The explanation of why the level of UMF varies in manuka honey

A few years ago many beekeepers kindly supplied samples of manuka honey, from the spring 2001 season, directly from hives in various specific locations so that a study could be conducted to investigate the possible reasons why there is variation in the level of UMF in manuka honey

First-in-human study of the PARP/tankyrase inhibitor E7449 in patients with advanced solid tumours and evaluation of a novel drug-response predictor

Background: This phase 1 study examined the safety, maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and antitumour activity of E7449, a novel PARP 1/2 and tankyrase 1/2 inhibitor. Methods: E7449 was orally administered once daily in 28-day cycles to patients with advanced solid tumours (50-800-mg doses). Archival tumour samples from consenting patients were evaluated for the expression of 414 genes in a biomarker panel (2X-121 drug-response predictor [DRP]) found to be predictive of the response to E7449 in cell lines. Results: Forty-one patients were enrolled (13 pancreatic, 5 ovarian, 4 each with breast, lung or colorectal cancer and 11 with other tumour types). The most common grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse event was fatigue (n = 7, 17.1%). Five patients experienced a dose-limiting toxicity (fatigue, n = 4, 800 mg; anaphylaxis, n = 1, 600 mg) for an MTD of 600 mg. E7449 exhibited antitumour activity in solid tumours, including 2 partial responses (PRs), and stable disease (SD) in 13 patients, which was durable (>23 weeks) for 8 patients. In 13 patients, the 2X-121 DRP identified those achieving PR and durable SD. E7449 showed good tolerability, promising antitumour activity and significant concentration-dependent PARP inhibition following 50-800-mg oral dosing. Conclusion: The results support further clinical investigation of E7449 and its associated biomarker 2X-121 DRP.This article is freely available via Open Access. Click on the Publisher URL to access it via the publisher's site.This work was supported by Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA. Editorial assistance was provided by Tarah M. Connolly, PhD, of Oxford PharmaGenesis Inc., Newtown, PA, USA, which was funded by Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA. The University of Newcastle and King’s College London receive support from Cancer Research UK and Department of Health (England) as Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres. Financial support for the study was also provided by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) award to Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with King’s College London and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (and NIHR Clinical Research Facility).published version, accepted version (6 month embargo), submitted versio

A review of Leptospermum scoparium (Myrtaceae) in New Zealand

Information about Leptospermum scoparium (Myrtaceae), the most widespread and important New Zealand indigenous shrub species, is reviewed. L. scoparium is a variable species, requiring more study of the genetically based differences between New Zealand populations and the affinity of these populations to Australian populations and other closely allied Australian species. Improved understanding of the species’ variation will assist both its conservation roles and economic uses, and the need to sustain genetically distinct varieties is emphasised. Ecologically, the species has a dominant role in infertile and poorly drained environments, and a wider occurrence as a seral shrub species in successions to forest where it may be regarded as a woody weed of pasture or a useful species for erosion control, carbon sesquestration, and vegetation restoration. The main economic products derived from the species are ornamental shrubs, essential oils, and honey. The species’ development as an ornamental plant and further definition of the pharmacologically active components are recommended as priority areas for research

The Understanding of the Church in Heinrich Bullinger's Theology

The church is central to, but not the centre of Heinrich Bullinger's theology. There is for him no salvation outside the church and salvation is itself ecclesial as well as personal. The article considers the main contexts in which Bullinger expounds his understanding of the church and the major areas of disagreement: scripture, salvation, unity, and catholicity with his Roman and Anabaptist opponents, but also holiness with Anabaptists. The issues involved in these areas differ according to the context, for example, with Roman opponents the authority of scripture over and against that of the church, but with Anabaptists the authority of the Old Testament alongside the New. In his exposition of the outward marks of the church, Bullinger mostly points to word and sacrament, through which Christ establishes the church, although the emphasis is on the word. He also mentions other marks, such as suffering. The inward marks are the Holy Spirit, faith, and love. Characteristically, Bullinger draws on a range of biblical passages in his exposition, including the various biblical images of the church, but with his Roman opponents he also adduces the support of the fathers