Ab initio studies for the photodissociation mechanism of hydroxyacetone.

The reaction pathways for CH(3)COCH(2)OH (hydroxyacetone) photodissociation on the low-lying electronic states have been studied with use of the CASSCF energy gradient techniques. The S(0)/S(1) and S(1)/T(1) intersection points were determined by the state-average CASSCF method. Two main reaction pathways, which are possible to the photodissociation, have been studied.

[Study on the anti-carcinogenic effects of three compounds in Kaempferia galanga L].

In order to study the anti-carcinogeneic effect of three compounds isolated from Kaempferia galanga L, EBV assay, ear edema test, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and two-stage-carcinogenisis test are applied. The results show that both -cis and -trans ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate has inhibitory effect in vitro, and also has inhibitory effects in TPA tests or croton oil-induced ear edema, ODC activity in specimen of mouse epidermis and extent of papilloma, indicating a relatively strong anti-carcinogenic potential of ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate in Kaempferia galanga L.

Critical role for CXCR2 and CXCR2 ligands during the pathogenesis of ventilator-induced lung injury.

Mortality related to adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) ranges from 35% to 65%. Lung-protective ventilator strategies can reduce mortality during ARDS. The protective strategies limit tidal volumes and peak pressures while maximizing positive end-expiratory pressure.

Effects ofcis-9,trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid on cancer cell cycle.

Objectives: To determine the effect of cis-9, trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid on the cell cycle of mammary cancer cells (MCF-7) and its possible mechanism of inhibition cancer growth.

Methods: Using cell culture and immunocytochemical techniques, we examined the cell growth, DNA synthesis, expression of PCNA, cyclin A, B(1), D(1), p16(ink4a) and p21(cip/wafl) of MCF-7 cells which were treated with various c9, t11-CLA concentrations (25 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM and 200 mM) of c9, t11-CLA for 24 and 48 h, with negative controls (0.1% ethanol).

Genome sequence of Shigella flexneri 2a: insights into pathogenicity through comparison with genomes of Escherichia coli K12 and O157.

We have sequenced the genome of Shigella flexneri serotype 2a, the most prevalent species and serotype that causes bacillary dysentery or shigellosis in man. The whole genome is composed of a 4 607 203 bp chromosome and a 221 618 bp virulence plasmid, designated pCP301. While the plasmid shows minor divergence from that sequenced in serotype 5a, striking characteristics of the chromosome have been revealed.

Interaction of IL-13 and C10 in the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

The initial stimulus for inflammatory cell recruitment and the mechanisms responsible for the perpetuation and evolution of chronic inflammation, granulation tissue formation, and fibrosis have not been fully elucidated. Although interleukin (IL)-13, a Th2 cytokine, has been shown to have direct effects on fibroblasts that support fibroproliferation, it is also a potent inducer of a novel CC chemokine, C10, which is chemotactic for mononuclear phagocytes. The macrophage/mononuclear phagocyte has been shown to have a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, serving as an important source of growth factors that regulate extracellular matrix synthesis.

Density functional theory studies on the structures and vibrational spectra of 3,6-dichlorocarbazole and 3,6-dibromocarbazole.

Becke 3-Lee-Yang-Parr density functional theory (DFT) calculations using 6-311G** and 6-311G(2df,p) basis sets were carried out to study molecular structures and vibrational spectra of 3,6-dichlorocarbazole and 3,6-dibromocarbazole. The optimized geometries, vibrational frequencies, IR intensities, and Raman activities have been obtained. On the basis of B3LYP calculations, a normal mode analysis was performed to assign the vibrational fundamental frequencies according to the potential energy distributions.

Critical role for CXCR3 chemokine biology in the pathogenesis of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the major limitation to survival post-lung transplantation and is characterized by a persistent peribronchiolar inflammation that eventually gives way to airway fibrosis/obliteration. Acute rejection is the main risk factor for the development of BOS and is characterized by a perivascular/bronchiolar leukocyte infiltration. The specific mechanism(s) by which these leukocytes are recruited have not been elucidated.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist as a biomarker for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in lung transplant recipients.

Background: The major limitation to survival after lung transplantation is bronchiolitis obliterative syndrome (BOS). BOS is a chronic inflammatory/immunologic process characterized by fibroproliferation, matrix deposition, and obliteration of the airways. The mechanism(s) that lead to fibro-obliteration of allograft airways have not been fully elucidated.