Use Of Complementary Approaches Research Articles

A Pilot Study Comparing the Effect of Flaxseed, Aromatase Inhibitor, and the Combination on Breast Tumor Biomarkers

Use of complementary approaches is common among breast cancer survivors. Potential interactions between aromatase inhibitors (AI) and high phytoestrogen foods, such as flaxseed (FS), are not often described. We conducted a pilot 2 × 2 factorial, randomized intervention study between tumor biopsy and resection, in 24 postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, to assess the effects of FS and anastrozole, and possible interactions between them, on serum steroid hormone and tumor-related characteristics associated with long-term survival (Roswell Park Cancer Institute, 2007–2010). The effect of each treatment vs. placebo on outcomes was determined by linear regression adjusting for pretreatment measure, stage, and grade. Although not statistically significant, mean ERβ expression was approximately 40% lower from pre- to postintervention in the FS + AI group only. We observed a statistically significant negative association (β ± SE −0.3 ± 0.1; P = 0.03) for androstenedione in the FS + AI group vs. placebo and for DHEA with AI treatment (β ± SE −1.6 ± 0.6; P = 0.009). Enterolactone excretion was much lower in the FS + AI group compared to the FS group. Our results do not support strong effects of FS on AI activity for selected breast tumor characteristics or serum steroid hormone levels but suggest AI therapy might reduce the production of circulating mammalian lignans from FS.

An Extended Network of Genomic Maintenance in the Archaeon Pyrococcus abyssi Highlights Unexpected Associations between Eucaryotic Homologs

In Archaea, the proteins involved in the genetic information processing pathways, including DNA replication, transcription, and translation, share strong similarities with those of eukaryotes. Characterizations of components of the eukaryotic-type replication machinery complex provided many interesting insights into DNA replication in both domains. In contrast, DNA repair processes of hyperthermophilic archaea are less well understood and very little is known about the intertwining between DNA synthesis, repair and recombination pathways. The development of genetic system in hyperthermophilic archaea is still at a modest stage hampering the use of complementary approaches of reverse genetics and biochemistry to elucidate the function of new candidate DNA repair gene. To gain insights into genomic maintenance processes in hyperthermophilic archaea, a protein-interaction network centred on informational processes of Pyrococcus abyssi was generated by affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry. The network consists of 132 interactions linking 87 proteins. These interactions give insights into the connections of DNA replication with recombination and repair, leading to the discovery of new archaeal components and of associations between eucaryotic homologs. Although this approach did not allow us to clearly delineate new DNA pathways, it provided numerous clues towards the function of new molecular complexes with the potential to better understand genomic maintenance processes in hyperthermophilic archaea. Among others, we found new potential partners of the replication clamp and demonstrated that the single strand DNA binding protein, Replication Protein A, enhances the transcription rate, in vitro, of RNA polymerase. This interaction map provides a valuable tool to explore new aspects of genome integrity in Archaea and also potentially in Eucaryotes.

A tribute to Stan Metcalfe and his contributions to evolutionary theory, Schumpeterian dynamics and innovation systems

This opening address at the Festschrift in Honor of Stanley Metcalfe examines his major contributions concerning evolutionary theory, innovation and Schumpeterian dynamics, competition and innovation systems. Metcalfe's broad intellectual framework is first presented: the use of complementary approaches (theory, appreciative analysis, empirical work and case studies); the wide range of disciplines addressed (economics, technology, sociology, business studies and political science) and the successful combinations of a micro and a macro approach, of a supply- and a demand-side view and of focus on advanced economies and on developing ones. Then the article discusses Metcalfe's contributions regarding competition and selection within an evolutionary framework; innovation systems, institutions and entrepreneurship; and public policy in an evolutionary and system view.

Following Powell’s Lead and Expanding the Agenda

These comments emphasize the contributions of Lynda Powell’s work on state-level campaign finance. That work is theoretically rich and analytically rigorous, and suggests that the context of contributing behaviors is a key variable often ignored. Logical extensions of her study suggest the need for (1) extensive, comparative, data collection, (2) additional topics of inquiry, and (3) the use of complementary approaches to better understand the role of campaign contributions in state-level politics.

Comparison of the Market Potential of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania and Croatia

National markets differ in terms of market attractiveness, due to variations in the economic and commercial environment, growth rates, political stability, consumption capacity, receptiveness to foreign products, and other factors. This research proposes and illustrates the use of complementary approach to assessment of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania and Croatia market potential. We have studied the market potential of four countries for two years – 2002 and 2008. The main purpose is to establish that the market potential is not consistent during time and its dynamics. These seven variables represent the six fundamental dimensions and have to consider when determining the overall attractiveness of a market. Next, an index was created from the statistical values of the seven variables and their position into a scale of zero to one by a formula. We try to solve the problem so as to compare the market potential of selected countries and to find ways to improve it.

Sustentabilidade em desenvolvimento de produtos: uma proposta para a classificação de abordagens

O desenvolvimento de produtos é um importante processo que desencadeia a discussão da sustentabilidade no ambiente empresarial, entretanto qual abordagem empregar? Muitos são os referenciais teóricos, em âmbito acadêmico, que trazem esta perspectiva, como o Capitalismo Natural, o Design for Environment (DfE) e a Análise de Ciclo de Vida (ACV), contudo quais são as diferenças e quando aplicá-las? O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar o entendimento e propor uma classificação, baseada em uma revisão de literatura, para quinze destas abordagens. Os critérios de classificação foram: (i) natureza da abordagem, (ii) nível organizacional relacionado, (iii) aplicação nas macrofases do Processo de Desenvolvimento de Produtos (PDP) e (iv) impacto nas dimensões da sustentabilidade. Também foram realizadas conexões entre elas por meio do levantamento de termos comuns. Este procedimento permitiu concluir que as abordagens, apesar de terem sua origem em áreas de conhecimento distintas, não são mutuamente exclusivas, pelo contrário, cada uma delas se utiliza de conhecimentos anteriores para formar sua base de sustentação. Por fim, é sugerida a aplicação gerencial combinada de abordagens com características complementares.

Kinetic and Stoichiometric Characterisation of Streptavidin‐Binding Aptamers

Aptamers are oligonucleotide ligands that are selected for high-affinity binding to molecular targets. Only limited knowledge relating to relations between structural and kinetic properties that define aptamer-target interactions is available. To this end, streptavidin-binding aptamers were isolated and characterised by distinct analytical techniques. Binding kinetics of five broadly similar aptamers were determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR); affinities ranged from 35-375 nM with large differences in association and dissociation rates. Native mass spectrometry showed that streptavidin can accommodate up to two aptamer units. In a 3D model of one aptamer, conserved regions are exposed, strongly suggesting that they directly interact with the biotin-binding pockets of streptavidin. Mutational studies confirmed both conserved regions to be crucial for binding. An important result is the observation that the most abundant aptamer in our selections is not the tightest binder, emphasising the importance of having insight into the kinetics of complex formation. To find the tightest binder it might be better to perform fewer selection rounds and to focus on post-selection characterisation, through the use of complementary approaches as described in this study.

Dynamin, a membrane-remodelling GTPase

Dynamin, the founding member of a family of dynamin-like proteins (DLPs) implicated in membrane remodelling, has a critical role in endocytic membrane fission events. The use of complementary approaches, including live-cell imaging, cell-free studies, X-ray crystallography and genetic studies in mice, has greatly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms by which dynamin acts, its essential roles in cell physiology and the specific function of different dynamin isoforms. In addition, several connections between dynamin and human disease have also emerged, highlighting specific contributions of this GTPase to the physiology of different tissues.

Combining Measures of Dispersal to Identify Conservation Strategies in Fragmented Landscapes

Understanding the way in which habitat fragmentation disrupts animal dispersal is key to identifying effective and efficient conservation strategies. To differentiate the potential effectiveness of 2 frequently used strategies for increasing the connectivity of populations in fragmented landscapes-corridors and stepping stones-we combined 3 complimentary methods: behavioral studies at habitat edges, mark-recapture, and genetic analyses. Each of these methods addresses different steps in the dispersal process that a single intensive study could not address. We applied the 3 methods to the case study of Atrytonopsis new species 1, a rare butterfly endemic to a partially urbanized stretch of barrier islands in North Carolina (U.S.A.). Results of behavioral analyses showed the butterfly flew into urban and forested areas, but not over open beach; mark-recapture showed that the butterfly dispersed successfully through short stretches of urban areas (<500 m); and genetic studies showed that longer stretches of forest (>5 km) were a dispersal barrier, but shorter stretches of urban areas (≤5 km) were not. Although results from all 3 methods indicated natural features in the landscape, not urbanization, were barriers to dispersal, when we combined the results we could determine where barriers might arise: forests restricted dispersal for the butterfly only when there were long stretches with no habitat. Therefore, urban areas have the potential to become a dispersal barrier if their extent increases, a finding that may have gone unnoticed if we had used a single approach. Protection of stepping stones should be sufficient to maintain connectivity for Atrytonopsis new species 1 at current levels of urbanization. Our research highlights how the use of complementary approaches for studying animal dispersal in fragmented landscapes can help identify conservation strategies.

CO2 escapes in the Laacher See region, East Eifel, Germany: Application of natural analogue onshore and offshore geochemical monitoring

Natural analogues studies have received growing interest during preceding years in a CCS perspective. There is a strong willing to deploy robust and reliable technologies to ensure the safety and integrity of CO2 underground storages. Here we present a dataset acquired in the Eifel volcanic district, using geochemical monitoring methods focussing on both dissolved and gaseous species. Onshore and offshore monitoring (Lake Laacher See) were performed to depict spatial behaviour of CO2 natural releases. Additional gaseous species, mainly helium and radon, were also monitored to better assess the shapes of gas vents, using methodologies that were learned from hydrological and tectonic applications. Lake water monitoring allowed the characterisation of the water body itself, in terms of lateral heterogeneities, to evaluate the impact of CO2 deep degassing near the bottom of the lake. The use of a dedicated sensor for monitoring in situ CO2 partial pressure did not provide more valuable information that was learned from more classical physico-chemical parameters. From those investigations, the usefulness of geochemical monitoring is still demonstrated, but the use of complementary approaches and methods is still needed to get a powerful set of techniques able to warn in case of leakages occurring from depth.

COMPARISON OF THE MARKET POTENTIAL OF BULGARIA, MACEDONIA, ROMANIA AND CROATIA

National markets differ in terms of market attractiveness, due to variations in the economic and commercial environment, growth rates, political stability, consumption capacity, receptiveness to foreign products, and other factors. This research proposes and illustrates the use of complementary approach to assessment of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania and Croatia market potential. We have studied the market potential of four countries for two years – 2002 and 2008. The main purpose is to establish that the market potential is not consistent during time and its dynamics. These seven variables represent the six fundamental dimensions and have to consider when determining the overall attractiveness of a market. Next, an index was created from the statistical values of the seven variables and their position into a scale of zero to one by a formula. We try to solve the problem so as to compare the market potential of selected countries and to find ways to improve it.

Ecosystem health of Montevideo coastal zone: A multi approach using some different benthic indicators to improve a ten-year-ago assessment

A study on the benthic ecosystem health was performed to assess the environmental quality of Montevideo coastal zone, in view of the construction of a new sanitation system. Data were compared to previous research undertaken 10 years ago, and biochemical composition of organic matter, heavy metals, organic matter, phytopigments, benthic diatoms, macrofauna community structure and a biotic index (AMBI) were used as proxies. Results indicate an environmental quality-gradient, with the worst conditions within the inner stations of Montevideo Bay and an improvement towards the adjacent coastal zone. Higher levels of chromium, lead, phaeopigments, organic biopolymers and poor benthic macrofauna and diatom communities, characterised the hypertrophic innermost portion of Montevideo Bay. Data indicated a clear deterioration of the adjacent coastal zone comparatively to that observed 10 years ago. The complementary use of approaches not applied before (benthic diatoms and organic biopolymers) with those formerly applied improve our assessment of the trophic status and the environmental health of the area.

Sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis: an update

The inter-relationship between allergy and nasal diseases has long been known. Failure to address when allergy is a contributing factor diminishes the possibility of a successful surgical intervention. Sublingual immunotherapy is recommended by the World Health Organization to treat allergic rhinitis and is widely used in Europe. Many clinical trials and rigorous meta-analysis support its efficacy. The criteria, however, for the integration of this treatment (with the surgical management of those allergic patients who suffer chronic nasal obstruction, severe drug-resistant hypertrophy and increase in glandular structures of the inferior turbinates) are not fully established. We review here the most recent literature on the efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy. The purpose is to stimulate the use of complementary approaches by ear, nose and throat doctors and allergologists, and to improve the management of patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. In addition to the results of clinical trials, postmarketing surveillance has confirmed the high safety profile of sublingual immunotherapy in adults and children, its positive impact on the quality of life, and the reduction of the personal and social cost of allergy. Sublingual immunotherapy can prevent new allergic sensitizations and maintain its beneficial effect for years after its discontinuation. Sublingual immunotherapy is a highly efficacious and well tolerated form of immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis, and it is capable of interfering with disease progression. Sublingual immunotherapy should be integrated with surgical intervention to achieve optimal outcomes in allergic subjects with chronic nasal obstruction.