BACKGROUND: Nab-paclitaxel is a novel Cremophor®-free nanoparticle of albumin-stabilized paclitaxel, which has favorable efficacy and toxicity characteristics relative to other solvent-based taxanes, such as paclitaxel and docetaxel. METHODS: Eligible patients had platinum- and taxane-resistant ovarian cancer, defined by persistent or progressive disease following primary chemotherapy (n = 5) or recurrence within 6 months of treatment completion (n = 42). All patients had measurable disease, no prior therapy for recurrent disease and Gynecologic Oncology Group performance status of ≤ 2. Treatment was nab-paclitaxel, 100 mg/m² days 1, 8, and 15 on a 28-day schedule. The primary endpoint was Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.0 response rate, evaluated in a 2-stage design (with power of 0.90 for a RR of 25% and with alpha of 0.05 for RR of 10%). RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were enrolled of which 47 were evaluable; median time from frontline therapy completion to registration was 21 days. Patient demographics include median age: 59 (34-78) years, serous histology: 72%, and high-grade: 81%. EFFICACY: one complete and 10 partial responses were confirmed (23%); 17 patients (36%) had stable disease. The median progression-free survival was 4.5 months (95% CI: 2.2-6.7); overall survival was 17.4 months (95% CI: 13.2-20.8). Seventeen patients (36%) had PFS > 6 months. TOXICITY: there were no grade 4 events; grade 3 events were neutropenia (6), anemia (3), GI (2), metabolic (2), pain (2), and leukopenia (1); neurosensory toxicity was observed as grade 2:5, grade 3:1. CONCLUSIONS: Nab-paclitaxel has noteworthy single-agent activity and is tolerable in this cohort of refractory ovarian cancer patients previously treated with paclitaxel.

A phase II study of gemcitabine (gemzar, LY188011) in the treatment of recurrent or persistent endometrial carcinoma: a gynecologic oncology group study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the anti-tumor activity and toxicity of gemcitabine in patients with persistent or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: Patients with advanced or recurrent carcinoma of the endometrium previously treated with one chemotherapy regimen were treated on a phase II trial conducted by the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). Gemcitabine was administered as an intravenous infusion at a dose of 800 mg/m² over 30 min on days 1 and 8 every 21 days. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were entered by 11 GOG member institutions. One patient was ineligible due to wrong primary tumor. A total of ninety 21-day cycles of therapy were administered with 35% of patients receiving four or more cycles. All patients had been previously treated with a platinum-based regimen. One patient had a partial response (4%), nine had stable disease (39%), and twelve had increasing disease (52%). The median progression-free survival was 1.7 months. Treatment was generally well tolerated with only 22% of patients experiencing grade 3 or grade 4 hematologic toxicity. There was one treated-related death due to pulmonary toxicity. CONCLUSION: Gemcitabine has minimal activity in the treatment of recurrent or persistent endometrial carcinoma at the dose and schedule tested.

Efficacy and safety of imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) and immunohistochemical expression of c-Kit and PDGFR-beta in a Gynecologic Oncology Group Phase Il Trial in women with recurrent or persistent carcinosarcomas of the uterus.

PURPOSE: This multi-institutional phase II trial assessed the activity and toxicity of imatinib mesylate and explored c-Kit and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-beta in recurrent or persistent uterine carcinosarcoma. METHODS: Women with measurable uterine carcinosarcoma, who had a performance status of 0, 1, or 2 and had received up to two prior treatment regimens, were eligible and treated with a 600-mg daily oral dose of imatinib mesylate until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) >or=6 months, overall toxicity, PFS, overall survival (OS), and response. c-Kit and PDGFR-beta were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in archival tumor. RESULTS: Twenty-six women were enrolled, 23 were eligible/evaluable, 1 was ineligible (wrong primary), and 2 were inevaluable (never treated). One subject had a PFS time >or=6 months, yielding the only patient with stable disease. All other patients had progressive disease (n=17) or were inevaluable for tumor response (n=5). Adverse events included grade 4 hypocalcemia (n=1) and grade 3 fatigue, dehydration and anorexia, genitourinary/renal, lymphatic, metabolic, and ocular toxicity (n=1 each, 4%). Positive expression of c-Kit or PDGFR-beta was observed in 88% (14/16) or 40% (6/15) and in 56% (9/16) or 73% (11/15) of cases in the sarcoma and carcinoma component of the tumor, respectively. Expression of c-Kit in the carcinoma component appeared to be associated with worse OS. No other associations were notable. CONCLUSION: Imatinib mesylate was generally well tolerated but had minimal activity as a single agent in unscreened patients. The potential association between carcinomatous c-Kit and OS requires validation.

A phase II evaluation of mifepristone in the treatment of recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian, fallopian or primary peritoneal cancer: a gynecologic oncology group study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity of mifepristone in patients with ovarian, peritoneal and fallopian tube cancers. METHODS: Patients with confirmed epithelial ovarian, peritoneal and fallopian tube cancers which were persistent or recurred in less then 1 year after primary chemotherapy were entered into this study. Patients were given mifepristone 200 mg by mouth daily for a 28 day cycle. The medication was stopped for unacceptable toxicity or tumor progression. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were entered into the study. Twenty-two patients were evaluable for response. Only one patient had a partial response for a response rate of only 4.5% (90% confidence interval: 0.2%, 19.8%). CONCLUSION: Mifepristone has not proven to be an effective agent in the treatment of patients with recurrent or persistent ovarian, peritoneal and fallopian tube cancers.

A Phase II evaluation of weekly topotecan as a single agent second line therapy in persistent or recurrent carcinoma of the cervix: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

PURPOSE: To estimate antitumor activity and toxicity of weekly topotecan hydrochloride in patients with persistent or recurrent cervical carcinoma who failed prior treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women entered on study had or failed one prior chemotherapy regimen in addition to radiosensitizing chemotherapy, performance status less than 3, and adequate hematologic, renal, hepatic, and neurological function. Topotecan was infused at 3.0 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled onto this study with 25 evaluable. Twenty-two patients had received radiation and chemotherapy prior to study. A median of two and mean of three courses of chemotherapy was given (range, one to eight courses). The most frequently severe adverse events were grade 3 anemia (28%) and grade 4 (4%) along with grade 3 neutropenia (8%) and grade 4 (8%). Two patients had grade 4 thrombocytopenia. There were no complete or partial responders. Ten patients (40%) had stable disease, twelve (48%) had increasing disease, and response could not be assessed in three (12%). The median progression-free survival was 2.4 months for the patients with increasing disease and 6.2 months (3.5-8.8 months) for those with stable disease. Disease location was equally divided within and outside the irradiated field. The 12 patients with increasing disease were more likely to have disease outside the pelvic radiation field. CONCLUSION: There were no complete or partial responders to weekly topotecan among the 25 patients in this study.

A phase II study of vorinostat in the treatment of persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinoma: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

PURPOSE: This multi-institutional phase II trial assessed the activity and toxicity of a new histone deacetylase inhibitor, vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid--SAHA) in patients with recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women with recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinoma who were platinum-resistant/refractory (progression-free interval <12 months since platinum) were eligible for trial entry if they had measurable disease, a good performance status, and good overall organ function. Women were treated with a 400 mg daily oral dose of vorinostat and continued on treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months and toxicity. Secondary endpoints were tumor response, duration of PFS and duration of overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Twenty-seven women were enrolled through the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) on the planned first stage of accrual for this trial and were eligible for analysis. Two women survived progression-free over 6 months, with one having a partial response. Two grade 4 toxicities were reported (one leukopenia and one neutropenia). The most common grade 3 toxicities were constitutional (3/27; 11%) and gastrointestinal (3/27, 11%). Other grade 3 toxicities included neutropenia, metabolic abnormalities, and thrombocytopenia (two patients each, 7%) as well as neurologic complaints and pain (1 patient each; 4%). CONCLUSION: Vorinostat is well tolerated but had minimal activity as a single agent in unscreened patients with recurrent platinum-refractory ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinoma.

Multifocal polypoid endometriosis presenting as huge pelvic masses causing deep vein thrombosis.

We describe a case of multifocal polypoid endometriosis presenting with advanced bulky disease at a variety of pelvic sites. The extent of tumor and clinical features such as vaginal bleeding and pulmonary embolus were suggestive of a malignant process. Histopathology demonstrated glands that were neither crowded nor complex, with intervening fibromatous stroma that contained occasional endometrial stromal cells. These features were consistent with the newly described condition of polypoid endometriosis. Despite the endometrioid appearance of this tumor, there was florid ciliary cell change. An association has been suggested between polypoid endometriosis and prior tamoxifen use, although this patient had no history of prior hormone use.

Phase II study of oxaliplatin in platinum-resistant and refractory ovarian cancer: a gynecologic group study.

PURPOSE: A phase II study was conducted to determine the efficacy of oxaliplatin therapy in patients with platinum-resistant or refractory epithelial ovarian carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible patients were to receive oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 intravenously over 2 hours, every 21 days, until progression of disease or adverse effects prohibited further therapy. RESULTS: Of 25 patients entered onto the study, 23 were eligible and assessable. There were no patients with complete response. One patient (4.3%) achieved a partial response, with a response duration of 6.4 months. Nine patients (39.1%) experienced stable disease, with a median duration of 5.6+ months (range, 1.8 to 13.1 months). The most frequently reported drug-related toxicities were hematologic, gastrointestinal, and neurologic. CONCLUSION: Oxaliplatin as a single agent has minimal activity in patients with platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian cancer at the dosage and schedule tested. However, future studies of oxaliplatin combined with other active agents in women with platinum-naïve or platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian carcinoma may be indicated.

Separation and capture of CO2 from large stationary sources and sequestration in geological formations--coalbeds and deep saline aquifers.

The topic of global warming as a result of increased atmospheric CO2 concentration is arguably the most important environmental issue that the world faces today. It is a global problem that will need to be solved on a global level. The link between anthropogenic emissions of CO2 with increased atmospheric CO2 levels and, in turn, with increased global temperatures has been well established and accepted by the world. International organizations such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have been formed to address this issue. Three options are being explored to stabilize atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and global temperatures without severely and negatively impacting standard of living: (1) increasing energy efficiency, (2) switching to less carbon-intensive sources of energy, and (3) carbon sequestration. To be successful, all three options must be used in concert. The third option is the subject of this review. Specifically, this review will cover the capture and geologic sequestration of CO2 generated from large point sources, namely fossil-fuel-fired power gasification plants. Sequestration of CO2 in geological formations is necessary to meet the President's Global Climate Change Initiative target of an 18% reduction in GHG intensity by 2012. Further, the best strategy to stabilize the atmospheric concentration of CO2 results from a multifaceted approach where sequestration of CO2 into geological formations is combined with increased efficiency in electric power generation and utilization, increased conservation, increased use of lower carbon-intensity fuels, and increased use of nuclear energy and renewables. This review covers the separation and capture of CO2 from both flue gas and fuel gas using wet scrubbing technologies, dry regenerable sorbents, membranes, cryogenics, pressure and temperature swing adsorption, and other advanced concepts. Existing commercial CO2 capture facilities at electric power-generating stations based on the use of monoethanolamine are described, as is the Rectisol process used by Dakota Gasification to separate and capture CO2 from a coal gasifier. Two technologies for storage of the captured CO2 are reviewed--sequestration in deep unmineable coalbeds with concomitant recovery of CH4 and sequestration in deep saline aquifers. Key issues for both of these techniques include estimating the potential storage capacity, the storage integrity, and the physical and chemical processes that are initiated by injecting CO2 underground. Recent studies using computer modeling as well as laboratory and field experimentation are presented here. In addition, several projects have been initiated in which CO2 is injected into a deep coal seam or saline aquifer. The current status of several such projects is discussed. Included is a commercial-scale project in which a million tons of CO2 are injected annually into an aquifer under the North Sea in Norway. The review makes the case that this can all be accomplished safely with off-the-shelf technologies. However, substantial research and development must be performed to reduce the cost, decrease the risks, and increase the safety of sequestration technologies. This review also includes discussion of possible problems related to deep injection of CO2. There are safety concerns that need to be addressed because of the possibilities of leakage to the surface and induced seismic activity. These issues are presented along with a case study of a similar incident in the past. It is clear that monitoring and verification of storage will be a crucial part of all geological sequestration practices so that such problems may be avoided. Available techniques include direct measurement of CO2 and CH4 surface soil fluxes, the use of chemical tracers, and underground 4-D seismic monitoring. Ten new hypotheses were formulated to describe what happens when CO2 is pumped into a coal seam. These hypotheses provide significant insight into the fundamental chemical, physical, and thermodynamic phenomena that occur during coal seam sequestration of CO2.