N-acetylcysteine Attenuates Cobalt Nanoparticle-Induced Cytotoxic Effects through Inhibition of Cell Death, Reactive Oxygen Species-related Signaling and Cytokines Expression.

Objective: Complex cobalt-chromium alloys, bearing surfaces of the second-generation metal-on-metal (MoM) hip prostheses, are subject to wear and generate cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs). CoNPs could reduce cellular viability, activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and increase cell apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the detailed mechanisms of ROS functioning on CoNP-mediated signaling molecules and cytotoxicity has not yet been fully demonstrated.

[MicroRNA-21 protects cardiomyocytes from tumor necrosis factor-α induced apoptosis in vitro via modulating PTEN/AKT/FOXO3a pathway].

Objective: To explore the effect of microRNA-21 on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis and the association with PTEN/AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway.

Methods: Neonatal cardiomyocytes were isolated and cultured in vitro. Cardiomyocytes apoptosis was induced by TNF-α (10 ng/ml for 24 h) and examined by the cardiomyocytes apoptotic index.

Development of the Chinese version of the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and the validity of the Chinese version of the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ). After translation and cross-cultural adaptation following international guidelines, 110 patients with dentine hypersensitivity were recruited to complete the questionnaire. The reliability of the Chinese version of the DHEQ was evaluated using internal consistency and test-retest methods.

[Epidemiological survey of dentine hypersensitivity of 630 adults in rural of Sichuan province].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and potential risk factors of dentine hypersensitivity of adults in rural of Sichuan province.

Methods: All representative samples, including 630 adults living in rural of Sichuan Province, were selected by multi-stage, stratified and random sampling. The dentine hypersensitivity of all 630 cases was surveyed with questionnaire and oral clinical examination.

[Role of liver X receptors on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy].

Objective: To investigate the expression of liver X receptors (LXR) in hypertrophic myocardium and the effect of LXR agonist T0901317 on angiotensin II (AngII) induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Methods: Transverse aortic coarctation (TAC) or sham operation were performed in 2-month-old wide type mice (C57/B6). Two weeks later, the expression of LXR in myocardium was detected by quantitative real-time PCR analysis and Western blot analysis.

[Effects of Xuezhikang on serum levels of high sensitive-C reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and lipoprotein in patients with acute coronary syndrome].

Objective: To investigate the effects of Xuezhikang (XZK) on serum levels of high sensitivity-C reactive protein (Hs-CRP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and lipoprotein in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods: Sixty-nine ACS patients were divided into the XZK group (40 cases) treated with conventional therapy and XZK and the control group (29 cases) with conventional therapy alone, another 30 healthy persons were assigned as the normal group. Before and after the treatment, the levels of Hs-CRP, MMP-9 and lipids were detected.