Serum vanadium levels in chronic hemodialysis patients

Serum vanadium, aluminum, silicon and beta 2-microglobulin levels as well as the red cell count, hemoglobin and systolic blood pressure were simultaneously measured in 80 chronic hemodialysis patients. The serum vanadium level was positively correlated with the serum levels of aluminum, silicon and beta 2-microglobulin as well as the systolic blood pressure, and was inversely correlated with the red cell count and hemoglobin. The mean serum vanadium level was 18.4 +/- 7.6 ng/ml before hemodialysis and decreased to 13.0 +/- 5.30 ng/ml at the completion of dialysis. The dialysate vanadium level increased from 0.4 +/- 0.2 (inflow) to 1.0 +/- 0.4 ng/ml (outflow). It was concluded that vanadium was transferred from blood to dialysate when purified water was used in the preparation of the dialysate.     

The therapeutic effect of intralesional interferon in classical Kaposi's sarcoma

Interferon alpha-2a, which has antineoplastic, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antiangiogenic effects, was evaluated in a prospective study, treating 10 lesions of patients with classical Kaposi's sarcoma. Ten patients received injections of interferon alpha-2a intralesionally in a dose of 3 million units three times weekly for 4 weeks, and in a variable dose for 4 more weeks. Two of the patients had a complete response, and in one of these, distant lesions also responded. Seven had a partial response, and one did not respond. The treatment was generally well tolerated. The results of our study support the use of interferon in the therapy of classical Kaposi's sarcoma, although it would appear that to achieve maximum efficacy, a longer period of treatment is needed.     

A phase I-II study of paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and vinorelbine with filgrastim (rhG-CSF) support in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE: We designed a phase I-II trial of three active agents, paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and vinorelbine, in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to: 1) define the dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of paclitaxel with filgrastim (G-CSF) support; and 2) determine the overall response rate and median survival of patients treated on this regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We treated cohorts of patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC with ifosfamide 1.2-1.6 g/m2/day x 3 and vinorelbine 20-25 mg/m2/day x 3 and escalating doses of paclitaxel at 100-175 mg/m2 on day 2 with G-CSF support on a 21-day cycle. One prior experimental single-agent chemotherapy regimen was allowed. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients, were enrolled on this trial: 27 on the phase I portion of the study and an additional 29 at the recommended phase II dose (RPTD). Thirteen patients had received prior chemotherapy. Paclitaxel doses of 175 mg/m2 and 150 mg/m2 produced dose-limiting myelosuppression, and the RPTD was determined to be paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 with ifosfamide 1.2 g/m2/day on days 1-3 and vinorelbine 20 mg/m2/ day on days 1-3 with G-CSF support. The overall response rate was 18%, with a median survival of 6.1 months. Six of 35 patients (17%) treated at the RPTD achieved a partial response to therapy. Grade IV neutropenia was observed in 19 of 35 patients at this dose, with eight patients suffering febrile neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS: This non-cisplatin-containing three-drug regimen has substantial toxicity and low activity in advanced NSCLC, and does not seem to improve on prior regimens. It is unclear whether the lack of efficacy relates to an antagonistic reaction between the specific drugs, administration schedule, or to subtherapeutic doses of the individual agents.     

Polymeric prodrugs of mitomycin C designed for tumour tropism and sustained activation

Prodrugs of mitomycin C (MMC) based on soluble poly-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-L-glutamine] (pHEG) polymers have been evaluated as tumour-targeted drugs. These materials are designed to exploit the enhanced permeability of tumour vasculature, combining a passive tumour tropism with decreased systemic liberation of free MMC. A tri- or tetrapeptide linkage (e.g. Gly-Phe-Ala-Leu) between pHEG and the aziridine nitrogen of MMC can combine good hydrolytic stability with rapid cleavage by lysosomal enzymes, releasing free MMC. The conjugates showed decreased systemic toxicity and could be administered to mice at a total MMC dose of 15 mg/kg i.v., compared with just 6 mg/kg for free MMC. Conjugates also showed better activity against animal models of established tumours, achieving up to 77% increased life span (ILS) against solid P388 leukaemia, compared with only 23% for free MMC, and up to 121% ILS against solid C26 colorectal carcinoma, compared with no activity for the free drug. Improving the therapeutic index of anticancer drugs by combining tumour tropism with decreased systemic toxicity is a versatile approach that should produce a new generation of improved anticancer agents.     

Drift hole mobility in strained and unstrained doped Si1-xGex alloys

Results of the drift hole mobility in strained and unstrained SiGe alloys are reported for Ge fractions varying from 0 to 30% and doping levels of 10¹⁵-10¹⁹ cm^-3. The mobilities are calculated taking into account acoustic, optical, alloy, and ionized-impurity scattering. The mobilities are then compared with experimental results for a boron doping concentration of 2×10¹⁹ cm^-3. Good agreement between experimental and theoretical values is obtained. The results show an increase in the mobility relative to that of silicon     

Effect of postoperative mydriatics on the iris

PURPOSE: To assess the role postoperative mydriatics play after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in causing iris modifications and in controlling inflammation. SETTING: Outpatients Department, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland. METHODS: The prospective study comprised 136 patients who had standardized ECCE. Half the patients used a mydriatic for 2 weeks postoperatively. Anterior chamber activity, pain, and eye redness were evaluated at 2 weeks postoperatively; pupil shape, peripheral anterior synechias, IOL position, and iris adhesions, at 6 weeks. RESULTS: Iris-lens adhesions were significantly more common in the group using a mydriatic. There was no difference between the two groups in postoperative inflammation. CONCLUSION: Mydriatics should not be used routinely after ECCE with posterior chamber IOL implantation.     

Equations of the oscillations of a deep massive foundation flexibly restrained in the ground

A new equation is derived for the rotational oscillations of a deep massive foundation flexibly restrained in the ground. An error in the corresponding equation published in the literature is indicated. Translated from Osnovaniya, Fundamenty i Mekhanika Gruntov, No. 6, pp. 7–8, November–December, 1996.     

Sorption of vapors and gases by cellulose acetate films

Cellulose diacetate and triacetate films 6–55 µm thick with a total porosity of 0.8–2% were prepared by pouring a solution on an immobile surface and by calendering. Sorption of H₂S and CO₂ gases and acetone vapors on these films was investigated in static and dynamic conditions. It was shown that films 6–10 µm thick prepared by calendering should be used for purification of air from H₂S and CO₂ and films 15–20 µm thick prepared by pouring should be used for removal of acetone vapors.Engels Institute of Technology, Saratov State University. Translated from Khimicheskie Volokna, No. 6, pp. 44–46, November–December, 1995.