bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atorvastatin Administration after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Normal Lipid Profiles: Impact on Plasma Adiponectin Level
Authors: Chan Kuei‐Chuan , Chou Hsi‐Hsien , Huang Chien‐Ning , Chou Ming‐Chih
Published: June 2008

Background

There is controversy about the effects of statins on plasma adiponectin, and the impact of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on plasma adiponectin level is still unknown. We investigated the impact of Atorvastatin on plasma adiponectin levels in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with stable angina and normal lipid profiles after PCI.

Methods

Sixty CAD patients with stable angina and normal lipid profiles scheduled for PCI, and not on statins, were randomly assigned to either no treatment (control group) or the Atorvastatin treatment (Atorvastatin group). Atorvastatin administration was started immediately after PCI. Blood samples were obtained immediately after PCI and again 3 and 6 mo later. Fasting plasma adiponectin concentrations were measured using a radioimmunoassay kit.

Results

After PCI, there were statistically significant decreases in adiponectin levels in the Atorvastatin group at 3 and 6 mo (8.66 ± 0.69 versus 6.87 ± 0.55 and 7.12 ± 0.71 µg/mL at 0, 3, and 6 mo, respectively), despite the anti‐inflammation and lipid‐lowering effects of Atorvastatin. There were no statistically significant changes in adiponectin levels in the control group. There was significant positive association between baseline plasma adiponectin and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Changes of adiponectin level were not associated with the changes of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and lipid profiles in the Atorvastatin group.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed the benefits of Atorvastatin on anti‐inflammation and anti‐atherosclerosis, but we also found that Atorvastatin had a negative effect on the adiponectin system. The anti‐inflammatory, anti‐atherogenic effects of Atorvastatin are not affected by decreased adiponectin levels. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Left Ventricular Remodeling can be Predicted with Left Ventricular Volume Response During Dobutamine Echocardiography After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Rim Se‐Joong , Ha Jong‐Won , Lee Moon‐Hyoung , Jang Yangsoo , Chung Namsik
Published: June 2008

Objectives

This study was performed to evaluate the significance of left ventricular (LV) volume response during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in the prediction of LV volume change during follow‐up (F/U) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

Forty‐five patients with AMI (male 39, age 57±10 y, anterior myocardial infarction [MI] 29) underwent DSE 6±4 d after AMI. Revascularization of the infarct‐related artery was performed if severe stenosis was present. A F/U echocardiography was performed 7.5±3.4 mo after DSE. The LV end‐diastolic volume (EDV) and end‐systolic volume (ESV) using the modified Simpson's method were measured at baseline echocardiography, low‐dose (10 µg × kg−1 × min−1) DSE, and F/U echocardiography.

Results

Patients were divided into 2 groups; Group I (n = 21) with an abnormal response (<10% decrease) in LVEDV during low‐dose DSE; Group II (n = 24) with a normal response (≥10% decrease) in LVEDV during low‐dose DSE. At F/U echocardiography, the (%) change of LVEDV was significantly different between the 2 groups (−2.0±16.7 versus − 22.6±24.7%, p<0.01). Using multivariate analysis, the response of LVEDV (%) at low‐dose DSE was the only significant independent predictor of the change of LVEDV (%) during F/U (y = 0.85 x − 0.03, r = 0.63, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The response of LVEDV during DSE can be used as a predictor for the LV volume change after AMI. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of QT Intervals and Prevalence of Short QT Syndrome in Japan
Authors: Funada Akira , Hayashi Kenshi , Ino Hidekazu , Fujino Noboru , Uchiyama Katsuharu , Sakata Kenji , Masuta Eiichi , Sakamoto Yuichiro , Tsubokawa Toshinari , Yamagishi Masakazu
Published: June 2008

Background

Long QT syndrome causes ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden death. Recently, a short QT interval has also been shown to be associated with an increased risk of tachyarrhythmia and sudden death. However, the prevalence of short QT syndrome is not well‐known.

Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of corrected QT intervals (QTc) and prevalence of short QT syndrome.

Methods

This study comprised 12,149 consecutive subjects who received a consultation at Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan, and had an electrocardiogram (ECG) between February 2003 and May 2004. Of these subjects, 1,165 subjects were excluded because of inappropriate ECGs, while the remaining 10,984 subjects had their last‐recorded ECGs analyzed.

Results

The QTc values showed a nearly normal distribution (408 ± 25 msec1/2), and were significantly longer in females (412 ± 24 msec1/2) than in males (404 ± 25 msec1/2) (p < 0.05). Among 5,511 males, 69 subjects (1.25%) exhibited QTc < 354 msec1/2 (2 standard deviations [SDs] below the mean in males), and among 5,473 females, 89 subjects (1.63%) exhibited QTc < 364 msec1/2 (2 SDs below the mean in females). Only 3 subjects (0.03% in all subjects and 0.05% in males) exhibited QTc < 300 msec1/2, however, none had clinical symptoms of short QT syndrome.

Conclusions

Short QT syndrome may be very rare. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Relationship Between Glomerular Filtration Rate and Survival in Patients Treated with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: Levy Ronni , DellaValle Andrea , Atav A. Serdar , ur Rehman Afazal , H. Sklar Allan , J. Stamato Nicolas
Published: June 2008

Objectives

We explored the association between renal insufficiency (RI) and mortality among patients treated with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

Background

Randomized trials have shown improvements in survival among select patients treated with an ICD. Renal insufficiency patients have a high risk of cardiac death; however, it is not clear whether the ICD has a positive effect on survival in this group of patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of a single‐center experience of 346 patients treated with an ICD. Patients were stratified into 4 groups according to their glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; expressed as mL/min/ ‐1.73 m2) at implantation: group I, > 75.0; group II, − 60.0 to 74.9; group III, − 45.0 to 59.9; and group IV, − ≤ 45.0. All‐cause mortality was the primary end point, with differences in survival times among the 4 groups of patients expressed in Kaplan‐Meier curves.

Results

Mean follow‐up was 3.5 y (range 0.1 to 12.9 y), during which 67 patients died (19%). Mortality in each eGFR group was: I − 6.8%, II − 13.8%, III − 11.5%, IV − 45.8% (p < 0.001). Survival times (mean, y) were I, 3.74; II, 3.66; III, 3.38, and IV, 2.82. The presence of diabetes was not a factor in the outcomes.

Conclusions

Patients treated with an ICD with an eGFR of ≤ 45.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 have a significantly shorter survival time than those patients with an eGFR > 45.0 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients with an eGFR > 45.0mL/min/1.73m2 appear to have equally good outcomes when treated with an ICD. This may have implications for patient selection for ICD therapy. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current and Future Status of Beta‐blockers in the Treatment of Hypertension
Authors: Chrysant Steven G. , Chrysant George S. , Dimas Billy
Published: June 2008

Beta‐adrenergic receptor blockers (beta‐blockers) are effective and safe antihypertensive drugs, and have been recommended as first‐line therapy for hypertension by all Joint National Committees (JNCs) for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure (BP) from the first to the last (JNC‐7) in 2003. However, recently questions have been raised by several investigators regarding the antihypertensive effectiveness and safety of these drugs. The Medline literature on this subject was searched and pertinent studies were retrieved. Other pertinent references from existing publications were retrieved and analyzed up to 2007. Additionally, a historical perspective on the discovery of beta‐blockers and their mechanism of action is given. Most of the reviewed short‐term and long‐term clinical trials demonstrate an effective and safe antihypertensive pattern for the beta‐blockers. The weaknesses identified include the adverse effect of older beta‐blockers on glucose control and stroke protection, especially in older persons. These adverse effects are attributed to their mechanism of action and BP effectiveness. On the basis of the evidence presented, beta‐blockers are effective and safe antihypertensive drugs and should still be recommended as first‐line therapy in most uncomplicated hypertensive patients, either alone or in combination with other drugs. There are reservations regarding their administration to diabetic and older hypertensive patients. However, when compelling indications for their use exist, they should not be withheld. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Implications of the Ezetimibe and Simvastatin in Hypercholesterolemia Enhances Atherosclerosis Regression Trial: A Return to First Principles
Authors: Musunuru Kiran , Blumenthal Roger S.
Published: June 2008

To outward appearances, the publication of the Ezetimibe and Simvastatin in Hypercholesterolemia Enhances Atherosclerosis Regression (ENHANCE) trial has led to a monolithic backlash against the use of ezetimibe by cardiologists for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Rather than be swayed by popular opinion, we should each put the results of ENHANCE into context and ask the questions: should I put my trust in an imaging surrogate or in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL‐C), and how do the safety and efficacy of ezetimibe compare with other nonstatin lipid‐lowering agents? Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure‐Based Discovery and Experimental Verification of Novel AI‐2 Quorum Sensing Inhibitors against Vibrio harveyi
Authors: Li Minyong , Ni Nanting , Chou Han‐Ting , Lu Chung‐Dar , Tai Phang C. , Wang Binghe
Published: June 2008

Quorum sensing has been implicated in the control of pathologically relevant bacterial behavior such as secretion of virulence factors, biofilm formation, sporulation, and swarming motility. The AI‐2 quorum sensing pathway is found in both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Therefore, antagonizing AI‐2 quorum sensing is a possible approach to modifying bacterial behaviour. However, efforts in developing inhibitors of AI‐2‐mediated quorum sensing are especially lacking. High‐throughput virtual screening using the V. harveyi LuxP crystal structure identified two compounds that were found to antagonize AI‐2‐mediated quorum sensing in V. harveyi without cytotoxicity. The sulfone functionality of these inhibitors was identified as critical to their ability to mimic the natural ligand in their interactions with Arg 215 and Arg 310 of the active site.
Synthesis of Benzamides Related to Anacardic Acid and Their Histone Acetyltransferase (HAT) Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Souto José A. , Conte Mariarosaria , Álvarez Rosana , Nebbioso Angela , Carafa Vincenzo , Altucci Lucia , de Lera Angel R.
Published: June 2008

A group of benzamides related to anacardic acid amide CTPB with alkyl chains of defined length were prepared by a five‐step sequence starting from 2,6‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, and their activities were compared with those reported for the HAT inhibitor anacardic acid (AA). The subset of 4‐cyano‐3‐trifluoromethylphenylbenzamides with shorter chains exhibited activities similar to that of AA, as they behaved as human p300 inhibitors, induced a decrease in histone acetylation levels in immortalized HEK cells, and counteracted the action of the HDAC inhibitor SAHA in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, an analogue with the shortest alkyl chain induced significant apoptosis at 50 μM in U937 leukemia cells.
Phenanthroline Derivatives with Improved Selectivity as DNA‐Targeting Anticancer or Antimicrobial Drugs
Authors: Roy Sudeshna , Hagen Katharine D. , Maheswari Palanisamy Uma , Lutz Martin , Spek Anthony L. , Reedijk Jan , van Wezel Gilles P.
Published: June 2008

Phenanthroline derivatives are of interest due to their potential activity against cancer, and viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. In a search for highly specific antitumor and antibacterial compounds, we report the activities of 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione (phendione or L1), dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine (dppz or L2), and their corresponding platinum complexes ([PtL1Cl2] and [PtL2Cl2]), and provide the solid‐state 3D structure for [PtL1Cl2]. It is generally known that a toxic metal ion coordinated to an active organic moiety leads to a synergistic effect; however, we report herein that the platinum complexes [PtL1Cl2] and [PtL2Cl2] have weaker activities relative to those of the free ligands, especially against bacteria. Testing these agents against a variety of human cancer cell lines revealed that L1 and [PtL1Cl2] were at least as active as cisplatin against several of the cell lines (including a cisplatin‐resistant cell line). The absence of antibacterial activity of [PtL1Cl2] removes the detrimental effect of phenanthrolines toward intestinal flora, suggesting a highly promising new strategy for the development of anticancer drugs with reduced side effects.
Influence of family history and preventive health behaviors on colorectal cancer screening in African Americans
Authors: Griffith Kathleen A. , McGuire Deborah B. , Royak‐Schaler Renee , Plowden Keith O. , Steinberger Eileen K.
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

African Americans (AAs) have low rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. To the authors' knowledge, factors that influence their participation, especially individuals with a family history of CRC (“family history”), are not well understood.

METHODS.

A secondary analysis of the 2002 Maryland Cancer Survey data examined predictors of risk‐appropriate, timely CRC screening (“screening”) in AAs with a family history and in individuals without a family history. Predictors that were evaluated included age, sex, family history, mammogram or prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening, body mass index, activity, fruit/vegetable consumption, alcohol, smoking, perceived risk of cancer, education, employment, insurance, access to a healthcare provider, and healthcare provider recommendation of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and/or sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy.

RESULTS.

In individuals without a family history of CRC (N = 492), recommendation for FOBT (odds ratio [OR] of 11.90; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 6.84–20.71) and sigmoidoscopy/colonscopy (OR of 7.06; 95% CI, 4.11–12.14), moderate/vigorous activity (OR of 1.74; 95% CI, 1.06–2.28), and PSA screening history (OR of 2.68; 95% CI, 1.01–7.81) were found to be predictive of screening. In individuals with a family history (N = 88), recommendation for sigmoidoscopy/colonscopy (OR of 24.3; 95%, CI 5.30–111.34) and vigorous activity (OR of 5.21; 95% CI, 1.09–24.88) were found to be predictive of screening. However, family history did not predict screening when the analysis was controlled for age, education, and insurance. AAs who had a family history were less likely to screen compared with their white counterparts (N = 293) and compared with AAs who were at average risk for CRC (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS.

Regardless of family history, healthcare provider recommendation and activity level were important predictors of screening. Lower screening rates were observed in AAs who had a family history compared with individuals who did not. The authors believe that, for AAs who have a family history, further examination of barriers and facilitators to CRC screening within the cultural context is warranted. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Low‐dose, single‐agent temsirolimus for relapsed mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Ansell Stephen M. , Inwards David J. , Rowland Kendrith M. , Flynn Patrick J. , Morton Roscoe F. , Moore Dennis F. , Kaufmann Scott H. , Ghobrial Irene , Kurtin Paul J. , Maurer Matthew , Allmer Christine , Witzig Thomas E.
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

The objective of this study was to test a low dose of (25 mg weekly) of the mammalian target of rapamycin kinase inhibitor temsirolimus for patients with relapsed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

METHODS.

Patients with relapsed or refractory MCL were eligible to receive temsirolimus 25 mg intravenously every week as a single agent. Patients who had a tumor response after 6 cycles were eligible to continue drug for a total of 12 cycles or 2 cycles after complete remission and then were observed without maintenance.

RESULTS.

Of 29 enrolled patients, 28 were evaluable for toxicity, and 27 were evaluable for efficacy. The median age was 69 years (range, 51–85 years), 86% of patients had stage IV disease, and 71% had ≥2 extranodal sites. Patients had received a median of 4 prior therapies (range, 1–9 prior therapies), and 50% were refractory to the last treatment. The overall confirmed response rate was 41% (11 of 27 patients; 90% confidence interval [CI], 22%–61%) with 1 complete response (3.7%) and 10 partial responses (37%). The median time to progression in all eligible patients was 6 months (95% CI, 3–11 months), and the median duration of response for the 11 responders was 6 months (range, 1–26 months). Hematologic toxicities were the most common, with 50% (14 of 28 patients) grade 3 and 4% (1 of 28 patients) grade 4 toxicities observed. Thrombocytopenia was the most frequent cause of dose reduction.

CONCLUSIONS.

Single‐agent temsirolimus at a dose of 25 mg weekly is an effective new agent for the treatment of MCL. The 25‐mg dose level retained the antitumor activity of the 250‐mg dose with less myelosuppression. Further studies of temsirolimus in combination with other active drugs for MCL and other lymphoid malignancies are warranted. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
A review of the clinical relevance of mismatch‐repair deficiency in ovarian cancer
Authors: Pal Tuya , Permuth‐Wey Jenny , Sellers Thomas A.
Published: June 2008

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in both cancer incidence and mortality among women in the United States. Defects in the mismatch‐repair (MMR) pathway that arise through genetic and/or epigenetic mechanisms may be important etiologically in a reasonable proportion of ovarian cancers. Genetic mechanisms of MMR dysfunction include germline and somatic mutations in the MMR proteins. Germline mutations cause hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), which is the third most common cause of inherited ovarian cancer after BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. An epigenetic mechanism known to cause inactivation of the MMR system is promoter hypermethylation of 1 of the MMR genes, mutL homolog 1 (MLH1). Various laboratory methods, in addition to clinical and histopathologic criteria, can be used to identify MMR‐deficient ovarian cancers. Such methods include microsatellite instability analysis, immunohistochemistry, MLH1 promoter hypermethylation testing, and germline mutation analysis. In this review, the authors describe the existing literature regarding the molecular, clinical, and histologic characteristics of MMR‐deficient ovarian cancers along with the possible effect on survival and treatment response. By further defining the profile of MMR‐deficient ovarian cancers and their associated etiologic mechanisms, there may be a greater potential to distinguish between those of hereditary and sporadic etiology. The ability to make such distinctions may be of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic utility. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
No significance of derivative chromosome 9 deletion on the clearance kinetics of BCR/ABL fusion transcripts, cytogenetic or molecular response, loss of response, or treatment failure to imatinib mesylate therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kim Dong Hwan (Dennis) , Popradi Gizelle , Sriharsha Lakshmi , Kamel‐Reid Suzanne , Chang Hong , Messner Hans A. , Lipton Jeffrey H.
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

Although deletion of the derivative chromosome 9 (der 9; del‐der 9) carries a poor prognosis in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who are treated with hydroxyurea or interferon, its significance in patients on imatinib mesylate (IM) therapy is debated.

METHODS.

In the current study, the authors used a locus‐specific indicator breakpoint cluster region/receptor tyrosine kinase (BCR/ABL) probe to evaluate the significance of del‐der 9 in 163 patients with CML who had fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results available. Serial changes in BCR/ABL fusion transcript levels also were monitored by using messenger RNA (mRNA) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS.

Of 163 patients, 22 (13.5%) had del‐der 9 before commencing IM therapy. No differences were noted in the time to hematologic response (P = .598), major cytogenetic response (CyR) (P = .281), complete CyR (P = .883), major molecular response (MoR) (P = .125), or complete MoR (P = .834). In addition, the times to loss of response (LOR) (P = .974), treatment failure (P = .455; including primary hematologic or cytogenetic resistance and LOR), transformation‐free survival (P = .276), and dose escalation of IM (P = .816) did not differ significantly between patients with and without del‐der 9. The results of serial BCR/ABL mRNA quantitative PCR revealed similar patterns of BCR/ABL fusion gene reduction between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS.

The presence of del‐der 9 in patients with CML did not influence 1) the response to IM therapy in terms of hematologic response, CyR, or MoR; 2) LOR; 3) treatment failure; 4) progression to accelerated phase/blast crisis; or 5) time to dose escalation of IM. Therefore, the authors concluded that the detection of del‐der 9 does not have an impact on the current management of patients with CML who are receiving IM therapy. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Impact of postmastectomy radiotherapy in T3N0 invasive carcinoma of the breast
Authors: McCammon Robert , Finlayson Christina , Schwer Amanda , Rabinovitch Rachel
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

Randomized trials provide evidence for improved outcomes with postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in high‐risk patients. It has been suggested that patients with T3N0 breast cancer represent a favorable subgroup for which PMRT renders little benefit. In the current study, the authors used a United States population database to evaluate PMRT in this subgroup.

METHODS.

The cause‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) of women with T3N0M0 breast cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database after mastectomy and axillary staging from 1988 to 2002 were analyzed. Univariate analysis was performed to relate CSS with PMRT (yes vs no), tumor size (≤7 cm vs >7 cm), grade (1 vs 2 or 3), patient age (≤50 years vs >50 years), the number of lymph nodes dissected (≤13 vs >13), and the era treated (1988‐1997 vs 1998‐2002). Multivariate analyses for CSS and OS were also performed.

RESULTS.

In total, 1865 women met the analysis criteria for OS; CSS data were available for 98.8% of those women. Of the women who were diagnosed during the era from 1988 to 1997, 22% received PMRT, and that rate increased to 41% during the era from 1998 to 2002. The actuarial 10‐year CSS for those who received PMRT versus those who did not receive PMRT was 81.6% versus 79.8%, respectively (P= .38). PMRT was not associated with a CSS benefit in any subgroup, a finding that persisted in multivariate analyses. Women who received PMRT had an increased 10‐year OS rate (70.7% vs 58.4%;P< .001) that was confined to women aged >50 years in a subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSIONS.

This retrospective, population‐based analysis demonstrated no increase in CSS with PMRT for women with T3N0 breast cancer, lending further support to the hypothesis that T3N0 disease postmastectomy represents a favorable subset of locally advanced breast cancer. Theincreased OS associated with PMRT in the absence of improved CSS likely reflects patient selection in this nonrandomized dataset. Prospective evaluation of PMRT in this population subset is warranted. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Neutropenia in 6 ethnic groups from the Caribbean and the U.S.
Authors: Grann Victor R. , Bowman Natalie , Joseph Cecil , Wei Ying , Horwitz Marshall S. , Jacobson Judith S. , Santella Regina P. , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

Low white blood cell counts (WBC) or absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) may delay or prevent the completion of appropriate chemotherapy, especially among women receiving adjuvant therapy for breast and colon cancer, and affect cancer survival. Because race/ethnicity is also associated with survival, the authors compared WBC and ANC in healthy American‐born women of African descent and European descent, and women from Barbados/Trinidad‐Tobago, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica.

METHODS.

Blood samples from 261 healthy women ages 20 to 70 years were tested for WBC with differential, cytokine and growth factor levels, and ancestry informative and neutrophil elastase polymorphisms. The authors analyzed the association between neutropenia and serum WBC growth factor levels, cytokine levels, and neutrophil elastase c199a polymorphism.

RESULTS.

The median WBC and ANC differed among the 6 groups (P < .01 for WBC and P < .0001 for ANC). Dominicans were found to have higher median WBC and ANC than all other groups (P < .03). Neutropenia (ANC < 1500 cu/mm) was observed among 2.7% to 12.5% of the groups of predominantly African descent; no other groups were found to have neutropenia (P < .05). Granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor was found to be lower in white women, but tumor necrosis factor‐α and C–reactive protein were not found to be correlated with ethnicity. Women of African origin were more likely to have polymorphisms of African ancestry (P < .001) and c199a alleles (P < .0001), which were also associated with low ANC levels.

CONCLUSIONS.

In the current study, the authors observed a strong association between neutropenia and African descent among asymptomatic women from the U.S. and the Caribbean. Among women of African descent who develop a malignancy, this association may contribute to racial disparities in treatment and outcomes. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Erlotinib plus bevacizumab in previously treated patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Jackman David M. , Kindler Hedy L. , Yeap Beow Y. , Fidias Panos , Salgia Ravi , Lucca Joan , Morse Linda K. , Ostler Patricia A. , Johnson Bruce E. , Jänne Pasi A.
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

We conducted a phase 2, multicenter, open‐label study of erlotinib plus bevacizumab in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma who had previously received 1 prior chemotherapy regimen. These agents have activity in non–small cell lung cancer, but their role in mesothelioma is unclear. The primary endpoint is response rate. Secondary endpoints include time to progression, survival, and toxicity.

METHODS.

Eligible patients with mesothelioma who had previously received 1 chemotherapy regimen were treated with erlotinib 150 mg per os daily and bevacizumab 15 mg/kg administered intravenously on Day 1 of a 21‐day cycle. Treatment continued until disease progression or development of significant toxicity. Tumor response was assessed after every 2 cycles using previously established mesothelioma response criteria from Byrne and Nowak.

RESULTS.

Twenty‐four eligible patients initiated therapy with erlotinib and bevacizumab between February 2004 and October 2006. There were no complete or partial responses, although 12 patients achieved stable disease for at least 2 cycles of treatment. The median time to progression was 2.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4 months‐5.9 months). The median survival was 5.8 months (95% CI, 2.8 months‐10.1 months). The most common toxicities were rash and diarrhea. There were no treatment‐related deaths, intracranial bleeding, or hemoptysis.

CONCLUSIONS.

The combination of erlotinib and bevacizumab was tolerated reasonably well, but there was no evidence of radiographic response. This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting trials in mesothelioma patients who have failed first‐line therapy. More therapeutic studies with effective agents are needed for these patients. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Tetracycline to prevent epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor‐induced skin rashes
Authors: Jatoi Aminah , Rowland Kendrith , Sloan Jeff A. , Gross Howard M. , Fishkin Paul A. , Kahanic Stephen P. , Novotny Paul J. , Schaefer Paul L. , Johnson David B. , Tschetter Loren K. , Loprinzi Charles L.
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are effective cancer therapies, but they are reported to cause a rash in >50% of patients. In the current study, the authors examined the use of tetracycline for rash prevention.

METHODS.

This placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded trial enrolled patients who were starting cancer treatment with an EGFR inhibitor. Patients could not have had a rash at the time of enrollment. All patients were randomly assigned to receive either tetracycline at a dose of 500 mg orally twice a day for 28 days versus a placebo. Patients were monitored for rash (through monthly physician assessment and weekly patient‐reported questionnaires), quality of life (using the SKINDEX‐16, a skin‐specific quality of life index), and adverse events. Monitoring occurred during the 4‐week intervention and then for an additional 4 weeks. The primary objective of the current study was to compare the incidence of rash between the study arms, and the enrollment of 30 patients per arm provided a 90% probability of detecting a 40% difference in incidence with a P value of .05 (2‐sided).

RESULTS.

A total of 61 evaluable patients were enrolled. The 2 treatment arms were well balanced with regard to baseline characteristics, dropout rates, and rates of discontinuation of the EGFR inhibitor. The incidence of rash was found to be comparable across treatment arms. Physicians reported that 16 patients treated with tetracycline (70%) and 22 patients treated with placebo (76%) developed a rash (P = .61). Tetracycline appears to have lessened the rash severity, although the high dropout rates invite caution when interpreting these findings. By Week 4, physician‐reported grade 2 rash (using the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [version 3.0]) occurred in 17% of tetracycline‐treated patients (n = 4 patients) and in 55% of placebo‐exposed patients (n = 16 patients) (P = .04). Patients treated with tetracycline reported better scores, as per the SKINDEX‐16, on certain quality‐of‐life parameters such as skin burning or stinging, skin irritation, and being bothered by the persistence/recurrence of a skin condition. Adverse events were found to be comparable across treatment arms.

CONCLUSIONS.

In the current study, tetracycline was not found to prevent EGFR inhibitor‐induced rashes and therefore cannot be clinically recommended for this purpose. However, preliminary observations of diminished rash severity and improved quality of life suggest this antibiotic merits further study. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Use of health‐related quality‐of‐life assessments in daily clinical oncology nursing practice
Authors: Hilarius Doranne L. , Kloeg Paul H. , Gundy Chad M. , Aaronson Neil K.
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

The current study evaluated the efficacy of incorporating standardized health‐related quality of life (HRQL) assessments as a routine part of the outpatient chemotherapy treatment of cancer patients in a community hospital in terms of: 1) facilitating nurse‐patient communication, 2) increasing nurses' awareness of patients' HRQL, 3) patient management, 4) patients' satisfaction, and 5) patients' HRQL.

METHODS.

The study employed a sequential cohort design with repeated measures. Ten nurses and 219 patients participated in this community hospital‐based study. The intervention involved patients completing standardized HRQL questionnaires via a touch‐screen computer, the results of which were provided to nurses and patients in a graphic summary. Questionnaire and medical record data were used to assess outcomes.

RESULTS.

HRQL‐related topics were discussed significantly more frequently in the intervention group than in the control group (mean = 4.8 topics vs 3.8 topics, respectively; P = .02). Nurses' awareness of patients' levels of daily activity, pain, and overall quality of life was significantly better in the intervention than the control group. The mean number of HRQL‐related notations in the medical records was significantly higher in the intervention group (24 vs 20; P< .05). Only modest effects were observed in patient management (counseling behavior), and no significant effects were found in patient satisfaction or changes in HRQL over time.

CONCLUSIONS.

Incorporating standardized HRQL assessments in daily clinical oncology nursing practice primarily facilitates the discussion of HRQL issues and increases nurses' awareness. Additional efforts are needed to enhance the effect of routine HRQL assessments on patient management and HRQL. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Maintenance bacillus Calmette‐Guérin in high‐risk nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Decobert Marc , LaRue Hélène , Harel François , Meyer François , Fradet Yves , Lacombe Louis
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

Intravesical bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy is effective in preventing recurrence and progression in nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer but the dosing schedule and duration of treatment remain empirical. The outcome of BCG therapy was prospectively evaluated on patients according to the number of maintenance cycles received.

METHODS.

Between 1997 and 2002, 111 patients with nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer at high risk of recurrence and progression underwent transurethral resection followed by intravesical instillations of BCG. After an induction treatment of 6 weekly instillations, patients were scheduled to receive a 3‐weekly maintenance treatment at the 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th, 30th, and 36th month. At each visit a clinical assessment was obtained.

RESULTS.

Over a median clinical follow‐up of 31 months, 43% of patients experienced recurrence and 8.1% progressed to muscle‐invasive disease or metastasis. Only 1 patient received all scheduled instillations. Patients who received at least 3 maintenance BCG cycles had a significantly reduced risk of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.23, P = .0064, adjusted for gender, age, and stage) compared with patients receiving only induction BCG. Twelve months after the end of maintenance, the estimated Kaplan‐Meier recurrence‐free survival was 89% for patients who received at least 3 maintenance BCG cycles, 67% for those who received 2 maintenance BCG cycles, and 41% for those who received only the induction BCG or 1 maintenance cycle (P = .0003).

CONCLUSIONS.

The results of this study suggest that a minimum of 3 cycles of maintenance BCG is required to significantly reduce the recurrence rate. It also suggests that more cycles may result in further improvements but the benefits may be outweighed by increasing side effects in some patients. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Perinucleolar compartment prevalence is a phenotypic pancancer marker of malignancy
Authors: Norton John T. , Pollock Callie B. , Wang Chen , Schink Julian C. , Kim J. Julie , Huang Sui
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

The perinucleolar compartment (PNC) is a subnuclear structure localized at the nucleolar periphery. Previous studies using breast cancer as a model system demonstrated that PNC prevalence (the percentage of cells with 1 or more PNC) increased with disease progression and was associated with poor patient outcomes.

METHODS.

To evaluate the validity of developing PNC prevalence as a novel pancancer prognostic marker, the authors investigated whether PNC prevalence was correlated with malignancy in a spectrum of tissue types and evaluated its selective association with malignancy under various experimental conditions.

RESULTS.

PNC prevalence was low in primary and immortalized cells and in cell lines derived from hematologic malignancies, but it was heterogeneous in cell lines derived from solid tumors, including those of epithelial and nonepithelial origins. Studies using human myometrial tissue and thyroid cancer cell lines with various levels of malignancy demonstrated a correlation between high PNC prevalence and malignant potential. Furthermore, PNC prevalence corresponded directly to metastatic capacities in a series of well characterized cell lines of the same origin that were selected for various levels of metastatic capacity in a mouse model. Conversely, PNC prevalence was reduced experimentally by over expressing an antimetastatic protein in breast cancer cells. However, PNC prevalence was not associated with traits that were shared by both cancer and normal cells, including proliferation, glycolysis, and differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS.

Together, these observations helped to verify that PNC prevalence selectively represents malignancy in a broad spectrum of solid tissue tumors, demonstrating its potential to be developed as a pancancer prognostic marker of malignancy. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
First visualization of cholinergic cells and fibers by immunohistochemistry for choline acetyltransferase of the common type in the optic lobe and peduncle complex of Octopus vulgaris
Authors: D'Este Loredana , Kimura Shin , Casini Arianna , Matsuo Akinori , Bellier Jean‐Pierre , Kimura Hiroshi , Renda Tindaro G.
Published: June 2008

This study provides the first immunohistochemical evidence visualizing cholinergic octopus neurons containing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the synthetic enzyme of acetylcholine. Because the antiserum applied here was raised against a recombinant protein encoded by exons 7 and 8 of the rat gene for ChAT, and initially used for studies in mammals, to validate antibody specificity for the octopus counterpart enzyme we therefore used three methods. Immunoprecipitation using Pansorbin indicated that immunoreactive octopus brain molecules were capable of synthesizing acetylcholine. Western blot analysis after denatured gel electrophoresis of octopus brain extracts revealed a single band at ≈81 kDa. A gel slice containing the 81‐kDa protein after native (nondenatured) gel electrophoresis exhibited high ChAT activity. All findings obtained with these three methods clearly indicated that the antiserum effectively recognizes octopus ChAT. The immunohistochemical use of the antiserum in the retina, optic lobe, and its neighboring peduncle complex detected enzyme‐containing neuronal cell bodies in only two regions, the cell islands of the optic lobe medulla and the cortical layer of the posterior olfactory lobule. Immunoreactive fibers and probable nerve terminals were also found in the plexiform layer of the deep retina, within the stroma of the optic gland, and the neuropils of the optic lobe, peduncle lobe, and olfactory lobe. These results provide information on the morphology and distribution patterns of cholinergic neurons in the octopus visual system, a useful invertebrate model for learning and memory where the cholinergic system, as in higher vertebrates including mammals, plays an important role. J. Comp. Neurol. 509:566–579, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Room‐Temperature Electronic Template Effect of the SmSi(111)‐8×2 Interface for Self‐Alignment of Organic Molecules
Authors: Makoudi Younes , Duverger Eric , Arab Madjid , Chérioux Frédéric , Ample Franscisco , Rapenne Gwénaël , Bouju Xavier , Palmino Frank
Published: June 2008

This work describes an innovative concept for the development of organized molecular systems based on the template effect of the pre‐structured semi‐conductive SmSi(111) interface. This substrate is selected because Sm deposition in the submonolayer range leads to a 8×2‐reconstruction, which is a well‐defined one‐dimensional semi‐metallic structure. Adsorption of aromatic molecules [1,4‐di‐(9‐ethynyltriptycenyl)‐benzene] on SmSi(111)‐ 8×2 and Si(111)‐7×7 interfaces is investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at room temperature. Density functional theory (DFT) and semi‐empirical (ASED+) calculations define the nature of the molecular adsorption sites of the target molecule on SmSi as well as their self‐alignment on this interface. Experimental data and theoretical results are in good agreement.
Selective Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Gold Catalysis with Alkynes and Alkenes: Similar Behavior, Different Origin
Authors: García‐Mota Mónica , Cabello Noemí , Maseras Feliu , Echavarren Antonio M. , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier , Lopez Nuria
Published: June 2008

The development of new sustainable chemical processes requires the implementation of ultra‐selective reaction processes. The enormous selectivity found for gold‐based catalysts when applied in several reactions has opened new frontiers. For instance, the selective activation of alkynes is a common feature for both homogeneous and heterogeneous gold catalysts. Herein, we employ experimental and theoretical methods to assess the similarities and differences in the performance of homogeneous and heterogeneous gold catalysts. Alkynophilicity, the selective activation of alkynes, is found to have a thermodynamic origin in the heterogeneous case and a kinetic one for homogeneous catalysis. Complex enyne rearrangements require the more active homogeneous (single gold) catalyst because it has more electrophilic character than its heterogeneous (nanoparticle) counterpart.
A probabilistic zonal approach for swarm‐inspired wildfire detection using sensor networks
Authors: Ramachandran Chandrasekar , Misra Sudip , Obaidat Mohammad S.
Published: June 2008

In this paper, we propose a novel swarm‐inspired system for detecting wildfires using sensor networks. There are three‐fold concerns of this paper. The first is the speed of information propagation, the second is the accuracy of the information being propagated and the third is the reliability of the system over a long period of time. With these in mind, we develop a probabilistic model for focusing on responses for query requests in an accurate manner, similar to the assignment of probabilities of occurrence in a distributed database. We follow a data‐centric approach where the system executes a swarm‐inspired routing and aggregation algorithm. For effective management of the system, zones of reachability are formed which denote areas, which help the sensor nodes in local maintenance, and through an interaction of these zones, a globally robust system is obtained. The system generates various kinds of reports and is connected to disaster response stations. We simulate our proposed system in NS‐2 for certain parameters, and more importantly in the presence of failures, to conclude that the system performs well for different scenarios and very well when an optimal zone radius is chosen. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Auswirkungen der Energieeinsparverordnung (EnEV) 2009 auf den Mauerwerksbau
Authors: Schoch Torsten
Published: June 2008

Diskussionen zum Klimawandel und zu den erforderlichen Maßnahmen, ihn zu verhindern oder zumindest zu lindern, machen die Runde. Es nimmt nicht wunder, dass dabei der Wohnungsbestand und der Neubau im Mittelpunkt derartiger Diskussionen stehen, denn beide waren allein 2005 mit 191 Mio t am CO2‐Ausstoß in Deutschland beteiligt. Der Ruf nach drastischer Energieeinsparung (die es physikalisch nicht geben kann) gehört zur Tagespresse, gern auch kombiniert mit einem Ruf nach Verschärfung der Anforderungen. Die Bundesregierung hat mit den Meseberger Beschlüssen 2007 die Weichen für eine Verschärfung der Anforderungen gestellt. Die mit der Novelle der EnEV im Jahre 2009 zu erwartende neuerliche Verschärfung der Anforderungen an die Energieeffizienz von Gebäuden wird neue Herausforderungen an die Planung und Ausführung von Mauerwerksbauten stellen. Sowohl die Anforderungen als auch erste Lösungsvorschläge für eine energieeffiziente Gebäudehülle werden in diesem Beitrag dargestellt und erläutert. Es wird anhand von Beispielen beschrieben, welche Auswirkungen das Zusammenspiel zwischen den unterschiedlichen Gebäudeformen und der verwendeten Anlagentechnik auf die in Deutschland jahrzehntelang bewährten Mauerwerkskonstruktionen haben kann. Dabei werden nicht allein bauphysikalische Aspekte einbezogen, sondern gleichsam Kosten‐Nutzen‐Analysen unter der Prämisse des Wirtschaftlichkeitsgebotes mit eingerechnet.
Mörtelkenndaten, Korrelationen, Anwendungen
Authors: Siech Hans Joachim
Published: June 2008

Mauer‐, Putz‐ und Estrichmörtel decken ein weites Spektrum in der baupraktischen Anwendung ab. Diese Mörtelarten sind durch Stoff‐ und Anwendungsnormen sowie, zwecks Nachweis ihres Anforderungsprofils, durch einschlägige Prüfnormen geregelt.

Die hohe Variationsmöglichkeit ihrer Stoffinhalte nach Art und Menge erweitert die Verwendungsmöglichkeiten im Sinne besonderer Gebrauchstauglichkeit zusätzlich. Je größer die entsprechende Rezepturvielfalt, desto kreativer die Interpretationen für die dann ermittelten Eigenschaften bzw. Prüfergebnisse.

So liegt der Gedanke nahe, die ohnehin komplexe Thematik in einen überschaubaren Rahmen zu fassen, berechenbar zu machen und transparenter zu gestalten – als Orientierungshilfe für die Entwicklungstätigkeiten im Labor, zur Überwachung (Produktkontrolle) sowie zu gutachterlichen Einsichten.
Hocheffiziente Neubauten als breitenwirksame Zukunftsstrategie für Deutschland
Authors: Pillen Nicole , Schirmer Stefan
Published: June 2008

Energetisch hocheffiziente Neubauten sind heute mit erprobten Techniken realisierbar. Gebäudestandards wie z. B. das KfW‐40‐Haus (Primärenergiebedarf max. 40 kWh/(m2 a)) oder das Passivhaus (max. 15 kWh/m2 a)) sind vielfach erprobt. Doch der endgültige Durchbruch im Massenmarkt fehlt noch: Viele Neubauten weisen eine energetische Qualität auf, die zwar den gesetzlichen Anforderungen genügt, aber nicht die wirtschaftlich sinnvollen Energiesparpotentiale ausnutzt. Die Bundesregierung und die Deutsche Energie‐Agentur GmbH (dena) werden daher die Marktdurchdringung hoch energieeffizienter Neubauten durch intensive Öffentlichkeitsarbeit verstärkt unterstützen.
Wärmedämmelemente zur Minimierung von Wärmebrückeneffekten bei Mauerwerkswänden
Authors: Hobbie André , Leineweber Ronny
Published: June 2008

Beim Bau energieeffizienter Gebäude ist ein guter baulicher Wärmeschutz Grundvoraussetzung. Dies betrifft nicht nur die Außenbauteile selbst, sondern auch die Anschlussbereiche.

Die daraus entstehenden Wärmebrücken können nicht unerhebliche Wärmeverluste hervorrufen. Zur Minimierung der Wärmeverluste durch Wärmebrücken bietet sich bei Mauerwerkswänden der Einsatz von Wärmedämmelementen an. Die Verwendung der Elemente kann Auswirkungen auf die Wandeigenschaften haben. Dies sollte schon im Planungsstadium mit berücksichtigt werden.
Stoffgesetze von Kalksandsteinen und Dünnbettmörtelfugen
Authors: Brameshuber Wolfgang , Schmidt Ulf , Hannawald Joachim
Published: June 2008

Für eine zutreffende Beschreibung des Tragverhaltens und der Festigkeitseigenschaften von Mauerwerk ist die Kenntnis der vollständigen Stoffgesetze der Einzelkomponenten, d. h. der Mauersteine und des Verbundes in den Mörtelfugen, unerlässlich. Am Institut für Bauforschung (ibac) der RWTH Aachen wurden die Stoffgesetze der im Rahmen des europäischen Forschungsprojektes ESECMaSe entwickelten Kalksandsteine und des Dünnbettmörtels ermittelt. Hierbei wurden neu entwickelte Untersuchungsmethoden und Prüfverfahren angewendet.