Risk Perception, Self-efficacy, Lay Theories of Health, and Engagement in Health-Protective Behaviors Among Hospital Pharmacists During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Risk perception is an important predictor of health-protective behaviors during pandemics. However, the underlying mechanism connecting risk perception and health-protective behaviors is not well understood. The current study investigates how risk perception predicts hospital pharmacists' engagement in health-protective behaviors during the peak period of COVID-19 pandemic in China and the mediating effects of lay theories of health and self-efficacy. METHOD: A cross-sectional study on risk perception and engagement in health-protective behaviors was conducted among hospital pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. A total of 4121 hospital pharmacists completed the study. RESULTS: Risk perception, self-efficacy, and lay theories of health were significant predictors of health-protective behaviors among pharmacists. Lay (entity) theories of health and self-efficacy mediated the relationship between risk perception and engagement in health-protective behaviors among hospital pharmacists. CONCLUSION: Risk perception, self-efficacy, and lay theories (entity versus incremental) of health significantly predicted hospital pharmacists' engagement in health-protective behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

PDLIM5 inhibits STUB1-mediated degradation of SMAD3 and promotes the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells.

Transforming growth factor ß (TGFß) signaling plays an important role in regulating tumor malignancy, including in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The major biological responses of TGFß signaling are determined by the effector proteins SMAD2 and SMAD3. However, the regulators of TGFß-SMAD signaling are not completely revealed yet. Here, we showed that the scaffolding protein PDLIM5 (PDZ and LIM domain protein 5, ENH) critically promotes TGFß signaling by maintaining SMAD3 stability in NSCLC. First, PDLIM5 was highly expressed in NSCLC compared with that in adjacent normal tissues, and high PDLIM5 expression was associated with poor outcome. Knockdown of PDLIM5 in NSCLC cells decreased migration and invasion in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo In addition, TGFß signaling and TGFß-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition was repressed by PDLIM5 knockdown. Mechanistically, PDLIM5 knockdown resulted in a reduction of SMAD3 protein levels. Overexpression of SMAD3 reversed the TGFß-signaling-repressing and anti-migration effects induced by PDLIM5 knockdown. Notably, PDLIM5 interacted with SMAD3 but not SMAD2 and competitively suppressed the interaction between SMAD3 and its E3 ubiquitin ligase STUB1. Therefore, PDLIM5 protected SMAD3 from STUB1-mediated proteasome degradation. STUB1 knockdown restored SMAD3 protein levels, cell migration, and invasion in PDLIM5-knockdown cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that PDLIM5 is a novel regulator of basal SMAD3 stability, with implications for controlling TGFß signaling and NSCLC progression.

Chemotherapy-related risk management toward safe administration of medications: Apply failure mode and effects analysis to reduce the incidence of chemotherapy errors.

Chemotherapy is considered a high-risk procedure where system failures are more likely to occur. Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a systematic, multidisciplinary team-based approach to error prevention. We described our experience of using FMEA as a prospective risk-management technique throughout the chemotherapy process. The occurrence, detectability and severity were assessed. Fifteen potential risk factors associated with 10 failure modes were identified. Improvement measures were proposed according to risk priority number. A computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and complete prescription audit system (CPAS) were introduced to reduce potential risks during chemotherapy. Introduction of this system was associated with a decrease from 2.60% to 0.60%. As a result, FMEA is a useful tool to evaluate potential risk in healthcare processes.

SHP2 positively regulates TGFß1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition modulated by its novel interacting protein Hook1.

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process for embryogenesis. It also plays a critical role in the initiation of tumor metastasis. Src homology 2 (SH2)-domain containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) is a ubiquitously expressed protein-tyrosine phosphatase and is mutated in many tumors. However, its functional role in tumor metastasis remains largely unknown. We found that TGFß1-induced EMT in lung epithelial A549 cells was partially blocked when SHP2 was decreased by transfected siRNA. The constitutively active form (E76V) promoted EMT while the phosphatase-dead mutation (C459S) and the SHP2 inhibitor PHPS1 blocked EMT, which further demonstrated that the phosphatase activity of SHP2 was required for promoting TGFß1-induced EMT. Using the protein-tyrosine phosphatase domain of SHP2 as bait, we identified a novel SHP2-interacting protein Hook1. Hook1 was down-regulated during EMT in A549 cells. Overexpression of Hook1 inhibited EMT while knockdown of Hook1 promoted EMT. Moreover, both the protein-tyrosine phosphatase domain and N-terminal SH2 domain of SHP2 directly interacted with Hook1. Down-regulation of Hook1 increased SHP2 activity. These results suggested that Hook1 was an endogenous negative regulator of SHP2 phosphatase activity. Our data showed that the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 was involved in the process of EMT and Hook1 repressed EMT by regulating the activation of SHP2. SHP2-Hook1 complex may play important roles in tumor metastases by regulating EMT in cancer cells.

Metabolism of chamaechromone in vitro with human liver microsomes and recombinant human drug-metabolizing enzymes.

Chamaechromone is a major component in the dried roots of Stellera chamaejasme with antihepatitis B virus and insecticidal activity. In this study, metabolic profiles of chamaechromone were investigated in human liver microsomes. One monohydroxide and two monoglucuronides of chamaechromone were identified. The enzyme kinetics for both hydroxylation and glucuronidation were fitted to the Michaelis-Menten equation. The hydroxylation of chamaechromone was inhibited by α-naphthoflavone, and predominantly catalyzed by recombinant human cytochrome P450 1A2, whereas the glucuronidation was inhibited by quercetin, 1-naphthol, and fluconazole, and mainly catalyzed by recombinant human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A3, 1A7, 1A9, and 2B7.

[Expression of RRM1 and ERCC1 genes in tumor tissues and peripheral blood lymphocytes of advanced non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of RRM1 and ERCC1 genes in tumor tissues and peripheral blood lymphocytes of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Tissue and peripheral blood samples were collected from 49 advanced NSCLC patients treated with gemcitabine plus carboplatin. The expressions of RRM1 and ERCC1 mRNA in tumor tissue and peripheral lymphocytes were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The relationship of gene expression with clinical characteristics,chemotherapy response and prognosis was analyzed. RESULTS: The RRM1 expression in tumor tissues was positively correlated with that in peripheral blood lymphocytes,while no significant correlation was observed between ERCC1 expression in tumor tissues and that in peripheral blood (rs=0.332 and 0.258; P=0.020 and 0.073, respectively). The expression of RRM1 and ERCC1 in tumor tissues peripheral lymphocytes was synchronous (rs=0.634 and 0.351; P<0.001 and 0.013, respectively). There was no significant correlation of gene expression with gender, age, smoking status, performance status, clinical stages and histological types of patients (P>0.05). Significant difference was found in response rate to chemotherapy (P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.05),median survival time (P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.05) and 1-year survival rate (P<0.01,<0.05,P<0.05) between patients with low RRM1 and ERCC1 expression levels in tumor tissues or low RRM1 expression levels in peripheral blood and those with high RRM1 and ERCC1 expression levels. The patients with low ERCC1 expression levels in tumor tissues gained higher 2-year survival rate (P<0.05). There was no correlation of the expression of ERCC1 in peripheral blood with the response to chemotherapy and prognosis (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression of RRMI and ERCC1 genes in tumor tissues and RRM1 in peripheral blood lymphocytes is closely correlated with the response to chemotherapy and prognosis of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with gemcitabine plus carboplatin.

Pharmacist-led quality control circle in sustained reduction of carbapenem-resistance at a Chinese tertiary teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: The spread of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria poses a substantial threat to morbidity and mortality worldwide, which is mainly attributed to the overuse of carbapenem. This study aimed to evaluate the use of a quality control circle (QCC) in controlling the overuse of carbapenems and improving the state of carbapenem resistance at a Chinese tertiary teaching hospital. METHODS: A pharmacist-led multidisciplinary QCC project was carried out and the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) method was applied for 12 months. The data on carbapenem consumption, bacterial identification, and antibacterial susceptibility testing were collected to evaluate the effect of this project. RESULTS: The antibiotics use density (AUD) of carbapenems exhibited a decreasing trend over time (P<0.001), and the AUD of meropenem, imipenem, and biapenem decreased by 30.20%, 42.45%, and 78.05% after the intervention, respectively. The total AUD of carbapenems decreased from 7.37 to 3.96, which included the decrease in the irrational use of carbapenems by 1.61, accounting for 47.21% of the total. Moreover, the positive correlations were discovered between the resistance rate of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia (CRKP)/Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and the AUD of carbapenems (P<0.05). The resistance rate of CRKP and CRAB decreased from 51.93% and 89.21% to 32.94% and 60.66%, respectively, following QCC project implementation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to highlight the success of a multifaceted intervention QCC project and PDCA method, which led to a significant reduction in the AUD and resistance rate of carbapenems. QCC is a feasible and effective management tool for improving the quality of carbapenem use in medical institutions.

[Detection of RRM1, ERCC1 and BRCA1 gene expression in non-small cell lung cancer tissues and peripheral blood by SYBR real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a method for the detection of RRM1, ERCC1 and BRCA1 gene expression by SYBR real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR in non-small cell lung cancer tissues and peripheral blood. METHODS: The plasmid standard of RRM1, ERCC1, BRCA1 and ß-actin genes was constructed. SYBR real-time PCR was performed, and the standard curve was established. The expressions of RRM1, ERCC1 and BRCA1 mRNA in non-small cell lung cancer tissues and peripheral blood were detected. RESULT: The standard curve presented linearity. The liquate curves of standard gene were all single apex, indicating that a good specificity was obtained. CONCLUSION: The developed SYBR real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR has advantage of convenient operation, low cost, good specificity and high veracity.

The clinicopathological and prognostic implications of tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 and ankyrin Hook1 gene expression in non- small cell lung cancer patients treated with gemcitabine plus platinum as first-line chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: SHP2, a widely expressed phosphatase, which has been linked to the initiation, progression and prognosis of various malignancies. We previously identified a new SHP2 anchorage protein Hook1 in the alveolar II epithelial cells, and it is suggested that Hook1 is a novel endogenous suppressor molecule of SHP2 phosphatase activity. Nevertheless, few studies have been mentioned the clinicopathological and prognostic relevance of SHP2 and Hook1 expression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: A total of 61 patients with NSCLC receiving gemcitabine plus carboplatin chemotherapy were studied. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to determine the protein expression of SHP2 and Hook1. The relationships between gene expression and clinical and pathological factors, as well as prognosis, were evaluated. RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between the SHP2 and Hook1 expression, with a total expression rate of 71.4%. The positive expression of Hook1 in adenocarcinoma and in stage IIIb-IV was higher than that in patients with squamous (73.5% vs. 31.2%, P=0.013) and I-IIIa (75% vs. 48.8%, P=0.05), suggesting that Hook1 might act as an indicator of NSCLC status. However, no significant correlation was observed between Hook1 expression and survival time (P>0.05). In contrast, patients with negative SHP2 expression had a higher survival rate (median overall survival 68 vs. 24 months, P=0.003). Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that SHP2 was an independent indicator for overall survival (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that NSCLC patients with negative SHP2 expression could benefit from gemcitabine plus carboplatin chemotherapy, and further study is needed to confirm the prognostic value of SHP2 and Hook1.

The prognostic significance of SHP2 and its binding protein Hook1 in non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that Hook1 inhibits the phosphatase activity of SHP2 in the regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung cancer. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of SHP2 and Hook1 expression and relationships with the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 121 patients with NSCLC were included in this study. Expression of SHP2 and Hook1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The overall survival rate of NSCLC patients was analysed using Cox's ratio hazard multivariate analysis and the log-rank test. RESULTS: In tumour tissue specimens, positive expression rates of SHP2 proteins were 58.4% by immunohistochemical analysis. A significant correlation between expression of SHP2 and that of Hook1 was observed. Based on Western blot analysis, we found that Hook1 was downregulated and that SHP2 has a tendency to overexpress without statistical significance in NSCLC tissues compared with their levels in normal lung tissues. The median overall survival (OS) of NSCLC patients who presented low levels of SHP2 expression were better (40 vs 24 months, p=0.004) than those of patients who exhibited high levels of SHP2 expression. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the level of SHP2 expression was an independent prognostic factor for OS. CONCLUSION: SHP2 might play an important role in NSCLC and has the potential to serve as a clinical biomarker or NSCLC.

The efficacy and relationship between peak concentration and toxicity profile of fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine plus carboplatin in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and relationship between plasma concentrations at the end of infusion (C(end of infusion)) and toxicity profile of fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine plus carboplatin in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were given gemcitabine by 120 min infusion [at a fixed dose rate (FDR) of 10 mg/m(2)/min] on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle, immediately followed by carboplatin AUC 5 by 4 h infusion on day 1. C (end of infusion) of gemcitabine was determined by ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: By the close-out date, in our study population, the estimated median time to tumor progression (TTP) was 7 months (95% CI 4-10 months), median overall survival (OS) was 12 months (95% CI 11.2-12.8 months). The mean value of C (end of infusion) of 21 eligible patients was 16.48 +/- 8.07 micromol/l (range 27.43-2.87 micromol/l). The main hematological toxicities were transient grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia. The mean percentages of reduction of WBC, NEC, PLTC and Hb of 21 eligible patients were 38.3 +/- 38.1%, 31.3 +/- 73.6%, 31.8 +/- 53.5% and 12.0 +/- 12.2%, respectively. The analysis of the C(end of infusion) of gemcitabine and the percentage of reduction in WBC showed a significant correlation (r(2) = 0.4575; p < 0.05). A significant correlation (r(2) = 0.5671; p < 0.05) was also observed between the percentage of reduction of PLTC and C(end of infusion) of gemcitabine infusion. CONCLUSION: The clinical data in this trial supports the further evaluation the regimen in advanced NSCLC patients, due to its predictable kinetic behavior and less severe toxicity profile than expected.

Comparison of pharmacokinetics, efficacy and toxicity profile of gemcitabine using two different administration regimens in Chinese patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a randomized comparative trial of pharmacokinetics, efficacy and toxicity profile treatment with 1200 mg/m(2) gemcitabine using standard 30-min infusion or fixed dose rate (FDR) infusion [10 mg/(m(2) x min)] on days 1 and 8 plus carboplatin AUC (area under curve) 5 on day 1 in Chinese non-small-cell cancer patients. Twelve patients were enrolled in this study. METHODS: Plasma gemcitabine concentrations were measured by ion-pair reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Antitumoral activity and toxicity of gemcitabine was assessed according to World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS: The obtained mean parameters, such as T(1/2) (elimination half time), AUC, and CL (clearance), were consistent with those reported in literature. Qualified response rate in our study was 33.3% for standard arm and 50% for FDR arm. Additional 50% and 33.3% patients contracted stable disease (SD) in standard arm and FDR arm, respectively. The predominant toxicity was hematologic, and patients in the standard infusion arm experienced consistently more hematologic toxicity. CONCLUSION: Pharmacokinetic and clinical data in this trial support the continued evaluation of the FDR infusion strategy with gemcitabine.

[Peak concentration of gemcitabine at fixed-dose-rate and its hematological toxicity profile].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between peak concentration (Cmax) of gemcitabine at fixed-dose-rate and its hematological toxicity profile in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Twenty-one patients received gemcitabine at a fixed dose rate (1200 mg/m2 over 120 min) with carboplatin. Plasma concentrations of gemcitabine were measured by ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The mean value of Cmax in 21 eligible patients was(4.95+/-2.42) microg *ml(-1). The main hematological toxicity was grade III-IV thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. The mean percentages of reduction of WBC, NEC, PLTC and Hb of 21 patients were (38.3+/-38.1)%, (31.3+/-73.6)%, (31.8+/-53.5)% and (12.0+/-12.2)%, respectively. The C(max)of gemcitabine and the percentage of reduction in WBC showed a significant correlation (r2=0.4575, P<0.05). A significant correlation (r2=0.5671, P<0.05) was also observed between the percentage of reduction of PLTC and Cmaxof gemcitabine. CONCLUSION: The results of relationship between Cmax and toxicity profile suggest that gemcitabine administration should be individualized in order to decrease the occurrence of ADR.

Pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine in Chinese patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.

To determine the pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine (2',2'-difluorodeoxycytidine) in Chinese non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Six study subjects were administered gemcitabine at a fixed dose rate of 10 mg/m(2) per min (1200 mg/m(2), two hours infusion), and carboplatin and plasma gemcitabine concentrations were measured by ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 3P97 Pharmaceutical Kinetics Software was used for the calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters. The obtained mean parameters, elimination half life (t(1/2)) (10.67+/-3.38 min), area under the curve (AUC) (7.55+/-1.53 (microg x h)/ml), and clearance (CL) (3940.05+/-672.08 ml/min), were consistent with those reported in literature. The hematologic toxicology result showed that the regimen was effective on and tolerated by the patients.

[HPLC determination of metformin hydrochloride-related substances].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a HPLC assay for the determination of metformin hydrochloride-related substances. METHODS: The separation was performed on SHIMADZU VP-ODS (250 4.6 mm, 5 microm) column. The mobile phase of dicyandiamide was composed of methyl alcohol-1 mmol x L(-1) sodium dodecylsulfate in 10 mmol x L(-1) phosphate salt solution (60:40) (pH=5.5). The mobile phase of other related substances was composed of methyl alcohol-1 mmol x L(-1) sodium dodecysulfate in 10 mmol x L(-1) phosphate salt solution (55:45)(pH=5.5). The detection wavelength was 232 nm, and the running speed was 0.8 ml min(-1) at room temperature. RESULT: Good resolution of dicyandiamide and main peak was obtained. The test results were reproducible. CONCLUSION: The method is simple, rapid and suitable for the determination of dicyandiamide and other metformin hydrochloride-related substances.

The Effect of ABCB1 C3435T Polymorphism on Cyclosporine Dose Requirements in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Meta-Analysis.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a substrate of the multi-drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp) encoded by ABCB1. Among the various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ABCB1, C3435T has been extensively investigated to determine the relationship with the pharmacokinetics of CsA. However, the results are controversial. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the influence of C3435T SNP on the dose-adjusted trough (C0 /D) and peak (Cmax /D) concentrations of CsA. Based on a literature search of four authoritative databases, 13 studies since 2001 concerning 1293 kidney transplant recipients were included. The results indicated a significant difference of C0 /D and Cmax /D between 3435CC and 3435TT genotype carriers (weighted mean difference (WMD) of C0 /D: 4.18 (ng ml(-1))/(mg kg(-1)), 95% CIs: 1.00-7.37, p = 0.01; WMD of Cmax /D: 20.85 (ng ml(-1))/(mg kg(-1)), 95% CIs: 2.25-39.46, p = 0.03). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity demonstrated that C0 /D was lower in Asian CC versus TT genotype carriers (WMD = 10.32 (ng ml(-1))/(mg kg(-1)), 95% CIs: 4.78-15.85, p = 0.0003) but did not vary by genotype for Caucasian recipients. Moreover, significant variation of C0 /D was found at 1 week and 1-3 months after transplantation between CC and TT genotype carriers. Therefore, this meta-analysis showed a correlation between ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism and the dose-adjusted concentration of CsA. Patients with 3435CC genotype will require a higher dose of CsA to achieve target therapeutic concentrations when compared with 3435TT carriers after kidney transplantation, especially in the Asian population and especially during the early and middle time periods after transplantation.

Correlation between BRCA1 and TopBP1 protein expression and clinical outcome of non-small cell lung cancer treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between protein expression of breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) and topoisomerase IIß-binding protein 1 (TopBP1) and clinical outcome of non-small cell lung cancer treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to detect the protein expression of BRCA1 and TopBP1 in 101 cases of NSCLC and to correlate these with clinical features, disease progression, and patient survival. Chi-square test (χ (2)-test) was used to evaluate categorical variables. Spearman's rank order correlation was used to analyze continuous variables. Overall survival rate of NSCLC patients was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test. Relevant factors affecting the survival of patients with advanced NSCLC were analyzed by COX proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: A total of 101 NSCLC patients were included in the present study. In tumor tissue specimens, positive expression rates of BRCA1 and TopBP1 proteins were 51.5 and 57.4 %, respectively. A significant correlation between the positive expression of BRCA1 and the positive expression of TopBP1 was observed (P < 0.001, r = 0.326). No significant correlation between BRCA1/TopBP1 and age, gender, smoking status, performance status score, pathohistological type, or clinical stage was detected (P > 0.05). During the follow-up period, 65 patients died, and 86 patients showed progression at the end of the study. The survival rate of patients with negative BRCA1 protein expression was higher than that in patients with positive BRCA1 protein expression [median overall survival (OS) 34 vs. 21 months, HR 1.913, 95 % CI 1.161-3.150, P = 0.011]. Similarly, the survival rate of patients with negative TopBP1 expression was higher than that in patients with positive TopBP1 (median OS 36 vs. 23 months, HR 1.931, 95 % CI 1.157-3.224, P = 0.012). No significant correlation between protein expression of BRCA1 or TopBP1 with NSCLC disease progression was observed (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates NSCLC patients with negative BRCA1 and TopBP1 expression showed better prognosis than those with positive protein expression.

The role of quality control circles in sustained improvement of medical quality.

We used quality control circles (QCC) followed by the PDCA Deming cycle and analyzed the application of QCC to the sustained improvement of a medical institution in Zhejiang province. Analyses of the tangible and intangible achievements of QCC revealed that the achievement indices for reductions in internal errors, reductions in costs, improvements in the degree of patient satisfaction, improvements in work quality, and improvements in economic performance were 109.84% ± 16.47%, 135.04% ± 50.33%, 126.26% ± 53.69%, 100.58% ± 22.83%, and 104.07% ± 5.45%, respectively. The improvements in these areas were 61.12% ± 13.2%, 60.47% ± 28.91%, 34.41% ± 22.96%, 49.22% ± 25.39%, and 73.70% ± 5.24%, respectively. The intangible achievements were reflected as follows: 5% of QCC members showed an activity growth value of 1-2 points, 83% 1-2 points, 12% more than 2 points. As a result, QCC activity showed prominent results in fostering long-lasting improvement in the quality of medical institutions in terms of both tangible and intangible factors. In short, QCC can be used as an effective tool to improve medical quality.

XRCC1 Arg399Gln and clinical outcome of platinum-based treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis in 17 studies.

OBJECTIVE: XRCC1 polymorphism is a research hotpot in individual treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To obtain the association between XRCC1 polymorphism and clinical outcome of platinum-based treatment for NSCLC, a meta-analysis was conducted. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for publications that met the inclusion criteria. A fixed effect model was used to estimate pooled odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln and response or survival of platinum-based treatment for advanced NSCLC. A chi-squared-based Q-test was used to test the heterogeneity hypothesis. Egger's test was used to check publication bias. RESULTS: Seventeen published case-control studies that focus on the association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln and response or survival of platinum-based treatment for advanced NSCLC in 2256 subjects were included in this meta-analysis, of whom 522 were AA genotypes (23.2% frequency), 916 AG genotypes (40.6% frequency), and 818 GG genotypes (36.2% frequency). The overall response rate (ORR) was 45.2% (110/243) for AA genotype patients, 29.9% for AG genotype (73/244), and 30.7% for GG genotype (124/403). The heterogeneity test did not show any heterogeneity and the Egger's test did not reveal an obvious publication bias among the included studies. The meta-analysis indicated that AA genotype patients presented higher response rates toward platinum drug treatment compared with G model (GG+GA) patients (GG vs. AA model: OR=0.489, 95% CI 0.266-0.900, P=0.021; AG vs. AA model: OR=0.608, 95% CI 0.392-0.941, P=0.026; GA+AA vs. GG model: OR=1.259, 95% CI 0.931-1.701, P=0.135; GG+GA vs. AA model: OR=0.455, 95% CI 0.313-0.663, P=0.0001). However, no evidence validates XRCC1 associates with the survival following platinum drug therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggested that XRCC1 Arg399Gln is related with the sensitivity of NSCLC patients to platinum-based treatment. AA genotype patients present more desirable curative effectiveness compared with other patients.

RRM1 gene expression in peripheral blood is predictive of shorter survival in Chinese patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated by gemcitabine and platinum.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive values of gene expressions of ribonucleotide reductase M1 (RRM1) and breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) in peripheral blood from Chinese patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with gemcitabine plus platinum. METHODS: Forty Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC were recruited and received gemcitabine 1 200 mg/m(2) on Days 1 and 8 plus carboplatin AUC 5 on Day 1. RRM1 and BRCA1 expression levels in peripheral blood were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test were performed to evaluate the correlation between gene expression and overall survival for these subjects. RESULTS: No correlation was observed between gene expression of RRM1 and that of BRCA1 (P>0.05), but there was a strong correlation between the expression of RRM1 and the response to chemotherapy (P=0.003). Subjects with low RRM1 expression levels in peripheral blood had longer survival time than those with high RRM1 expression levels (16.95 vs. 12.76 months, log-rank 3.989, P=0.046). However, no significant association between BRCA1 expression levels and survival time was found (16.80 vs. 13.77 months, log-rank 0.830, P=0.362). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low RRM1 expression levels in peripheral blood have a greater response to chemotherapy and longer survival time. Advanced NSCLC patients with low RRM1 expression levels may benefit from gemcitabine plus platinum therapy. RRM1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood could be used to predict the prognosis of NSCLC treated by gemcitabine and platinum.