Multiplex molecular detection of respiratory pathogens in children with asthma exacerbation.

Background: Up to 80% of asthma exacerbations in white children are associated with viral upper respiratory infections. The relative importance of different respiratory pathogens and relevant microbiological data in Asian children are unclear. This study elucidated the epidemiology of respiratory infections in Hong Kong children with asthma exacerbation.

Thrombopoietin protects against in vitro and in vivo cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin.

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an important antineoplastic agent. However, the associated cardiotoxicity, possibly mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species, has remained a significant and dose-limiting clinical problem. Our hypothesis is that the hematopoietic/megakaryocytopoietic growth factor thrombopoietin (TPO) protects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and might involve antiapoptotic mechanism exerted on cardiomyocytes.