Crude extract of Rheum palmatum L induced cell death in LS1034 human colon cancer cells acts through the caspase-dependent and -independent pathways.

Crude extract of Rheum palmatum L (CERP) has been used to treat different diseases in the Chinese population for decades. In this study, we investigated the effects of CERP on LS1034 human colorectal cancer cells in vitro and also examined possible mechanisms of cell death. Flow cytometric assays were used to measure the percentage of viable cells, cell cycle distribution including the sub-G1 phase (apoptosis), the activities of caspase-8, -9, and -3, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca(2+) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm).

Latent tuberculosis infection among close contacts of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in central Taiwan.

Setting: Both the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) may be used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. A positive reaction to either test can indicate latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). These tests can be used to study the rate of infection in contacts of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients.

Right ventricular myxoma in a 12-year-old child: a case report.

Cardiac myxoma especially of the right ventricle, is rare in children. A 12-year-old boy with right ventricle myxoma is reported. His heart murmur was found incidentally when he visited the Outpatient Department (OPD) because of upper respiratory infection symptoms.