Spin-wave resonance model of surface pinning in ferromagnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As thin films.

The source of spin-wave resonance (SWR) in thin films of the ferromagnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As is still under debate: does SWR stem from the surface anisotropy (in which case the surface inhomogeneity (SI) model would apply), or does it originate in the bulk inhomogeneity of the magnetic structure of the sample (and thus requires the use of the volume inhomogeneity (VI) model)? This paper outlines the ground on which the controversy arose and shows why in different conditions a resonance sample may meet the assumptions of either the SI or the VI model.

Biomarker results from the AVADO phase 3 trial of first-line bevacizumab plus docetaxel for HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Combining bevacizumab with first-line chemotherapy significantly improves progression-free survival (PFS) in HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (mBC). However, identification of patients benefitting most from bevacizumab remains elusive. The AVADO trial included an extensive optional exploratory biomarker programme. METHODS: Patients with HER2-negative mBC were randomised to receive docetaxel with placebo or bevacizumab. The primary end point was PFS. Plasma samples were analysed using a multiplex ELISA. Blood mRNA expression was assessed using quantitative PCR. Tumour tissue samples were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in the VEGF pathway were analysed in germline DNA. RESULTS: Samples for biomarker analysis were available from 24-54% of the 736 treated patients (depending on specimen type). The most consistent potential predictive effect was observed with plasma VEGF-A and VEGFR-2; high baseline concentrations were associated with greater treatment effect. Blood mRNA analyses suggested a greater bevacizumab effect in patients with high VEGF121. No consistent predictive effect was seen for tumour neuropilin or other candidate tumour markers by immunohistochemistry, or for any of the SNPs investigated. CONCLUSION: Plasma VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 are potential predictive markers for bevacizumab efficacy, supporting findings in gastric and pancreatic cancers. Plasma VEGF-A is being evaluated prospectively in mBC in the MERiDiAN trial.

Reduced cardiotoxicity and comparable efficacy in a phase III trial of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin HCl (CAELYX/Doxil) versus conventional doxorubicin for first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to demonstrate that efficacy [progression-free survival (PFS)] of CAELYX [pegylated liposomal doxorubicin HCl (PLD)] is non-inferior to doxorubicin with significantly less cardiotoxicity in first-line treatment of women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women (n=509) with MBC and normal cardiac function were randomized to receive either PLD 50 mg/m2 (every 4 weeks) or doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 (every 3 weeks). Cardiac event rates were based on reductions in left ventricular ejection fraction as a function of cumulative anthracycline dose. RESULTS: PLD and doxorubicin were comparable with respect to PFS [6.9 versus 7.8 months, respectively; hazard ratio (HR)=1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82-1.22]. Subgroup results were consistent. Overall risk of cardiotoxicity was significantly higher with doxorubicin than PLD (HR=3.16; 95%CI 1.58-6.31; P<0.001). Overall survival was similar (21 and 22 months for PLD and doxorubicin, respectively; HR=0.94; 95%CI 0.74-1.19). Alopecia (overall, 66% versus 20%; pronounced, 54% versus 7%), nausea (53% versus 37%), vomiting (31% versus 19%) and neutropenia (10% versus 4%) were more often associated with doxorubicin than PLD. Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (48% versus 2%), stomatitis (22% versus 15%) and mucositis (23% versus 13%) were more often associated with PLD than doxorubicin. CONCLUSIONS: In first-line therapy for MBC, PLD provides comparable efficacy to doxorubicin, with significantly reduced cardiotoxicity, myelosuppression, vomiting and alopecia.

Analysis of blunt trauma injuries: vertical deceleration versus horizontal deceleration injuries.

There are several similarities found in blunt trauma injuries to humans sustained as a result of vertical deceleration (falling) and those sustained as a result of deceleration in a horizontal plane (automobile accidents). However, examination of the patterns of traumatic skeletal injuries can distinguish those injuries associated with falling from heights from those associated with automobile accidents. While there is considerable variation within each type of blunt trauma injury dependent on the angle at which one falls or is struck, there are several characteristic skeletal features associated with each type of trauma. In this study we review both the current literature and human skeletal remains from the University of New Mexico's Documented Collection known to have been subjected to blunt trauma. This collection is used to characterize and differentiate the pattern of skeletal injuries to various parts of the body for each type of trauma. These assessments are applied to investigate the traumatic skeletal lesions observed in a forensic case where the manner of death is unknown. Analyses suggest two possible scenarios that would explain the death of the individual investigated, with death most likely related to a vehicular-pedestrian accident.

[Survival, complications and quality of life in patients with breast cancer after ovariectomy and hormonal therapy]. / Przezycia, powiklania i jakosc zycia u chorych na raka sutka po kastracji chirurgicznej i terapii hormonalnej.

Seventy one women with breast cancer in clinical stage IIIa were treated by chemotherapy and radical operation on the basis five features, namely: survivals, relapses, metastases, quality of life, and post-therapy complications. The two treatment methods were compared. The dependence between survivals and time elapsed between breast surgery and ovariectomy was evaluated. Women treated by ovariectomy suffer from; menopause symptoms, osteoporosis, blood coagulation distortions more after than women treated by hormonotherapy. Tamoxifen therapy increases the rate of breast cancer relapses and probably it is the cause of breast cancer metastases into liver. Women who underwent hormonal castration are professionally active more after them women treated by ovariectomy. Time elapsed between breast surgery and ovariectomy does not affect survivals in stage IIIa. In stage IIIb however, performing later ovariectomy prolongs survivals.