Gefitinib failed to demonstrate superior OS compared with GP as first-line therapy for NSLAs.

BACKGROUND.This randomized pilot trial investigated whether primary chemotherapy was feasible in terms of efficacy, survival, toxicity profile, and quality of life compared with whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT) given first in chemotherapy‐naive patients nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with synchronous brain metastasis when neurologic symptoms or signs are absent or controlled by supportive care.METHODS.After stratification by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) (0–1 vs 2), the number of intracranial metastases (<3 vs 3≤), and the presence of extrathoracic extracranial metastasis, eligible patients were randomized to the primary chemotherapy arm or the WBRT‐first arm. World Health Organization (WHO) response criteria, National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI‐CTC; version 2.0), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) C‐30/LC‐13 questionnaire were used.RESULTS.A total of 48 patients were enrolled between August 2002 and November 2005. The response rate of chemotherapy and survival outcomes in the primary chemotherapy arm were not statistically different from those in the WBRT‐first arm (overall response rate, 28.0% vs 39.1%; progression‐free survival, 3.6 months vs 4.4 months; overall survival, 9.1 months vs 9.9 months). There was close correlation noted between intracranial and extracranial tumor responses (k = 0.82). However, in the WBRT‐first arm, grade 3 of 4 neutropenia was more frequent (79% vs 40%) during chemotherapy and 4 patients (17.4%) did not receive further chemotherapy because of early death or poor performance after WBRT. Cognitive function appeared to deteriorate during primary chemotherapy, but was also found to deteriorate after WBRT.CONCLUSIONS.Primary chemotherapy is more feasible and can be an appropriate option for patients with synchronous brain metastasis when neurologic symptoms or signs are absent or controlled. The role and timing of WBRT should be defined in further studies in this clinical setting. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical and biological properties of orthodontic bonding agents containing silver- or zinc-doped bioactive glass (BAG) and determine the antibacterial and remineralization effects of these agents.MethodsBAG was synthesized using the alkali-mediated solgel method. Orthodontic bonding agents containing BAG were prepared by mixing BAG with flowable resin. Transbond™ XT (TXT) and Charmfil™ Flow (CF) were used as controls. Ion release, cytotoxicity, antibacterial properties, the shear bond strength, and the adhesive remnant index were evaluated. To assess the remineralization properties of BAG, micro-computed tomography was performed after pH cycling.ResultsThe BAG-containing bonding agents showed no noticeable cytotoxicity and suppressed bacterial growth. When these bonding agents were used, demineralization after pH cycling began approximately 200 to 300 µm away from the bracket. On the other hand, when CF and TXT were used, all surfaces that were not covered by the adhesive were demineralized after pH cycling.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that orthodontic bonding agents containing silver- or zinc-doped BAG have stronger antibacterial and remineralization effects compared with conventional orthodontic adhesives; thus, they are suitable for use in orthodontic practice.

An 8-week combined exercise program benefits body composition, especially lean mass, and positively affects isokinetic strength and CVD risk factors. Therefore, increasing lean mass and strength by continuously participating in a combined exercise program may be an effective treatment for preventing and improving CVD in older women.

Summary Interactions between pathogenic microorganisms and their hosts are varied and complex, encompassing open‐field scale interactions to interactions at the molecular level. The capacity of plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi to cause diseases in human and animal systems was, until recently, considered of minor importance. However, recent evidence suggests that animal and human infections caused by plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses may have critical impacts on human and animal health and safety. This review analyses previous research on plant pathogens as causal factors of animal illness. In addition, a case study involving disruption of type III effector‐mediated phagocytosis in a human cell line upon infection with an opportunistic phytopathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, is discussed. Further knowledge regarding the molecular interactions between plant pathogens and human and animal hosts is needed to understand the extent of disease incidence and determine mechanisms for disease prevention.