bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GM1 Ganglioside and the Seeding of Amyloid in Alzheimer’s Disease: Endogenous Seed for Alzheimer Amyloid
Authors: Yanagisawa Katsuhiko
Published: May 2005

A fundamental question about the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is how monomeric, nontoxic amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is converted to its toxic aggregates in the brain. The author previously identified a unique Aβ species in the AD brain, which is characterized by its binding to GM1 ganglioside (GM1). On the basis of the molecular characteristics of GM1-bound Aβ (GAβ), the author hypothesized that GM1 plays a critical role in the process. The author recently examined this possibility using a novel monoclonal antibody raised against purified GAβ and validated that GAβ is endogenously generated in the brain and accelerates Aβ assembly by acting as a seed. Furthermore, the author provided a possibility that aging and the expression of apolipoprotein E4 facilitate Aβ assembly in the brain through an increase in the GM1 content in the neuronal membranes, which likely induces GAβ generation. The author’s results imply a mechanism underlying the onset of AD and also provide a new insight into development of novel therapeutic strategy.
Political Institutions and Conservation by Local Governments
Authors: Lubell Mark , Feiock Richard C. , Ramirez Edgar
Published: May 2005

In this article, the authors develop a political market framework to explain the circumstances under which Florid a counties will supply environmental public goods in the form of conservation amendments to county general plans. The framework emphasizes the role of local legislative and executive institutions as mediators of local policy change. Using count models and interaction terms, the analysis shows how the strength of real estate interests constrains the ability of professional county managers to pursue conservation policies. The findings reinforce the importance of developing theories of urban politics in which local political institutions are not transparent.
Housing Mix, Social Mix, and Social Opportunities
Authors: Musterd Sako , Andersson Roger
Published: May 2005

Will housing mix create social mix, and will social mix create social opportunity? This question is central in American and European urban debates. In Europe, however, there is a big gap between the political debates and actions regarding these issues and empirical research. In an effort to partly fill this gap, the authors critically evaluated the question above, applying a large-scale longitudinal Swedish data set covering the period 1991 to 1999 and available at the individual level for the entire population. The first part of the article reviews the various policies that are used in different European countries. The second part addresses the empirical analysis.
The Calculus of Coalitions
Authors: Weir Margaret , Wolman Harold , Swanstrom Todd
Published: May 2005

Reductions in federal urban assistance and devolution have made cities increasingly reliant on their state governments at a time when cities have lost political strength in state legislatures. This article identifies three types of coalitions that historically supported cities: party-imposed coalitions, interest-based coalitions, and governor-brokered coalitions. It shows how institutional, demographic, and economic changes have made these legislative coalitions less reliable. The article then considers prospects for constructing new city-suburban legislative coalitions. It argues that institutional constraints have limited the scope of preferences expressed by city and suburban legislators. The article concludes that prospects for city-suburban coalitions will depend on new issue definitions, institutional rules, and organizations that help city and suburban legislators redefine their policy preferences.
Crossroads of Equality
Authors: Hero Rodney E.
Published: May 2005

The establishment of Urban Affairs Quarterly/ Urban Affairs Review coincided notably with significant social and political developments as well as the publication of major scholarship having to do with issues of (in)equality. The author suggests and briefly considers what he takes to be some leading examples of how questions of racial equality have been closely intertwined with urban politics and the study there of since the early 1960s. He also notes some emerging phenomena that seem likely to continue to place urban politics and research in UAR at the crossroads of equality in the United States.
A Preclinical Study of the Effects of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Leaf Extract on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Albino Rats
Authors: Gupta Asheesh , Kumar Ratan , Pal Karan , Banerjee Pratul K. , Sawhney Ramesh C.
Published: May 2005

Hippophae rhamnoides L. (family Elaeagnaceae), commonly known as seabuckthorn, is a wild shrub growing at high altitude (1200-4500 meters) in adverse climatic conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate healing potential of seabuckthorn leaves in a preclinical study on rats using a cutaneous excision-punch wound model. Four full-thickness excision-type wounds of 8.0 mm diameter were created on the dorsal surface of rats under aseptic conditions. The aqueous lyophilized extract of seabuckthorn leaves, at doses of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% w/v prepared in propylene glycol, were applied topically twice daily for 7 days. Control animals received the vehicle alone in an identical manner. Wound granulation tissues were excised on eighth day postwounding, and the hydroxyproline, hexosamine, total protein content, and antioxidant levels were determined. Wound surface area was also measured on the eighth day before wound excision to determine wound contraction. Topical application of 1.0% seabuckthorn leaf extract statistically significantly augmented the healing process, as evidenced by increases in the content of hydroxyproline and protein as well as the reduction in wound area when compared with similar effects in response to treatment using povidone-iodine ointment (standard care). The reduced glutathione, vitamin C, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities showed significant increases in seabuckthorn leaf extract-treated wounds as compared to controls. The lipid peroxide levels were significantly decreased in leaf extract-treated wounds. The results suggest that aqueous leaf extract of seabuckthorn promotes wound healing, which may be due to increased antioxidant levels in the granulation tissue.
Leg Ulcers Are a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Naser Mohamed Badawy Abdel , Hansel Gesine , Helm Cathrine , Koch André , Konrad Helga , Schönlebe Jacqueline , Unger Leonore , Köstler Erich
Published: May 2005

Leg ulcers are common. They cause a substantial burden to the patient and society. However, there is no need for therapeutic nihilism. The target of leg ulcer therapy is the individual patient. To be treated in a rational and successful way, exact diagnosis of the underlying cause(s) and associated diseases is necessary. This can be done in the most effective way with an interdisciplinary approach. The collection of cases demonstrates the need for careful clinical investigation substantiated and supported by vascular, histopathologic, and microbiologic techniques whenever needed. It is difficult to heal every ulcer completely, but improvement of the medical situation as well as the quality of life of the patient is possible in most cases.
A Nurse-Led Ambulatory Care Pathway for Patients With Deep Venous Thrombosis in an Acute Teaching Hospital
Authors: Deagle Jennifer , Allen James , Mani Raj
Published: May 2005

This article describes the management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) using an ambulatory nurse-led pathway and the compression technique using duplex ultrasound. This pathway permits the management of the “walking wounded” as well as other patients at varying risks of having DVT and in so doing has changed the approach toward the management of this common clinical event. The success of the described pathway is attributed to the development of low molecular weight heparin and the reliability of diagnostics.
Integrating Spirituality Into a Group Psychological Therapy Program for Cancer Patients
Authors: Cunningham Alastair J.
Published: May 2005

Purpose: Although the importance of spiritual issues to people with cancer is by now widely acknowledged, there has been almost no research on the value of interventions specifically designed to enhance the spiritual experience of these patients. The present report describes an exploratory study on the effects of a brief psychoeducational course emphasizing spiritual aspects of coping and healing. Methods: Ninety-seven patients with various types and stages of cancer took part in the 8-session course as the third stage in a progressive, stepwise program of support and psychological education. Standard psychometric tests were administered at entry, 8 weeks, and 6 months. Written home assignments, returned by participants, provided an insight into their experience. Results: Significant improvements in scores were found immediately following the intervention; by 6 months, however, these improvements above entry level had declined to about half the 8-week value. In their written homework, patients grappled with such issues as doubts about the existence of a god, judgment and forgiveness, guilt, projection, self-importance, and the meaning of love. As the course progressed, many claimed to be better able to accept their condition and to experience an enhanced sense of meaning in their lives, coupled with a heightened appreciation for the events of everyday life and less tendency to conflict with others. Conclusions: These preliminary findings indicate that further, more rigorous investigation would be worthwhile and support the growing view that addressing spiritual issues within the framework of group therapy can be of great benefit to people with cancer.
Coenzyme Q10 for Prevention of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Conklin Kenneth A.
Published: May 2005

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity can be prevented by administering coenzyme Q10 during cancer chemotherapy that includes drugs such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin. Studies further suggest that coenzyme Q10 does not interfere with the antineoplastic action of anthracyclines and might even enhance their anticancer effects. Preventing cardiotoxicity might allow for escalation of the anthracycline dose, which would further enhance the anticancer effects. Based on clinical investigation, although limited, a cumulative dose of doxorubicin of up to 900 mg/m2, and possibly higher, can be administered safely during chemotherapy as long as coenzyme Q10 is administered concurrently. The etiology of the dose-limiting cardiomyopathy that is induced by anthracyclines can be explained by irreversible damage to heart cell mitochondria, which differ from mitochondria of other cells in that they possess a unique enzyme on the inner mitochondrial membrane. This enzyme reduces anthracyclines to their semiquinones, resulting in severe oxidative stress, disruption of mitochondrial energetics, and irreversible damage to mitochondrial DNA. Damage to mitochondrial DNA blocks the regenerative capability of the organelle and ultimately leads to apoptosis or necrosis of myocytes. Coenzyme Q10, an essential component of the electron transport system and a potent intracellular antioxidant, appears to prevent damage to the mitochondria of the heart, thus preventing the development of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy.
Understanding the Motivation for Conventional and Complementary/Alternative Medicine Use Among Men With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Singh Harvir , Maskarinec Gertraud , Shumay Dianne M.
Published: May 2005

Hypothesis: The incidence of prostate cancer and the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among prostate cancer patients have been increasing. An understanding of the underlying motivations for men to turn to CAM is essential to achieve optimal outcomes. The authors hypothesized that CAM users and nonusers differ in their assessment of conventional and CAM treatments and explored perceptions, feelings, ideas, and experiences among prostate cancer patients who made a decision to use or not to use CAM. Study Design: This qualitative study is based on in-person interviews with prostate cancer patients selected from a population-based survey. Methods: The authors conducted semistructured interviews with 27 prostate cancer patients of Asian and Caucasian ethnicity, 18 of whom used CAM and 9 of whom did not. Using qualitative research methods, they examined perceptions of conventional medicine and CAM and contrasted viewpoints of CAM users and nonusers. Based on the patients’ statements, the authors developed a model representing the viewpoints and thought patterns of CAM users as contrasted with those patients who did not use CAM. Results: The interviews revealed notable differences in viewpoints between CAM users and nonusers in 4 areas. The following themes that were important to CAM users emerged from the analysis: a view of CAM as safe and holistic coupled with a view of conventional medicine as an aggressive and isolated treatment; concern about side effects, in particular, impotence and incontinence from conventional cancer therapy; a belief in the potential efficacy of CAM despite the lack of evidence; and a need to gain a sense of control. Although nonusers expressed similar concerns about side effects of conventional treatment and considered CAM harmless, they assigned different priorities to these issues in their decision making. Conclusions: In this study, no single theme was solely responsible for CAM use among prostate cancer patients. Instead, multiple ideas woven together led patients toward CAM use. An understanding of patients’ thought processes may aid health care professionals in initiating a dialogue about decision making and potential side effects.
Acupuncture: Role in Comprehensive Cancer Care—A Primer for the Oncologist and Review of the Literature
Authors: Cohen Andrea J. , Menter Alexander , Hale Lyndsey
Published: May 2005

In recent studies, patients have reported an increased use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Acupuncture is a popular complementary therapy for patients with cancer. This article will provide current cancer treatment providers with information on acupuncture as well as the research conducted on cancer symptoms and side effects of cancer treatments. Antiemetic studies are the most prevalent and contain the most promising results. Several studies have found that acupuncture significantly reduces the number of emesis (vomiting) episodes for patients receiving chemotherapy. While studies on pain control vary due to the heterogeneity of pain, there are few studies investigating pain caused from cancer and the removal of cancerous tumors. These studies, while promising, provide basic results that need further investigation for more definitive results. Although relatively few studies have been done on anxiety and depression, several researchers have found acupuncture to be just as effective as or more effective than antidepressants for patients without cancer. Studies on breathlessness, while small, have shown acupuncture to have a significant positive effect on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, breathlessness associated with end-stage cancer, and asthma. Researchers studying xerostomic individuals who have received salivary gland irradiation found significant positive results in salivary flow rates compared to baseline. Patients with hot flashes due to hormonal imbalance may benefit from the use of acupuncture. A recent pilot study showed improvement of chronic postchemotherapy fatigue following acupuncture treatments. Many individuals with cancer have turned to acupuncture because their symptoms persisted with conventional treatments or as an alternative or complement to their ongoing treatments. Despite the immense popularity in the community, few large randomized trials have been conducted to determine the effects acupuncture has on cancer symptoms and side effects of treatments. A majority of the current studies have shown beneficial effects that warrant further investigation with large trial sizes.
The Effects of Green Tea Consumption on Incidence of Breast Cancer and Recurrence of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Seely Dugald , Mills Edward J. , Wu Ping , Verma Shailendra , Guyatt Gordon H.
Published: May 2005

Background: Green tea is widely used by women for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. The authors aimed to determine the efficacy of green tea ingestion on the risk of breast cancer development and the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Methods: The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of observational studies from systematic searches of 8 electronic data sources and contact with authors. They included studies assessing breast cancer incidence and recurrence. Results from cohort studies and case-control studies were pooled separately using a random effects model with testing of a priori hypotheses to explain heterogeneity. Results: The pooled relative risk (RR) of developing breast cancer for the highest levels of green tea consumption in cohort studies was 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.1; P= .28; I2= 0%), and in case control studies, the odds ratio was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.14-1.31; P= .14; I2= 47%). The pooled RR of cohort studies for breast cancer recurrence in all stages was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.47-1.19; P= .22; I2= 37%). A subgroup analysis of recurrence in stage I and II disease showed a pooled RR in cohort studies of 0.56 (95% CI, 0.38-0.83; P= .004; I2= 0%). Dose-response relationships were evident in only 3 of the 7 studies. Conclusion: To date, the epidemiological data indicates that consumption of 5 or more cups of green tea a day shows a non-statistically significant trend towards the prevention of breast cancer development. Evidence indicates that green tea consumption may possibly help prevent breast cancer recurrence in early stage (I and II) cancers. However, conclusions as to the potential therapeutic application of green tea are currently impossible to make due to the small number of studies conducted, the lack of any clinical trial evidence, the lack of a consistent dose-response relationship, and the potential for interaction with standard care.
Empowering the Cancer Patient or Controlling the Tumor? A Qualitative Study of How Cancer Patients Experience Consultations With Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practitioners and Physicians, Respectively
Authors: Steinsbekk Aslak , Launsø Laila
Published: May 2005

Objectives: The authors describe how patients with cancer, who have had consultations with both a conventional physician and a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioner, experience these consultations. The theoretical background of this study is inspired by a description of 2 models of principles of treatment. In the first model, the instrumental intervention (eg, the medicine) is defined as the causal factor for outcome. In the second model, the patient is defined as the causal factor; the outcomes of the treatment are dependent on the resources of the patient (eg, the body’s ability to heal itself) and the impact of the patient’s situation. Methods: Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 Norwegian cancer patients who had visited both a CAM practitioner and a physician. The patients were recruited from both an oncology department at a university hospital and a newspaper advertisement in the area of Trondheim in central Norway. Methods of data analysis used were open coding, relational coding, and categorizing of themes. Results: The cancer patients have experienced 2 different modes of consultations: one characterized by practitioners focusing on controlling the tumor and another characterized by practitioners focusing on the patient. The patients’ accounts of these 2 modes of consultation differ in a number of ways: which issues are discussed during the consultation, who is in control of the consultation agenda, what are the patients’ perceptions of the practitioners’ health and disease understanding (ontology), what are the practitioners’ communication skills, and how empowered the patient feels during the consultation. Conclusions: Patients in this study ask for a consultation style that conveys a focus on both the disease and the whole patient. The results of this study point to a possible connection between the practitioners’ understanding of health and disease and the content and form of the consultations. Future research should test this connection.
Long-term Survival of High-Risk Pediatric Patients With Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors Treated With Antineoplastons A10 and AS2-1
Authors: Burzynski Stanislaw R. , Weaver Robert A. , Janicki Tomasz , Szymkowski Barbara , Jurida Gabor , Khan Mohammad , Dolgopolov Vsevolod
Published: May 2005

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are usually successfully treated with craniospinal radiation and chemotherapy; however, difficulties with standard treatment can be encountered in very young children, in adult patients at high risk of complication from standard treatment, and in patients with recurrent tumors. Thirteen children, either with recurrent disease or high risk, were treated in phase II studies with antineoplastons (ANP). The median age of patients was 5 years, 7 months (range, 1-11). Medulloblastoma was diagnosed in 8 patients, pineoblastoma in 3 patients, and other PNET in 2 patients. Previous treatments included surgery in 12 patients (1 had biopsy only, suboccipital craniotomy), chemotherapy in 6 patients, and radiation therapy in 6 patients. Six patients had not received prior chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment consisted of intravenous infusions of 2 formulations of ANP, A10 and AS2-1, and was administered for an average of 20 months. The average dosage of A10 was 10.3 g/kg/d and of AS2-1 was 0.38 g/kg/d. Complete response was accomplished in 23%, partial response in 8%, stable disease in 31%, and progressive disease in 38% of cases. Six patients (46%) survived more than 5 years from initiation of ANP; 5 were not treated earlier with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The serious side effects included single occurrences of fever, granulocytopenia, and anemia. The study is ongoing and accruing additional patients. The percentage of patients’ response is lower than for standard treatment of favorable PNET, but long-term survival in poor-risk cases and reduced toxicity makes ANP promising for very young children, patients at high risk of complication of standard therapy, and patients with recurrent tumors.
Power and Control over Women in Victorian England: Male Opposition to Sacramental Confession in the Anglican Church
Authors: Kollar Rene
Published: May 2005

The patriarchal environment of nineteenth century England viewed women as weak and naïve creatures who should submit to the dictates of men. Religion, however, could give women a sense of freedom and independence from male authority. When auricular confession began to gain acceptance in some sections of the Anglican Church, women saw this as a way of asserting their independence because they could confide their personal thoughts and problems to a clergymen. This could, in the opinion of some, threaten the powerful role of the husband or father by substituting an alternative patriarchal system, and many critics warned of the dangers associated with the confessional, especially the weakening of the male dominated family structure.The Priest in Absolutiongave advice to Anglican confessors, but the sexual nature of the questions, made public in 1877, shocked the public and confirmed the fears of the opponents of auricular confession.
A Blessed Rage for Order: Exploring the Rise of ‘Reform’ in the Church of England
Authors: Percy Martyn
Published: May 2005

The paper explores the rise of Reform in the Church of England, and critically examines some of the reasons why (theologically and sociologically) the movement has also developed an aggressive side to its character. After briefly considering the history of Reform (now ten years old) the paper deploys some methodological perspectives drawn from the late James Hopewell's contribution to congregational studies, before turning to some of the key issues that define Reform's agenda. Some further analysis examines the prospects for Anglicanism, where the Communion is bound together less and less by a common form of governance, and increasingly by a shared ethos and moral affinity. A conclusion discusses the relative strength of Reform within the context of the Anglican Communion as a whole. The paper is exploratory in nature: an exercise in testing a methodology within the broad penumbra of modern ecclesiology. The paper is not intended to be a definitive account or interpretation of Reform. From the outset, the author recognizes that the movement itself merits far more attention than one academic paper can possibly give it.
Giving What Is Sacred to Dogs? Welcoming All to the Eucharistic Feast
Authors: Bates J. Barrington
Published: May 2005

This article sets out to provide a context for contemporary discussions about baptism and Eucharist — specifically, the practice of offering communion to those who have not been baptized — and will examine the baptismal theology of the early church and compare this with the thinking of contemporary reformers. I will review scriptural evidence, Patristic thought, and some contemporary scholarship, demonstrating no evidence to support a claim of returning to the authentic roots of the tradition. Rather than condemn or condone the practice of communicating the unbaptized, I recommend that we study it more carefully — lest the church miss a significant opportunity for evangelism. Yet caveat lector: this practice remains an exception — not the norm.
Series on Church and State: Eating and Sharing: Church and State in Uganda
Authors: Ward Kevin
Published: May 2005

The article explores the complexities of church-state relations in Uganda, with particular reference to the two dominant churches: the Anglican Church of Uganda (the Protestants) and the Roman Catholic Church. Together the two churches include some 80 per cent of Ugandans. Since the beginnings of Christianity in the late nineteenth century, the rivalry between the two communions has had political implications, with the Anglican Church perceived as constituting a quasi-establishment and the Catholics as lacking political clout. In local discourse, ‘eating’ refers to the enjoyment of political power; ‘sharing’ to the expectation of inclusion. The article looks at the attempt to overcome sectarian politics, and the Christian witness of both churches in the face of state oppression and violence.
PK1/EG-VEGF induces monocyte differentiation and activation
Authors: Dorsch Marion , Qiu Yubin , Soler Dulce , Frank Nita , Duong Thao , Goodearl Andrew , O'Neil Steve , Lora Jose , Fraser Christopher C
Published: May 2005

Macrophages exist as sentinels in innate immune response and react by expressing proinflammatory cytokines and up-regulating antigen-presenting and costimulatory molecules. We report a novel function for prokineticin-1 (PK1)/endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor. Screening of murine tissue sections and cells for specific binding site leads to the identification of macrophages as an in vivo cellular target for PK1. We demonstrate PK1 induces differentiation of murine and human bone marrow cells into the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Human peripheral blood monocytes respond to PK1 by morphological changes and down-regulation of B7-1, CD14, CC chemokine receptor 5, and CXC chemokine receptor 4. Monocytes treated with PK1 have elevated interleukin (IL)-12 and tumor necrosis factor α and down-regulated IL-10 production in response to lipopolysaccharide. PK1 induces a distinct monocyte-derived cell population, which is primed for release of proinflammatory cytokines that favor a T helper cell type 1 response.
PGE2 confers survivin-dependent apoptosis resistance in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Baratelli Felicita , Krysan Kostyantyn , Heuzé-Vourc'h Nathalie , Zhu Li , Escuadro Brian , Sharma Sherven , Reckamp Karen , Dohadwala Mariam , Dubinett Steven M
Published: May 2005

Control of apoptosis is fundamental for dendritic cell (DC) homeostasis. Numerous factors maintain DC viability throughout their lifespan, including inhibitor of apoptosis proteins. Among them, survivin is overexpressed in many human malignancies, but its physiological function in normal cells has not been fully delineated. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), also overproduced in several malignancies, has shown to induce proapoptotic and antiapoptotic effects in different cell types, including immune cells. In DC, PGE2 predominantly affects maturation and modulates immune functions. Here, we show that exposure of monocyte-derived DC to PGE2 (10−5 M) for 72 h significantly increased DC survivin mRNA and protein expression. In contrast, DC, matured with lipopolysaccharide or tumor necrosis factor α, did not reveal survivin induction in response to PGE2. Following exposure to apoptotic stimuli, DC treated with PGE2 exhibited an overall increased viability compared with control DC, and this effect was correlated inversely with caspase-3 activation. Moreover, PGE2-treated, survivin-deficient DC demonstrated reduced viability in response to apoptotic stimuli. Further analysis indicated that PGE2 induced DC survivin expression in an E prostanoid (EP)2/EP4 receptor and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-dependent manner. These findings suggest that PGE2-dependent regulation of survivin is important in modulating apoptosis resistance in human DC.
Active smoking causes oxidative stress and decreases blood melatonin levels
Authors: Ozguner Fehmi , Koyu Ahmet , Cesur Gokhan
Published: May 2005

Oxidative effects via free radical generation in smokers have been widely investigated. They cause lipid peroxidation, oxidation of proteins and damage to mainly lung and other tissues. In humans, antioxidative capacity of serum is related to antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and melatonin. The effect of cigarette smoking on plasma levels of melatonin and antioxidant enzymes has not been established together yet. Also, it may not be clear if melatonin levels are affected by smoking and melatonin has a protective effect on cigarette smoking-induced free radical damage. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between smoking and antioxidant capacity including melatonin, a powerful endogenous antioxidant, and antioxidant enzymes in teenage girls who are active smokers. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in those who have smoked at least one packet a day for three or more years. MDA levels have been used as a convenient index of the lipid peroxidation-related oxidative damage of tissues. Twenty-one young female active smokers who study at the School of Nursing and 21 nonsmoking students (as controls) at the same school were included in the study. The activities of two principal antioxidant enzymes SOD, GSH-Px and plasma levels of MDA were significantly increased but melatonin content of the blood was significantly decreased as compared to nonsmokers. In spite of an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities, MDA levels were slightly increased in smokers. This indicates that antioxidant self-defence mechanisms may not sufficiently protect the respiratory system from smoke-mediated oxidative injury. This result may be related to low melatonin levels in teenage female smokers. It seems that melatonin can reduce free radical damage to the respiratory system induced by cigarette smoke. Further experimental investigations with exogenous melatonin treatments will be needed.
No effects of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz electromagnetic field emitted from cellular phone on nocturnal serum melatonin levels in rats
Authors: Koyu Ahmet , Ozguner Fehmi , Cesur Gokhan , Gokalp Osman , Mollaoglu Hakan , Caliskan Sadettin , Delibas Namik
Published: May 2005

In this study, the effects of exposure to a 900 MHz and 1800 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) on serum nocturnal melatonin levels of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Thirty rats were used in three independent groups, 10 of which were exposed to 900 MHz, 10 of which were exposed to 1800 MHz and 10 of which were sham-exposed (control). The exposures were performed 30 min/day, for five days/week for four weeks to 900 MHz or 1800 MHz EMF. Control animals were kept under the same environmental conditions as the study groups except with no EMF exposure. The concentration of nocturnal melatonin in the rat serum was measured by using a radioimmunoassay method. There were no statistically significant differences in serum melatonin concentrations between the 900 MHz EMF group and the sham-exposed group (P-0.05). The values at 12:00 pm were 39.119 / 6.5 pg/mL in the sham-exposed group and 34.979 / 5.1 pg/mL in the 900 MHz EMF-exposed group. Also, there were no statistically significant differences in serum melatonin concentrations between the sham-exposed group and the 1800 MHz EMF-exposed group (P-0.05). The values at 12:00 pm were 39.119 / 6.5 pg/mL in the sham-exposed group and 37.969 / 7.4 pg/mL in the exposed group. These results indicate that mobile phones, emitting 900 and 1800 MHz EMF, have no effect on nocturnal serum melatonin levels in rats.
Diffusion flame-derived fine particulate matters doped with iron caused genotoxicity in B6C3F1 mice
Authors: Park Jin Hong , Han Kyu Tae , Eu Kook-Jong , Kim Jun-Sung , Chung Kyu Hyuk , Park Bio , Yang Go Su , Lee Kee-Ho , Cho Myung-Haing
Published: May 2005

Potential genotoxic effects of diffusion flame-derived particulate matters (PMs), known to cause various adverse health problems, doped with iron, one of the representative heavy metals frequently found in the atmosphere, were examined. B6C3F1 mice were exposed to PMs [chamber 1 (low), 100; chamber 2 (middle), 200; and chamber 3 (high), 400 mg/m3] for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for one, two and four weeks in 1.5 m3 whole-body inhalation chambers. Our diffusion flame system produced 94.8 and 5.2% fine PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, with 89% of PM2.5 sized between 0.1 and 0.2 mm. Two cytogenetic endpoints were investigated through chromosomal aberration and supravital micronucleus (SMN) assays. Frequencies of cells with chromosome aberration (%) were observed in time- and concentration-dependent manners except in one-week exposure group, as also observed in SMN study. Generally, noniron flame induced less chromosome aberration than iron-doped flame, an indication that iron particles could potentiate urban PM toxicity. The above results indicate our diffusion flame system generated genotoxic fine PMs, whose effects were potentiated by organometallic particles such as iron. Our system can provide reliable PM models for studying the toxicity of urban fine PMs applicable for risk assessment.
Bayesian analysis of multicentre trial outcomes
Authors: Gould A Lawrence
Published: May 2005

Bayesian methods provide flexibility in the analysis of data from multicentre trials that would be difficult to achieve by other means. This paper illustrates some useful applications of Bayesian methods to the analysis of multicentre trials, with emphasis on insights that would be difficult to obtain using conventional frequentist methods. Two trials provide data for illustration: a large multicentre trial comparing two doses of a drug with placebo with respect to an essentially continuous measurement for which the original analysis revealed a significant treatment by centre effect, and a large multicentre trial with intraclass correlation induced by a categorical outcome of up to four episodes of heartburn reported by individual patients. The data from both trials had been analysed previously using conventional frequentist methods. Both sets of data were reanalysed using Bayesian and empirical Bayesian methods; all of the analyses provided the same conclusions for the key questions regarding treatment differences. The Bayesian methods provided some insights useful for model checking and also provided a way to explore some important quantitative aspects about the magnitude of treatment effects.
Hans von Seeckt and His Vision of a ‘Modern Army’
Authors: Strohn Matthias
Published: May 2005

After the First World War and the signing of the treaty of Versailles, the German army was forced to rethink its guidelines and restructure its forces. Generaloberst (Colonel-General) Hans von Seeckt had a special role in the development of the Reichswehr in the Weimar Republic. His influence was of such importance that he has been called the ‘creator of the Reichswehr’. As an answer to Germany’s changed geopolitical and military situation after the First World War, Seeckt developed the structure of the Neuzeitliches Heer or ‘modern army’, which distinguished itself fundamentally from the prevailing military doctrine in the German army. His vision of this modern army was of special importance to him and became the core of his innovative thinking, even if the restrictions of the Versailles treaty made sure it remained only a vision. This army would be characterized by a small number of soldiers, who would be well trained and equipped. This would enable the army to conduct a highly mobile war, which Seeckt saw as the key to success in future conflicts. This article examines Seeckt’s model and the implications this would have had on a future war.
Randomized Phase II Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of Trastuzumab Combined With Docetaxel in Patients With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer Administered As First-Line Treatment: The M77001 Study Group
Authors: Marty Michel , Cognetti Francesco , Maraninchi Dominique , Snyder Ray , Mauriac Louis , Tubiana-Hulin Michèle , Chan Stephen , Grimes David , Antón Antonio , Lluch Ana , Kennedy John , O’Byrne Kenneth , Conte PierFranco , Green Michael , Ward Carol , Mayne Karen , Extra Jean-Marc
Published: May 2005

Purpose

This randomized, multicenter trial compared first-line trastuzumab plus docetaxel versus docetaxel alone in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) –positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to six cycles of docetaxel 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks, with or without trastuzumab 4 mg/kg loading dose followed by 2 mg/kg weekly until disease progression.

Results

A total of 186 patients received at least one dose of the study drug. Trastuzumab plus docetaxel was significantly superior to docetaxel alone in terms of overall response rate (61% v 34%; P = .0002), overall survival (median, 31.2 v 22.7 months; P = .0325), time to disease progression (median, 11.7 v 6.1 months; P = .0001), time to treatment failure (median, 9.8 v 5.3 months; P = .0001), and duration of response (median, 11.7 v 5.7 months; P = .009). There was little difference in the number and severity of adverse events between the arms. Grade 3 to 4 neutropenia was seen more commonly with the combination (32%) than with docetaxel alone (22%), and there was a slightly higher incidence of febrile neutropenia in the combination arm (23% v 17%). One patient in the combination arm experienced symptomatic heart failure (1%). Another patient experienced symptomatic heart failure 5 months after discontinuation of trastuzumab because of disease progression, while being treated with an investigational anthracycline for 4 months.

Conclusion

Trastuzumab combined with docetaxel is superior to docetaxel alone as first-line treatment of patients with HER2-positive MBC in terms of overall survival, response rate, response duration, time to progression, and time to treatment failure, with little additional toxicity.
Size-controllable Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles via Carbonylation and Reduction of Hydrochloroauric Acid with CO and H2O in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Guo Shu , Shi Feng , Gu Yanlong , Yang Jing , Deng Youquan
Published: May 2005

The Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) with controllable sizes were successfully prepared through carbonylation and reduction of hydrochloroauric acid with CO and H2O in BMImBF4 ionic liquid. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy characterization indicated that the AuNPs with average diameters of 1.7–12.8 nm were obtained with different preparation conditions.
Self-assembly of Horseradish Peroxidase on Biocompatible Gold Nanoparticles–Vaterite Core–Shell Composite and its Direct Electrochemistry
Authors: Xu Qin , Cai Wen-Yi , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: May 2005

Biocompatible AuNPs–vaterite core–shell composite, which combines the advantages of mineral compound and nanoparticles, was firstly used in the construction of biosensor. Direct electron transfer process of HRP on it was investigated.
Efficient Preparation of 2-Pyridylpyridines Using β-N,N-Dialkylated Aminoacroleins or their Equivalent as Vinadinium Tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Kuwabara Hirokazu , Umihara Ken , Furugori Yasushi , Itoh Isamu
Published: May 2005

Efficient synthetic procedure for 2-pyridylpyridines using β-N,N-dialkylated aminoacroleins or their equivalent as dipiperidyl vinadinium tetrafluoroborate is described.
A Simple Approach for the Fabrication of Na1+xV3O8 Nanoribbon Thin Film
Authors: Xu Jinjie , Zhang Xingtang , Wang Dejun , Du Zuliang , Li Tiejin
Published: May 2005

Na1+xV3O8 nanoribbon thin films have been obtained through a thermal treatment of the V2O5 xerogel thin films prepared on sodium silicate glass substrates which also serve as a kind of sodium source at 450 °C for a certain time. The synthesized Na1+xV3O8 nanoribbon thin films were characterized by XRD, SEM, and TEM. The nanoribbons uniformly distribute on the glass substrates and have an average of several to tens of micrometers in length, hundreds of nanometers in width and tens of nanometers in thickness.
A New Strategy to Synthesize TiO2-hollow Spheres Using Carbon Spheres as Template
Authors: Shen Weihua , Zhu Yufang , Dong Xiaoping , Gu Jinlou , Shi Jianlin
Published: May 2005

The TiO2-hollow spheres with uniform shell and diameter have been synthesized using carbon sphere as template, which has abundant –OH groups in its surface hydrophilic layer, and the titanium source was modified into this layer by the covalent –O–Ti bonding.
Ammonium Phenoxides-catalyzed syn-Selective Aldol Reaction Between an Aldehyde and an Trimethylsilyl Enolate
Authors: Fujisawa Hidehiko , Nagata Yuzo , Sato Yoshinori , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: May 2005

Aldol reactions between aldehydes and trimethylsilyl enolates generated from ketones or thioesters proceeded smoothly in the presence of a Lewis base catalyst such as tetrabutylammonium phenoxide or p-methoxyphenoxide in THF to afford the corresponding aldols in high yields with high syn-selectivity.
Principal Component Analysis with Energy Density of Calophyllum Coumarins
Authors: Takeuchi Mari , Nakata Ayako , Nakai Hiromi
Published: May 2005

Energy density analysis was applied to 25 species of Calophyllum coumarins. When the principal component analysis was performed by using energy density as variables, the 25 coumarins were classified into six groups. The first and second principal components were related to the substituent effect and the molecular skeleton, respectively. The molecular skeletons sufficiently influence anti-HIV-1 activities of coumarins rather than the substituents.
Preparation of Carbon Micro-beads via an Ethanol-thermal Route
Authors: Mi Yuanzhu , Liu Yingliang , Yuan Dingsheng , Zhang Jingxian
Published: May 2005

Carbon micro-beads (CMB) with regular and perfect shape, high yields, and narrow size distributions were obtained via an ethanol-thermal reduction process in a stainless steel autoclave at 500 °C. In this process, LaNi5 alloy was used as a catalyst. The products were characterized with X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. There were two types of carbon micro-beads, spherical and spindle-like, in the sample. The spherical micro-beads have diameters ranging from 2 to 5 μm. The spindle-like micro-beads had diameters ranging from 2 to 4 μm and lengths ranging from 5 to 10 μm.
Synthesis of a Cofacial Schiff-Base Dimanganese(III) Complex for Asymmetric Catalytic Oxidation of Sulfides
Authors: Hirotsu Masakazu , Ohno Naoki , Nakajima Takashi , Ueno Keiji
Published: May 2005

An optically active dimanganese(III) complex was synthesized by a template reaction of 5,5′-(9,9-dimethylxanthene-4,5-diyl)bis(salicylaldehyde), (1R,2R)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine, and MnCl2, in which two manganese(III) Schiff-base units are cofacially arranged by two 9,9-dimethylxanthenediyl spacers. The dimanganese complex catalyzed the asymmetric oxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide by iodosobenzene.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanofibrous Bismuth Vanadate
Authors: Yu Jianqiang , Kudo Akihiko
Published: May 2005

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) nanofibrous arrays were synthesized by a hydrothermal route. Fibrous structure with the average diameter of 100 nm and length of up to several micrometers was fabricated by the hydrothermal process at 160 °C for 48 h under the assistance of a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The BiVO4 nanofibers possessed well-crystallized monoclinic scheelite structure.
Oxidation States of Ytterbium Incorporated in Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Fluoride
Authors: Yoshida Tetsuaki , Kagi Hiroyuki , Tsuno Hiroshi , Ohta Atsuyuki , Nomura Masaharu
Published: May 2005

Divalent ytterbium was found in great amounts in calcium carbonate polymorphs (calcite and aragonite) and calcium fluoride, and the Yb2+/Yb3+ ratios in these materials increased with increasing saturation states of the respective starting solutions.
Helix-sense-selective Polymerization of a Phenylacetylene Bearing an Achiral and Bulky Galvinoxyl Moiety
Authors: Umeda Yasuhiro , Kaneko Takashi , Teraguchi Masahiro , Aoki Toshiki
Published: May 2005

An achiral and bulky phenylacetylene monomer, (4-ethynylphenyl)hydrogalvinoxyl), was polymerized using [Rh(nbd)Cl]2 (nbd = 2,5-norbornadiene) catalyst in chiral phenylethylamine. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the obtained polymers indicated that an excess of one-handed helical polyacetylene backbone was induced by helix-sense-selective polymerization despite the achiral monomer.
Cellular Uptake and Saccharide Chain Elongation of “Fluoro-amphiphilic” Glycosides
Authors: Kasuya Maria Carmelita Z , Ito Ayaka , Cusi Reuben , Sato Toshinori , Hatanaka Kenichi
Published: May 2005

“Fluoro-amphiphilic” glycosides are practical alternatives for the preparation of oligosaccharides. Fluoro-amphiphilic saccharide primers possessing a hydrophilic sugar moiety and a fluorous tag could be taken up by cells and elongated by cellular enzymes. The elongated products were released by cells to the culture medium and could be easily separated from other components by simple extraction with a fluorous solvent.
Molecule-based Weak Ferromagnet with Unique Magnetic Multiphases
Authors: Kusamoto Tetsuro , Fujiwara Emiko , Kobayashi Akiko
Published: May 2005

New charge-transfer salt, [1·Fe(III)Cl4] (1 = tetraselenafulvalene-1,3-dithiol-2-one) was prepared and its crystal structure was determined. The magnetic susceptibility measurements of [1·Fe(III)Cl4] suggested not only that [1·Fe(III)Cl4] is a weak ferromagnet but also that [1·Fe(III)Cl4] has several magnetic phases, depending on the applied field at low temperature.
Decarbonylative Diarylation of α-Methoxyacetic Acid Yielding Diarylmethanes Mediated by Lewis Acid and Trifluoroacetic Anhydride
Authors: Jobashi Takashi , Hino Tetsuo , Maeyama Katsuya , Ozaki Hiroyuki , Ogino Kenji , Yonezawa Noriyuki
Published: May 2005

Reaction of α-methoxyacetic acid with aromatic compounds in the presence of trifluoroacetic anhydride and Lewis acid has been found to give diarylmethanes. Some of the intermediates in this transformation have been identified via direct observation by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The reaction route has been clarified as follows: a mixed acid anhydride is formed from α-methoxyacetic acid and trifluoroacetic anhydride, which gives a hemiacylal type intermediate via decarbonylation followed by successive double electrophilic aromatic substitutions yielding diarylmethanes.