bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placebo response in the prophylaxis of migraine: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Macedo Ana , Baños Josep‐E. , Farré Magí
Published: April 2007

Background:Migraine constitutes a good model for the study of placebo response. It is a well‐defined disease, affects a large population and a great number of clinical trials have been performed, which have given homogeneous outcomes.

Aim:The aim of this meta‐analysis is to evaluate the placebo response rate in migraine prophylaxis in all published clinical trials since 1988 and to estimate the influence of study design in response variability.

Methods:A computer‐based information search was conducted on the Medline database. The outcomes studied were patients who improved (reduction in migraine attacks of 50% or more); attacks per month, and patients with adverse events. Study design and countries in which the study was carried out were also analysed. The meta‐analysis was computed using the Mantel–Haenszel test.

Results:In the final analysis, 32 papers were considered. The pooled estimate of the placebo response (patients who improved) was 21%. The placebo response rates were significantly higher in studies with a parallel design than those in cross‐over studies (p<0.01). This response was also higher in European studies than in those performed in North America (p<0.001). Adverse events occurred in 30% of the patients who took a placebo, and the percentage of patients with adverse events was significantly higher in the North American studies than in those conducted in Europe (p<0.01).

Conclusion:These data reinforce the need to consider the placebo effect when ascertaining the true therapeutic effect of any drug, as well as to design any clinical trial in the prophylaxis of migraine.
Decreased perceptual learning ability in complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Maihöfner Christian , DeCol Roberto
Published: April 2007

Recently, several functional imaging studies have shown that sensorimotor cortical representations may be changed in complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS). Therefore, we investigated tactile performance and tactile learning as indirect markers of cortical changes in patients with CRPS type I and controls. Patients had significant higher spatial discrimination thresholds at CRPS‐affected extremities compared to both unaffected sides and control subjects. Furthermore, in order to improve tactile spatial acuity we used a Hebbian stimulation protocol of tactile coactivation. This consistently improved tactile acuity, both in controls and patients. However, the gain of performance was significantly lower on the CRPS‐affected side implying an impaired perceptual learning ability. Therefore, we provide further support for an involvement of the CNS in CRPS, which may have implications to future neurorehabilitation strategies for this disease.
Ras‐pathway has a dual role in yeast galactose metabolism
Authors: Mirisola Mario G. , Gallo Alessia , Leo Giacomo De
Published: April 2007

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae the genes involved in galactose metabolism (GAL1,7,10) are transcriptionally activated more than a 1000‐fold in the presence of galactose as the sole carbon source in the culture media. In the present work, we monitored the activity of the GAL10 gene promoter in different Ras‐cAMP genetic backgrounds. We demonstrate that overexpression of C‐terminus of the nucleotide exchange factor Cdc25p stimulates GAL10 transcription in yeast strains carrying the contemporary deletion of both RAS genes. Moreover, the deletion of the chromosomal CDC25 gene provokes impaired growth on galactose based media in yeast strain lacking both RAS genes and adenylate cyclase (whose viability is assured by the presence of the Bcy1‐11 allele). Surprisingly, reconstitution of the Ras‐pathway inhibits GAL10‐promoter activation. Activation of GAL10 gene promoter is indeed possible in the presence of Ras protein but only in strains with chromosomal deletion of adenylate cyclase. These results indicate a dual role of Ras‐pathway on galactose metabolism and suggest that Cdc25p has a Ras‐independent role in cellular metabolism.
A prospective investigation of the prevalence and prognostic significance of weight loss and changes in body condition in feline cancer patients
Authors: Baez Jennifer L , Michel Kathryn E. , Sorenmo Karin , Shofer Frances S
Published: April 2007

The objectives of this study were to prospectively identify and characterize weight loss and changes in body condition in feline cancer patients and to investigate the prognostic significance of these findings. Fifty-seven cats with neoplasia were evaluated. Body condition was assessed with a nine-point scoring system (BCS) and multiple sites were assessed for muscle and fat mass using four-point scoring systems. Feline cancer patients had a mean BCS of 4.4±2.1 kg (1=cachectic, 5=optimal, 9=obese). Fat mass was reduced in both sites assessed in 60% of the patients. Muscle mass was reduced at all three sites assessed in 91% of the patients. Feline cancer patients having a BCS <5 had a median survival time (MST) of 3.3 months compared to that of 16.7 months for cats with a BCS of ≥5 ( P=0.008).
An In Vitro Biomechanical Study Comparing the Spiral Linking Technique Against the Pulvertaft Weave for Tendon Repair
Authors: KULIKOV Y. I. , DODD S. , GHEDUZZI S. , MILES A. W. , GIDDINS G. E. B.
Published: April 2007

A new spiral linking technique for tendon repair in which one end of the tendon is spiralled around the other end has been developed. Using pig trotter extensor tendons, the Pulvertaft weave technique was compared with this new technique. Twenty-five repairs using each technique were tested by tensile loading with an Instron testing machine. The spiral linking technique matched the strength of Pulvertaft method: the mean peak loads were 102 and 105 N, respectively. The Pulvertaft weave was stiffer than the spiral linking technique: mean stiffness of 11.1 and 6.7 N/mm, respectively. The spiral linking technique also absorbed considerably more energy: energy absorbed prior to failure to 90% of peak load, 1.75 and 1.13 kN mm, respectively. In conclusion, the spiral linking technique appears as strong as the Pulvertaft weave and we believe it is easier to perform.
Influence of short-term Leucaena leucocephala feeding on milk yield and its composition, thyroid hormones, enzyme activity, and secretion of mimosine and its metabolites in milk of cattle
Authors: GHOSH M. K. , ATREJA P. P. , BURAGOHAIN R. , BANDYOPADHYAY S.
Published: April 2007

Four Karan/Friesian crossbred (Holstein×Tharparkar) dairy cows in late lactation (>200 days) were fed a basic diet of green maize and concentrates with an increasing proportion of Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) leaf meal (LLM). The proportion was gradually increased from 0·25 of the dry matter intake (DMI) in the first week to 0·50 in the second, 0·75 in the third and ad libitum in the fourth week. Mimosine, 3,4-dihydroxy pyridine (3,4-DHP) and 2,3-dihydroxy pyridone (2,3-DHP) levels were determined in milk, serum, urine and faecal samples. On average DMI of leucaena was 0·023–0·025, 0·025–0·027, 0·027–0·028 and 0·022–0·025 of live weight (LW) during the first, second, third and fourth week, respectively. Mimosine, 3,4-DHP and 2,3-DHP appeared in the blood serum during leucaena feeding and continued appearing up to sixth week of experimental feeding even after the withdrawal of leucaena from the 34th day onwards. Similarly, excretion of mimosine, 3,4-DHP and 2,3-DHP were observed even after withdrawal of leucaena from the diet. The feeding of LLM resulted in a reduced level of T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine) within a week of LLM feeding. The level of T3 and T4 improved to normal after withdrawal of LLM from the diet. The serum aspartate transferase (AST) and serum alanine transferase (ALT) activities were within the normal range. Leucaena feeding improved milk yield and composition only up to 3 weeks of feeding. The concentration of mimosine, 3,4-DHP and 2,3-DHP in milk was 0·33, 0·05 and 0·02 that of blood, respectively. The secretion of mimosine, 3,4-DHP and 2,3-DHP in the milk might be a concern for health of the offspring of leucaena-fed animals as well as human beings consuming such milk.
Developing a diet authentication system from the composition of milk and meat in sheep: a review
Authors: PRACHE S.
Published: April 2007

There is currently an increased consumer demand for information on herbivore production factors, particularly the animal diet. To meet these demands, farmers and commercial entities develop specifications via quality labels. There is therefore a need for analytical tools to be able to guarantee that the specification commitments have been fully met and to help with constructing them. The present paper reviews the current state of knowledge concerning diet authentication in sheep meat and milk, the different approaches that have been investigated, some leading examples concerning the discrimination of contrasting feeding situations in sheep, together with the persistence of some diet markers in the event of changes in animals' diet. The nature of the diet strongly influences the composition of the animal tissues and products, which is due to specific compounds that are directly transferred from the feed to the end product or that are transformed or produced by rumen micro-organisms or the animal's metabolism under the effect of specific diets. Some of these compounds can therefore be used as diet markers. Compounds such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, volatile compounds and ratios of oxygen, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope are potential tracers in meat and milk or animal tissues of animal feeding diets. Moreover, differences in meat and milk composition induce differences in their optical properties, and therefore in their spectral features, which can also be used for diet authentication. These techniques have already allowed discrimination among products obtained in contrasting feeding conditions. Intermediate situations, for example in case of modification of the animal's diet, may be less easily recognized and may require a combination of tracing methods. In particular, the persistence of tracers when animals are stall-fed a concentrate-based diet after pasture and its implications for traceability are discussed. Finally, further directions for research are highlighted.
The impact of dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) on the acid-base balance and calcium metabolism of non-lactating, non-pregnant dairy cows fed equal amounts of different anionic salts
Authors: Gelfert Carl-Christian , Leonie Loeffler S , Frömer Sven , Engel Maike , Hartmann Helmut , Männer Klaus , Baumgartner Walter , Staufenbiel Rudolf
Published: April 2007

We evaluated the impact of the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) on the influence of anionic salts (AS) on the metabolism of dairy cows using a study-design that included control of feed intake. Ten mature, non-lactating, non-pregnant, Holstein-Friesian-crossbreed cows received 2000 mEq of either one of the seven anionic salts tested, two combinations of the anionic salts or water as control via a rumen cannula. Salts and controls were assigned in a 10×10 Latin square design. Whole blood, serum and urine samples were taken during treatment (TP) and washout period. Samples of whole blood were tested for pH, base-excess and bicarbonate concentrations. In urine, pH and net acid-base excretion (NABE) were analysed. Calcium was measured in serum and urine. According to the different batches of hay, five groups of DCAD were created regarding cluster analysis. Changes in urine and blood parameters were statistically analysed for each DCAD group separately. The different DCAD had an impact on the amount of change in acid-base balance (ABB) and calcium metabolism and for how long these changes lasted. In the DCAD group receiving the highest amount of AS (239 mEq/kg dry matter with AS), changes of ABB were only noticeable in urine and these changes only differed from day zero in the first week of TP (P<0·05). In the other four groups changes of ABB were also visible in blood parameters, but only on a few days of TP did the deviations differ significantly (P<0·05) from day zero. Changes of ABB parameters in urine samples were more pronounced than those in blood and differed clearly from day zero (P<0·05). Parallel to the changes of ABB, calcium concentrations in these samples were significantly increased (P<0·001) in all DCAD groups. Except for the highest DCAD group, ionized calcium concentrations changed over time (P<0·020). However, the differences were very small and only differed from day zero on a few TP days. We conclude that the DCAD of a dairy cow's diet has an important impact on the effect of AS on ABB and calcium metabolism with respect to the duration and amount of change. The target regions of DCAD should be clearly below 100 mEq/kg dry matter to ensure the desired effect on ABB and calcium metabolism. Extremely negative DCAD should be avoided to minimize the risk of clinical acidosis induced by AS.
Differences in susceptibility toMannheimia haemolytica-associated mastitis between two breeds of dairy sheep
Authors: Fragkou Ilectra A , Skoufos John , Cripps Peter J , Kyriazakis Ilias , Papaioannou Nikos , Boscos Costas M , Tzora Athina , Fthenakis George C
Published: April 2007

We used aMannheimia haemolyticaisolate to study differences in susceptibility to experimental mastitis between two breeds of dairy sheep. The isolate was deposited into the teat duct of Karagouniko (K,n=8) or Frisarta (F,n=8) ewes. The animals were monitored by means of clinical, bacteriological, cytological and pathological methods. K ewes did not develop any systemic or mammary clinical signs, whilst F ewes became ill and developed acute clinical mastitis 12 h later (P<0·001). Bacteria were isolated from 34/48 samples from K ewes and from 46/46 samples from F ewes. Positive California mastitis test (CMT) results were 17/24 samples from K ewes and 23/23 samples from F ewes; leucocytes were seen in Giemsa-stained films. Total pathology score summed over all group K ewes was 41 (maximum possible: 128);Man. haemolyticawas isolated from 12/24 tissue samples. Total pathology score summed over all group F ewes was 93;Man. haemolyticawas isolated from 24/24 tissue samples. Hyperplastic lymphoid nodules consisting of lymphocytes and plasma cells with germinal activity were characteristically present at the border between teat duct–teat cistern of group K ewes; no such structures were observed in teats of group F ewes. The results identified differences in susceptibility/resistance to a mastitis pathogen among animals of the two breeds. Defence mechanisms of the teat appeared to be inadequate against the invading organisms; as lymphoid nodules have been considered important defensive mechanisms of the ovine teat, their observed lack in Frisarta ewes might have predisposed them to development of mastitis.
Estrogen, menstrual cycle phases, and psychopathology in women suffering from schizophrenia
Authors: BERGEMANN NIELS , PARZER PETER , RUNNEBAUM BENNO , RESCH FRANZ , MUNDT CHRISTOPH
Published: April 2007

Background

Estrogen has been hypothesized to have a protective and antipsychotic-like effect in women at risk for schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between menstrual cycle and/or estrogen levels and psychotic symptoms in a sample of women with schizophrenia.

Method

One hundred and twenty-five premenopausal women with schizophrenia and regular menses were examined. The levels of 17β-estradiol and other hormones of the gonadal axis were assessed in the follicular, peri-ovulatory, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. The effects of the menstrual cycle phase and/or the estradiol level on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores were calculated by means of regression analyses.

Results

Significant improvement in psychotic, but not depressive, symptoms was observed during the luteal phase, compared with other days of the menstrual cycle.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that estradiol may have specific antipsychotic-like effects on the symptoms of schizophrenia. Thus further investigation into the therapeutic effect of estrogen may be worthwhile.
Mortality and recruitment in a lowland tropical rain forest of French Guiana: effects of soil type and species guild
Authors: Madelaine C. , Pélissier R. , Vincent G. , Molino J.-F. , Sabatier D. , Prévost M.-F. , de Namur C.
Published: April 2007

A variety of processes have been identified as playing a key role in maintenance of hyper-rich tropical forest, among which ecological sorting caused by niche partitioning challenges stochastic dispersal processes. However, demographic responses to spatio-temporal resource variation that could result in biased species distributions are still little studied. In this paper we investigate from two censuses, c. 15 y apart, of a 12-ha permanent forest sample in French Guiana, how tree recruitment and mortality rates vary among hydrological soil types known to affect species habitat preferences and among ecological guilds related to species light requirement. The results indicate that both recruitment and mortality vary significantly with respect to these factors. While the mean instantaneous mortality and recruitment rates are estimated to 0.98 and 0.81%, respectively, pioneer species, canopy trees and hydromorphic bottomland soils depart significantly from these values. In particular, the pioneers, regenerating either from the soil seed bank or from post-opening seed rain, show faster dynamics than other species. These two guilds harbour probabilities of mortality elevated by a factor of 1.9 and 3.2, respectively, and probabilities of recruitment elevated by a factor of 4.9 and 3.1, respectively. Conversely, canopy trees show slower dynamics, with probabilities of mortality and recruitment lowered by a mean factor of about 0.5 with respect to other species. We also observe that trees growing in hydromorphic bottomlands prove to have significantly higher mortality and recruitment probabilities, by a factor of about 2 with respect to those growing in terra firme.
Influence of gibbon ranging patterns on seed dispersal distance and deposition site in a Bornean forest
Authors: McConkey Kim R. , Chivers David J.
Published: April 2007

Frugivores display daily and seasonal behavioural variation, yet the influence of this variability on subsequent seed shadows is rarely considered. We investigated the extent to which three aspects of gibbon (Hylobates muelleri × agilis) foraging and ranging behaviour (revisitation of favoured fruit sources, daily and monthly ranging patterns) influenced seed dispersal distances and deposition sites for two groups in dipterocarp forests at the Barito Ulu research site, Kalimantan, Indonesia. Dispersal distances and sites were estimated using gut retention times and ranging patterns collected over 12 mo. Gibbons dispersed few seeds (0.7%) under parent trees and most seeds (> 90%) were dispersed more than 100 m. Mean dispersal distances differed significantly between groups (339 m and 431 m) and across different months. Deposition site was only influenced by time of day, with all seeds swallowed in the first hour of activity being deposited under sleeping trees used that night. Both groups visited all 0.25-ha quadrats within their home range over the study period, indicating that gibbons potentially disperse seeds throughout their home range. Given the general uniformity of the gibbon seed shadow, the intensity of home range use and large seed dispersal distances, gibbons appear to be consistently effective seed dispersers and are probably one of the most important frugivores in Asian rain forests.
Frugivory and seed dispersal by Asian elephants, Elephas maximus, in a moist evergreen forest of Thailand
Authors: Kitamura Shumpei , Yumoto Takakazu , Poonswad Pilai , Wohandee Prawat
Published: April 2007

The Asian elephant Elephas maximus is the only living species of the genus Elephas (Elephantidae) that evolved in Africa c. 5–6 million y ago and migrated into Eurasia (Sukumar 2003). The Asian elephant is one of the few remaining extant megafauna (Owen-Smith 1988) and has disappeared from c. 95% of its historical range (Sukumar 2006). Asian elephants eat fruit when it is available, defecating intact seeds, of which some later germinate in the dung (Lekagul & McNeely 1977, Ridley 1930). However, to date there has been no detailed study of frugivory and seed dispersal by Asian elephants (Corlett 1998). The only common feature of the fruit reported to be eaten by Asian elephants is their relatively large size, but there is no evidence that they are exclusive dispersers of any plant species (Corlett 1998), in contrast to the more frugivorous African forest elephants, Loxodonta africana cyclotis (Babweteera et al. 2007, Chapman et al. 1992, Cochrane 2003, Feer 1995).
The population structure of the vascular epiphytes in a lowland forest in Panama correlates with species abundance
Authors: Zotz Gerhard
Published: April 2007

The long-term dynamics of epiphyte communities are little studied although such baseline data are urgently needed, in particular in the context of global change. Census data of a vascular epiphyte community from 0.4 ha of undisturbed lowland forest in Panama were used to infer future changes in community composition by deducing population growth from the current size class structure of populations. The study includes 11 387 individuals out of 45 species, ranging in abundance from 16 to 1568 individuals. There was a significant negative correlation between the size of a population and the steepness of the size distribution, indicating that more common species are likely to increase in abundance in the future, while rarer species apparently depend on immigration from other populations to allow local persistence.
Resprouting versus turning up of leaning trees in a subtropical coastal dune forest in South Africa
Authors: Nzunda Emmanuel F. , Griffiths Megan E. , Lawes Michael J.
Published: April 2007

To survive, leaning trees on steep slopes with loose substrate can either resprout or turn upward to regain the normal vertical orientation of the growing tip. Data from 19 tree species were collected from 20 transects in coastal dune forest. Resprouting was negatively correlated with turning up and species abundance, and positively correlated with leaning and a dead primary stem. In contrast, turning up was associated with low probabilities of leaning and higher species abundance but not with a dead primary stem. Slightly inclined trees turned upwards more than severely inclined ones, which mostly resprouted. Leaning trees without exposed roots turned upwards, while severe erosion caused leaning and resprouting. Consistent with the latter, leaning trees in stable dune slacks frequently turned upwards, whereas leaning trees on narrow dune crests and steep landward slopes seldom did so. Small trees were more likely to turn upwards than big trees. Because of potentially greater costs to the individual of sprouting, stem reorientation precedes the resprouting response across the disturbance gradient. Consequently, species prone to stem reorientation and less likely to resprout, are dominant during late-succession. This study emphasizes the advantage under low levels of disturbance of turning up as an alternative strategy to resprouting for leaning trees.
The role of ants in the removal of non-myrmecochorous diaspores and seed germination in a neotropical savanna
Authors: Christianini Alexander V. , Mayhé-Nunes Antônio J. , Oliveira Paulo S.
Published: April 2007

Ants frequently interact with non-myrmecochorous diaspores on the ground in neotropical savannas. Our objective was to quantify the removal rate of these diaspores by ants and vertebrates in order to test the predator avoidance hypothesis, and to test how diaspore traits influence removal by ants and dispersal distance. We also investigated whether seed cleaning (removal of fruit matter simulating ant activity) can influence seed germination. We performed removal experiments with nine diaspore species in a reserve of cerrado savanna in south-east Brazil. Considerable differences in removal rates were found among the nine species. We found a positive linear relationship between lipid content and removal rates for five diaspore species. Vertebrate predation pressure was low for most species, limiting the benefits that ants can provide to plants to escape predators. Ants displace diaspores up to 25 m, which may increase the chance of a seed hitting a safe site. Smaller diaspores attain longer distances of dispersal than large ones. Seed cleaning increased the germination rate for five out of six species tested in greenhouse experiments. Ant activity can have relevant and possibly lasting effects on seed fate of plants adapted for vertebrate dispersal in the cerrado savanna.
Molecular dynamics and the accuracy of numerically computed averages
Authors: Bond Stephen D. , Leimkuhler Benedict J.
Published: April 2007

Molecular dynamics is discussed from a mathematical perspective. The recent history of method development is briefly surveyed with an emphasis on the use of geometric integration as a guiding principle. The recovery of statistical mechanical averages from molecular dynamics is then introduced, and the use of backward error analysis as a technique for analysing the accuracy of numerical averages is described. This article gives the first rigorous estimates for the error in statistical averages computed from molecular dynamics simulation based on backward error analysis. It is shown that molecular dynamics introduces an appreciable bias at stepsizes which are below the stability threshold. Simulations performed in such a regime can be corrected by use of a stepsize-dependent reweighting factor. Numerical experiments illustrate the efficacy of this approach. In the final section, several open problems in dynamics-based molecular sampling are considered.
Relationship of glycaemic index with cardiovascular risk factors: analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey for people aged 65 and older
Authors: Milton Joanne E , Briche Blandine , Brown Ian J , Hickson Mary , Robertson Claire E , Frost Gary S
Published: April 2007

Objective

To identify associations between dietary glycaemic index (GI) and weight, body mass index and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) – waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lipoprotein fractions, triacylglycerols (TAG) and blood pressure (BP) – in an older British population.

Design

Cross-sectional dietary, anthropometric and biochemical data from the National Diet and Nutritional Survey for adults aged over 65 years were reanalysed using a hierarchical regression model. Associations between body weight, CVD risk factors, and dietary factors including GI and fibre intakes were explored among 1152 healthy older people living in the UK between 1994 and 1995.

Results

In the unadjusted model, GI was significantly and directly associated with TAG (β = 0.008 ± 0.003) and diastolic BP (β = 0.325 ± 0.164) in males. These relationships were attenuated and non-significant after adjustment for potential confounding factors. WHR (β = 0.003 ± 0.001) and TAG (β = 0.005 ± 0.002) were significantly predicted by GI in males and females combined. The association with WHR was attenuated by adjustment for sex, age, region and social class; the relationship with TAG was non-significant after adjustment for other potential dietary confounders.

Conclusion

After controlling for potential confounders, no clear links were detected between GI and body weight or other CVD risk factors. This study provides little evidence for advising the consumption of a low-GI diet in the elderly to prevent weight gain or improve other CVD risk factors.
Association of Breast Surgeons at the British Association of Surgical Oncology (ABS AT BASO)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by Association of Breast Surgeons at the British Association of Surgical Oncology (ABS at BASO). Clinical trials include:

BASO DCIS II TRIAL: Randomised trial testing observation (no radiotherapy) against radiotherapy in women with low-risk completely excised ER positive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast on adjuvant endocrine therapy.

Neoadjuvant trial of preoperative exemestane or letrozole ± celecoxib in the treatment of ER positive postmenopausal early breast cancer.
Anglo-Celtic Cooperative Oncology Group (ACCOG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by Anglo-Celtic Cooperative Oncology Group (ACCOG). Clinical trials include:

Intensive chemotherapy for high-risk (>4 axillary lymph nodes) breast cancer. Study Anglo Celtic I

A randomised comparative trial of Adriamycin and Taxotere versus Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide as primary therapy for patients with potentially operable disease >3cm diameter, locally advanced or inflammatory breast cancer. Study Anglo Celtic II

Prospective randomized comparison of G-CSF (filgrastim) secondary prophylaxis versus conservative management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia to maintain dose intensity in chemotherapy for breast cancer. Study Anglo Celtic III

A randomized 2-arm, prospective, multi-centre, open label phase III trial comparing the activity and safety of a weekly versus a 3-weekly paclitaxel treatment schedule in patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Study Anglo Celtic IV “Will Weekly Win”, www.taxol-uk.com

Ovarian protection trial in oestrogen non-responsive premenopausal breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant or neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Anglo Celtic V – OPTION
Australian New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZ BCTG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a list of recent or ongoing clinical trials that the Australian New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group(ANZ BCTG) participate in with other clinical trials groups, if applicable.
Dutch Breast Cancer Trialists' Group (BOOG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by Dutch breast cancer trialists' group (BOOG). Clinical trials include:

An open label randomized (inter)national multicenter comparative trial of 5 years adjuvant endocrine therapy with an LHRH agonist plus an aromatase inhibitor (goserelin + anastrozole) versus five courses FE90C chemotherapy followed by the same endocrine therapy in pre- or perimenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive primary breast cancer (PRemenopausal Optimal Management IS Endocrine therapy). BOOG 2002-01/PROMISE. ISRCTN23561723

Open label, comparative, randomized, multicenter, study of trastuzumab (Herceptin) given with docetaxel (Taxotere) versus sequential single agent therapy with trastuzumab followed by docetaxel as first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients with HER2neu overexpression. BOOG 2002-02/HERTAX ISRCTN13770586

Micro-metastases and Isolated tumour cells: Robust and Relevant Or Rubbish? The MIRROR study in BREAST CANCER. BOOG 2003-03/ZonMW 3214

Radiation dose intensity study in breast cancer in young women: a randomized phase III trial of additional dose to the tumor bed. BOOG 2004-01/Young Boost SRCTN45066831

Microarray analysis in breast cancer to Tailor Adjuvant Drugs Or Regimens, a randomized phase III study. MATADOR, BOOG 2005-02, CKTO 2004-04 ISRCTN61893718

A prospective randomised, open, multicentre, phase III study to assess different Durations of Anastrozole therapy after 2–3 years Tamoxifen as Adjuvant therapy in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. 2006-01/DATA

A randomized, open-label phase III study of first line chemotherapy in elderly metastatic breast cancer patients, comparing intravenous pegylated liposomal doxorubicin with oral capecitabine; and the incorporation of a complete geriatric assessment. 2006-02/OMEGA

BOOG participation in International studies:. BOOG 2001-01/TEAM trial. BOOG 2001-02/AMAROS (EORTC 10981/22023). BOOG 2002-04/HERA (BIG 1-01/EORTC 10011/BO16348B). BOOG 2003-02 (BIG 1-02/IBCSG 27-02). BOOG 2003-04 (GBG 29). BOOG 2004-02/TBP (GBG 26, BIG 3-05). BOOG 2005-01/CASA (IBCSG 32-05/BIG 1-05). BOOG 2005-03/MINDACT (EORTC 10041, BIG 3-04). BOOG 2006-03/SUPREMO (BIG 2-04). BOOG 2006-04/Adjuvant lapatinib study (BIG 2-06/EGF106708)
Central and East European Oncology Group (CEEOG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a list of recent or ongoing clinical trials that the Central and East European Oncology Group (CEEOG) participate in with other clinical trials groups, if applicable.
European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer – Breast Cancer Group (EORTC BCG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer – Breast Cancer Group (EORTC BCG). Clinical trials include:

Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy followed by adjuvant tamoxifen versus nil for node-negative and node-positive patients with operable breast cancer. EORTC Study No. 10901

Randomized phase III study comparing short, intensive preoperative combination chemotherapy with similar therapy given postoperatively. EORTC Trial No. 10902

Phase III randomized trial investigating the role of internal mammary and medial supraclavicular (IM-MS) lymph node chain irradiation in stage I–III breast cancer (joint study of the EORTC Radiotherapy Cooperative Group and the EORTC Breast Cancer Cooperative Group). EORTC Study No. 10925/22922

A survey of the Breast International Group (BIG) to assess the attitude of patients aged <35 years, with early breast cancer, toward the risk of loss of fertility related to adjuvant therapies. BIG 3-98/EORTC 10002

LAMANOMA: Conservative local treatment versus mastectomy after induction chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer: a randomized phase III study. BIG 2-00/EORTC Study No. 10974/22002

p53 study: First prospective intergroup translational research trial assessing the potential predictive value of p53 using a functional assay in yeast in patients with locally advanced/inflammatory or large operable breast cancer, prospectively randomized to a taxane versus non-taxane regimen. BIG 1-00/EORTC 10994

After mapping of the axilla: radiotherapy or surgery AMAROS. EORTC 10981/22023

A randomized phase II–III trial evaluating the efficacy of capecitabine and vinorelbine in anthracycline and taxane pretreated metastatic breast cancer. EORTC 10001/160010

Phase I study of lonafarnib (SCH 66336) in combination with Herceptin plus paclitaxel in HER-2 neu overexpressing breast cancer. EORTC 10051/16023

MINDACT trial: A prospective, randomized study comparing the Amsterdam 70-gene expression signature (Mammaprint) with common clinical pathological criteria in selecting patients for adjuvant chemotherapy in node-negative breast cancer. BIG 3-04/EORTC 10041
International Breast Cancer Intervention Study II Group (IBIS-II)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by International Breast Cancer Intervention Study II Group (IBIS-II). Clinical trials include:

An international multi-centre study of anastrozole versus placebo in postmenopausal women at increased risk of breast cancer. IBIS-II (Prevention). BIG 05-02a

An international multi-centre study of tamoxifen versus anastrozole in postmenopausal women with ductal carcinoma in situ. IBIS-II. BIG 05-02b
The All-Ireland Clinical Oncology Research Group (ICORG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a list of recent or ongoing clinical trials that the ICORG the All-Ireland Clinical Oncology Research Group participate in with other clinical trials groups, if applicable.
The Institute of Cancer Research, Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by The Institute of Cancer Research, Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU). Clinical trials include:

The NCRI Adjuvant Breast Cancer (ABC) trial. ISRCTN31514446

The UK randomized trial of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women with a history of early stage breast cancer. ISRCTN29941643

NCRI Standardisation of Breast Radiotherapy (START) trial. ISRCTN59368779

TACT: A randomized trial of standard anthracycline-based chemotherapy (fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (FEC) or epirubicin and CMF (Epi-CMF)) versus FEC followed by sequential docetaxel in women with early breast cancer. ISRCTN 79718493

SoFEA: Study of Faslodex with or without concomitant Arimidex versus Exemestane following progression on non-steroidal Aromatase inhibitors. ISRCTN: 44195747

TACT2: Trial of accelerated adjuvant chemotherapy with Capecitabine in early breast cancer. ISRCTN68068041

FAST trial: Prospective randomized clinical trial testing 5.7 Gy and 6.0 Gy fractions of whole breast radiotherapy in terms of late normal tissue responses and tumour control.

IMPORT low trial.

IMPORT high trial.

Adjuvant chemotherapy in older women (ACTION).
North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG). Clinical trials include:

N9831: Phase III trial of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by weekly paclitaxel with or without trastuzumab as adjuvant treatment for women with HER2 over-expressing or amplified node positive or high-risk node negative breast cancer.

N063D, BIG 2–06: Phase III Trial of Trastuzumab and/or Lapatinib in Patients with HER2+ Breast Cancer

N0537: Phase II Trial of VEGF Trap in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer Previously Treated with Anthracycline and/or Taxane

N0531: Phase II trial of weekly NAB (nanoparticle albumin bound)-paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) (abraxane) in combination with gemcitabine in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

N0437: Phase II trial of CT-2103 (Xyotax) with capecitabine as first-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

N0436: Phase II trial of concurrent irinotecan plus cetuximab in patients with advanced breast cancer with prior anthracycline and/or taxane-containing therapy.

N0434: The Association of Breast Density Changes, Plasma Hormone Changes, and Breast Cancer Recurrence: a companion study to NCIC CTG MA 27

N0432: Phase II trial of docetaxel with capecitabine and bevacizumab as first-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

N0338: Phase II trial of docetaxel and carboplatin administered every 2 weeks as induction therapy for stage II or III breast cancer.

N0337: Phase II study of capecitabine in combination with vinorelbine and trastuzumab for the first- or second-line treatment of HER2 metastatic breast cancer.

N0336: Phase II trial of RAF kinase inhibitor BAY 43-9006 as single oral agent in patients with metastatic breast cancer previously exposed to anthracycline and/or taxane.

N0332: Phase II trial of weekly irinotecan and docetaxel in refractory metastatic breast cancer.

N0234: Phase II study of OSI-774 (Tarceva) and gemcitabine for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

N0032: Phase II trial of Faslodex in women with metastatic breast cancer and failure on aromatase inhibitor therapy.

N0031: A phase II study of topical ceramide lipids as treatment for cutaneous breast cancer.
National Cancer Institute of Canada – Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by National Cancer Institute of Canada – Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG). Clinical trials include:

Double-blind randomized trial of tamoxifen versus placebo in patients with node-positive or high-risk node-negative (tumor ≥ 1 cm and either higher histological grade (poorly differentiated, or SBR grade III or MSBR grade V) or lymphatic/vascular invasion or both) breast cancer who have completed CMF, CEF or AC adjuvant chemotherapy. NCIC CTG Trial MA.12

A randomized trial of antiestrogen therapy versus combined antiestrogen and octreotide LAR therapy in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. NCIC CTG Trial MA.14

A phase III randomized double blind study of letrozole versus placebo in women with primary breast cancer completing five or more years of adjuvant tamoxifen. BIG 01-97/NCIC CTG MA.17

NCIC CTG MA.17 Companion study (2): The influence of letrozole on bone mineral density in women with primary breast cancer completing five or more years of adjuvant tamoxifen. BIG 01-97/NCIC MA.17B

NCIC CTG MA.17 Companion study (1): The influence of letrozole on serum lipid concentrations in women with primary breast cancer who have completed 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen. BIG 01-97/NCIC CTG MA.17L

NCIC CTG MA.17R A double blind re-randomization to letrozole or placebo for women completing 5 years of adjuvant letrozole in the MA.17 study.

A phase III study of regional radiation therapy in early breast cancer. NCIC CTG trial MA.20

A phase III adjuvant trial of sequenced EC + GCSF Taxol versus sequenced AC → Taxol versus CEF as therapy for premenopausal women and early postmenopausal women who have had potentially curative surgery for node positive or high-risk node negative breast cancer. NCIC CTG Trial MA.21

A phase I/II study of increasing doses of epirubicin and docetaxel + pegfilgrastim for locally advanced or inflammatory breast cancer. NCIC CTG Trial MA.22

A randomized phase III trial of exemestane versus anastrozole with or without celecoxib in postmenopausal women with receptor positive primary breast cancer. NCIC CTG Trial MA.27

A randomized feasibility study of letrozole in postmenopausal women at increased risk for development of breast cancer as evidenced by high breast density. NCIC CTG Trial MAP.1

A randomized study of the effect of exemestane (Aromasin) versus placebo on breast density in postmenopausal women at increased risk for development of breast cancer. NCIC CTG Trial: MAP.2

A phase III randomized study of exemestane versus placebo in postmenopausal women at increased risk of developing breast cancer. NCIC CTG Trial: MAP.3
Grupo Espanol de Estudio Tratamiento y otras Estrategias Experimentales en Tumores Solidos (SOLTI)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by Grupo Espanol de Estudio Tratamiento y otras Estrategias Experimentales en Tumores Solidos (SOLTI). Clinical trials include:

A phase III randomized, controlled trial of myocet, trastuzumab and paclitaxel versus trastuzumab and paclitaxel for first line therapy of metastatic breast cancer.
A probabilistic view of immunology: Drawing parallels with physics
Authors: Hodgkin Philip D
Published: April 2007

Regulating the strength and class of an immune response requires lymphocytes to act as complex signal integrating ‘machines’, taking information from multiple sources while making decisions that affect the final outcome. Describing and understanding the decision‐making behaviour of lymphocytes within the context of the dynamic multifaceted immune system appears immensely complicated. In this article I contrast two alternative frameworks, the deterministic and the probabilistic as competing paths to achieve successful quantitative immune models. As the two alternatives are traditional scientific rivals, I use the probabilistic fields in physics to highlight the potential value of the probabilistic perspective in immunology.
Tunneling and magnetic properties of triple quantum dots
Authors: Kikoin K.
Published: April 2007

Unconventional features of the Kondo effect in quantum tunneling through triple quantum dots are reviewed. Special attention is paid to the interplay between continuous rotation symmetries in the spin space and discrete point symmetries in the real space. Specific properties of the Kondo effect in linear, cross, fork, and triangular configurations of triple quantum dot geometries are discussed.
Weak localization in multilayer structures and superlattices
Authors: Novokshonov S. G.
Published: April 2007

The weak-localization phenomenon is investigated in a quasi-two-dimensional disordered multilayer structure in a transverse magnetic field. It is assumed that coherent tunneling of electrons between layers is so weak that superlattice minibands do not form, and the main contribution to the probability of transitions of electrons between layers is from their scattering in the random field of impurities. Analytical expressions are obtained for the interference corrections to the longitudinal resistance of a system consisting of an arbitrary finite number of layers in the case of insulating boundary conditions. It is shown that the scattering of electrons between layers has a negligible influence on the diffusive magnetotransport but noticeably decrease the weak-localization effect, playing the role of an additional dephasing mechanism. The influence of the boundary conditions on the weak localization effect in a multilayer structure is analyzed in relation to the number of layers. The results obtained give a good description of the negative magnetoresistance in natural Nd1−xCexCuO4 superlattices above the critical temperature.
Oscillations of the spin polarization in a two-dimensional Rashba system in a quantizing magnetic field
Authors: Lyapilin I. I. , Patrakov A. E.
Published: April 2007

The kinetics of two-dimensional conduction electrons in a quantizing magnetic field and electric field are investigated with spin-orbit coupling taken into account. Macroscopic energy balance equations for the spin subsystem and the transverse components of the spin are constructed and solved; the polarization of the carrier spins by the electric field in the quantizing magnetic field is determined. General expressions are obtained for the transverse relaxation time of the conduction electron spins at high magnetic fields. It is shown that in a quantizing magnetic field the oscillations of the spin polarization become anomalously large.
Quantum Hall effect in p-Ge∕Ge1−xSix heterostructures with low hole mobility
Authors: Arapov Yu. G. , Harus G. I. , Karskanov I. V. , Neverov V. N. , Shelushinina N. G. , Yakunin M. V. , Kuznetsov O. A. , Ponomarenko L. , de Visser A.
Published: April 2007

The apparent insulator–quantum Hall–insulator (I–QH–I) transition for filling factor ν=1 is investigated in p-type Ge∕Ge1−xSix heterostructures with εFτ∕hbar≈1. Scaling analysis is carried out for both the low- and high-field transition point. In low magnetic fields ωcτ<1, pronounced QH-like peculiarities for ν=1 are also observed in both the longitudinal and Hall resistivities. Such behavior may be evidence of a localization effect in the mixing region of Landau levels and is inherent to two-dimensional structures in the vicinity of a metal–insulator transition.