Medulloblastoma in adults: evaluation of the Dutch society for neuro-oncology treatment protocol.

PURPOSE: Medulloblastoma is a rare tumor in adults. The objective of this nationwide, multicenter study was to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of the Dutch treatment protocol for adult medulloblastoma patients. METHODS: Adult medulloblastoma patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2018 were identified in the Dutch rare tumors registry or nationwide pathology database. Patients with intention to treat according to the national treatment protocol were included. Risk stratification was performed based on residual disease, histological subtype and extent of disease. All patients received postoperative radiotherapy [craniospinal axis 36 Gy/fossa posterior boost 19.8 Gy (14.4 Gy in case of metastases)]. High-risk patients received additional neoadjuvant (carboplatin-etoposide), concomitant (vincristine) and adjuvant chemotherapy (carboplatin-vincristine-cyclophosphamide) as far as feasible by toxicity. Methylation profiling, and additional next-generation sequencing in case of SHH-activated medulloblastomas, were performed. RESULTS: Forty-seven medulloblastoma patients were identified, of whom 32 were treated according to the protocol. Clinical information and tumor material was available for 28 and 20 patients, respectively. The histological variants were mainly classic (43%) and desmoplastic medulloblastoma (36%). Sixteen patients (57%) were considered standard-risk and 60% were SHH-activated medulloblastomas. Considerable treatment reductions and delays in treatment occurred due to especially hematological and neurotoxicity. Only one high-risk patient could complete all chemotherapy courses. 5-years progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for standard-risk patients appeared worse than for high-risk patients (PFS 69% vs. 90%, OS 81% vs. 90% respectively), although this wasn't statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Combined chemo-radiotherapy is a toxic regimen for adult medulloblastoma patients that may result in improved survival.

[Utilization of sulfite leach by yeasts: growth parameters of producer and fusion strains]. / Verwertung von Sulfitablauge durch Hefen--Wachstums-parameter von Produktionsstämmen und eines Fusions-stammes.

The growth characteristics of a Candida strain (T1), a Pichia strain (T2), and of a fusion product of T2-mutants (fp-T2) have been examined in batch and continuous cultures with the single substrates xylose, acetate, glucose, mannose, and galactose or mixed substrates of them. Maximum specific growth rate (mumax), substrate saturation constant (KS), substrate inhibition (KSi), yield (Y), dilution rate (D), and the protein content of the strains have been compared. The significance of the results for the production of single cell protein is pointed out.

[Special conditions for the cultivation of genetically engineered microorganisms]. / Besondere Bedingungen für die Kultivierung von gentechnisch bearbeiteten Mikroorganismen.

Using recombinant strains recently the cultivation of microorganisms for biotechnological purposes has reached a qualitative new level. With respect to the optimization of such cultivation processes appropriate variations of genetical, physiological and biochemical parameters will be necessary. This review summarizes trends of construction of vectors and problems of correlations between hosts and vectors with regard to their application in discontinuous and continuous bioreactor-procedures.

Long-term supervised domiciliary EEG monitoring in epileptic patients employing radio telemetry and telephone telemetry. I. Telephone telemetry system.

A PCM system provides digital transmission of 8 EEG channels over conventional voice graded telephone lines. Transmission of the EEG from the patient's residence to the clinical centre enables the use of existing monitoring facilities for carrying out continuously supervised long-term domiciliary EEG monitoring. Secondary channels simultaneously enable exchange of information for quality and performance control. The ease of use and the flexibility of the public telephone system enable recording from almost any place desired.

[Microbial utilization of mixed substrates]. / Mikrobielle Verwertung von Mischsubstraten.

Decomposition of substrates by heterotrophic microorganisms is accomplished in natural biotopes such as in soil and in waters, on or in macroorganisms but also in laboratory and industrial biotopes. The interest of man in these processes is manifold. Starting with the division of substrates into three groups of simple substrates, complex and mixed substrates with or without solid particles their qualitative and quantitative occurrence in nature and their significance in biotechnology will be discussed. In the decomposition of these substrates their utilization by pure cultures or mixed populations is to be exactly distinguished. Simple growth curves, di- or polyauxy, sequences of decomposition of simple substrates of a mixed substrate, population changes and successions are only some of the phenomena occurring in this process. The pathways of catabolism are subjected to manifold regulations on the three levels of stoichiometric regulation, the regulation of enzyme activity and the regulation of enzyme synthesis. In natural biotopes there is hardly a constant substrate supply over a longer period. That's why certain mechanisms of regulation are permanently acting. Thus the "normal" physiological state for microorganisms is characterized by permanent transition situations--called "transients". These reactions are also applied to many biotechnological processes.

[Degradation of mixed substrates by yeasts. I. Substrates of waste sulfite liquor]. / Abbau von Mischsubstraten durch Hefen. I. Substrate der Sulfitablauge.

Two Candida strains were isolated from an industrial batch reactor for fermentation of waste sulfite liquor. Pure cultures of these yeasts assimilate single substrates contained in waste sulfite liquor with different specific activity. The respiration rate is influenced by some induction substrates, too. In a mixed substrate model corresponding to waste sulfite liquor the single substrates are metabolized by pure cultures in a specific sequential manner. These sequences change during degradation of mixed substrates by mixed cultures. The spectrum of metabolized substrates, however, is not reduced. This fact is important for energy balance or for waste water contamination.

Interference suppression for EEG recording during open heart surgery.

A device for recording the EEG during open heart surgery is described. It differs from most standard equipment in two ways. First, the input circuit is completely floating from earth and will withstand 500 V DC. Second, radiofrequency (RF) shielding and filtering permits continuous recording of the EEG during electro-surgery in the operating room. The almost undisturbed recording permits on-line continuous EEG monitoring by means of quantitative signal analysis methods.