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Background: Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has been suggested to enhance bone healing and the effects of L-PRF need to be evaluated in lateral residual alveolar bone augmentation. This in vivo study aimed to analyze the effects of L-PRF as a membrane on bone regeneration in lateral residual alveolar augmentation.Methods: Eight mongrel dogs were used; the mandibular premolars were extracted and then three lateral ridge defects were surgically created on each side of the arch. After 4 weeks, guided bone ridge augmentation was performed in each defect with the following treatment groups: N+D (nonresorbable membrane with deproteinized bovine bone mineral [DBBM]), N+B (nonresorbable membrane with β-tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP]), R+D (resorbable membrane with DBBM), R+B (resorbable membrane with β-TCP), and P+D (L-PRF with DBBM), and P+B (L-PRF and β-TCP). Following 4 weeks of bone healing, the new bone amount for each group was measured by light microscopy (primary outcome) and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) (secondary outcome). The mean values were compared at the 0.05 significance level.Results: The P+D group showed the most newly formed bone in histology and in micro-CT analyses. L-PRF was more effective in bone regeneration when compared to nonresorbable and resorbable barrier membranes. Additionally, this study indicated DBBM was the more favorable osseous graft material for bone regeneration than β-TCP when barrier membranes are used.Conclusion: From the results of this in vivo study using surgically created defects, L-PRF plays an effective role as a barrier membrane for lateral ridge augmentation. L-PRF may be an excellent barrier membrane in place of other nonresorbable and resorbable membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐translucency restorative materials are commonly used in the restoration of anterior teeth where aesthetics is a critical factor. In this in vitro study, the impact of mouthwash on the colour stability and surface characteristics of high‐translucency computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) dental restorative materials was evaluated. Two‐hundred specimens were fabricated from five high‐translucency CAD‐CAM materials: a resin nano ceramic; a polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network; a feldspathic ceramic; a lithium disilicate glass ceramic; and high‐translucency zirconia. Each group of ceramic specimens was then divided into four subgroups: conventional mouthwash (LISTERINE); whitening mouthwash (LISTERINE Healthy White); chlorhexidine gluconate; and distilled water. Oral rinsing was simulated at 100 rpm for 180 h, representing 15 yr of clinical simulation. The specimens were then evaluated for colour, translucency, gloss, roughness, and surface morphology. Two‐way ANOVA and linear mixed models were used for intergroup comparisons (α = 0.05). The polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network and feldspathic ceramic became brighter, more opaque, less glossy, and rougher after rinsing with the whitening mouthwash. The long‐term use of specific mouthwashes can cause deterioration of the optical and surface properties of high‐translucency CAD‐CAM dental restorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Infections are important complications associated with allogeneic HSCT. Describing infection rates in low‐ and middle‐income countries provides data to infer efficacy of supportive care practices in these settings. In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients (age ≤ 18 years) who underwent a first allogeneic HSCT for ALL in a single center in Argentina between 1998 and 2016. The primary outcome was sterile site bacterial infection. Secondary outcomes were proven or probable invasive fungal infection, TRM, and infectious deaths. There were 68 allogeneic HSCT recipients with ALL included in this analysis. Overall, 17 (25.0%) experienced at least one sterile site bacterial infection and 10 (14.7%) experienced at least one proven or probable invasive fungal infection. The TRM rate was 19.1%, and 3 (4.4%) patients died of infection. In a middle‐income country center in Argentina, pediatric allogeneic HSCT infection rates, TRM, and infection‐related mortality were comparable to high‐income countries. These data support continuation of allogeneic HSCT programs in similar resource‐limited settings provided that adequate supportive care and monitoring of outcomes can be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We extend the Hodge decomposition approach for the cavity problem of two-dimensional time-harmonic Maxwell's equations to include the impedance boundary condition, with anisotropic electric permittivity and sign-changing magnetic permeability. We derive error estimates for a P1 finite element method based on the Hodge decomposition approach and present results of numerical experiments that involve metamaterials and electromagnetic cloaking. The well-posedness of the cavity problem when both electric permittivity and magnetic permeability can change sign is also discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Single parents whose children have cancer are a marginalized group who report less family centred care, and therefore, less quality cancer care for their children. As such, the aims of this study were to explore how single parents of children with cancer describe their caregiving experiences and to understand their contextual life stressors. Methods A constructivist grounded theory method was used. Qualitative interviews with 29 single parents of children with cancer who were at least 6 months post-diagnosis were recruited between November 2009 and April 2011 from four hospitals across Canada. Line-by-line coding was used to establish codes and themes and constant comparison was used to establish relationships among emerging codes and conceptual themes. Results The first set of findings report on caregiving duties including: emotional tasks, informational tasks and physical tasks. The second set of findings report on the contextual picture of parent's lives including their living conditions, their physical and mental health and their family histories of disruption, trauma and disease. Conclusions Single parents caring for children with cancer were found to experience several cumulative stressors in addition to the current strain of caring for a child with cancer. The synergy of these cumulative stresses with the added strain of caregiving for a child with cancer may have long-term health and financial implications for parents. Broad-based policy interventions should focus on relieving the chronic strains associated with being a single parent of a child with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive fungal infections ( IFIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia ( AML). This study describes risk factors for IFI and IFI-related sepsis in this population. We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study of children with AML in Canada. IFIs during chemotherapy and prior to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, relapse, persistent disease or death were identified. Risk factors for proven or probable IFI were examined. Among courses complicated by IFI, risk factors for sepsis were also evaluated. There were 341 children with AML included of which 41 (12.0%) experienced 46 different episodes of IFI. Candida species accounted for 23 (50.0%) of IFIs and Aspergillus spp. accounted for 14 (30.4%). Days of broad-spectrum antibiotics, days of corticosteroids and neutropenia at start of the course were independently associated with IFI. Only days of fever were independently associated with IFI-related sepsis. Invasive fungal infections occurred in 12.0% of paediatric AML patients. Risk factors for IFI and IFI-related sepsis were identified. This knowledge may help to consider targeted strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Over the past two decades, there is increasing emphasis being placed upon providing family-centred care (FCC) in paediatric oncology settings. However, there is a lack of knowledge of FCC in paediatric oncology from the perspectives of immigrant parents. The purpose of this paper is to describe Chinese and South Asian immigrant parents' experiences of FCC in paediatric oncology settings in Canada. Methods This study adopted a constructivist grounded theory approach. Fifty first generation Chinese and South Asian parents of children with cancer who were at least 6 months post-diagnosis were recruited from six Canadian paediatric oncology centres. Interviews were conducted in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Urdu, Punjabi or Hindi, and transcribed into English. Analysis involved line-by-line, focused and theoretical coding, and the use of the constant comparison method. Results Findings indicated that overall parents were highly satisfied with the care and services they received, and their experiences were reflective of the key elements of FCC. However, there were some areas of concern identified by participants: parents not perceiving themselves as a member of the medical team; inconsistency in the quality and co-ordination of services among healthcare providers; disrespectful and mechanical manner of a few healthcare providers; and parents' discomfort with healthcare providers communicating sensitive health-related information directly with their child. Conclusions In order to successfully provide family-centred services to immigrant parents of children with cancer, better communication of the elements of FCC between healthcare staff and families is needed to negotiate a clear role for the parents as partners of the healthcare team. Moreover, a better understanding of how family relationships are structured in immigrant families will assist healthcare providers to balance the best interests of the child with that of the family as a unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Purpose The National Cancer Institute-funded cooperative oncology group trials have improved overall survival for children with cancer from 10% to 85% and have set standards of care for adults with malignancies. Despite these successes, cooperative oncology groups currently face substantial challenges. We are working to develop methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these trials. Specifically, we merged data from the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and the Pediatric Health Information Systems (PHIS) to improve toxicity monitoring, to estimate treatment-associated resource utilization and costs, and to address important clinical epidemiology questions. Methods COG and PHIS data on patients enrolled on a phase III COG trial for de novo acute myeloid leukemia at 43 PHIS hospitals were merged using a probabilistic algorithm. Resource utilization summary statistics were then tabulated for the first chemotherapy course based on PHIS data. Results Of 416 patients enrolled on the phase III COG trial at PHIS centers, 392 (94%) were successfully matched. Of these, 378 (96%) had inpatient PHIS data available beginning at the date of study enrollment. For these, daily blood product usage and anti-infective exposures were tabulated and standardized costs were described. Conclusions These data demonstrate that patients enrolled in a cooperative group oncology trial can be successfully identified in an administrative data set and that supportive care resource utilization can be described. Further work is required to optimize the merging algorithm, map resource utilization metrics to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for monitoring toxicity, to perform comparative effectiveness studies, and to estimate the costs associated with protocol therapy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The symmetric interior penalty (SIP) method on graded meshes and its fast solution by multigrid methods are studied in this paper. We obtain quasi-optimal error estimates in both the energy norm and the L2 norm for the SIP method, and prove uniform convergence of the W-cycle multigrid algorithm for the resulting discrete problem. The performance of these methods is illustrated by numerical results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order to evaluate the family-centeredness of paediatric oncology services, a psychometrically sound measure of family-centred services is needed. We performed a comprehensive evaluation of the psychometric properties of the 20-item Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC-20) in parents of children undergoing treatment for cancer at five paediatric oncology centres in Canada. Methods: The sample included 411 parents (80% response rate). Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the best way to group the items into scales. Psychometric tests were used to examine data quality, targeting, internal consistency reliability, within-scale construct validity and known-groups validity. Results: Exploratory factor analysis identified two factors: a summary measure of family-centred services and a scale measuring activities that meet parents' general informational needs. Scores spanned the entire scale range, floor and ceiling effects were low, and the sample distribution was not unduly skewed. Scales showed acceptable internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alphas >=0.93). Known-group hypotheses supported the scales' ability to differentiate between groups hypothesized to differ. Moderate effect sizes were found when MPOC-20 scale scores for parents and for children with good quality of life were compared with those with poor quality of life. Conclusions: The MPOC-20 is the only evaluated instrument currently available to measure family-centred services in paediatric oncology. Paediatric cancer programmes can now use this tool to determine parental perception of the extent to which services are family-centred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-fixing nodules of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Maple Arrow inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 16] were studied before and after excision from the root to determine the role that O2, regulation plays. in the inhibition of nodule activity and the potential for using excised nodules in studies of nodule metabolism. Relative nitrogenase (EC 1.7.99.2) activity (H2 evolution in N2O2) and nodule respiration (CO2 evolution) were monitored first in intact nodulated roots and then in freshly excised nodules of the same plant to determine The time course of the decline in nodule metabolism. These results show that the nodules' permeability to gas diffusion continued to be regulated for up to 40 min after detachment. At 40 mm after detachment, when excised nodules displayed steady-state rates of gas exchange, linear in creases in P2 from 20 to 100% at 4% min-1 resulted in recoveries of H2 and CO2 , evolution. indicating that Oi limited nitrogenase activity during this period, and that energy reserves were greatly in excess of the O2 available for respiration. When detached nodules were equilibrated for 12 h at 20, 30 and 50% O2 . Oi values measured at supra-ambient PO2 were greater than those at 20% O2 and were linked with a more rapid decline in nitrogenase activity. Also, increases in external PO2 (Oc ) failed to stimulate nodule metabolism, suggesting that the nodules' energy reserves were no longer greatly in excess of their respiratory demands. It was concluded that soybean nodules could provide useful material for steady-state studies of nodule metabolism between 40 and 240 mm after detachment, but to attain metabolic rates equivalent to in vivo rates the nodules must be exposed to above-ambient pO2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study pertaining to the effect of added block copolymer on the phase separation and morphology evolution. Methodology used to conduct the study; Effects of the quench depth on the phase separation; Information on polymer blends or alloys; Details on the study; Results of the study.

Background: The comparison of coronary computed tomography angiography plaques and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) between patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) posttreatment and patients with stable coronary artery disease is poorly understood. Our objective was to evaluate the differences in coronary computed tomography angiography-quantified plaque and PVAT characteristics in patients post-AMI and identify signs of residual inflammation., Methods and Results: We analyzed 205 patients (age, 59.77±9.24 years; 92.20% men) with AMI ≤1 month and matched them with 205 patients with stable coronary artery disease (age, 60.52±10.04 years; 90.24% men) based on age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. Coronary computed tomography angiography scans were assessed for nonculprit plaque and vessel characteristics, plaque volumes by composition, high-risk plaques, and PVAT mean attenuation. Both patient groups exhibited similar noncalcified plaque volumes (383.35±313.23 versus 378.63±426.25 mm 3 , P =0.899). However, multivariable analysis revealed that patients post-AMI had a greater patient-wise noncalcified plaque volume ratio (estimate, 0.089 [95% CI, 0.053-0.125], P <0.001), largely attributed to a higher fibrofatty and necrotic core volume ratio, along with higher peri-lesion PVAT mean attenuation (estimate, 3.968 [95% CI, 2.556-5.379], P <0.001). When adjusted for vessel length, patients post-AMI had more high-risk plaques (estimate, 0.417 [95% CI, 0.298-0.536], P <0.001) per patient., Conclusions: Patients post-AMI displayed heightened noncalcified plaque components, largely due to fibrofatty and necrotic core content, more high-risk plaques, and increased PVAT mean attenuation on a per-patient level, highlighting the necessity for refined risk assessment in patients with AMI after treatment.

Thromboembolism (TE) is associated with reduced survival in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It has been hypothesized that TE might signal leukemic aggressiveness. The objective was to determine risk factors for TE during ALL induction (TE ind ) therapy and whether TE ind is associated with treatment refractoriness. This retrospective cohort study using the population-based Cancer in Young People Canada (CYP-C) registry included children <15 years of age diagnosed with ALL (2000-2019) and treated at one of 12 Canadian pediatric centers outside of Ontario. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine risk factors for TE ind and whether TE ind predicted induction failure and ALL treatment intensification. The impact of TE ind on overall and event-free survival was estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression models. The study included 2589 children, of which 45 (1.7%) developed a TE ind . Age (<1 year and ≥10 years vs. 1-<10 years), T-cell phenotype, high-risk ALL, and central nervous system involvement were all associated with TE ind in univariate analysis. Age and T-cell phenotype remained independent predictors of TE ind in multivariable analysis. Induction failure occurred in 53 patients (2.1%). TE ind was not associated with induction failure (OR: not estimable) or treatment intensification (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.66 [0.26-1.69]). TE ind was independently associated with overall survival (adjusted HR [95% CI]: 2.54 [1.20-5.03]) but not event-free survival (adjusted HR [95% CI] 1.86 [0.98-3.51]). In this population-based study of children treated with contemporary chemotherapy protocols, TE ind was associated with age and T-cell phenotype and mortality but did not predict induction failure., (© 2024 The Authors. American Journal of Hematology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

There are conflicting data about whether the development of cancer-associated thrombo-embolism (TE) negatively impacts survival in children. The objective was to determine whether TE during treatment was associated with overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study using the Cancer in Young People-Canada registry. Children <15 years of age were diagnosed with de novo ALL (2000-2016). The primary exposure variable was radiologically-confirmed thrombo-embolism requiring medical intervention. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine the impact of thrombo-embolism on survival, where TE was time-dependent. We included 2006 children (median age: 4 years, 88.5% precursor B-cell ALL). Thrombo-embolism occurred in 113 patients (5.6%), at a median time of 107 days (interquartile range: 35-184 days) after ALL diagnosis. Among standard/low-risk patients, 41/1165 (3.5%) developed TE while among high/very high-risk patients, 72/841 (8.6%) developed TE. Patients with TE had a significantly worse OS (adjusted HR [aHR] of death: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.62-4.22, p < 0.001) and EFS (aHR of an event [death, relapse, second malignancy]: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.35-3.05, p = 0.001), compared with patients without TE. No statistically significant difference was seen in standard/low risk ALL for OS and EFS, but TE was associated with a significantly lower OS and EFS in children with high/very high-risk ALL (aHR of death: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.79-4.72, p < 0.001; aHR of an event: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.30-3.12, p = 0.002). Thus, TE led to a statistically significant reduction in OS and EFS in children with high risk/very high-risk leukemia., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Progressive cytopenia is a serious complication among paediatric patients with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS). Androgens have been used to improve blood counts in different bone marrow failure conditions. Little is known about efficacy and toxicity with new androgens (i.e., danazol) in different types of IBMFS. We identified 29 patients from the Canadian Inherited Marrow Failure Registry, who received oxymetholone or danazol. Sixteen (55%) had haematological response including patients with unclassified IBMFS (45%). Danazol showed a better toxicity profile and similar efficacy compared to oxymetholone. Androgens are an effective and safe option to ameliorate bone marrow failure in IBMFS., (© 2020 British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the efficacy of different anthracyclines and anthracycline dosing schedules for induction therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia in children and adults younger than 60 years of age. Twenty-nine randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion in the review. Idarubicin (IDA), in comparison to daunorubicin (DNR), reduced remission failure rates (risk ratio (RR) 0·81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0·66-0·99; P = 0·04), but did not alter rates of early death or overall mortality. Superiority of IDA for remission induction was limited to studies with a DNR/IDA dose ratio <5 (ratio <5: RR 0·65; 95% CI, 0·51-0·81; P < 0·001; ratio ≥5: RR 1·03; 95% CI, 0·91-1·16; P = 0·63). Higher-dose DNR, compared to lower-dose DNR, was associated with reduced rates for remission failure (RR 0·75; 95% CI, 0·60-0·94; P = 0·003) and overall mortality (RR 0·83; 95% CI, 0·75-0·93; P < 0·001), but not for early death. Comparisons of several other anthracycline derivates did not reveal significant differences in outcomes. Survival estimates in adults suggest that both high-dose DNR (90 mg/m(2) daily × 3 or 50 mg/m(2) daily × 5) and IDA (12 mg/m(2) daily × 3) can achieve 5-year survival rates of between 40 and 50 percent., (© 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

This study described infection-related supportive care practices amongst centres participating in two large paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cooperative groups, Children's Oncology Group (COG) and Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster (BFM). We surveyed 216 COG and 55 BFM institutions. The overall survey response rate was 83.8%. Antibacterial prophylaxis was more common among BFM (15/46, 32.6%) compared to COG (24/180, 13.3%, P < 0.0001) institutions. Antifungal prophylaxis also was more common among BFM (42/46, 91.3%) compared to COG (137/178, 77.0%, P = 0.03). There were systematic differences in infection-related supportive care practices. This information may be used to encourage harmonization of supportive care practices and future randomized trials.

This retrospective cohort study aimed at determining whether overweight children undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) had inferior overall survival compared with children who were not overweight. Children >/=2 years of age who received allogeneic SCT were included. Overweight was defined as a body mass index >/= 95th percentile; 54/325 (17%) children were overweight. Overall survival at 5 years was significantly inferior at 46.6 +/- 7.3% in the overweight group compared with 59.5 +/- 3.2% in the non-overweight group (P = 0.02). Our study demonstrated that overweight children who undergo allogeneic SCT had inferior survival compared with children who were not overweight.

Children with acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL) and Down syndrome (DS) show a favourable response to chemotherapy, probably due to increased sensitivity of the leukaemic blasts to cytarabine. In contrast, dose-intensive approaches have resulted in disproportionate treatment-related mortality in this group. The survival of children with AMKL and DS was retrospectively compared following treatment with a low-dose chemotherapy protocol, consisting of cytarabine (10 mg/m2/dose), retinylpalmitate and vincristine or standard chemotherapy. Event-free (67 +/- 11%) and overall survival (77 +/- 10%) at 5 years were not significantly different in both groups. Further reduction of treatment intensity in AMKL of children with DS, therefore, appears feasible.

Study Objective: To describe the pharmacokinetic disposition of tobramycin in children undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT) after intravenous administration either every 24 hours or every 8 hours, and to use this information to create initial dosing guidelines for administration every 24 hours in this patient population., Design: Pharmacokinetic analysis of a randomized controlled trial., Setting: The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada., Patients: Sixty children (< 18 yrs) with febrile neutropenia undergoing stem cell transplantation., Intervention: Patients were randomized to receive intravenous tobramycin either every 24 hours (29 patients) or every 8 hours (31 patients). Initially, they received either 2.5 mg/kg/dose every 8 hours or weight-based doses by age group (< 5 yrs, 9 mg/kg/dose; 5 to < 12 yrs, 8 mg/kg/dose; > or = 12 yrs, 7 mg/kg/dose) every 24 hours., Measurements and Main Results: Serum tobramycin concentrations were obtained at 2 and 8 hours after the first dose. Initial guidelines for dosing every 24 hours were derived using the parameters from all patients to achieve a maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of 20-22.5 mg/L and a drug-free interval (time during dosing interval when the tobramycin concentration was < 1 mg/L) of at least 4 hours. After the first tobramycin dose, the elimination rate constant (kel) and volume of distribution (Vd) observed in the every-8-hour group (23 patients) were 0.34 +/- 0.09 hours(-1) and 0.48 +/- 0.21 L/kg, respectively. The kel and Vd in the every-24-hour group (22 patients) were 0.43 +/- 0.12 hr(-1) and 0.43 +/- 0.26 L/kg, respectively. Tobramycin Vd varied with age. Initial doses of tobramycin every 24 hours recommended to achieve the target parameters are 10 mg/kg/dose for patients aged 6 months to less than 9 years, 8 mg/kg/dose for those aged 9 to less than 12 years, and 6 mg/kg/dose for those aged 12 years or older., Conclusion: Children undergoing SCT who receive tobramycin every 24 hours should receive an initial dose based on age. Further validation of the proposed dosing guidelines is required.

Haemopoietic dysfunction, ranging from single-lineage cytopenia to severe aplasia and/or myelodysplasia (MDS), is prominent in Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). To assess haemopoietic stem cell proliferation in SDS, we compared leucocyte telomere length in 12 patients with SDS to that of 41 controls, using an in-gel hybridization technique. SDS patients had an age-adjusted mean telomere length 1.4 kilobase pairs (kbp) shorter than controls (P < 0.0001). Patients with'non-severe' SDS (one- or two-lineage cytopenias; no MDS) had shortened telomeres (-1.4 kbp; P = 0.0004), as did those with 'severe' SDS. We conclude that stem cell hyperproliferation is a feature of SDS from its outset.

Medium optimization of B5 medium for hairy root cultures producing secondary metabolites was studied through statistical experimental design. Transformed root cultures of Stizolobium hassjoo producing L-DOPA were used as a model system. The serial dilution experiments facilitated logical choice of the upper and lower bounds on executing 2(11)(-)(6) fractional factorial design. Steepest ascent method as well as central composite design were sequentially employed to optimize the media of shake flask cultures. The modified B5 media of GM, PM, and GPM were obtained, indicating the optimum medium compositions for enhancing hairy root dry weight, L-DOPA content in hairy roots, and L-DOPA production, respectively. When cultivating S. hassjoo hairy roots in GM, PM and GPM for 16 days, the dry wt of hairy roots, L-DOPA content, and L-DOPA production obtained were ca. 530 mg per flask (10.6 g/L), 10.8% dry wt, and 806 mg/L, which were 1.8-, 2-, and 2.8-fold of basal B5 medium control runs, respectively.