Albumin-to-Fibrinogen Ratio as an Independent Prognostic Parameter in Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Retrospective Study of 191 Cases

Yi-Xin Zou,Jia Qiao,Hua-Yuan Zhu,Rui-Nan Lu,Yi Xia,Lei Cao,Wei Wu,Hui Jin,Wen-Jie Liu,Jin-Hua Liang,Jia-Zhu Wu,Li Wang,Lei Fan,Wei Xu,Jian-Yong Li 대한암학회 2019 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.51 No.2

Purpose Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most frequent type of B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders and chronic inflammation takes part in the development of CLL. However, there has been no valid immune biomarker to predict the prognosis of untreated CLL patients. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical correlations and prognostic value of albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio (AFR) detected at diagnosis in 191 CLL patients. Results The cut-off value of AFR was 9.7 calculated by X-tile. Patients who were more than 65 years old were often accompanied by low level of AFR (p < 0.001). Survival analysis showed that patients with low level of AFR had shorter overall survival (OS) than patients with high level of AFR (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis illustrated that AFR had a negative impact on OS (p=0.003) and was independent of parameters involved in CLL international prognostic index and other prognostic markers such as CD38 and ZAP-70. Conclusion These data provide a comprehensive view of AFR and shows that AFR at diagnosis is an adverse prognostic factor in untreated CLL patients.

Synthesis of (co-)polyethylene with broad molecular weight distribution by the heterogenous Ziegler–Natta catalysts via one-pot strategy

Zhi Liu,Xinli Zhang,Haibing Huang,Jianjun Yi,Wei Liu,Weijiao Liu,Hongpeng Zhen,Kejing Gao,Mingge Zhang,Wantai Yang,Qigu Huang 한국공업화학회 2012 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.18 No.6

A new method was presented for preparing (co-)polyethylene with broad molecular weight distribution (MWD) and high molecular weight employed by the novel heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta catalysts via one-pot strategy. The preparation of these catalysts involved the introduction of alkoxy silane compounds as electron donors. The influences of the electron donors structure, as well as polymerization conditions such as temperature, molar ratio of Al/Ti, ethylene pressure and the concentration of 1-hexene in feed on the polymerization performance for ethylene (co-)polymerization, were investigated. The morphology of the catalyst particles was characterized by SEM and Ti content of these catalysts was characterized by ICP. The GPC results showed that the obtained homopolyethylene and ethylene/1-hexene copolymer had the widest molecular weight distribution up to ca 50 when diethoxy-isopropoxy-(t–butoxy)-silane (ED3) was used as internal electron donor. The 13C NMR and FT-IR analysis indicated that these catalysts efficiently catalyzed the copolymerization of ethylene with 1-hexene.

Identification of DNA methylation and genetic alteration simultaneously from a single blood biopsy

Chen Xiaomin,Liu Jiahui,Li Jun,Xie Yinpeng,Yu Zichen,Shen Lu,Liu Qingfeng,Wu Wei,Zhao Qiang,Lin Haoxiang,Liu Gaotong,Luo Qiuping,Yang Ling,Huang Yi,Zhao Meiru,Yi Xin,Xia Xuefeng 한국유전학회 2023 Genes & Genomics Vol.45 No.5

Background High-throughput sequencing of blood cell-free DNA (cfDNA) techniques offer an opportunity to characterize and monitor cancer rapidly in a non-invasive and real-time manner. Nonetheless, there lacks a tool within therapeutic arsenal to identify multi-omics alterations simultaneously from a single biopsy. In current times, bisulfite-based sequencing detects 5mC and 5hmC at single-base resolution is the golden standard of DNA methylation, while the degradation of DNA and biased sequencing data are the problems of this method. Objective To identify the consistency analysis of methylation and genetic variation with single library, we presented a platform detecting multi-omics data simultaneously from a single blood biopsy using bisulfite-free method of genomic methylation sequencing (GM-seq) mediated by TET enzyme. Methods We detected methylomic and genetic changes simultaneously from a single blood biopsy in NA12878 and randomly chose ten blood biopsies from colorectal cancer or lung cancer patients to validate the ability of GM-seq. Results Similar cytosine methylation level between whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and GM-seq were identified in NA12878. Moreover, longer insert size, CpGs coverage and GC distribution were outperformed than WGBS. In addition, the comparison of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), insertion-deletion (Indel) and copy number variation (CNV) in NA12878 or ctDNA from liver cancer between GM-seq and whole genome sequencing (WGS) show a good consistency, indicating that this method is feasible for detecting genetic variation in blood. Conclusion In conclusion, our work demonstrated a method for identification of the methylated modification and genetic variations simultaneously from a single blood biopsy.

Microbial Floral Dynamics of Chinese Traditional Soybean Paste (Doujiang) and Commercial Soybean Paste

( Xiu Zhi Gao ),( Hui Liu ),( Xin Xin Yi ),( Yi Qian Liu ),( Xiao Dong Wang ),( Wen Sheng Xu ),( Qi Gen Tong ),( Zong Jun Cui ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2013 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.23 No.12

Traditional soybean paste from Shandong Liangshan and Tianyuan Jiangyuan commercial soybean paste were chosen for analysis and comparison of their bacterial and fungal dynamics using denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. The bacterial diversity results showed that more than 20 types of bacteria were present in traditional Shandong soybean paste during its fermentation process, whereas only six types of bacteria were present in the commercial soybean paste. The predominant bacteria in the Shandong soybean paste were most closely related to Leuconostoc spp., an uncultured bacterium, Lactococcus lactis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus spp., and Citrobacter freundii. The predominant bacteria in the Tianyuan Jiangyuan soybean paste were most closely related to an uncultured bacterium, Bacillus licheniformis, and an uncultured Leuconostoc spp. The fungal diversity results showed that 10 types of fungi were present in the Shandong soybean paste during the fermentation process, with the predominant fungi being most closely related to Geotrichum spp., an uncultured fungal clone, Aspergillus oryzae, and yeast species. The predominant fungus in the commercial soybean paste was Aspergillus oryzae.

Numerical Simulation of Internal Stress Profiles and Three-dimensional Deformations of Lower Extremity Beneath Medical Graduated Compression Stocking (GCS)

Liu, Rong,Kwok, Yi-Lin,Li, Yi,Lao, Terence-T,Dai, Xiao Qun,Zhang, Xin The Korean Fiber Society 2007 Fibers and polymers Vol.8 No.3

The most significant medical function of graduated compression stocking (GCS) is to provide controlled support and pressure to the skin surface and the underlying tissues of the lower extremity, to prevent and treat venous disease, thus improving the blood circulation. However, due to lack of suitable technologies for the experimental measurements, the transfer mechanisms of the external pressure applied by GCS and internal stress states within the leg soft tissue were not well examined, which bring some difficulties to GCS compression design. The present study numerically simulated and analyzed surface pressure applied by GCS and the cross-sectional deformations at the target region of leg. The underlying tissues stress profiles as well as their dynamic alterations with time processing were presented and quantitatively investigated. Moreover, the medical significance of the cross-sectional inner stress distributions was discussed. The validation results indicated that the simulated pressure profiles applied by GCS agreed reasonably well with the measured ones. The developed biomechanical model can be used for prediction and analysis of the pressure functional performances applied by GCSs, thus helping us more understanding mechanisms of compression action and improving their medical functions.

Predictive Value of Exercise Blood Pressure Changes for Orthostatic Hypotension in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease

Yi Qin,Zhao-hui Jin,Zhen-ying Zhang,Ke-ke Chen,Xin Yu,Hong-jiao Yan,Rui-dan Wang,Yuan Su,Ai-xian Liu,Jia-ning Xi,Bo-yan Fang 대한신경과학회 2023 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.19 No.1

Background and Purpose Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Early recognition OH is required with sensitive assessments. The purpose of this study was to determine whether blood pressure (BP) changes during exercise can predict the occurrence of OH in PD. Methods This prospective cohort study included 80 consecutive patients with PD. All patients agreed to participate in a baseline evaluation and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). According to the initial active standing test (AST), those without OH (PD-nonOH) at baseline had their AST results followed up for 6 months. The main outcome was defined as whether patients without OH at baseline would develop OH after 6 months. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the relevant variables. A nomogram was constructed based on clinical features and identified variables. The concordance index (C-index) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the accuracy and predictive ability of the nomogram, respectively. Results CPET results indicated that peak load, peak heart rate, heart rate recovery at 1 min, and systolic BP change (ΔSBP) were lower in those with OH than in the PD-nonOH group (p<0.05) at baseline. Logistic regression analysis indicated that peak load and ΔSBP during CPET had significant effects on OH (p<0.05). Age, sex, peak load, and ΔSBP were used to construct the nomogram model (C-index=0.761). The prediction model had an AUC of 0.782 (95% confidence interval=0.649–0.889) and a specificity and sensitivity of 70.0% and 81.8%, respectively. Conclusions This study has identified predictive factors for OH development in patients with PD. CPET could be used as a complementary examination to identify patients at a high risk of OH.

Inhibition of Tumor Growth in Vitro by a Combination of Extracts from Rosa Roxburghii Tratt and Fagopyrum Cymosum

Liu, Wei,Li, Su-Yi,Huang, Xin-En,Cui, Jiu-Jie,Zhao, Ting,Zhang, Hua Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Objective: Traditional Chinese herbal medicines have a very long history. Rosa roxburghii Tratt and Fagopyrum cymosum are two examples of plants which are reputed to have benefits in improving immune responses, enhancing digestive ability and demonstrating anti-aging effects. Some evidence indicates that herbal medicine soups containing extracts from the two in combination have efficacy in treating malignant tumors. However, the underlying mechanisms are far from well understood. The present study was therefore undertaken to evaluate anticancer effects and explore molecular mechanisms in vitro. Methods: Proliferation and apoptosis were assessed with three carcinoma cell lines (human esophageal squamous carcinoma CaEs-17, human gastric carcinoma SGC-7901 and pulmonary carcinoma A549) by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively, after exposure to extract from Rosa roxburghii Tratt (CL) and extract from Fagopyrum cymosum (FR). $IC_{30}$ of CL and FR were obtained by MTT assay. Tumor cells were divided into four groups : control with no exposure to CL or FR; CL with $IC_{30}$ CL; FR with $IC_{30}$ FR; CL+FR group with 1/2 ($IC_{30}$ CL + $IC_{30}$ FR). RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of Ki-67, Bax and Bcl-2 at mRNA and protein levels. Results: Compared with the CL or FR groups, the combination of CL+FR showed significant inhibition of cell growth and increase in apoptosis; the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 in CL+FR group were all greatly decreased, while the expression of Bax was markedly increased. Conclusions: These results indicate that the synergistic antitumor effects of combination of CL and FR are related to inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis.

Lack of Associations of the COMT Val158Met Polymorphism with Risk of Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer: a Pooled Analysis of Case-control Studies

Liu, Jin-Xin,Luo, Rong-Cheng,Li, Rong,Li, Xia,Guo, Yu-Wu,Ding, Da-Peng,Chen, Yi-Zhi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.15

This meta-analysis was conducted to examine whether the genotype status of Val158Met polymorphism in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is associated with endometrial and ovarian cancer risk. Eligible studies were identified by searching several databases for relevant reports published before January 1, 2014. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were appropriately derived from fixed-effects or random-effects models. In total, 15 studies (1,293 cases and 2,647 controls for ovarian cancer and 2,174 cases and 2,699 controls for endometrial cancer) were included in the present meta-analysis. When all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis, there was no evidence for significant association between COMT Val158Met polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk (Val/Met versus Val/Val: OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.76-1.08; Met/Met versus Val/Val: OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.73-1.10; dominant model: OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.77-1.06; recessive model: OR=0.95, 95% CI=0.80-1.13). Similarly, no associations were found in all comparisons for endometrial cancer (Val/Met versus Val/Val: OR 0.97, 95% CI=0.77-1.21; Met/Met versus Val/Val: OR=1.02, 95% CI=0.73-1.42; dominant model: OR=0.98, 95% CI=0.77-1.25; recessive model: OR=1.02, 95% CI=0.87-1.20). In the subgroup analyses by source of control and ethnicity, no significant associations were found in any subgroup of population. This meta-analysis strongly suggests that COMT Val158Met polymorphism is not associated with increased endometrial and ovarian cancer risk.

Matrine Reduces Proliferation of Human Lung Cancer Cells by Inducing Apoptosis and Changing miRNA Expression Profiles

Liu, Yong-Qi,Li, Yi,Qin, Jie,Wang, Qian,She, Ya-Li,Luo, Ya-Li,He, Jian-Xin,Li, Jing-Ya,Xie, Xiao-Dong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.5

Matrine, a main active component extracted from dry roots of Sophora flavecens, has been reported to exert antitumor effects on A549 human non-small lung cancer cells, but its mechanisms of action remain unclear. To determine effects of matrine on proliferation of A549 cells and assess possible mechanisms, MTT assays were employed to detect cytotoxicity, along with o flow cytometric analysis of DNA content of nuclei of cells following staining with propidium iodide to analyze cell cycle distribution. Western blotting was performed to determined expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, VEGF and HDAC1, while a microarray was used to assessed changes of miRNA profiles. In the MTT assay, matrine suppressed growth of human lung cancer cell A549 in a dose- and timedependent manner at doses of 0.25-2.5 mg/ml for 24h, 48h or 72h. Matrine induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and decreased the G2/M phase, while down-regulating the expression of Bcl2 protein, leading to a reduction in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. In addition, matrine down regulated the expression level of VEGF and HDAC1 of A549 cells. Microarray analysis demonstrated that matrine altered the expression level of miRNAs compared with untreated control A549 cells. In conclusion, matrine could inhibit proliferation of A549 cells, providing useful information for understanding anticancer mechanisms.

Crosstalk evaluation in multiview autostereoscopic three-dimensional displays with an optimized diaphragm applied

Yi-Fan Peng,Hai-Feng Li,Zhen-Rong Zheng,Xin-Xing Xia,Zhi Yao,Xu Liu 한국정보디스플레이학회 2012 Journal of information display Vol.13 No.2

The crosstalk evaluation of multiview autostereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) displays is discussed, with both the human and technical factors investigated via image quality assessment. In the imaging performance measurements and analysis for a multiview autostereoscopic display prototype equipment, it was inferred that crosstalk would have both a positive and a negative effect on the imaging performance of the equipment. The importance of the attached diaphragm in the crosstalk evaluation was proposed and then experimentally verified, using the developed prototype equipment. The luminance distribution and crosstalk situation were given, with two different diaphragm arrays applied. The analysis results showed that the imaging performance of this 3D display system can be improved with minimum changes to the system structure.