Plasma Magnetohydrodynamics and Energy Conversion

Contains reports on four research projects.National Science Foundation (Grant G-24073)United States Air Force, Aeronautical Systems Division, Aeronautical Accessories Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Contract AF33(616)-7624

Manganese superoxide dismutase Ala-9Val polymorphism and risk of breast cancer in a population-based case–control study of African Americans and whites

INTRODUCTION: A polymorphism in the manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene, Ala-9Val, has been examined in association with breast cancer risk in several epidemiologic studies. Results suggest that the Ala allele increases the risk of breast cancer and modifies the effects of environmental exposures that produce oxidative damage to DNA. METHODS: We examined the role of the MnSOD Ala-9Val polymorphism in a population-based case–control study of invasive and in situ breast cancer in North Carolina. Genotypes were evaluated for 2025 cases (760 African Americans and 1265 whites) and for 1812 controls (677 African Americans and 1135 whites). RESULTS: The odds ratio for MnSOD Ala/Ala versus any MnSOD Val genotypes was not elevated in African Americans (odds ratio = 0.9, 95% confidence interval = 0.7–1.2) or in whites (odds ratio = 1.0, 95% confidence interval = 0.8–1.2). Greater than additive joint effects were observed for the Ala/Ala genotype and smoking, radiation to the chest, and occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. Antagonism was observed between the Ala/Ala genotype and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The MnSOD genotype may contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer in the presence of specific environmental exposures. These results provide further evidence for the importance of reactive oxygen species and of oxidative DNA damage in the etiology of breast cancer

Dose of Prophylactic Platelet Transfusions and Prevention of Hemorrhage

We conducted a trial of prophylactic platelet transfusions to evaluate the effect of platelet dose on bleeding in patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia

Studies in the Apocynaceae. VIII. An Interim Revision of the Genus Aspidosperma Mart. & Zucc

Volume: 38Start Page: 119End Page: 20

Notes on Some North American Asclepiads

Volume: 32Start Page: 369End Page: 37

Miscellaneous New Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae

Volume: 35Start Page: 233End Page: 23