OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), against H9c2 cardiomyocytes from injuries induced by chemical hypoxia.

METHODSH9c2 cells were treated with cobalt chloride (CoCl2), a chemical hypoxia-mimetic agent, to establish the chemical hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury model. NAC was added into the cell medium 60 min prior to CoCl2 exposure. The cell viability was evaluated using cell counter kit (CCK-8), and the intercellular ROS level was measured by 2', 7'- dichlorfluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining and photofluorography. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of the cells was observed by Rhodamine123 (Rh123) staining and photofluorography, and the ratio of GSSG/ (GSSG+GSH) was calculated according to detection results of the GSSG kit.

RESULTSExposure of H9c2 cardiomyocytes to 600 micromol/L CoCl2 for 36 h resulted in significantly reduced cell viability. Pretreatment with NAC at the concentrations ranging from 500 to 2000 micromol/L 60 min before CoCl2 exposure dose-dependently inhibited CoCl2-induced H9c2 cell injuries, and obviously increased the cell viability. NAC at 2000 micromol/L obviously inhibited the oxidative stress induced by CoCl2, decreased the ratio of GSSG/(GSSG+GSH), increased ROS level, and antagonized CoCl2-induced inhibition on MMP.

CONCLUSIONNAC offers obvious protective effect on H9c2 cardiomyocytes against injuries induced by chemical hypoxia by decreasing in the ratio of GSSG/(GSSG+GSH) and ROS level and ameliorating MMP.

Animals ; Cell Hypoxia ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Embryo, Mammalian ; Free Radical Scavengers ; pharmacology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with trastuzumab for HER2 positive breast cancers.

METHODSPubMed online database, ASCO abstract database, SABCS abstract database, ESMO abstract database and CBMdisc database were searched for literatures related to trastuzumab in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancers. A meta-analysis was performed for retrieved literatures meeting the inclusion criteria.

RESULTSThree clinical trials were included. Meta-analysis showed that compared to chemotherapy only, regimens combined with trastuzumab could significantly improved the pCR rate of HER2-positive breast cancers (RR=1.65, 95% CI 1.28-2.13, P<0.0001) without increasing the frequencies of cardiac toxicity (RR=1.16, 95% CI 0.82-1.64, P=0.41).

CONCLUSIONIn neoadjuvant chemotherapy for HER2-positive breast cancers, chemotherapy combined with trastuzumab is superior to exclusive chemotherapy.

Antibodies, Monoclonal ; administration & dosage ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; methods ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Trastuzumab

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant 3-weekly paclitaxel plus trastuzumab (TH) in Chinese women with Her-2 overexpressing operable breast cancer.

METHODSThis is a single center open-label phase II clinical trial. The included patients underwent 4 cycles of neoadjuvant 3-weekly TH before surgery. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response rate (pCR rate) and the secondary endpoint was overall response rate (OR rate). Patients were also stratified according to hormone receptor status, and pCR rate and OR rate were compared between subgroups. Adverse events were graded according to CTCAE v3.0.

RESULTSThere were 40 eligible patients entering this study with median age of 49 years. All patients completed 4 cycles of neoadjuvant treatment. pCR rate was 52.5% and OR rate was 87.5%. The differences of pCR and OR rates between subgroups were of no statistical significance. No cardiac toxicity event severer than grade 2 was recorded.

CONCLUSION3-weekly TH regimen has satisfactory pCR rate and OR rate in Chinese patients with Her-2 overexpressing operable breast cancer and reliable safety.

Adult ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; administration & dosage ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Neutropenia ; chemically induced ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; metabolism ; Remission Induction ; Trastuzumab

BACKGROUNDStudies of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-6 in the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of asthmatic patients are limited. This study was to determine the effect of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment on IL-4 and IL-6 in the EBC of asthmatic patients.

METHODSIn a prospective, open-label study, budesonide 200 μg twice daily by dry powder inhaler was administered to 23 adult patients with uncontrolled asthma (mean age 42.7 years) for 12 weeks. Changes in asthma scores, lung function parameters (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], peak expiratory flow [PEF], forced expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity [FEF50], forced expiratory flow at 75% of forced vital capacity, maximum mid-expiratory flow rate) and the concentrations of IL-4 and IL-6 in EBC were measured.

RESULTSBoth asthma scores and lung function parameters were significantly improved by ICS treatment. The mean IL-4 concentration in the EBC was decreased gradually, from 1.92 ± 0.56 pmol/L before treatment to 1.60 ± 0.36 pmol/L after 8 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05) and 1.54 ± 0.81 pmol/L after 12 weeks of treatment (P < 0.01). However, the IL-6 concentration was not significantly decreased. The change in the IL-4 concentration was correlated with improvements in mean FEV1, PEF and FEF50 values (correlation coefficients -0.468, -0.478, and -0.426, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSThe concentration of IL-4 in the EBC of asthmatic patients decreased gradually with ICS treatment. Measurement of IL-4 in EBC could be useful to monitor airway inflammation in asthmatics.

Administration, Inhalation ; Adult ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Breath Tests ; Budesonide ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Interleukin-4 ; analysis ; Interleukin-6 ; analysis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate ; Prospective Studies

Objective To investigate the feasibility of complicate myomectomy.Methods Six- seven patients with complicated uterine myomas undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy were retrospectively analyzed.The myomectomy was done using ureteral infravision imaging system or/and with self-made myoma segregate-stick.Among the total,there are 29 cases of multiple myomas(the number of myomas≥5)and 23 cases of single myoma(the diameter of myoma≥7cm,including 19 cases of intramural myoma,4 cases of subserous myoma),6 cases of myoma of broad ligament of uterus and 9 cases of cervical myoma.Results All cases were performed successfully laparoscopically.No intra-operative laparotomy or complications occurred.The average operating time and blood loss were(114?32)min and(114?78)ml respectively. The average time of hospital stay was 5.1 d.The average operating time and blood loss in the group (including multiple myoma group,intramural myoma group and cervical myoma)were significantly exceeded the other groups(including myoma of broad ligament of uterus group and subserous myoma group). Conclusions Laparoscopic complicate myomectomy can be performed and the operation indication is enlarged using Ureteral Infravision Imaging System.Advancement in surgical instruments and expert operating skills are the key to operation success.

Objective To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of the prescriptions for softening hardness to dissipate mass combined with Levothyroxine Sodium in the treatment of postoperative thyroid cancer,and to provide evidence-based medical proof for clinical treatment of postoperative thyroid cancer.Methods Computer search was performed in the major domestic and oversea databases for the retrieval of clinical randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of prescriptions for softening hardness to dissipate mass combined with Levothyroxine Sodium for the treatment of postoperative thyroid cancer.After screening the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,the quality of the included literature was evaluated using the tools for analysis of the bias recommended by Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook and the modified JADAD rating scale,and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.Results A total of 11 RCTs involving 749 patients were eventually included.The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with Levothyroxine Sodium alone,prescriptions for softening hardness to dissipate mass combined with Levothyroxine Sodium significantly enhanced the efficacy of postoperative patients with thyroid cancer(RR=1.30,95%CI[1.21,1.41],Z = 6.81,P＜0.000 01),and improved the thyroid functions parameters of serum thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)(SMD=-1.75,95%CI[-2.38,-1.13],Z = 5.47,P＜0.000 01),thyroglobulin(TG)(SMD=-1.13,95%CI[-1.71,-0.55],Z = 3.81,P = 0.000 1),free triiodothyronine(FT3)(SMD=3.42,95%CI[0.73,6.10],Z = 2.50,P = 0.01),free thyroxine(FT4)(SMD=1.85,95%CI[0.05,3.66],Z = 2.02,P = 0.04),and thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb)(SMD=-0.63,95%CI[-1.11,-0.15],Z = 2.55,P = 0.01),increased Karnofsky Performance Status(KPS)scores(SMD= 2.19,95%CI[1.30,3.08],Z = 4.81,P＜0.000 01),shortened the time for the relief of clinical symptoms after thyroid cancer surgery(MD=-4.67,95%CI[-5.38,-3.96],Z = 12.87,P＜0.000 01),reduced the diameter of the largest thyroid nodule after thyroid cancer surgery(MD=-2.51,95%CI[-3.13,-1.89],Z = 7.94,P＜0.000 01),regulated the immune function indicators of T lymphocyte population CD3+(MD=8.68,95%CI[4.97,12.39],Z = 4.59,P＜0.000 01)and CD4+(MD=10.77,95%CI[5.46,16.08],Z = 3.97,P＜0.000 1)levels,and reduced the incidence of postoperative complications of thyroid cancer(RR=0.34,95%CI[0.18,0.65],Z = 3.26,P = 0.001).The differences were all statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion prescriptions for softening hardness to dissipate mass combined with Levothyroxine Sodium can enhance the efficacy of postoperative patients with thyroid cancer.The combined therapy is superior to Levothyroxine Sodium alone in improving thyroid function indicators,KPS score,time for the relief of clinical symptoms,diameter of the largest thyroid nodule,immune function indicators,and the incidence of postoperative complications.However,due to the small amount of included trials and the fact that the prescriptions for softening hardness to dissipate mass vary in the composition,the conclusions of the analysis need to be confirmed by more high-quality,multi-center,large-sample clinically randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) on oxidative stress and functional changes in isolated rat hearts with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury.

METHODSIR injury was induced in isolated rat hearts with the Langendorff' apparatus. The left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) of the rat heart was measured using a pressure transducer. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the myocardium were detected using commercial kits.

RESULTSMyocardial ischemia (15 min) and reperfusion (30 min) significantly increased myocardial levels of MDA, and reduced the SOD activity and LVSP (P<0.05). Pretreatment with Ang-(1-7) at 1.0 nmol/L 30 min before ischemia obviously inhibited IR-induced MDA increment and lowering of SOD activity and LVSP. Pretreatment of the rats with intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg indomethacin 1 h before isolation of the heart markedly antagonized the effect of Ang-(1-7) on MDA production, SOD activity and LVSP.

CONCLUSIONAngiotensin-(1-7) can inhibit IR injury-induced oxidative stress and decrease in cardiac contractile function in isolated rat hearts. The mechanism underlying the effect of Ang-(1-7) may be associated with increased secretion of prostaglandin.

Angiotensin I ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Heart ; drug effects ; physiology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Peptide Fragments ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

Objective To understand the status of mobile phone use and bacterial carriage on surface of mobile phones used by health care workers(HCWs) in municipal hospitals in a city,explore the influencing factors of mobile phone use behavior and bacterial carriage status.Methods In April-June,2016,111 HCWs in 24 hospitals in a city were performed questionnaire survey,on-site observation,and sampling of mobile phone surface.Results A total of 111 (100.00％) available questionnaires were distributed and returned.The average age of the respondents were (32.00 ± 9.03)years old,female and nurses were predominant.95.50％ of respondents used touch screen mobile phones,24.32％ used mobile phones during diagnosis and treatment,65.77％ used mobile phone ＞2 hours every day,93.69％ cleaned and disinfected mobile phones,98.20％ thought that pathogenic microorganisms exited on the surface of mobile phones.A total of 111 mobile phone surface specimens were collected,the qualified rate was 80.18％,contamination rate was 95.50％,average colony number was 2.90 CFU/cm2,the maximum bacterial content was 111.60 CFU/cm2.Among 44 specimens of mobile phone surface,55 strains of 18 species of pathogenic bacteria or opportunistic pathogenic bacteria were detected.Age,gender,and occupation were the influencing factors of mobile phone use behavior and attitude;qualified rates were all significantly different among mobile phones used by HCWs of different gender,occupation,and duration of mobile phone use (all P＜0.05);bacterial contamination on the surface of mobile phones used by HCWs of different age,gender,occupation,duration of mobile phone use,and whether to use the phone shell/set were significantly different respectively(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Potential pathogens on the surface of mobile phones may cause healthcare-associated infection through the use of mobile phones by HCWs during the process of medical diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVETo investigated the molecular epidemiologic features of viral diarrhea in Chengdu infants and young children, and to establish baseline patterns of etiology, provides the scientific basis for the vaccine development and the epidemic situation control.

METHODSFrom March, 2006 to December, 2008, a total of 376 infants and young children from Chengdu area hospitalized for diarrhea in Chengdu Children's Hospital were enrolled in this study. The stool specimen collected from each patient was tested for rotavirus (RV), Calicivirus (CV), astrovirus (AstV) and adenovirus (Adv) by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) examination.

RESULTSAmong those 376 cases,there were 142 cases (37.76%) of RV infections,which scattered predominantly in October to December. Among 234 cases RV negativity,there were 29 cases HuCV infections (15.85%), 5 cases AstV infections (1.64%), and 8 cases Adv infections (2.04%).

CONCLUSIONRV appeared to be the main etiological agent of viral diarrhea in Chengdu infants and young children,the predominant serotype of RV were G3, P[8] and P[4],HuCV might be the important etiological agent besides RV.

Adenoviruses, Human ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Caliciviridae ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Diarrhea ; epidemiology ; virology ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Mamastrovirus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Rotavirus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Virus Diseases ; epidemiology ; virology ; Viruses ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo develop an simple and sensitive method for detecting anti-coronavirus IgG antibodies in bat sera based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

METHODSA commercial ELISA kit for detecting SARS-CoV antibody was modified for detecting coronavirus antibodies in bat serum samples. The second antibody in the kit was replaced with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated protein-A (HRP-SPA) based on the characteristics of binding between Staphylococcus aureus protein A (SPA) and mammal IgG Fc fragment. The sera of 55 fulvous fruit bats (Rousettus dasymallus) were tested using the SPA-ELISA.

RESULTSThe test results of the positive and negative controls in the kit and the serum samples from convalescent ;patient were consistent with expectation. Coronavirus antibody was detected in 2 out of the 55 bat serum samples. Serum neutralization test confirmed the validity of the SPA-ELISA method.

CONCLUSIONThis SPA-ELISA method is applicable for detecting coronavirus antibody in bat sera.

Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Chiroptera ; virology ; Coronavirus ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; methods ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood