The dopamine D-2 antagonist, Ro 22-1319, inhibits the persistent behavioral syndrome induced by iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) in mice

Chronic administration of beta,beta'-iminodipropionitrile causes a persistent syndrome of excitement, choreoathetoid movements, and circling (the "ECC-syndrome") which persists indefinitely after termination of the IDPN injections. Ro 22-1319 is a specific D-2 dopamine receptor antagonist which was recently synthesized to fit a hypothetical model of the D-2 receptor. Ro 22-1319 inhibited several aspects of the ECC-syndrome, although some of its components, such as backward pedaling and forepaw treading reminiscent of the serotonin syndrome, were exacerbated. These results suggest that several neurotransmitter systems may be involved in the ECC-syndrome.     

Respite care for families of children with severe handicaps: An evaluation study of parent satisfaction

Respite care services provided by foster parents to 68 children with severe handicaps between 1976 and 1979 were systematically studied to determine parent satisfaction. A variety of rest options were made available to the parents of handicapped children for purposes of revitalizing themselves to deal with their child's daily needs. The respite options included short periods of time varying from 2 to 15 consecutive days, i. e., taking a much needed vacation, a week-edn or two a month off, a few days off during the week, or time away from the child due to an emergency. Consumer satisfaction was measured by survey questionnaires developed specifically for respite care and mailed to parents of handicapped children who had used the service. Results indicated that consumer opinion acquired via the follow-up questionnaire method was extremely positive, A most important consideration was to collect data on scheduled intervals about children subsequently receiving care from the same program to determine whether ratings increased or decreased. By focusing on specific respite care activities over time, it was possible to align optimum versus actual satisfaction. Through an analysis of observer variance, the modification of documented weaknesses can decrease the difference between optimum and actual consumer satisfaction levels.     

Long-term follow up of the FL2000 study comparing CHVP-interferon to CHVP-interferon plus rituximab in follicular lymphoma

Anti-CD20-containing chemotherapy regimens have become the standard of care for patients with follicular lymphoma needing cytotoxic therapy. Four randomized trials demonstrated a clinical benefit for patients treated with rituximab. However, no long-term follow up (i.e. > 5 years) of these trials is yet available. Between May 2000 and May 2002, 358 newly diagnosed patients with high tumor burden follicular lymphoma were randomized to receive cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, etoposide and prednisolone plus interferon-α2a or a similar chemotherapy-based regimen plus rituximab, and outcome was up-dated. With a median follow up of 8.3 years, addition of rituximab remained significantly associated with prolonged event-free survival (primary end point) (P=0.0004) with a trend towards a benefit for overall survival (P=0.076). The Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index score was strongly associated with outcome for both event-free and overall survival in univariate analysis and its prognostic value remained highly significant after adjusting for other significant covariates in multivariate models (P<0.0001 and P=0.001, respectively). Considering long-term toxicity, the addition of rituximab in the first-line setting was confirmed as safe with regards to development of secondary malignancies. Long-term follow up of patients with follicular lymphoma treated in the FL2000 study confirms the sustained clinical benefit of rituximab without long-term toxicity. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier:00136552).