Emulsion‐polymerized copolymers of methyl methacrylate and N‐cyclohexylmaleimide were synthesized and used for blending with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) to improve the heat resistance of PVC. The thermal stabilities of the blends with different copolymer contents were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, torsional braid analysis, and the Vicat softening temperature. The mechanical properties and rheological behavior of the blends were also determined. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 201–205, 2003

A mixture of synthetic phospholipids containing 90% Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and 10% Dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol was tested for its suitability as surfactant substitute. Different methods of preparation were employed. The substance was studied by chromatography, Wilhelmy balance, and in rabbits after tracheal instillation during mechanical ventilation. When prepared as suspension of multilamellar liposomes in NaCl, the phospholipid samples displayed the essential surfactant features of adsorption from the subphase, spreading to a monolayer and lowering the surface tension to 3.7 dyn/cm at compression. For a dose of 2.55 microgram/cm2, the stability index was 1.83 +/- 0.29. Samples prepared with ultrasound were not surface-active. Sonication also destroyed the surface-tension-lowering ability of previously active samples. No signs of local toxicity were found in the treated animals. When radioactive DPPC/DPPG was instillated into the trachea of the ventilated rabbit, autohistoradiography demonstrated radioactive material in the alveoli covering the alveolar wall with a thin layer. Provided that proper techniques of preparation and administration are employed, the phospholipids tested are a promising surfactant substitute worthy of clinical study.

This study was performed to analyze the relevance of iliac crest biopsy in patients with primary breast cancer with regard to metastases of the primary tumor and osteogenic disease. We performed intraoperative bilateral biopsy of the anterior iliac crests in 1465 patients with primary breast cancer. The bone specimens were histologically evaluated with regard to quality of the biopsy, tumor involvement, and osteogenic and hematogenic disease. Accurate and clear evaluation of the iliac crest biopsies was possible in 1365 patients (93%). Osteopenia was diagnosed in 48 patients (3.5%); 24 patients (1.7%) showed histological evidence of tumor involvement of the skeletal system. All these 24 patients received systemic (adjuvant) therapy after surgery. Ten patients had micrometastases, although in 5 of them both the postoperative bone scan and X-rays showed no pathological results. In 10 women with histologically negative bone biopsies, metastases to the bone were diagnosed by bone scan and radiological methods. Random perioperative iliac bone biopsy cannot be recommended in patients with primary breast cancer. Iliac crest biopsy is relevant in certain scenarios (e.g. suspected recurrence, doubtful bone scan).

In 95% of patients with primary breast cancer, the extent of metastases cannot be proven by conventional methods. Nevertheless, more than 50% of these patients have a relapse within five years. To improve the predictive value for recurrency, we examined bone marrow aspirates of 128 patients with primary breast cancer. Bone marrow aspirates from 2-6 sites of the skeleton (iliac crest and sternum) were taken as well as biopsies for histological examination. The immunohistochemical studies were carried out on interphase smears and stained with cytoceratin antibodies (PKK 1) and antibodies against tumor-specific antigen TAG 12 (12 H 12). All patients were screened for distant metastases (X-ray, ultrasound, bone scan). Tumor cells and micrometastases in bone marrow were detected in 41 patients (32%). Their presence was correlated to other prognostic factors (tumor size, lymph node status, oestrogen/progesterone receptors). The median duration of follow-up was 39.5 months. 14 patients (45%) in the tumor cell positive group relapsed, compared to only 4 out of 36 patients in the tumor cell negative group. In 29% we found bone metastases. The relapse free interval was shorter for patients with micrometastases (8 vs. 15.8 months). The presence of tumor cells in bone marrow aspirates detected at the time of primary surgery, is a useful prognostic factor and a good predictor of metastases and may help in selecting patients for systemic adjuvant treatment.

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