The photobiological production of hydrogen: potential efficiency and effectiveness as a renewable fuel

Photosynthetic microorganisms can produce hydrogen when illuminated, and there has been considerable interest in developing this to a commercially viable process. Its appealing aspects include the fact that the hydrogen would come from water, and that the process might be more energetically efficient than growing, harvesting, and processing crops. We review current knowledge about photobiological hydrogen production, and identify and discuss some of the areas where scientific and technical breakthroughs are essential for commercialization. First we describe the underlying biochemistry of the process, and identify some opportunities for improving photobiological hydrogen production at the molecular level. Then we address the fundamental quantum efficiency of the various processes that have been suggested, technological issues surrounding large-scale growth of hydrogen-producing microorganisms, and the scale and efficiency on which this would have to be practiced to make a significant contribution to current energy use.     

Successful treatment of long-standing neuro-Behçet's disease with infliximab

Beh?et's disease is a chronic relapsing form of vasculitis affecting multiple organs. Central nervous system involvement is a common presentation. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is considered to play a major role in the disease pathogenesis. We describe a patient with a long history of neuro-Beh?et's disease who showed a remarkable response to infliximab therapy. Given the variable and limited success of other interventions, the use of anti-TNF-alpha therapy seems to be effective for patients with refractory disease.     

Reduced effectiveness of Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine in children with a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection

BACKGROUND: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccines have successfully reduced the burden of invasive Hib disease in developed countries; however, their effectiveness in countries with a high incidence of pediatric HIV-1 is unknown. METHODS: The effectiveness of Hib conjugate vaccine was prospectively evaluated in South African children. The burden of invasive Hib disease in children < 1 year old was compared in 2 cohorts. The first cohort included 22,000 African children born in 1997 [969 (4.45%) of whom were estimated to be HIV-1-infected] who were not vaccinated with Hib conjugate vaccine. This group was compared with 19,267 children [1162 (6.03%) of whom were estimated to be HIV-1 infected] vaccinated at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age with an Hib conjugate vaccine [TETRAMUNE (polyribosylribitol phosphate-CRM(197)-diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-whole cell pertussis)] between March, 1998, and June, 1999. RESULTS: The estimated burden of invasive Hib disease in nonimmunized HIV-1-infected children < 1 year of age was 5.9-fold [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 2.7 to 12.6] higher than in HIV-1-uninfected children. The overall estimated effectiveness of Hib conjugate vaccine in fully vaccinated children <1 year of age was 83.2% (95% CI 60.3 to 92.9). Vaccine effectiveness was significantly reduced in HIV-1-infected [43.9% (95% CI -76.1 to 82.1)] compared with uninfected children [96.5% (95% CI 74.4 to 99.5); P < 10(-5)]. Among three of the fully vaccinated HIV-1-infected children who developed invasive Hib disease, the anti-Hib polyribosylribitol phosphate serum antibody concentrations were 0.23, 0.25 and 0.68 microg/ml. CONCLUSION: Although the Hib conjugate vaccine was less effective among HIV-1-infected than among uninfected children, it was 83% effective in preventing overall invasive Hib disease and therefore should be considered for inclusion in the routine vaccination schedule by other African countries.     

Review of methods used to study oxygen transport at the microcirculatory level

The existence of hypoxic regions in tumors has long been recognized as a key factor leading to radiation resistance. More recently, it has been found that low oxygen levels also affect drug resistance, angiogenesis, cytokine production, cell cycle control, apoptosis, and metastatic propensity of tumors. Until now, most approaches to eliminating hypoxia have been empirical. However, improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms may permit the development of more soundly based, effective approaches. As discussed in this review, critical evaluation of the factors governing oxygen transport in tumors requires a thorough understanding of the methods used to study this process. Many experimental methodologies can be used to address these issues. In this review, the emphasis is placed on techniques that measure parameters on the scale of the diffusion distance of oxygen. Studies at the microregional level provide the most detailed physiological information on such processes. Over the past few years, significant progress in technology has allowed us to measure tumor oxygenation, yet spatial and temporal heterogeneities continue to provide significant challenges to obtaining clear knowledge of oxygen transport.     

Management of nucleus and IOL drop

Background: Thirty six cases of lenticular nucleus drop following phacoemulsification and 43 cases of posterior dislocation of intraocular lens (IOL) inclusive of two paediatric cases were managed by a modified vitrectomy procedure without using perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL).