Combination of Tumor Volume and Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Improved Prognostic Stratification of Stage II Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in the Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Era: A Large-Scale Cohort Study

Qiu-Yan Chen,Shao-Yan Guo,Lin-Quan Tang,Tong-Yu Lu,Bo-Lin Chen,Qi-Yu Zhong,Meng-Sha Zou,Qing-Nan Tang,Wen-Hui Chen,Shan-Shan Guo,Li-Ting Liu,Yang Li,Ling Guo,Hao-Yuan Mo,Rui Sun,Dong-Hua Luo,Chong Zha 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.3

Purpose Little is known about combination of the circulating Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) DNA and tumor volume in prognosis of stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in the intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) era. We conducted this cohort study to evaluate the prognostic values of combining these two factors. Materials and Methods By Kaplan-Meier, we compare the differences of survival curves between 385 patients with different EBV DNA or tumor volume levels, or with the combination of two biomarkers mentioned above. Results Gross tumor volume of cervical lymph nodes (GTVnd, p < 0.001) and total tumor volume (GTVtotal, p < 0.001) were both closely related to pretreatment EBV DNA, while gross tumor volume of nasopharynx (GTVnx, p=0.047) was weakly related to EBV DNA. EBV DNA was significantly correlated with progress-free survival (PFS, p=0.005), locoregional-free survival (LRFS, p=0.039), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS, p=0.017), while GTVtotal, regardless of GTVnx and GTVnd, had a significant correlation with PFS and LRFS. The p-values of GTVtotal for PFS and LRFS were 0.008 and 0.001, respectively. According to GTVtotal and pretreatment EBV DNA level, patients were divided into a low-risk group (EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3; EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3; or EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3) and a high-risk group (EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3). When patients in the low-risk group were compared with those in the high-risk group, 3-year PFS (p=0.003), LRFS (p=0.010), and DMFS (p=0.031) rates were statistically significant. Conclusion Pretreatment plasma EBV DNA and tumor volume were both closely correlated with prognosis of stage II NPC patients in the IMRT era. Combination of EBV DNA and tumor volume can refine prognosis and indicate for clinical therapy.

Minimal Information Loss for Privacy-Preserved eHealth Applications

Ya-Ling Chen,Bo-Chao Cheng,Hsueh-lin Chen,Chia-I Lin,Guo-Tan Liao,Bo-Yu Hou,Shih-Chun Hsu 보안공학연구지원센터 2012 International Journal of Security and Its Applicat Vol.6 No.2

Experimental behaviours of steel tube confined concrete (STCC) columns

Guo-Huang Yao,Qing Yu,Lin-Hai Han,Zhi-Bo Chen 국제구조공학회 2005 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.5 No.6

In recent years, the use of steel tube confined concrete (STCC) columns has been the interests of many structural engineers. The present study is an attempt to study the monotonic and cyclic behaviours of STCC columns. For the monotonic behaviours, a series of tests on STCC stub columns (twenty one), and beam-columns (twenty) were carried out. The main parameters varied in the tests are: (1) column section types, circular and square; (2) tube diameter (or width) to thickness ratio, from 40 to 162, and (3) load eccentricity ratio (e/r), from 0 to 0.5. For the cyclic behaviours, the test parameters included the sectional types and the axial load level (n). Twelve STCC column specimens, including 6 specimens with circular sections and 6 specimens with square sections were tested under constant axial load and cyclically increasing flexural loading. Comparisons are made with predicted column strengths and flexural stiffness using the existing codes. It was found that STCC columns exhibit very high levels of energy dissipation and ductility, particularly when subjected to high axial loads. Generally, the energy dissipation ability of the columns with circular sections was much higher than those of the specimens with square sections. Comparisons are made with predicted column strengths and flexural stiffness using the existing codes such as AIJ-1997, AISCLRFD- 1994, BS5400-1979 and EC4-1994.

In Vitro Biological Characterization of DCUN1D5 in DNA Damage Response

Guo, Wei,Li, Guo-Jun,Xu, Hong-Bo,Xie, Jie-Shi,Shi, Tai-Ping,Zhang, Sheng-Zhong,Chen, Xiao-Hong,Huang, Zhi-Gang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Background: Novel prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic molecular targets for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) are an urgent priority. We here sought to identify multiple novel LSCC-associated genes. Methods: Using high-density microarray expression profiling, we identified multiple genes that were significantly altered between human LSCCs and paired normal tissues. Potential oncogenic functions of one such gene, DCUN1D5, were further characterized in vitro. Results: Our results demonstrated that DCUN1D5 was highly expressed in LSCCs. Overexpression of DCUN1D5 in vitro resulted in 2.7-fold increased cellular migration, 67.5% increased invasive capacity, and 2.6-fold increased proliferation. Endogenous DCUN1D5 expression was decreased in a time-dependent manner after genotoxic stress, and silencing of DCUN1D5 by siRNA decreased the number of cells in the S phase by 10.2% and increased apoptosis by 11.7%. Conclusion: Our data suggest that DCUN1D5 in vitro might have vital roles in DNA damage response, but further studies are warranted to assess its significance in vivo.

Facile and highly effective synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots as a fluorescent sensing probe for Cu2+ detection

Bo Gao,Da Chen,Bingli Gu,Ting Wang,Zihao Wang,Feng xie,Yongsheng Yang,Qinglei Guo,Gang Wang 한국물리학회 2020 Current Applied Physics Vol.20 No.4

Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) with high blue fluorescence efficiency were synthesized by the hydrothermal method from p-Phenylenediamine and p-Coumaric acid. The N-GQDs possess several superiorities, most significantly in excellent solubility and superior photostability. Besides, the as-prepared N-GQDs exhibit a uniform size distribution with a diameter of about 3.8 ± 0.5 nm. After dispersing the N-GQDs in water, the formed aqueous solution still presents a stable and homogeneous phase even after 2 months at room temperature. The N-GQD dispersion was further utilized as sensing probes for the selective detection of copper ions (Cu2+), which is realized by the photoluminescence (PL) quenching of N-GQDs after adding Cu2+. The detection limit for Cu2+ was found to be 57 nM L−1, with superior selectivity in the presence of other commonly interfering metal ions. The presented results in this study provide a facile and high-efficiency method for synthesizing N-GQDs, with ultra-high detectivity and selectivity for Cu2+ detection, offering numerous opportunities for the development of biosensing, bioimaging, environment monitoring, and others.

Preparation and Characterization of Mg Alloy Rods with Gradient Microstructure by Torsion Deformation

Bo Song,Huaizhi Zhao,Linjiang Chai,Ning Guo,Hucheng Pan,Hongbing Chen,Renlong Xin 대한금속·재료학회 2016 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.22 No.5

Extruded AZ31 Mg alloy rods were subject to free-end torsion deformation at room temperature. The microstructure features of the torsion deformed samples were characterized using electron backscatter diffraction technique. Mg rods with gradient microstructure can be fabricated by torsion deformation. Inhomogeneous distribution of microstructure along the radial direction of the twisted rods is attributed to the linearly increasing strain accumulation and strain rate from core to surface. With increasing equivalent strain, both the amount of {10- 12} twins and dislocation density increase and the c-axes of texture tend to rotate towards torsion axis. Although both dislocation slips and {10-12} twinning can be activated during torsion, dislocation slips are considered as the dominated deformation mechanism and responsible for the change of macro-texture for present torsion deformation. {10-12} twins and dislocations in the twisted samples can generate refinement hardening and dislocation hardening, respectively, to increase the hardness value.

Variation of Urinary and Serum Trace Elements (Ca, Zn, Cu, Se) in Bladder Carcinoma in China

Guo, Kun-Feng,Zhang, Zhe,Wang, Jun-Yong,Gao, Sheng-Lin,Liu, Jiao,Zhan, Bo,Chen, Zhi-Peng,Kong, Chui-Ze Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Backgrounds: Deficiency or excess of trace elements can induce body metabolic disorders and cellular growth disturbance, even mutation and cancerization. Since there are few studies of the effect of trace elements in bladder carcinoma in China, the aim of this study was thus to assess variation using a case control approach. Methods: To determine this, 81 patients with bladder carcinoma chosen as a study group and 130 healthy persons chosen as a control group were all assayed for urinary and serum trace elements (calcium [Ca], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], selenium [Se]) using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the results were analyzed by independent sample t tests. The correlative factors on questionnaires answered by all persons were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: The results showed urinary Ca, Zn and serum Cu levels of the study group to be significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of he control group. Serum Ca and Se levels of study group were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of control group. Conclusion: There were higher urinary Zn and serum Cu concentrations in bladder carcinoma cases. Bladder carcinoma may be associated with Ca metabolic disorder, leading to higher urinary Ca and lower serum Ca. Low serum Se and smoking appear to be other risk factors for bladder carcinoma in China.

Association Between Nasal Colonization of Staphylococcus aureus and Eczema of Multiple Body Sites

Guo Yang,Dou Xia,Chen Xiao-Fan,Huang Cong,Zheng Ying-Jie,Yu Bo 대한천식알레르기학회 2023 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.15 No.5

Purpose: Staphylococcus aureus is the critical pathogenic bacterium of eczema. The relationship between nasal colonization by S. aureus and eczema has not been well studied. We aimed to evaluate the associations between nasal colonization by S. aureus and eczema of multiple body sites, including persistent and ever-reported eczema. We further examined the associations between eczema and different subtypes of S. aureus, that is, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). Methods: The real-world data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. The associations were calculated using survey-weighted multinomial logistic regression models and further calculated in subgroups stratified by demographic factors. Results: In total, 2,941 adults were included. The prevalence rate of S. aureus nasal carriage was significantly higher in adults with persistent hand eczema (51.0%) than in those with ever-reported hand eczema (23.3%) and never eczema (26.9%). S. aureus nasal colonization was associated with an approximately two-fold increased risk of persistent hand eczema (odds ratios ranges in different models: 2.86–3.06) without significant heterogeneity in the association by demographic factors. No significant associations between S. aureus nasal colonization and persistent eczema of other body sites or ever-reported eczema of multiple body sites (including hands) were observed. Furthermore, similar significant association between nasal colonization of MSSA and persistent hand eczema was seen; the association was much stronger (odds ratios ranges in different models: 4.64–6.54) for MRSA, although with borderline significant. Conclusions: Nasal colonization of S. aureus was associated with increased risk of persistent hand eczema. Our findings imply that preventive measures targeting S. aureus for the anterior nares should be considered in preventing and treating eczema.

miR-181b as a Potential Molecular Target for Anticancer Therapy of Gastric Neoplasms

Guo, Jian-Xin,Tao, Qing-Song,Lou, Peng-Rong,Chen, Xiao-Chun,Chen, Jun,Yuan, Guang-Bo Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Objective: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in carcinogenesis. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of miR-181b on gastric cancer. Methods: The expression level of miR-181b was quantified by qRT-PCR. MTT, flow cytometry and matrigel invasion assays were used to test proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of miR-181b stable transfected gastric cancer cells. Results: miR-181b was aberrantly overexpressed in gastric cancer cells and primary gastric cancer tissues. Further experiments demonstrated inducible expression of miR-181b by Helicobacter pylori treatment. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion in the gastric cancer cells were significantly increased after miR-181b transfection and apoptotic cells were also increased. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-181b downregulated the protein level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3). Conclusion: The upregulation of miR-181b may play an important role in the progress of gastric cancer and miR-181b maybe a potential molecular target for anticancer therapeutics of gastric cancer.

Detoxification, antioxidant, and digestive enzyme activities and gene expression analysis of Lymantria dispar larvae under carvacrol

Chen Yun-ze,Zhang Bo-wen,Yang Jing,Zou Chuan-shan,Li Tao,Zhang Guo-cai,Chen Guang-sheng 한국응용곤충학회 2021 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.24 No.1

Carvacrol is a terpene compound with various biological activities. However, few studies have specifically focused on its insecticidal activity and mechanism of carvacrol. The larvae of Lymantria dispar are seriously harmful herbivorous insect. This study measured the antifeedant, growth-inhibitory, and toxic effects of carvacrol on L. dispar larvae. To further clarify the insecticidal mechanism of carvacrol, the effects of carvacrol on detoxifying enzymes, antioxidative enzymes, digestive enzyme activities, and the mRNA expression of the abovementioned enzyme genes were investigated. The results of the study showed that the median lethal concentration (LC 50 ) and the sublethal concentration (LC 20 ) of carvacrol were 1.120 mg/mL and 0.297 mg/mL, respectively, at 72 h. After LC 20 treatment of L. dispar larvae for 72 h, food intake and weight gain were significantly lower compared with the control. Enzyme activity assays showed that carvacrol significantly inhibited the activities of carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE), and the inhibition rate of AchE activity was highest (66.51%). Carvacrol also activated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), while it inhibited the activities of lipase (LIP) and amylase (AMS), and first inhibited and then activated protease. In addition, qRT-PCR tests showed that carvacrol affected the mRNA expression levels of CarE, GST, AchE, SOD, CAT, LIP, AMS, and protease. This study helps to clarify the insecticidal mechanism of carvacrol on L. dispar larvae.