bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth performance and physiological response in the halophyte Lycium barbarum grown at salt‐affected soil
Authors: Wei Y. , Xu X. , Tao H. , Wang P. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAs a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, Lyciumbarbarum is of high economic value and has attracted many considerable interests in recent years. The plant is a perennial halophyte grown under extreme conditions, especially under highly saline soil. A pot experiment was carried out to quantify the responses of L. barbarum plants to soil salinity applied at 100 and 200 mM NaCl. The results demonstrate that 100 mM NaCl soil improves the growth of L. barbarum seedlings. Because the 100 mM NaCl soil enhanced plant height and dry matter by 20% and 30% compared with the nonsalinised soil, it is considered suitable, and the 200 mM NaCl soil showed negative effects, too extreme for the growth of L. barbarum. The leaf cations and betaine content increased significantly under salt stress. The leaf chlorophyll, gas exchange, photochemical efficiency, leaf area and soluble sugar contents showed a significant decrease under 200 mM NaCl stress compared with the nonsalinised and the 100 mM NaCl‐affected soil. The results do not provide a basic mechanism for the observed growth stimulation; however, they suggest that L. barbarum may be an economic species for cultivation in moderately saline areas such as northwest China.
Regional Trade Patterns: The Impact of Voluntary Food Safety Standards
Authors: Woods Mollie , Thornsbury Suzanne , Raper Kellie Curry , Weldon Richard N. 
Published: November 2006

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) are aimed at reducing farm level microbial contamination of fresh produce and include both fixed and variable cost components. We empirically analyze three scenarios of voluntary food safety practice adoption and third‐party certification in the North American fresh strawberry market using a spatial equilibrium model. The model incorporates GAPs adoption across production regions and across farm size. Transportation and product shrinkage, which are critical factors in inter‐regional trade of perishable products, are also included. Regional trade pattern impacts are assessed and used to draw inferences for pressure on market structure. Results indicate that competitive pressures are greatest on those regions with mid‐size volumes that are not able to take advantage of close market proximity, yet still must absorb additional costs. This suggests that adoption of food safety practices, even if voluntary, is likely to accelerate what is already a bi‐modal structure for this industry. Les bonnes pratiques agricoles (BPA) visent à réduire la contamination microbienne des produits frais à la ferme et comprennent des coûts fixes et des coûts variables. Nous avons effectué, à l'aide d'un modèle d'équilibre spatial, l'analyse empirique de trois scénarios d'adoption volontaire de pratiques de sécurité alimentaire et de certification par un tiers dans le marché nord‐américain des fraises fraîches. Le modèle intègre l'adoption de BPA dans toutes les régions productrices et les fermes de toute taille. Le transport et le flétrissement, qui constituent des facteurs critiques dans le commerce interrégional des denrées périssables, ont aussi été inclus. Nous avons évalué les répercussions de la structure de commerce régional et les avons utilisées pour tirer des conclusions sur la pression exercée sur la structure de marché. Les résultats ont indiqué que les pressions concurrentielles étaient plus importantes sur les régions qui produisent des volumes moyens, qui ne peuvent tirer profit des marchés de proximité, mais qui doivent pourtant absorber des coûts additionnels. Ces résultats autorisent à penser que l'adoption, même volontaire, de pratiques de sécurité alimentaire contribuera probablement à accélérer ce que est déjà une structure bimodale de l'industrie.
Canadian Health and Food: The Links between Policy, Consumers, and Industry
Authors: Cash Sean B. , Goddard Ellen W. , Lerohl Mel 
Published: November 2006

The concerns around the social costs associated with poor, inadequate diets and unhealthy food choices have received much attention in both the popular and academic literature recently. In response, governments are starting to direct their attention toward the interplay between public health and the food economy. We begin by reviewing some of the known links between food and health, the recommendations coming from international and domestic bodies, and the perspective of industry. We then discuss the potential role of, and justifications for, policy interventions, and note that a failure to incorporate consumer response into the policymaking process has led to suboptimal outcomes in the past. We present a qualitative overview of the possible effects of Canadian agricultural policies, as well as examples from the limited literature in this area. In much the same way that the policymaking process is subject to environmental impact assessments, agricultural and food policies need to be formulated with a health filter in place order to avoid perverse dietary outcomes. Les préoccupations entourant les coûts sociaux liés à des régimes alimentaires déficients et à des choix alimentaires nuisibles pour la santé ont reçu récemment beaucoup d'attention dans les publications populaires et scientifiques. En réponse à ces préoccupations, les gouvernements commencent à se pencher sur l'interaction entre la santé publique et l'économie de l'alimentation. Nous avons d'abord examiné quelques‐uns des liens connus entre l'alimentation et la santé, les recommandations d'organismes nationaux et internationaux et le point de vue de l'industrie. Nous avons ensuite discuté du rôle potentiel des interventions politiques, et des justifications pour ces interventions, et avons noté que le fait de ne pas intégrer la réaction du consommateur dans le processus d'élaboration des politiques a entraîné des résultats sous‐optimaux dans le passé. Nous présentons un aperçu qualitatif des répercussions possibles des politiques agricoles canadiennes ainsi que des exemples tirés de la littérature limitée dans ce domaine. Tout comme le processus d'élaboration des politiques est soumis à des évaluations de l'impact sur l'environnement, les politiques agroalimentaires doivent être élaborées en tenant compte de la santé en vue d'éviter les conséquences perverses liées à l'alimentation.
Can Religious Experience Provide Justification for the Belief in God? The Debate in Contemporary Analytic Philosophy
Authors: Kwan Kai‐man 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn recent analytic philosophy of religion, one hotly debated topic is the veridicality of religious experience. In this paper, I briefly trace how the argument from religious experience comes into prominence in the twentieth century. This is due to the able defense of this argument by Richard Swinburne, William Alston, and Jerome Gellman among others. I explain the argument's intuitive force and why the stock objections to religious experience are not entirely convincing. I expound Swinburne's approach and his application of the Principle of Credulity to religious experience. Then I critically examine four major objections to Swinburne. I conclude that the argument from religious experiences is not likely to be conclusive but it should not be dismissed either.
RUNX3 Inhibits the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Reduces the Angiogenesis, Growth, and Metastasis of Human Gastric Cancer
Authors: Peng Zhihai , Wei Daoyan , Wang Liwei , Tang Huamei , Zhang Jun , Le Xiangdong , Jia Zhiliang , Li Qiang , Xie Keping 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Purpose: Recent studies indicated that RUNX3 exhibits potent antitumor activity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this activity remain unclear. In the present study, we used a gastric cancer model to determine the effect of RUNX3 expression on tumor angiogenesis.
Experimental Design: The effects of increased RUNX3 expression on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in and angiogenic potential of human gastric cancer cells were determined in vitro and in animal models. RUNX3 and VEGF expression was determined in 120 human gastric cancer specimens and their relationship was analyzed.
Results: RUNX3 gene transfer suppressed VEGF expression in human gastric cancer cells. Down-regulation of VEGF expression correlated with a significantly impaired angiogenic potential of human gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, RUNX3 restoration inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in animal models, which was consistent with inhibition of angiogenesis as determined by evaluating VEGF expression and tumor microvessel formation. In gastric cancer specimens, loss or decrease in RUNX3 expression inversely associated with increased VEGF expression and elevated microvessel formation.
Conclusions: Our clinical and experimental data provide a novel molecular mechanism for the antitumor activity of RUNX3 and may help design effective therapy targeting RUNX3 pathway to control gastric cancer growth and metastasis.
Hedgehog: an Attribute to Tumor Regrowth after Chemoradiotherapy and a Target to Improve Radiation Response
Authors: Sims-Mourtada Jennifer , Izzo Julie G. , Apisarnthanarax Smith , Wu Tsung-Teh , Malhotra Usha , Luthra Rajyalashmi , Liao Zhongxing , Komaki Ritsuko , van der Kogel Albert , Ajani Jaffer , Chao K.S. Clifford 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Purpose: Despite aggressive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or combination approaches, the survival rate of patients with esophageal cancer remains poor. Recent studies have suggested that constitutive activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway in cancers of the digestive tract may contribute to the growth and maintenance of cancer. However, the relationship between Hh signaling and therapeutic response is unknown.
Experimental Design: The expression and temporal kinetics of Hh signaling and proliferation biomarkers after chemoradiotherapy were examined in esophageal tumor xenografts. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis of Sonic Hh (Shh) and Gli-1 expression were done on residual tumors from patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery. The ability of Shh signaling to induce proliferation in esophageal cell lines was determined. Expression of cell cycle checkpoint proteins was analyzed in cells in which Hh signaling was activated or inhibited. We further determined the effect of inhibiting Hh signaling in sensitizing esophageal tumors to radiation.
Results: We showed that the Shh signaling pathway was extensively activated in esophageal cancer xenografts and residual tumors after chemoradiotherapy and the temporal kinetics of Hh signaling preceded increases in proliferation biomarker expression and tumor size during tumor regrowth. We further showed that Hh pathway activity influences proliferation rates of esophageal cancer cell lines through up-regulation of the G1-cyclin-Rb axis. Additionally, we found that blocking Hh signaling enhanced radiation cytotoxicity of esophageal cancer cells.
Conclusions: These results suggest that activation of the Hh pathway may promote tumor repopulation after chemoradiotherapy and contribute to chemoradiation resistance in esophageal cancers.
CA IX is an Independent Prognostic Marker in Premenopausal Breast Cancer Patients with One to Three Positive Lymph Nodes and a Putative Marker of Radiation Resistance
Authors: Brennan Donal J. , Jirstrom Karin , Kronblad Åsa , Millikan Robert C. , Landberg Goran , Duffy Michael J. , Rydén Lisa , Gallagher William M. , O'Brien Sallyann L. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Purpose: Hypoxia in breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis and down-regulation of the estrogen receptor. Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) is a hypoxia-inducible gene that has been associated with poor outcome in many epithelial cancers. Previous studies of CA IX in breast cancer have been carried out on mixed cohorts of premenopausal and postmenopausal patients with locally advanced disease and varying treatment regimens. We examined the potential prognostic and predictive role of CA IX in premenopausal breast cancer patients.
Experimental Design: Using tissue microarrays, we analyzed CA IX expression in 400 stage II breast cancers from premenopausal women. The patients had previously participated in a randomized control trial comparing 2 years of tamoxifen to no systemic adjuvant treatment. Median follow-up was 13.9 years.
Results: CA IX expression correlated positively with tumor size, grade, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, Ki-67, cyclin E, and cyclin A2 expression. CA IX expression correlated negatively with cyclin D1, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor. CA IX expression was associated with a reduced relapse-free survival (P = 0.032), overall survival (P = 0.022), and breast cancer–specific survival (P = 0.005). Multivariate analysis revealed that CA IX was an independent prognostic marker in untreated patients with one to three positive lymph nodes (hazard ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-9.13; P = 0.027).
Conclusion: CA IX is marker of poor prognosis in premenopausal breast cancer patients and it is an independent predictor of survival in patients with one to three positive lymph nodes. As all these patients received locoregional radiation therapy, CA IX may be associated with resistance to radiotherapy.
Synthetic MicroRNA Designed to Target Glioma-Associated Antigen 1 Transcription Factor Inhibits Division and Induces Late Apoptosis in Pancreatic Tumor Cells
Authors: Tsuda Naotake , Ishiyama Satoshi , Li Yufeng , Ioannides Constantin G. , Abbruzzese James L. , Chang David Z. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPurpose: To determine whether the synthetic microRNAs (miRNA) could effectively target tumor cells we designed several miRNA complementary to glioma-associated antigen-1 (Gli-1) mRNA and investigated their ability to inhibit tumor cell proliferation. The sonic hedgehog pathway is an early and late mediator of tumorigenesis in epithelial cancers. Activation of sonic hedgehog signaling seems to precede transformation of tissue stem cells to cancerous stem cells, with the Gli-1 transcription factor functioning as a mediator of environmental signals. Inhibiting cancer cell proliferation by targeting the Gli-1 effector pathway is difficult to achieve by chemotherapeutic agents or short interfering RNA.Experimental Design: We hypothesized that targeting the 3′-untranslated region of Gli-1 mRNA would effectively inhibit tumor cell proliferation. To test this hypothesis, we used synthetic miRNAs of our own design and corresponding duplex/small temporal RNAs by introducing three-nucleotide loops in the 3′-untranslated region Gli-1 sequence of high GU content.Results: We found that miRNA (Gli-1-miRNA-3548) and its corresponding duplex (Duplex-3548) significantly inhibited proliferation of Gli-1+ ovarian (SK-OV-3) and pancreatic (MiaPaCa-2) tumor cells. The miRNAs mediated delayed cell division and activation of late apoptosis in MiaPaCa-2 cells. This is the first demonstration of inhibition of pancreatic tumor cell division by designed miRNA.Conclusions: Gli-1 miRNAs should significantly add to the general understanding of the mechanisms of metastasis and contribute toward the design of better treatments for epithelial cancers.
A Phase I Study of Single Administration of Antibody-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy with the Recombinant Anti–Carcinoembryonic Antigen Antibody-Enzyme Fusion Protein MFECP1 and a Bis-Iodo Phenol Mustard Prodrug
Authors: Mayer Astrid , Francis Roslyn J. , Sharma Surinder K. , Tolner Berend , Springer Caroline J. , Martin Jan , Boxer Geoff M. , Bell James , Green Alan J. , Hartley John A. , Cruickshank Clare , Wren Julie , Chester Kerry A. , Begent Richard H.J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPurpose: Antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy is a two-stage treatment whereby a tumor-targeted antibody-enzyme complex localizes in tumor for selective conversion of prodrug. The purpose of this study was to establish optimal variables for single administration of MFECP1, a recombinant antibody-enzyme fusion protein of an anti–carcinoembryonic antigen single-chain Fv antibody and the bacterial enzyme carboxypeptidase G2 followed by a bis-iodo phenol mustard prodrug. MFECP1 is manufactured in mannosylated form to facilitate normal tissue elimination.Experimental Design: Pharmacokinetic, biodistribution, and tumor localization studies were used to test the hypothesis that MFECP1 localizes in tumor and clears from normal tissue via the liver. Firstly, safety of MFECP1 and a blood concentration of MFECP1 that would avoid systemic prodrug activation were tested. Secondly, dose escalation of prodrug was done. Thirdly, the dose of MFECP1 and timing of prodrug administration were optimized.Results: MFECP1 was safe and well tolerated, cleared rapidly via the liver, and was less immunogenic than previously used products. Eighty-fold dose escalation from the starting dose of prodrug was carried out before dose-limiting toxicity occurred. Confirmation of the presence of enzyme in tumor and DNA interstrand cross-links indicating prodrug activation were obtained for the optimal dose and time point. A total of 28 of 31 patients was evaluable for response, the best response being a 10% reduction of tumor diameter, and 11 of 28 patients had stable disease.Conclusions: Optimal conditions for effective therapy were established. A study testing repeat treatment is currently being undertaken.
Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 Antagonist Antibody as a Therapeutic Agent for Cancer
Authors: Wu Yan , Zhong Zhaojing , Huber James , Bassi Rajiv , Finnerty Bridget , Corcoran Erik , Li Huiling , Navarro Elizabeth , Balderes Paul , Jimenez Xenia , Koo Henry , Mangalampalli Venkata R.M. , Ludwig Dale L. , Tonra James R. , Hicklin Daniel J. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) plays important roles in promotion of tumor growth by mediating cellular functions in tumor vascular endothelium and cancer cells. Blockade of VEGFR-1 activation has been shown to inhibit pathologic angiogenesis and tumor growth, implicating VEGFR-1 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer. We have thus developed a VEGFR-1 antagonist human monoclonal antibody designated as IMC-18F1 and evaluated its antitumor activity in preclinical experimental models to show the therapeutic potential of the antibody for cancer treatment in clinic.
Experimental Design: Human IgG transgenic mice were used for generation of anti-VEGFR-1 antibodies. Anti-VEGFR-1-specific blocking antibodies were identified using solid-phase binding and blocking assays. Inhibitory antitumor cell activity of IMC-18F1 was assessed in cell-based kinase and growth assays. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies were done to determine the association of antibody blood level with antitumor efficacy of the antibody in vivo. Antitumor efficacy of the anti-VEGFR-1 antibodies as monotherapy and in combination with cytotoxic agents was evaluated in human breast cancer xenograft models.
Results: A fully human neutralizing antibody, IMC-18F1, was shown to be a high-affinity (KD = 54 pmol) inhibitor of VEGFR-1 ligand binding (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor). IMC-18F1 inhibited ligand-induced intracellular activation of VEGFR-1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and prevented ligand-stimulated in vitro growth of breast cancer cells. In vivo, IMC-18F1 suppressed the growth of human breast tumor xenografts in association with reduced mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt activation, reduced tumor cell proliferation, and increased tumor cell apoptosis. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies established a plasma elimination half-life of 5 days for IMC-18F1 and a steady-state trough plasma therapeutic threshold of 88 μg/mL. Importantly, inhibition of mouse and human VEGFR-1 with MF1 and IMC-18F1, respectively, enhanced the antitumor efficacy of cytotoxic agents commonly used to treat breast cancer.
Conclusions: Based on preclinical validation studies, IMC-18F1 anti-VEGFR-1 has potential to provide clinical benefit to cancer patients.
Increased Safety with Preserved Antitumoral Efficacy on Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Dual-Regulated Oncolytic Adenovirus
Authors: Zhang Qi , Chen Guihua , Peng Linhui , Wang Xinghua , Yang Yang , Liu Chen , Shi Wenfang , Su Changqing , Wu Hongping , Liu Xinyuan , Wu Mengchao , Qian Qijun 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPurpose: A dual-regulated adenovirus variant CNHK500, in which human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter drove the adenovirus 5 (Ad5) E1a gene and hypoxia-response promoter controlled the E1b gene, was engineered. This virus has broad anticancer spectrum and higher specificity compared with mono-regulated adenovirus CNHK300. The objective of the current study is to show its antitumor selectivity and therapeutic potential.Experimental Design: The antitumor specificity of human telomerase reverse transcriptase and hypoxia response promoters was evaluated in a panel of tumor and normal cells. Under the control of these promoters, the tumor-selective expression of E1a and E1b genes was evaluated. Further in vitro antitumor specificity and potency of this virus were characterized by viral replication and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Subsequently, hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts were established to evaluate CNHK500 antitumor efficacy in vivo by different routes of virus administration and different dosages.Results: Human telomerase reverse transcriptase and hypoxia response promoters were activated in a tumor-selective manner or under hypoxia treatment in a broad panel of cells. Selective adenoviral early gene expression, efficient viral replication, and oncolysis were observed in all tested cancer cells with more attenuated replication capacity in normal cells. Significant regression of hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts and prolonged survival were observed by either i.t. or i.v. administration.Conclusions: CNHK500 greatly reduced side effects in normal cells via dual control of adenoviral essential genes while still preserving potent antitumor efficacy on broad-spectrum cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. It can be used as a powerful therapeutic agent not only for liver cancers but also for other solid tumors.
Collecting the Desert in the Carolingian West
Authors: Coon Lynda 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe Egyptian desert summoned for its early medieval progeny memories of a past age of superhuman askêsis that posed a challenge to Carolingian attempts at Benedictine hegemony. In response, the architects of ninth-century monastic reform labored to present their votaries with a carefully controlled memory of the Egyptian past, and they did so through a propagandistic aesthetic of literary, visual, and ritual "bricolage." Jaś Elsner defines this aesthetic of bricolage as an artistic form based on symbolic ownership of the past through the display of ancient spolia on contemporary monuments (e.g., the sculptured reliefs collected from past, imperial regimes and exhibited as spolia on the Arch of Constantine) or the layering of present-day texts with past literary forms (e.g., Christian typological exegesis of Hebrew Scripture). Similarly, for the Carolingians, who also ventured into the artistic realm of bricolage, collecting, embodying, and displaying were methods of exerting control over the past.