Comparison of cytotoxicity of IQOS aerosols to smoke from Marlboro Red and 3R4F reference cigarettes

This study compared the cytotoxicity of IQOS aerosols to smoke from Marlboro Red (MR) and 3R4F reference cigarettes. Aerosol/smoke solutions were tested as the gas vapor phase (GVP), particulate phase (total particulate matter or TPM), or whole aerosol/smoke (WA), the latter being what smokers actually inhale. Cytotoxicities were evaluated using the LDH, MTT and neutral red uptake (NRU) assays in conjunction with eight different cell types, mainly from the respiratory system. Most test solutions did not compromise the plasma membranes of cells (LDH). However, mitochondrial activity (MTT) and dye uptake/lysosomal activity (NRU) were equally depressed by IOQS aerosols and cigarette smoke solutions at the high concentrations. Our NRU data with mouse NIH/3T3 transformed fibroblasts were similar to those previously reported by the IQOS manufacturer and showed little cytotoxicity in the NRU assay. In both studies with NIH/3T3 cells, the results were significantly different from 3RF4 cigarette smoke, suggesting reduced toxicity with IQOS. However, by expanding evaluations to a broader spectrum of cells that included respiratory system cells and by including higher concentrations of GVP, as well as WA, cytotoxicity equivalent to that of Marlboro Red and 3R4F cigarettes was frequently observed with IQOS aerosols in the MTT and NRU assays.

Introduction of the development of the mo- bile smartphone application, "PWH easyGo" to help patients and visitors to navigate differ- ent departments and facilities on the hospital premises with ease

"PWH easyGo" is a mobile smartphone application (app) designed to help patients and visitors to look for different departments and facilities on the hospital premises. Posters with QR code are displayed at various hospital entrances. Users with the app installed can scan the QR codes printed on posters on site or manually select their current locations and destinations in the app, and the system will display the relevant routes with photos. It is the first such app developed by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and is available for download at Apple store (iOS version) and Play Store (Android version).

HER-2/neu gene amplification in breast imprint cytology analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization: direct comparison with companion tissue sections

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a validated method for detection of HER-2/neu gene amplification and was recently approved by the FDA for diagnostic use in paraffin-embedded tissue. Its use in cytologic specimens, however, has not been investigated. To see whether HER-2/neu gene amplification is detectable in cytologic specimens, we examined touch imprints and corresponding tissue sections of 27 breast carcinomas (20 invasive and 7 in situ) and 3 atypical epithelial hyperplastic lesions, using the FISH technique with the HER-2/neu DNA probe kit (Vysis, Inc., Downers Grove, IL). HER-2/neu gene amplification was determined, using the ratio of HER-2/neu:CEP 17 signal counts; a ratio of 2.0 or greater was considered amplified. Successful hybridization occurred in 55/60 (92%) slides. In all cases, at least one of the paired slides was adequate for evaluation. Whole-cell imprint and tissue section slides yielded comparable HER-2/neu:CEP 17 signal counts and ratios, including one case of low-level HER-2/neu gene copy numbers where the ratio was 2.0. Our findings indicate that whole-cell imprint cytology preparations are a reliable medium for HER-2/neu gene quantification by FISH, and may substitute for or complement tissue section analysis.

Expression of early nodulin genes in alfalfa mycorrhizae indicates that signal transduction pathways used in forming arbuscular mycorrhizae and Rhizobium-induced nodules may be conserved

Transcripts for two genes expressed early in alfalfa nodule development (MsENOD40 and MsENOD2) are found in mycorrhizal roots, but not in noncolonized roots or in roots infected with the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. These same two early nodulin genes are expressed in uninoculated roots upon application of the cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine. Correlated with the expression of the two early nodulin genes, we found that mycorrhizal roots contain higher levels of trans-zeatin riboside than nonmycorrhizal roots. These data suggest that there may be conservation of signal transduction pathways between the two symbioses-nitrogen-fixing nodules and phosphate-acquiring mycorrhizae.