Optical Modeling of Plasmonic Nanoparticles with Electronically Depleted Layers

Doped metal oxide (MO) nanocrystals (NCs) are well-known for the localized surface plasmon resonance in the infrared range generated by free electrons in the conduction band of the material . Owing to the intimate connection between plasmonic features and t h e NC's carrier density profile, proper modeling can unveil the underlying electronic structure. The carrier density profile in MO NCs is characterized by the presence of an electronically depleted layer as a result of the Fermi level pinning at the surface of the NC. Moreover, the carrier profile can be spatially engineered by tuning the dopant concentrations in core-shell architectures, generating a rich plethora of plasmonic features. In this work, we systematically studied the influence of the simulation parameters used for optical modeling of representative experimental absorption spectra by implementing multilayer models. We highlight in particular the importance of minimizing the fit parameters by support of experimental results and the importance of interparameter relationships. We show that, in all cases investigated, the depletion layer is fundamental to correctly describe the continuous spectra evolution. We foresee that this multilayer model can be used to design the optoelectronic properties of core-shell systems in the framework of energy band and depletion layer engineering

Vinorelbine, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil as initial treatment for previously untreated, unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck Results of a Phase II multicenter study

BACKGROUND. The combination of vinorelbine (VNR), cisplatin (CDDP), and 5-fluoro- uracil (5-FU) has previously been shown to be active in recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCHNC). This multicenter Phase II study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of this combination in patients with previously untreated, unresectable locally advanced SCHNC. METHODS. Sixty patients with previously untreated, unresectable SCHNC were treated with CDDP 80 mg/ m2 on Days 1, 5-FU 600 mg/ m2 as a 4-hour infusion on Days 2–5, and VNR 25 mg/ m2 iv bolus on Days 2 and 8. There were 15 patients with laryngeal carcinoma, 19 patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma, 15 with carci- noma in the oral cavity, 5 with carcinoma in the hypopharynx, and 4 with carci- noma in the maxillary sinus. Most patients (78%) had Stage IV disease. After achievement of the best possible objective response, patients were subjected to definitive locoregional treatment, i.e., radiotherapy and/or surgery, as appropriate. RESULTS. All patients completed the induction chemotherapy. After a mean of 3.86 cycles per patient, the overall response rate was 88% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82–94%), with a complete response rate of 23% (95% CI, 14–26%). Complete responses were more frequently seen in patients with N0-1 disease than in those with N2–3 disease (P = 0.037). No other statistically significant correlation between type of response and extent of disease was noted. Toxicity consisted mainly of myelosuppression and gastrointestinal side effects. After definitive locoregional treatment, 58% of patients were clinically free of disease. These patients included those who had complete response after induction chemotherapy, 19 of 39 patients who had partial response, and 2 with stable disease. Median disease free survival was 16 months, and median overall survival was 23 months. CONCLUSIONS. The combination regimen of CDDP, 5-FU, and VNR was very active in previously untreated SCHNC. It was well tolerated in most cases, and neurotoxic- ity was not a major side effect. This regimen, which does not require hospitalization, should be compared with standard chemotherapy, such as the combination of CDDP and continuous-infusion 5-FU

Prevalence of CKD and its relationship to eGFR-related genetic loci and clinical risk factors in the SardiNIA study cohort

The prevalence of CKD and of renal failure vary worldwide, yet parallel increases in leading risk factors explain only part of the differential prevalence. We measured CKD prevalence and eGFR, and their relationship with traditional and additional risk factors, in a Sardinian founder population cohort. The eGFR was calculated using equations from the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease studies. With use of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines, a cross-sectional analysis of 4842 individuals showed that CKD prevalence was 15.1%, including 3.6% of patients in the high-risk and 0.46% in the very-high-risk categories. Longitudinal analyses performed on 4074 of these individuals who completed three visits with an average follow-up of 7 years revealed that, consistent with other populations, average eGFR slope was −0.79 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year, but 11.4% of the participants had an eGFR decline >2.3 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year (fast decline). A genetic score was generated from 13 reported eGFR- and CKD-related loci, and univariable and multivariable analyses were applied to assess the relationship between clinical, ultrasonographic, and genetic variables with three outcomes: CKD, change in eGFR, and fast eGFR decline. Genetic risk score, older age, and female sex independently correlated with each outcome. Diabetes was associated with CKD prevalence, whereas hypertension and hyperuricemia correlated more strongly with fast eGFR decline. Diabetes, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and high baseline eGFR were associated with a decline of eGFR. Along with differential health practices, population variations in this spectrum of risk factors probably contributes to the variable CKD prevalence worldwide