[Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of 59 persons suspecting of being infected by the HIV virus despite having repeated negative laboratory findings].

Objective: To describe the epidemiologic characteristics and clinical manifestations of 59 persons recruited via an internet chat group who complained of AIDS-like symptoms, so as to formulate effective intervention strategies and measures.

Methods: Case was defined as onset of any three of the following self-reported AIDS-like symptoms in a member of relevant "internet chat groups": persistent low grade fever, rash, swollen lymph node, fatigue, diarrhea, weight loss and low CD4(+)T count. We administered an internet-based questionnaire, and invited 59 of the 88 case-persons for voluntary physical examination and laboratory testing.

[The mechanisms and effects of lutein on inducing the cell differentiation of human esophagus cancer EC9706].

Objective: The purpose of the study was to explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of lutein on the differentiation of esophagus cancer EC9706 cell.

Methods: EC9706 cells were seeded in 1640 medium before the addition of test compounds. The respective test compound was added in fresh medium and the control cell received the vehicle (DMSO) or Fluorouracil.

[Effects and mechanism of lutein on apoptosis of esophageal carcinoma EC9706 cells].

Objective: To study the effects of lutein on apoptosis and its mechanism.

Method: The cells of human esophageal carcinoma EC9706 were grown in RPMI medium containing 10% bovine serum and were treated with lutein at 100 microg x mL(-1) concentration. Flow cytometry was employed to investigate the effects of lutein on cell apoptosis of EC9706 cells.