Global survival trends for brain tumors, by histology: analysis of individual records for 556,237 adults diagnosed in 59 countries during 2000-2014 (CONCORD-3)

BACKGROUND

Survival is a key metric of the effectiveness of a health system in managing cancer. We set out to provide a comprehensive examination of worldwide variation and trends in survival from brain tumors in adults, by histology.

METHODS

We analyzed individual data for adults (15-99 years) diagnosed with a brain tumor (ICD-O-3 topography code C71) during 2000-2014, regardless of tumor behavior. Data underwent a 3-phase quality control as part of CONCORD-3. We estimated net survival for 11 histology groups, using the unbiased nonparametric Pohar Perme estimator.

RESULTS

The study included 556,237 adults. In 2010-2014, the global range in age-standardized 5-year net survival for the most common sub-types was broad: in the range 20%-38% for diffuse and anaplastic astrocytoma, from 4% to 17% for glioblastoma, and between 32% and 69% for oligodendroglioma. For patients with glioblastoma, the largest gains in survival occurred between 2000-2004 and 2005-2009. These improvements were more noticeable among adults diagnosed aged 40-70 years than among younger adults.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the largest account to date of global trends in population-based survival for brain tumors by histology in adults. We have highlighted remarkable gains in 5-year survival from glioblastoma since 2005, providing large-scale empirical evidence on the uptake of chemoradiation at population level. Worldwide, survival improvements have been extensive, but some countries still lag behind. Our findings may help clinicians involved in national and international tumor pathway boards to promote initiatives aimed at more extensive implementation of clinical guidelines.

A high-resolution anorectal manometry parameter based on integrated pressurized volume: A study based on 204 male patients with constipation and 26 controls

BACKGROUND

Conventional anorectal manometric parameters based on linear waves cannot properly predict balloon expulsion (BE) time. We aimed to determine the correlation between integrated pressurized volume (IPV) parameters during simulated evacuation (SE) and BE time in healthy individuals and constipated patients and to assess the correlation between each parameter and symptoms.

METHODS

A total of 230 male participants (including 26 healthy volunteers and 204 chronically constipated patients) underwent high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) and BE tests. The IPV was calculated by multiplying the amplitude, distance, and time from the HRAM profile. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and partial least square regression (PLSR) were performed.

KEY RESULTS

ROC analysis indicated that the IPV ratio between the upper 1 cm and lower 4 cm of the anal canal was more effective for predicting BE time (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67-0.80, P < .01) than the conventional anorectal parameters, including defecation index and rectoanal gradient (AUC: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.52-0.67, P = .01). PLSR analysis of a linear combination of IPV parameters yielded an AUC of 0.79. Moreover, the IPV ratio showed a greater clinical correlation with patient symptoms than conventional parameters.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

The IPV parameters and the combination of IPV parameters via PLSR were more significantly correlated with BE time than the conventional parameters. Thus, this study presents a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of pathophysiologic abnormalities in dyssynergic defecation using IPV and BE time.

Routine endoscopic screening for synchronous esophageal neoplasm in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective study

Early detection of synchronous esophageal squamous cell neoplasm (ESCN) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients can significantly affect their prognosis. We investigated the prevalence of synchronous ESCN and the risk factors for developing ESCN in patients with HNSCC, and evaluated the effect of routine endoscopic screening in these patients. Subjects who were diagnosed as HNSCC from May 2010 to January 2014 were eligible. All patients underwent conventional white light endoscopic examinations with narrow band imaging and Lugol chromoendoscopy. Among 458 subjects screened, 28 synchronous ESCN were detected in 24 patients (5.2%). The prevalence of ESCN was greatest in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (20.9%). In multivariate analysis, pyriform sinus involvement was independent risk factor for developing synchronous ESCN (odds ratio 171.2, P < 0.001). During the follow-up period (median, 24 months), the 3-year overall survival rates was significantly lower in patients with ESCN than in patients without ESCN (54.2% vs. 78.3%, P = 0.0013). Routine endoscopic screening for detecting synchronous ESCN should be recommended for patients with HNSCC, especially those with pyriform sinus involvement.

Long-term efficacy of biofeedback therapy in patients with dyssynergic defecation: results of a median 44 months follow-up

BACKGROUND

The beneficial effect of biofeedback therapy (BFT) over a period of more than 2 years has not been studied in a large group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of BFT for dyssynergic defecation (DD).

METHODS

We evaluated the results for 347 consecutive constipated patients with DD who underwent BFT for a median of five sessions between 2004 and 2009. Initial responses were assessed immediately after the completion of BFT. A responder was defined as a subject with at least a three-point improvement from before to after BFT on an 11-point global bowel satisfaction (GBS) scale, or a two-point improvement if the baseline GBS was more than six points. The probability of remaining a responder was estimated by non-parametric maximum likelihood estimation.

KEY RESULTS

The initial response rate to BFT was 72.3% (n = 251), Parkinson's disease and higher baseline GBS scores were associated with initial non-response. The long-term efficacy of BFT was analyzed in 103 patients who were followed up for more than 6 months; the initial effects of BFT were maintained in 85 of the patients (82.5%) during a median of 44 months of follow-up (IQR = 12-68). The probability of remaining a responder was 60% at 2 years, and 58% at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The efficacy of BFT is maintained for more than 2 years after BFT in a considerable proportion of constipated patients with DD. BFT is effective and durable treatment for managing DD.

Conversion of Saccharides into Formic Acid using Hydrogen Peroxide and a Recyclable Palladium(II) Catalyst in Aqueous Alkaline Media at Ambient Temperatures

We have developed an effective method that converts a variety of mono- and disaccharides into formic acid predominantly. Our recyclable NHC-amidate palladium(II) catalyst facilitated oxidative degradation of carbohydrates without using excess oxidant. Stoichiometric amounts of hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide were employed at ambient temperatures.

The effect of age on the key parameters in the Chicago classification: a study using high-resolution esophageal manometry in asymptomatic normal individuals

BACKGROUND

High-resolution manometry using the Chicago classification, which utilizes parameters including integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), distal contractile integral (DCI), and contractile front velocity (CFV), shows better diagnostic ability than previous conventional criteria. However, the current normal cut-off values for the Chicago classification are based on individuals aged 19-48 years and do not include older people. Here, we aimed to assess the normal values for the Chicago classification in individuals aged 20-67 years and compare the parameters across age groups.

METHODS

Fifty-four asymptomatic healthy individuals (27 male and 27 female; age range. 20-67 years) were prospectively enrolled. To evaluate the effect of age and sex on manometric profiles, we attempted to enroll equal numbers of male and female subjects for each decade. Manometry was performed in both the supine and sitting positions.

KEY RESULTS

The distal latency (DL) was significantly shorter with increasing age in both measurement positions. Furthermore, IRP was significantly higher with increasing age in both positions. Spearman's ranked correlation coefficient analysis indicated that DCI and IRP in both positions were positively correlated with age.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Age affects the key parameters currently used in the Chicago classification, including IRP, DCI, and DL. Larger prospective studies with older subjects are needed to determine the age-related normal values for the Chicago classification system.

Trends in the incidence of and survival rates for oral cavity cancer in the Korean population

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed trends in the incidence of and survival rates for oral cavity cancer in the Korean population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the Korea Central Cancer Registry were extracted for 10,282 patients diagnosed with oral cavity cancer (C01-C06) between 1999 and 2010 to evaluate the age-standardised incidence rate, annual percentage change (APC) and 5-year relative survival rate (RSR) according to gender and age.

RESULTS

In males, the incidence rate slightly decreased [APC of -0.2% (P = 0.6427)]; in females, the incidence rate increased [APC of 3.1% (P < 0.05)]. In males and females, the incidence of oral tongue cancer (C02) significantly increased [APC of 2.2% and 4.1%, respectively (P < 0.05)]. This increase in oral tongue cancer incidence was most prominent in the younger age group (<40 years, APC = 6.1%, P < 0.05). The incidence of buccal cheek cancer increased only among males [APC of 4.8% (P < 0.05)]. The 5-year RSR improved from 42.7% (1993-1995) to 59.5% (2006-2010), corresponding to an increase of 16.8% from 1993 to 2010 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of oral cavity cancer in females increased, whereas it stabilised or decreased in males. However, the incidence of oral tongue cancer increased in both males and females, especially in the younger age group.

Normal values for high-resolution anorectal manometry/topography in a healthy Korean population and the effects of gender and body mass index

BACKGROUND

High-resolution manometry (HRM) based on spatiotemporal plots is increasingly being used. The aim this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the influence of gender, with adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), and vaginal delivery, on anorectal functions in asymptomatic adults.

METHODS

Fifty-four asymptomatic healthy subjects (M : F = 27 : 27; age = 20-67 years) who were matched by age and gender were enrolled prospectively. We evaluated anorectal pressures, rectal sensation using a HRM probe, and balloon expulsion time. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify the independent effects of each factor.

KEY RESULTS

Anal resting pressure (median [IQR]; 32 [18] vs 46 [17] mmHg, p < 0.001), anal squeeze pressure (75 [28] vs 178 [72] mmHg, p < 0.001), rectal pressure (33 [16] vs 53 [46] mmHg, p = 0.009) and anal pressure (16 [17] vs 30 [36] mmHg, p = 0.019) during simulated evacuation with rectal distention, and the threshold for the desire to defecate (60 [20] vs 80 [60] mL, p = 0.020) were significantly lower in women than in men. BMI was positively correlated with anal resting pressure (95% CI: 0.598-2.947) and negatively correlated with the threshold for first sensation (95% CI: -0.099 to -0.015). Vaginal delivery did not affect any of the anorectal HRM parameters.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

HRM parameters may be associated with gender and BMI. Therefore, gender and BMI should be taken into consideration when interpreting HRM results.

Long term follow-up of appendiceal and distal right-sided colonic inflammation

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of appendiceal orifice inflammation (AOI) as a preceding lesion in the development of ulcerative colitis. A total of 20 patients were identified (mean age 41.2 years; 11 males) who had ulcerative colitis-like inflammatory lesions at the appendiceal orifice without concomitant typical features of ulcerative colitis, such as rectal involvement. A total of 19 patients were followed up endoscopically for a mean duration of 18.4 months (range 2 - 84 months). Typical ulcerative colitis developed in five patients (25 %; four proctitis, one pancolitis) in a mean time of 18.4 months (range 2 - 36 months). Negative conversion of all inflammatory lesions occurred in seven patients (35 %) after a mean follow-up of 20 months (range 3 - 84 months). In the remaining seven patients (35 %), initial lesions did not progress to ulcerative colitis and did not go into remission during a mean follow-up of 16.9 months (range 2 - 42 months). These results suggest that, at least in some cases, AOI precedes development of ulcerative colitis.

Cancer survival in Busan, Republic of Korea, 1996-2001

The Busan cancer registry was established in 1996; cancer registration is done by passive and active methods. The registry contributed survival data for 48 cancer sites or types registered during 1996-2001. Follow-up information has been gleaned predominantly by passive methods with median follow-up ranging between 1-57 months for various cancers. The proportion with histologically verified diagnosis for different cancers ranged between 20-100%; death certificates only (DCOs) comprised 0-53%; 47-100% of total registered cases were included for survival analysis. The top-ranking cancers on 5-year age-standardized relative survival rates were penis (94%), thyroid (91%), non-melanoma skin (89%), placenta (86%), breast (76%), Hodgkin lymphoma (75%) and testis (72%). Five-year relative survival by age group showed a decreasing trend with increasing age groups for cancers of the nasopharynx, gall bladder, lung, bone, soft tissue, breast, cervix, corpus uteri, thyroid, multiple myeloma, lymphoid leukaemia and myeloid leukaemia or was fluctuating for other cancers.

Unchanging trend of esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma in Korea: experience at a single institution based on Siewert's classification

The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) has been increasing in Western countries. It is unclear, however, whether similar changes are occurring in Asia. We therefore investigated the incidence of AEG in Korea, and assessed the clinical characteristics of three types of AEG based on Siewert's classification. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 16 811 patients diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESC, n= 1450) or gastric noncardiac adenocarcinoma (GNCA, n= 14 751) between 1992 and 2006. The patients were divided into three 5-year cohorts (cohort A [1992-1996], n= 2734, cohort B [1997-2001], n= 5727, and cohort C [2002-2006], n= 8350), and the ratios of AEG (n= 610) to non-AEG (ESC and GNCA) in each cohort were compared. Using Siewert's classification, the tumors were categorized into one of three types, and patient demographic features and 5-year survival rates were compared. The ratio of AEG to non-AEG cases did not change over time (0.037, 0.034, and 0.039 for cohorts A, B, and C, respectively; P= 0.40). Of the 610 patients with AEG, 23 (3.7%) had type 1 tumors, 47 (7.7%) had type 2, and 540 (88.5%) had type 3. The 5-year survival rate of patients with type 1 AEG was much lower (4.8 +/- 4.7%) than that of those with type 2 (47.9 +/- 7.8%) and type 3 (47.4 +/- 2.5%) tumors. Unlike in Western countries, the ratio of AEG to non-AEG cases has not increased over time in Korea. Type 1 AEG was rarer and associated with a more unfavorable prognosis in Korea than in Western countries.

Smoking, alcohol and gastric cancer risk in Korean men: the National Health Insurance Corporation Study

We investigated the risk of gastric cancer by subsite in relation to cigarette smoking and alcohol in a large population-based cohort of 669 570 Korean men in an insurance plan followed for an average 6.5 years, yielding 3452 new cases of gastric cancer, of which 127 were cardia and upper-third gastric cancer, 2409 were distal gastric cancer and 1007 were unclassified. A moderate association was found between smoking, cardia and upper-third (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 2.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-3.5) and distal cancers (aRR=1.4; 95% CI=1.3-1.6). We also found a positive association between alcohol consumption and distal (aRR=1.3; 95% CI=1.2-1.5) and total (aRR=1.2; 95% CI=1.1-1.4) gastric cancer. Combined exposure to high levels of tobacco and alcohol increased the risk estimates further; cardia and upper-third gastric cancers were more strongly related to smoking status than distal gastric cancer.British Journal of Cancer (2007) 97, 700-704. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6603893 www.bjcancer.com Published online 17 July 2007.

Ovarian cancer incidence and survival in Korea: 1993-2002

This study examined incidence rates, histologic and stage distribution, and long-term survival rates of patients with ovarian cancer in Korea. A total of 11,404 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer between 1993 and 2002 were reported to the Korea Central Cancer Registry and the Gynecologic Oncology Committee of Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. All rates were expressed per 100,000. The age-standardized incidence rates were 3.79 and 4.74 per 100,000 women in 1993 and 2002, respectively. The incidence rates of ovary cancer increased with age in Korea, and over half of the patients were in the stage IA (24.8%) and IIIC (26.8%) in this study. The 5-year relative survival rate was 59.6%. Relative survivals according to the stage of FIGO at 5 years were 91.1%, 75.2%, 46.4%, and 21.2% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5-year relative survivals of germ cell tumors and epithelial ovarian cancer were 89.0% and 58.3%, respectively. Surgical stage and histology were the most important prognostic factors of ovarian cancer. However, the 5-year survival rate of FIGO stage IC was significantly higher than that of stage IB.

Characteristics of indicator microorganisms in paddy rice plots after reclaimed water irrigation

A study was performed to examine the effects of reclaimed-water irrigation on microorganism concentration in the ponded-water of paddy rice plots. Several treatments were used and each one was triplicated to evaluate the change of indicator microorganisms (total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC), and E. coli) concentrations in 2003 and 2004 growing seasons. Their concentrations increased significantly after irrigation, but decreased by approximately 45% in 24 h. It implies that agricultural activities such as ploughing and fertilising need to be practiced one or two days after irrigation, considering health risks. Treatments with UV-disinfected water irrigation, demonstrated significantly lower concentrations than others, including control plots where natural water was irrigated. The monitoring result from actual paddy rice fields and experimental paddy plots showed that concentrations of indicator microorganisms ranged from 10(2) to 10(5) MPN/100 mL. The field scale water reuse research project is in progress and national guidelines for reclaimed-water irrigation are under preparation in Korea. A comprehensive assessment of existing agricultural practices and a thorough monitoring in the fields as well as treatment plots are recommended to make national guidelines more representative.

Integrated modelling under uncertainty in watershed-level assessment and management

Uncertainty in water quality model predictions is inevitably high due to natural stochasticity, model uncertainty, and parameter uncertainty. An integrated modelling system (modified-BASINS) under uncertainty is described and demonstrated for use in receiving-water quality prediction and watershed management. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to investigate the effect of various uncertainty types on output prediction. Without pollution control measures in the watershed, the concentrations of total nitrogen (T-N) and total phosphorus (T-P) in the Hwaong Reservoir, considering three uncertainty types, would be less than about 4.4 and 0.23 mg L(-1), respectively, in 2012, with 90% confidence. The effects of two watershed management practices, wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and constructed wetlands (WETLAND), were evaluated. The combined scenario (WWTP + WETLAND) was the most effective at improving reservoir water quality, bringing concentrations of T-N and T-P in the Hwaong Reservoir to less than 3.4 and 0.14 mg L(-1), 24 and 41% improvements, respectively, with 90% confidence. Overall, the Monte Carlo simulation in the integrated modelling system was practical for estimating uncertainty and reliable in water quality prediction. The approach described here may allow decisions to be made based on the probability and level of risk, and its application is recommended.

Cervical cancer incidence and survival in Korea: 1993-2002

This study examined the incidence rates, histologic and stage distribution, and long-term survival rates of patients with cervical cancer in Korea. A total of 44,182 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer between 1993 and 2002 were reported to the Korea Central Cancer Registry and the Gynecologic Oncology Committee of Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The age-standardized incidence rates were 19.0, 17.8, and 15.1 per 100,000 women in 1993-1995, 1996-1998, and 1999-2002, respectively. The incidence rates of adenocarcinoma (AC) have been in the range between 1.2 in 1993-1995 and 1.4 in 1999-2002, while those of squamous cell carcinoma declined from 15.1 in 1993-1995 to 12.2 in 1999-2002. The 5-year relative survival rate was 79.2%. Relative survival rates, according to stage by the FIGO, at 5 years were 94.2%, 69.7%, 38.9%, and 21.1% for stages I, II, III, and IV respectively. Relative survivals improved between 1993 and 1997, probably due to the introduction of cervical cancer screening and effective treatment. The incidence rates of AC have been constant despite decreased cervical cancer in Korea. Introduction of cervical cancer screening and effective treatment may have contributed to the improved relative survival.

Water quality modeling to evaluate BMPs in rice paddies

A water quality model applicable to rice paddies was developed using field data from 1999-2002. Use of the Dirac delta function efficiently explained the nutrient-concentration characteristics of ponded water. The model results agreed reasonably well with the observed data. The ponded-water quality was influenced primarily by fertilization; nutrient concentration was especially high during early cultivation periods. Reducing surface drainage during the fertilization period may substantially reduce nonpoint source loading from paddies. Increased weir heights and shallow irrigation methods were evaluated by the model as practical methods for reducing nutrient loading from paddies. These methods were effective in reducing surface drainage and are suggested as "best management practices" (BMPs) if applied based on site-specific paddy conditions.

Evaluation of BASINS/WinHSPF applicability for pollutant loading estimation for a Korean watershed

Applicability of a widely accepted watershed-based water quality assessment tool (BASINS) and its associated watershed model (WinHSPF) was evaluated on the Seamangeum watershed in Korea. The study site is the largest polder project area in Korea and its environmental quality has been debated for the last five years. BASINS was found to be a convenient and powerful tool for assessment of watershed characteristics, and provided various tools to delineate the watershed into land segments and river reaches, reclassify land use, and parameterize for WinHSPF simulation. Calibration results were satisfactory showing model efficiency over 0.80 for stream flow, temperature, and dissolved oxygen simulation, and model output for water quality constituents also reasonably matched the observed data. It was demonstrated that calibration with dry-day data for a relatively long period might be adequate to simulate hydrologic characteristics and water quality of the watershed with WinHSPF, and using parameters generated with BASINS for nonpoint source pollution simulation is suggested when enough wet-day monitoring data are not available. The unit-area load of biochemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus was 27.8, 48.2, and 4.3 kg/ha/yr, respectively. These values are within the expected range but on the high side of the reported values, which implies that effective control measures are required to protect water quality of the downstream reservoir. Overall, BASINS/WinHSPF was applicable and found to be a powerful tool in pollutant loading estimation from the watershed, and its use in Korea is recommended.

Analysis of differentially expressed transcripts from planthopper-infested wild rice (Oryza minuta)

A subtracted library was constructed from planthopper-infested wild rice (Oryza minuta) by suppression subtractive hybridization in combination with mirror orientation selection. To screen the differentially expressed transcripts in the library, we applied a cDNA microarray containing 960 random clones in a reverse Northern blot analysis using cDNA probes prepared from the mRNAs of control and planthopper-infested samples. On the basis of the signal intensities and expression ratios obtained from experiments performed in triplicate, we selected 383 clones. The elevated expression levels and overall profiles over time were verified by Northern blot analysis. Although Southern blot analysis showed similar copy numbers of the screened genes in O. minuta and O. sativa, it also revealed that the expression profiles had a different pattern. Functional categorization placed the identified transcripts in the categories of subcellular localization, metabolism, and protein fate. The presence of these expressed sequence tags implies that resistance of O. minuta to insect infestation can be achieved not only by an elevated expression of defense-related genes but also by enhanced metabolic activities.

Comparative analysis of 5,211 leaf ESTs of wild rice (Oryza minuta)

The expressed sequence tags (ESTs) presented in this report are the first transcriptomes of wild rice. A cDNA library was constructed from 4-week-old leaf samples of greenhouse-grown Oryza minuta. The 5,211 cDNA clones of O. minuta represent 3,401 unique sequences, consisting of 2,787 singletons and 614 assembled sequences. Database comparisons of the cDNAs in GenBank's non-redundant databases using BLAST revealed that 4,957 of the 5,211 cDNAs (95.1%) showed a high degree of sequence homology to genes from other organisms. Most of the transcripts identified were genes related to metabolism, energy, protein biosynthesis and subcellular localization. The metabolism and energy categories of the O. minuta ESTs showed a considerably higher gene expression level than those of O. sativa ESTs. These data and genes can be utilized in rice breeding.

Identification of fungal ( Magnaporthe grisea) stress-induced genes in wild rice ( Oryza minuta)

To identify fungal stress-related genes in wild rice, Oryza minuta, we constructed a subtracted library using suppression subtractive hybridization in combination with mirror orientation selection. DNA chips containing 960 randomly selected cDNA clones were applied by reverse Northern analysis to eliminate false positive clones from the library and to prescreen differentially expressed genes. In total, 377 cDNA clones were selected on the basis of their signal intensities and expression ratios. Sequence analyses of these 377 cDNA fragments revealed that 180 of them (47.7%) represented unique genes. Of these 180 cDNAs, 89 clones (49.6%) showed significant homologies to previously known genes, while the remaining 91 did not match any known sequences. The putative functions of the 180 unique ESTs were categorized by aligning them with MIPS data. They were classified into seven different groups using microarray data-derived expression patterns and verified by Northern blotting.

Regio- and stereocontrol elements in Rh(II)-catalyzed intramolecular C-H insertion of alpha-diazo-alpha-(phenylsulfonyl)acetamides

[reaction: see text]. Intramolecular C-H insertion reaction of alpha-diazo-alpha-(phenylsulfonyl)acetamides proceeded with high regio- and stereoselectivities to afford highly functionalized gamma-lactams predominantly or exclusively. The high regioselectivity was attributed to the use of the phenylsulfonyl moiety, which altered electron density at the carbenoid center and exerted a steric effect during the insertion reaction. Also described herein are three control elements to determine regioselectivity, which are amide conformational, stereoelectronic, and substituent effects.

Genome sequence of Halobacterium species NRC-1

We report the complete sequence of an extreme halophile, Halobacterium sp. NRC-1, harboring a dynamic 2,571,010-bp genome containing 91 insertion sequences representing 12 families and organized into a large chromosome and 2 related minichromosomes. The Halobacterium NRC-1 genome codes for 2,630 predicted proteins, 36% of which are unrelated to any previously reported. Analysis of the genome sequence shows the presence of pathways for uptake and utilization of amino acids, active sodium-proton antiporter and potassium uptake systems, sophisticated photosensory and signal transduction pathways, and DNA replication, transcription, and translation systems resembling more complex eukaryotic organisms. Whole proteome comparisons show the definite archaeal nature of this halophile with additional similarities to the Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and other bacteria. The ease of culturing Halobacterium and the availability of methods for its genetic manipulation in the laboratory, including construction of gene knockouts and replacements, indicate this halophile can serve as an excellent model system among the archaea.

Cs(2)CO(3)-promoted efficient carbonate and carbamate synthesis on solid phase

[reaction: see text] Mild and efficient preparation of alkyl carbonates and carbamates on solid supports is described herein. Alcohols or amines were coupled with Merrifield's resin through a CO(2) linker in the presence of cesium carbonate and tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI).

Halichondrin B: synthesis of the C(1)-C(15) subunit

A short and efficient synthesis of the C(1)-C(15) subunit of halichondrin B in its natural configuration is described. The polycyclic caged ketal 3, containing nine asymmetric centers, is prepared in 14 steps from alpha-D-glucoheptonic acid gamma-lactone (7). Key steps in the two similar routes described include EtMgBr-promoted pinacol ring expansions of hydroxy mesylates 23 and 34, intramolecular Michael additions of 29 and 37, and a one-pot, HF-induced conversion of 4 to 3involving in situ silyl ether cleavage, acetal hydrolysis, Michael addition, and caged ketal formation. Alternative protocols for carbinol inversion at C(11), one early and one late in the synthetic sequence, are also described.

[Combined vocational education and industrial management--presentation of a cooperative project for improved integration of adolescents with learning handicaps]

Major structural labour market changes, i.e. dramatic losses in job opportunities for unskilled labour and continually rising levels of job requirements facing skilled workers on the one hand and an increasing demand for skilled workers on the other, are entailing enhanced job opportunities for disadvantaged societal groups, at the same time however also increasing the occupational risk of these populations, among them the learning disabled. The vocational training centres having for more than a decade been gaining experience in the vocational and social rehabilitation of this latter group, the project outlined is intended to make even better use of their potential. The main objectives of the project are: 1. optimizing the vocational training centres' range of placement-focussed measures by: intensifying industrial training periods, coordinated "start up" support on occupational entry, post-placement services; 2. transfer of the vocational training centres' technical knowledge and experience into industry-based training by: follow-along support services ("ausbildungsbegleitende Hilfen"), workshops on the initial vocational training of learning disabled young adults, and other forms of cooperation. Apart from reaching the goals outlined, the project is expected to give new impulse to the day-to-day practice of the vocational training centres as well as to generate even greater networking of the centres with their industrial environments.