Contribution of boulder reef habitats to oxygen dynamics of a shallow estuary.

We assessed the importance of boulder reefs to the oxygen dynamics of a shallow estuary during two growing seasons in 2017 and 2018. Using open-system diel oxygen measurements and benthic and pelagic incubations, we evaluated the relative contribution of pelagic and benthic habitats to the ecosystem metabolism along a depth gradient in two areas, with (Reef) and without (Bare) boulder reefs in the Limfjorden, Denmark. System integrated areal rates of gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) both increased with depth in both areas. Benthic contribution to system GPP and ER was highest at shallow depth where it represented 47 and 53% respectively. However, with increasing depth pelagic processes dominated GPP and ER (98 and 94%) even in the Reef area. Although the Reef area had higher biomass of auto- and heterotrophic organisms (macroalgae and macrofauna), benthic GPP was at similar level in both areas, due to a significant contribution from micro-phytobenthic organisms. The Reef area had lower sediment pools of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous and was slightly more oxygenated compared to the nearby Bare area. Extreme temperatures and higher levels of nutrients in 2018 caused a marked increase in benthic ER rates resulting in net heterotrophy (NEM = GPP - ER < 0) in 2018 compared to net autotrophy (NEM > 0) in 2017. Under current eutrophic conditions, boulder reefs do not contribute positively to the oxygen dynamics in the estuary. Reoccurring blooms of phytoplankton with high organic matter decomposition combined with high temperatures and dominance of fauna stimulate depletion of oxygen around the reefs. Significant improvements in water clarity are needed to regrow perennial macroalgae and induce net autotrophy. Under current turbid conditions, it is only recommended to establish boulder reefs in shallow (<3 m) parts of the estuary.

Vinorelbine as first-line or second-line therapy for advanced breast cancer: a Phase I-II trial by the Danish Breast Cancer Co-operative Group.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of intravenous vinorelbine and on the determined dose to assess efficacy and safety in patients with metastatic breast cancer previously treated with epirubicin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients had histologically proven breast cancer and had received a prior epirubicin based regimen either adjuvant or as first line therapy for advanced disease. Vinorelbine was administered intravenously day 1 and 8 in a 3 weeks' schedule. Subsequently 48 additional patients were treated at one dose-level below MTD. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were included in the dose-escalation study, which defined 40 mg/m(2) as the MTD. Neutropenia of short duration and autonomic neuropathy causing constipation were the most common dose-limiting toxicities. At the 35 mg/m(2) dose-level 60 patients were included in total. Seven (12%; 95% CI 6 to 22) had a partial response and 16 additional patients had stable disease. 27% had stable disease (clinical benefit rate 38%, 95% CI 27 to 51). The median overall survival was 45 weeks and 39% of the patients were alive after one year. DISCUSSION: The clinical benefit rate was 38% with an overall intention to treat response rate of only 12%. The results were, however, achieved with low subjective burdens of toxicity.

Crude fucoidan content in two North Atlantic kelp species, Saccharina latissima and Laminaria digitata-seasonal variation and impact of environmental factors.

Fucoidans are sulphated fucose-rich polysaccharides predominantly found in the cell walls of brown algae. The bioactive properties of fucoidans attract increasing interest from the medico-pharmaceutical industries and may drive an increase in demand of brown algae biomass. In nature, the biochemical composition of brown algae displays a seasonal fluctuation driven by environmental factors and endogenous rhythms. To cultivate and harvest kelps with high yields of fucoidans, knowledge is needed on seasonal variation and impact of environmental conditions on the fucoidan content of brown algae. The relations between the fucoidan content and key environmental factors (irradiance, nutrient availability, salinity and exposure) were examined by sampling natural populations of the common North Atlantic kelps, Saccharina latissima and Laminaria digitata, over a full year at Hanstholm in the North Sea and Aarhus in the Kattegat. In addition, laboratory experiments were carried out isolating the effects of the single factors. The results demonstrated that (1) seasonal variation alters the fucoidan content by a factor of 2-2.6; (2) interspecific differences exist in the concentrations of crude fucoidan (% of dry matter): L. digitata (11%) > S. latissima (6%); and (3) the effects of single environmental factors were not consistent between species or between different conspecific populations. The ambiguous response to single environmental factors complicates prospective directions for manipulating an increased content of fucoidan in a cultivation scenario and emphasizes the need for knowledge on performance of local kelp ecotypes.

[Treatment of elderly patients with breast cancer]. / Behandling af brystkraeft hos aeldre.

The latest investigations have been searched in order to present new guidelines for the treatment of elderly patients with primary breast cancer. It is concluded that breast-conserving surgery should be offered as well as the sentinel node technique. Axillary lymph node dissection is not necessary in the case of micrometastases. Adjuvant radiotherapy can be omitted in low risk cases. Endocrine treatment can be used in adjuvant and neo-adjuvant settings, but surgery should be offered as well. In high risk cases with receptor-negative tumour chemotherapy should be considered as an option. Generalized follow-up is recommended.