[Properties of gelatin-polyethylene glycol hydrogel loaded with silver nanoparticle Chlorella and its effects on healing of infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice].

Objective: To explore the properties of gelatin-polyethylene glycol hydrogel loaded with silver nanoparticle (AgNP) Chlorella (hereinafter referred to as the composite hydrogel) and its effects on healing of infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice. Methods: The research was an experimental research. The simple gelatin-polyethylene glycol hydrogel (hereinafter referred to as the simple hydrogel) and the composite hydrogel were prepared, and the appearance and injectability of the two hydrogels were observed at 55 and 37 ℃, and under the irradiation of 808 nm near-infrared light, respectively. An electronic universal testing machine was employed to assess the tensile and compressive stress-strain properties of both types of hydrogels at room temperature. Additionally, the cyclic compressive stress-strain properties of the composite hydrogel were examined at 80% of the maximum compressive stress. Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli solution was added to phosphate buffer solution (PBS), simple hydrogel, and composite hydrogel, respectively. The part of composite hydrogel containing Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli solution was irradiated with near-infrared light for 5 minutes. After each sample was incubated for 6 h, the dilution plating method was used to detect and calculate the mortality rates of the two bacteria at 24 h of culture (n=5). The discarded foreskin tissue was taken from a 6-year-old healthy boy admitted to the Department of Urology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University for circumcision. Primary human fibroblasts (HFbs) were isolated using the enzyme extraction method, routinely cultured to the 3rd to 6th passages for subsequent cellular experiments. Composite hydrogel extracts with final mass concentrations of 100.0, 50.0, 25.0, 12.5, and 0 mg/mL were respectively prepared and used to culture HFbs, and the cell proliferation after 24 h of culture was detected using a cell counting kit 8 (n=3). A total of twenty 6-8 weeks old C57BL/6J female mice were utilized, and a full-thickness skin defect was surgically created on the back of each mouse. The wounds were infected with Staphylococcus aureus solution. The infected mice were divided into blank control group, simple hydrogel group, composite hydrogel group, and combined treatment group according to the random number table, and the wounds were treated with PBS, simple hydrogel, composite hydrogel, and composite hydrogel+light irradiation (under the irradiation of 808 nm near-infrared light for 5 min), respectively, with 5 mice in each group. On post injury day (PID) 0 (immediately after the first wound treatment), 3, 7, and 14, an overall assessment of wound exudation and healing were conducted, and the wound healing rates on PID 7 and 14 were calculated (n=5). On PID 14, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe histopathological changes in the mouse wound. Results: Both simple hydrogel and composite hydrogel were in a solution state at 55 ℃ and transition to a gel state when cooling to 37 ℃. After the two hydrogels were irradiated by near-infrared light, only the composite hydrogel reheated up and returned to the solution state again with injectability. The maximum tensile stress of the composite hydrogel was up to 301.42 kPa, with a corresponding strain of 87.19%; the maximum compressive stress was up to 413.79 kPa, with a corresponding strain of 91.67%, which was similar to the tensile and compressive properties of the simple hydrogel. After 10 compression cycles, the maximum compressive stress of the composite hydrogel still reached 84.1% of the first compressive stress. After 24 h of culture, the mortality rate of Staphylococcus aureus treated with simple hydrogel was significantly higher than that treated with PBS (P<0.05); the mortality rates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus treated with composite hydrogel alone were significantly higher than those treated with simple hydrogel (P<0.05); the mortality rates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus treated with composite hydrogel+light irradiation were significantly higher than those treated with composite hydrogel alone (P<0.05). After 24 h of culture, compared with that cultured in composite hydrogel immersion solution with final mass concentration of 0 mg/mL, the proliferation activity of HFbs cultured in composite hydrogel immersion solution with final mass concentrations of 25.0 and 50.0 mg/mL was significantly enhanced (P<0.05), while the proliferation activity of HFbs cultured in composite hydrogel immersion solution with final mass concentration of 100 mg/mL was significantly decreased (P<0.05). On PID 0 and 3, more purulent secretions were seen in the wounds of mice in blank control group and simple hydrogel group, while only a small amount of exudate was observed in the wounds of mice in composite hydrogel group, and no obvious infection was observed in the wounds of mice in combined treatment group. On PID 7 and 14, the wound healing rates of mice in simple hydrogel group were significantly higher than those in blank control group (P<0.05); the wound healing rates of mice in composite hydrogel group were significantly higher than those in simple hydrogel group (P<0.05); the wound healing rates in combined treatment group were significantly higher than those in composite hydrogel group (P<0.05). On PID 14, the wounds of mice in blank control group exhibited a high infiltration of inflammatory cells with no new epithelial layer observed; the wounds of mice in simple hydrogel group displayed a short length of newly formed epithelium with a small amount of inflammatory cells; the wounds of mice in composite hydrogel group exhibited continuous formation of new epithelium and a large amount of immature granulation tissue; the wounds of mice in combined treatment group showed continuous epithelialization with less immature granulation tissue. Conclusions: The prepared composite hydrogel exhibits excellent thermosensitivity, photothermal properties, and injectability, as well as excellent mechanical properties, antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility, and can promote the healing of infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice.

Effect of fenofibrate on proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells via regulating cell cycle.

Liver cancer is a malignant cancer with great harmfulness. Fenofibrate is a peroxisome proliferation activated receptor (PPARα) agonist widely used in the treatment of dyslipidemia. Previous studies have shown that fenofibrate may promote cell proliferation, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PPARα agonist fenofibrate in cell proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells compared with that of THLE-2 cells. SMMC-7721 and THLE-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of fenofibrate. Cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT, using flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis, and CyclinD1, Cyclin-dependent kinases2 (CDK2) and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) were analyzed by Western blotting. RT-qPCR method was used to assess CDK2, CyclinD1 and PCNA mRNA levels. The results showed that 10-9-10-4 mol/L fenofibrate could induce cell growth and 10-4, 10-5, 10-6 mol/L fenofibrate could reduce the number of G0/G1 phase cells and increased in the number of cells in S and G2/M phase of cell cycle in SMMC-7721 cells. Furthermore, fenofibrate could significantly increase the expression of cell cycle related protein (CyclinD1, CDK2)and cell proliferation related proteins (PCNA). The use of PPARα inhibitor MT886 inhibited cell cycle progression and promote tumor cell apoptosis. But fenofibrate had no obvious effect on THLE-2 cells. These results revealed the effect of fenofibrate on the cell cycle of liver cancer cells, and provided a reasonable explanation for studying how fenofibrate promotes cell proliferation.

MiR-140 protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating NF-κB pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-140 on rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) through regulating the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, including sham group (n=12), model group (n=12) and miR-140 mimics group (n=12). In sham group, only thoracotomy was performed without ischemia-reperfusion. In model group, the MIRI model was first established, followed by intervention using normal saline. In miR-140 mimics group, the MIRI model was first established as well, followed by intervention using miR-140 mimics. The content of serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was detected, and the morphology of myocardial tissues was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Meanwhile, the relative protein expression of NF-κB was determined using Western blotting. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was conducted to evaluate the expression of miR-140. The content of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, cell apoptosis was detected via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS: The content of serum CK and LDH rose significantly in model group and miR-140 mimics group when compared with sham group (p<0.05). However, it declined significantly in miR-140 mimics group compared with model group (p<0.05). HE staining results showed that there were no obvious abnormalities in the morphology of myocardial tissues in sham group. However, there were injury and inflammatory infiltration in myocardial tissues in model group. Meanwhile, the structure and morphology of myocardial tissues were improved in miR-140 mimics group compared with those in model group. Western blotting revealed that the relative protein expression of NF-κB was evidently higher in model group and miR-140 mimics group than sham group (p<0.05). However, it was remarkably lower in miR-140 mimics group than that in model group (p<0.05). QPCR results demonstrated that the relative expression of miR-140 in model group and miR-140 mimics group was obviously lower than sham group (p<0.05). However, a markedly higher expression of miR-140 was observed in miR-140 mimics group than model group (p<0.05). ELISA results indicated that model group and miR-140 mimics group had remarkably higher content of IL-1ß and TNF-α than sham group (p<0.05). However, miR-140 mimics group had remarkably lower content of IL-1ß and TNF-α than model group (p<0.05). TUNEL assay indicated that the apoptosis rate increased obviously in model group and miR-140 mimics group compared with sham group (p<0.05). However, it declined significantly in miR-140 mimics group compared with model group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MiR-140 suppresses inflammation and apoptosis in myocardial tissues of MIRI rats through inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby exerting a cardioprotective effect.

[Current situation and related policies on the implementation and promotion of influenza vaccination among health care workers].

Health care workers have higher risk of influenza infection because of their occupational exposure to infected patients. Infection of the health care workers may not only result in the increasing risk of the nosocomial infection and family transmission, but also disrupt the health services due to absence from work. Health care workers were recommended as a priority group of influenza vaccinationin more than 40 countries and regions in the world. In recent years, domestic surveys show that the influenza vaccine coverage among health care workers was low. This paper outlines the current status and related policies of influenza vaccination among health care workers in China and global. Additionally, we analyzed and discussed the proper immunization strategy of influenza vaccine for medical staff in China.

Low expression of microRNA-15b promotes the proliferation of retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes by up-regulating VEGFA in diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of microRNA-15b in diabetic retinopathy and its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes rat model was established by streptozotocin injection. The mRNA expression of microRNA-15b in retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes of diabetic rats was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The mRNA and protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. MicroRNA-15b mimics or inhibitor were transfected into retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes of diabetic rats, respectively. The mRNA expressions of microRNA-15b and VEGFA were detected by qRT-PCR. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the proliferation of capillary endothelial cells and pericytes. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to verify the binding condition of microRNA-15b and VEGFA. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay was performed to determine whether microRNA-15b could bind to AGO2. Rescue experiments were finally carried out by detecting the proliferation of retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes after downregulation or overexpression of microRNA-15b and VEGFA. RESULTS: The expression of microRNA-15b decreased, whereas VEGFA expression increased in retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes of diabetic rats. High expression of microRNA-15b in retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes resulted in VEGFA down-regulation and decreased proliferation. RIP assay results indicated that microRNA-15b could interact with AGO2. Additionally, Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay showed that VEGFA is a direct target gene of microRNA-15b. VEGFA overexpression could reverse the inhibited proliferation of retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes induced by microRNA-15b overexpression. Similarly, VEGFA knockdown could reverse the effect of the low expression of microRNA-15b on the proliferation of retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes. CONCLUSIONS: Low expression of microRNA-15b in retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes of diabetic rats promotes the development of diabetic retinopathy by up-regulating VEGFA.

[DS2, a newly synthetic ent-kaurane diterpenoid analog, inhibits proliferation and migration of human gastric cancer cell].

Objective: To investigate the effects and the underlying mechanism of DS2, a newly synthetic analog of natural ent-kaurane diterpenoid, on the proliferation and migration capabilities of human gastric cancer cells. Methods: MTT assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry were used to measure the effects of DS2 on growth, apoptosis and cell cycle of several human gastric cancer cell lines. The function of DS2 in the migration was further detected by wound healing and transwell assays. The expression of migration related proteins were determined by western blot. Results: DS2 inhibited the growth of MGC-803, SGC-7901 and HGC-27 cells in a dose dependent manner. After treatment of DS2 at a concentration of 6.25 µmol/L for 24 h, the survival rates of MGC-803, SGC-7901 and HGC-27 cells were 53.87±3.05%, 55.91±6.97% and 32.41±2.64%, respectively. However, for the normal gastric epithelial cell GES-1, no obvious growth inhibition was observed. In addition, DS2 caused significant G(2)/M arrest and induced apoptosis in MGC-803 cells. Furthermore, compared with the negative control, the colony formation, wound healing rate as well as the number of migrating cells of MGC-803 were significantly decreased in a dose dependent manner after DS2 treatment. DS2 induced the expression of E-cadherin, whereas ß-catenin and N-cadherin levels were downregulated in MGC-803. Conclusion: The new compound DS2 has a strong anti-cancer activity, and this study will help us to design and synthesize better diterpenoids derivatives.

[Diagnostic criteria and treatment progress of PHACE syndrome].

PHACE syndrome is a syndrome of multiple organ and multisystem abnormalities associated with infantile segmental hemangioma, characterized by abnormal posterior fossa development, infant hemangioma, aortic abnormalities, aortic coarctation and heart defects, eye anomalies and other symptoms. The incidence of the disease is low, but there exist life-threatening factors. Once clinically diagnosed, it should be highly valued and multidisciplinary consultation must be conducted. This article reviews the diagnostic criteria of PHACE syndrome and its associated facial segmental hemangioma, as well as the treatment and prognosis of brain abnormalities.

[Jaridonin, a new diterpenoid from Isodon rubescens, induces cell cycle arrest in gastric cancer cells through activating ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Jaridonin, a novel diterpenoid from isodon rubescens, on the cell cycle of human gastric cancer cells and its molecular mechanism of action. METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle distribution and expression of ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM) after Jaridonin treatment. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of cell cycle-related proteins. RESULTS: The results of flow cytometry showed that the percentages of MGC-803 cells in G(2)/M phase at 6 hours after 0, 10, 20 µmol/L Jaridonin-treatment were (10.8±2.2)%, (18.2±2.5)%, (27.3±3.2)%, respectively; those at 12 hours after Jaridonin-treatment were (12.0±1.5)%, (24.1±2.0)% and (39.7±5.2)%, respectively, indicating a G2/M phase arrest of MGC-803 cells was resulted in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The expressions of ATM, Chk1, Chk2, phosphorylated Cdc2 and CDK2 were up-regulated in the MGC-803 cells after Jaridonin treatment, while the levels of Cdc2 and CDK2 were decreased. KU-55933, an inhibitor of ATM, reversed the expression of relevant proteins and G(2)/M phase arrest induced by Jaridonin. CONCLUSIONS: Jaridonin can significantly induce G(2)/M arrest in gastric cancer MGC-803 cells. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of ATM and Chk1/2, and inactivation of Cdc2 and CDK2 phosphorylation.

Determination of ginsenoside content in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and Panax quinquefolius L. root materials and finished products by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet absorbance detection: interlaboratory study.

An interlaboratory study was conducted on an HPLC method with UV absorbance detection, previously validated using AOAC single-laboratory validation guidelines, for the determination of the six major ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd) in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and Panax quinquefolius L. root materials, extracts, and finished products. Fourteen participating laboratories analyzed five test materials (P. ginseng whole root, P. ginseng powdered extract, P. quinquefolius whole root, P. quinquefolius powdered extract, and P. ginseng powdered extract spiked in a matrix blank) as blind duplicates, and two test materials (P. ginseng powdered whole root tablet and P. quinquefolius powdered extract hard-filled capsule) as single samples. Due to the variability of the ginsenosides (low level concentration of Rb2 in P. quinquefolius raw materials and in P. ginseng spiked matrix blanks, and the possibility of incomplete hydrolysis of the finished products during processing), it was deemed more applicable to analyze total ginsenosides rather than individual ones. Outliers were evaluated and omitted using the Cochran's test and single and double Grubbs' tests. The reproducibility RSD (RSD(R)) for the blind duplicate samples ranged from 4.38 to 5.39%, with reproducibility Horwitz Ratio (HorRat(R)) values ranging from 1.5 to 1.9. For the single replicate samples, the data sets were evaluated solely by their repeatability HorRat (HorRat(r)), which were 2.9 and 3.5 for the capsule and tablet samples, respectively. Based on these results, the method is recommended for AOAC Official First Action for the determination of total ginsenosides in P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius root materials and powdered extracts.

Distribution of reference GFR in a development population: a critical factor for the establishment of a GFR estimation equation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Our previous work showed that the performance of MDRD equations could be improved by modifying the original MDRD equation. However, during the modification we recognized that reference GFR (rGFR) distribution was not similar between the MDRD study and the Chinese Estimating GFR (eGFR) Investigation Study. This present study was designed to illustrate that the GFR estimating equation might be influenced by the difference of rGFR distribution in the development population. Racial factors might not be as important as once thought. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Chinese eGFR Investigation Study dataset containing 684 CKD patients was defined as Dataset I, the modified MDRD equation for Chinese was defined as Equation 1. Datasets II and III were generated respectively by deleting 125 cases of CKD Stage 1 from Dataset I and by adding 297 cases of apparently healthy Chinese adults into Dataset I. eGFR was estimated using Equation 1. Using rGFR as dependent and eGFR as independent, linear regression models were constructed using Dataset II and Dataset III, respectively, and generated Equation 2 and Equation 3. The prevalence of eGFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the adult Beijing population was calculated using Equation 1, 2 and 3. RESULTS: The previous reported prevalence of decreased GFR using Equation 1 in the Beijing adult population was 1.3% (0.8 - 1.8). By using Equation 2 and Equation 3, the prevalence increased to 3.2% (2.49 - 4.13) and decreased to 0.8% (0.57 - 1.28), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: GFR estimating equation was influenced by rGFR distribution of the development dataset.

Effect of intrathecal papaverine on blood flow and secondary injury in injured cord.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental laboratory investigations with a model of neurotrauma in Macaca rhesus. OBJECT: The present study evaluates whether intrathecal papaverine induces changes in spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) of injured spinal cord and prevents secondary injury. SETTING: Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, China. METHODS: After laminectomy was performed and contusive spinal cord injuries were induced in adult female Macaca rhesus, three received intrathecal papaverine, and three received saline 0.9% for control. SCBF was registered by laser-Doppler recording technique continuously for 180 min after injection. Histological analyses and microvessel density (MVD) were used for evaluation of spinal cord injury, and the percentage of spared spinal cord area was calculated. RESULTS: Mean arterial blood pressure showed no significant change in both groups. In the papaverine group, SCBF recovered to 81.35+/-7.8% of baseline at 15 min, 75.24+/-6.3% at 30 min, 73.38+/-2.3% at 90 min and 72.57+/-4.1% at 180 min after the completion of infusion. SCBF was significantly higher than the control groups (P<0.01). There was no occlusion of the arteries, but occluded veins were identified at the injured site. The MVD in the spinal cord of the control group was significantly lesser than the papaverine group (P<0.01). Luxol Fast Blue staining showed that intrathecal papaverine reduced myelin loss in the lesion 2 weeks after injury (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Intrathecal administration of papaverine increased SCBF in non-human primates. It is likely that the effects of papaverine can reduce secondary injury in spinal cord injured Macaca rhesus.

Improved GFR estimation by combined creatinine and cystatin C measurements.

Plasma creatinine may not reflect glomerular filtration rate (GFR) especially in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Plasma cystatin C (cysC), however, has the potential to more accurately determine early GFR reduction. We sought to improve the creatinine-based GFR estimation by including cysC measurements. We derived a reference GFR from standard dual plasma sampling (99m)Tc-DTPA clearance in a training cohort of 376 randomly selected adult Chinese patients with CKD. We compared reference values to estimated GFR and applied multiple regression models to one equation based solely on cysC, and to another combining plasma creatinine (Pcr) and cysC measurements of the training cohort. The results were validated by testing an additional 191 patients. The difference, precision, and accuracy of the two estimates were compared with the modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation for Chinese patients, and another estimate combining cysC and modified MDRD calculations. The estimated GFR combining Pcr and cysC measurements more accurately matched the reference GFR at all stages of CKD than the other equations, particularly in patients with near-normal kidney function.

Out-of-plane temperature-dependent resistivity studies on Tl-based superconductors.

Temperature-dependent resistivities in the ab-plane and c-axis of Tl-based cuprates have been measured. Unlike the ab-plane properties, which are metallic, c-axis transport is semiconductor-like in the normal state for Tl(2)Ba(2)Ca(2)Cu(3)O(x) (Tl-2223) and Tl(2)Ba(2)CaCu(2)O(x) (Tl-2212). In contrast, for Tl(2)Ba(2)CuO(x) (Tl-2201), transport is metal-like in both the in-plane and the c-axis. For multi-layered cuprates, transport properties along the c-axis could be described by a tunnelling model, whereas for single-layered compound Tl-2201 it would be easier for the out-of-plane transport behaviour to be coherent since the there are no insulating Ca layers in its structure. Moreover, combining the studies on Bi-2201, which has an insulating behaviour for the out-of-plane resistivity, we suggest that the Tl-O layers in Tl-based superconductors could be conducting, unlike the weakly correlated Bi-O layers in Bi-based cuprates.

A study of reactive oxygen species in mainstream of cigarette.

UNLABELLED: Reactive oxygenated species (ROS) not only exist in living organisms, they also exist in our environment. Combustion process and photochemical reactions are the major source of environmental ROS, and combustion process produced ROS has been gradually gaining attention in recent years. The purpose of this study is to determine the concentrations of ROS in the mainstream smoke of cigarettes sold in the marketplace using the DCFH2 fluorescence method and to understand particulate and gaseous concentrations of ROS. This research will also discuss the relationship between ROS and nicotine, found in popular cigarette brands, as well as the effectiveness of cigarette filters to remove ROS. Results indicate that the ROS concentration of mainstream smoke is 18.64-54.81 nmol H2O2/l while the correlation coefficients of nicotine and tar to total ROS are 0.959 and 0.909, respectively. Gaseous ROS concentrations are 14.32-39.03 nmol H2O2/l, and make up 71.21-85.99% of the total. It can be clearly seen therefore, that ROS exist mainly in the gaseous phase. Particulate ROS is dominant at PM2.5 (ROS(TSP)/ROS(PM2.5) is 0.652-0.959). The experimental results involving the tobacco leaves and cigarette ash show that ROS in mainstream smoke comes from the combustion process and not from the tobacco leaves. There is no effective means of eliminating ROS from mainstream smoke, regardless of whether a cigarette filter contains active charcoal. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study showed that cigarette combustion will produce high concentration of ROS, and this high concentration of ROS in mainstream cigarette smoke probably is one major factor contributing to a high incidence of lung cancer in smokers. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or second-hand smoke is a major indoor air pollutant that could potentially harm non-smokers. We will try to determine the ROS in ETS in the future.

Infrared probe of the electronic structure and charge dynamics of Na0.7CoO2.

We present measurements of the optical spectra on Na(0.7)CoO(2) single crystals. The optical conductivity shows two broad interband transition peaks at 1.6 eV and 3.1 eV, and a weak midinfrared peak at 0.4 eV. The intraband response of conducting carriers is different from that of a simple Drude metal. A peak at low but finite frequency is observed, which shifts to higher frequencies with increasing temperature, even though the dc resistivity is metallic. The origin of the interband transitions and the low-frequency charge dynamics have been discussed and compared with other experiments.

Low-dose alemtuzumab (Campath) in myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation for CD52-positive malignancies: decreased incidence of acute graft-versus-host-disease with unique pharmacokinetics.

Alemtuzumab is effective in reducing the risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Alemtuzumab may also delay immune reconstitution and reduce graft-versus-leukemia effects. The optimal dose has not been established. We investigated engraftment, acute GVHD incidence and severity, and pharmacokinetics of alemtuzumab associated with the use of low-dose alemtuzumab/cyclophosphamide/total body irradiation and ASCT for patients with aggressive CD52-positive hematologic malignancies. In all, 12 patients were treated. Alemtuzumab 10 mg daily on days -7 to -3 was given intravenously. Tacrolimus and methotrexate were used for GVHD prophylaxis. Alemtuzemab was not detected in any of the 36 sequential serum samples tested between days -1 and +21 of transplant. All patients engrafted rapidly; the median time to an absolute neutrophil count >0.5 x 10(9)/l was 14 days (range 11-17 days), and the median time to a platelet count >20 x 10(9)/l was 16 days (range 6-30 days). By 1 month after transplant, nine patients had 100% donor chimerism, while three had mixed donor chimerism. At 3 months, 11 had achieved 100% donor chimerism. No cases of grade III/IV acute GVHD occurred. At a median follow-up interval of 14.7 months (range 4-24), seven patients remained alive, and five remained free of disease.

Increased mortality odds ratio of male liver cancer in a community contaminated by chlorinated hydrocarbons in groundwater.

AIMS: To investigate the association between cancer mortality risk and exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons in groundwater of a downstream community near a contaminated site. METHODS: Death certificates inclusive for the years 1966-97 were collected from two villages in the vicinity of an electronics factory operated between 1970 and 1992. These two villages were classified into the downstream (exposed) village and the upstream (unexposed) according to groundwater flow direction. Exposure classification was validated by the contaminant levels in 49 residential wells measured with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Mortality odds ratios (MORs) for cancer were calculated with cardiovascular-cerebrovascular diseases as the reference diseases. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to estimate the effects of exposure and period after adjustment for age. RESULTS: Increased MORs were observed among males for all cancer, and liver cancer for the periods after 10 years of latency, namely, 1980-89, and 1990-97. Adjusted MOR for male liver cancer was 2.57 (95% confidence interval 1.21 to 5.46) with a significant linear trend for the period effect. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a link between exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons and male liver cancer risk. However, the conclusion is limited by lack of individual information on groundwater exposure and potential confounding factors.