Diagnosis delays in childhood cancer

Abstract

In the present study two series of isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/SiO2 nanocomposites containing 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt % SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by melt‐mixing on a twin‐screw corotating extruder. In the first series untreated fumed silica nanoparticles were used, whereas in the second nanoparticles were surface‐treated with dimethyldichlorosilane. In both cases, the average size of the primary nanoparticles was 12 nm. Tensile and impact strength were found to increase and to be affected mainly by the type and content of silica nanoparticles. A maximum was observed, corresponding to samples containing 2.5 wt % SiO2. These findings are discussed in light of the SEM and TEM observations. By increasing the amount of nanoparticles, large aggregates of fumed silica could be formed, which may explain the reduction of mechanical properties with higher concentrations of SiO2. However, it was found that surface‐treated nanoparticles produced larger aggregates than did those derived from untreated nanoparticles, despite the increased adhesion of the iPP matrix, as was postulated from yield strength. This behavior negatively affected mechanical properties. In addition, an effort was made to determine if toughening theories, mainly the critical interparticle distance for rubber toughening or composites, also might be applicable in nanocomposites. From DSC measurements it was demonstrated that silica nanoparticles acted as effective nucleating agents, increasing the crystallization rate and the degree of crystallinity of iPP. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2684–2696, 2006

Clinical, hematological, and laboratory presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia of children in Diyala province/Eastern Iraq

“…Consequently, the prognosis may improve, and a cure can be attained with minimal side effects or late effects. 2 Leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy. It accounts for 30% of all cancers diagnosed in children under 15 years of age in industrialized countries, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent form, accounting for approximately 80% of leukemias.…”

Assistencia ao cancer entre criancas e adolescentes: mapeamento dos fluxos origem-destino no Brasil

“…Research on delays in diagnosing cancer in children highlights that those resident in rural or distant areas have diffi culty in accessing care, as they need to travel long distances to reach specialist health care services. 2,11,12,14,16,19 The majority of CT, RT and hospitalizations occurred in the health districts of the 12 main Brazilian cities: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Brasília, Goiania, Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador, Manaus and Belem -following Brazil's urban network structure, i and suggesting the existence of a defi cit in access to cancer treatment for children and adolescents living in the North and Northeast. This is especially evident in the cases of those living in the North, who are obliged to travel long distances to reach specialist treatment, and refl ects the inequality between the different regions of Brazil.…”

“…11,14,17 The mean annual incidence for all types of cancer in this age group, under 20, is of 18.8 cases/100,000 people -year in the United States. 23 In Brazil, in 14 of its population based records, the median incidence of cancer in childhood is 154.3/thousand, 6 representing the fourth and fi fth most common causes of death in those aged under 18 for females and males respectively, and the most common cause of death from illness in over 5s.…”

“…Studies report that early diagnosis and immediate access to specialist centers are critical for appropriate treatment and are associated with higher survival rates. 9,11,12,14,16,17 Access to health care services is one of the essential elements in caring for cancer. Geographical accessibility, one of the components of access, is infl uenced by the distribution of resources and services.…”

Presenting symptoms of children with cancer: a primary-care population-based study

“…5 Symptoms and symptom onset may be insidious and may vary according to cancer type, the size of the tumour, its anatomic location and rate of growth, and the child's age. [6][7][8][9] According to the Danish National Board of Health, the suspicion of leukaemia in childhood should be raised in the presence of pallor, fatigue, irritability, unexplained fever, persistent/recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, generalised lymphadenopathy, persistent/unexplained bone pain, and/or unexplained bruising. Further, specific recommendations for children with suspected lymphoma, brain and CNS tumour, neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumour, soft tissue sarcoma and retinoblastoma has been described.…”