Prognostic value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in histological variants of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Deng-xiong Li,Xiao-ming Wang,Yin Tang,Yu-bo Yang,Dechao Feng,Ao Li,Fa-cai Zhang,Yun-jin Bai,Ping Han 대한비뇨의학회 2021 Investigative and Clinical Urology Vol.62 No.6

Purpose: Many studies identified that the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (PNLR) was associated with patient prognosis in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). We hypothesized that PNLR could be prognostic in patients with histological variants of NMIBC (VH-NMIBC). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients with VH-NMIBC admitted at our center between January 2009 and May 2019. The best cut-off value of NLR was measured by the receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden index. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed to evaluate the association between PNLR and disease prognosis, including recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 243 patients with VH-NMIBC were enrolled in our study. According to the Kaplan-Meier method results, patients with PNLR ≥2.2 were associated with poor RFS (p<0.001), PFS (p<0.001), CSS (p<0.001), and OS (p<0.001). Multivariable analyses indicated that PNLR ≥ 2.2 was an independent prognostic factor of RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI, 1.57–1.83; p<0.001), PFS (HR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.70–3.21; p<0.001), CCS (HR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.96–4.18; p< 0.001), and OS (HR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.96–4.07; p<0.001). Conclusions: This study identified that PNLR ≥2.2 was usually associated with a poor prognosis for patients with VH-NMIBC.

Confining grains of textured Cu2O films to single-crystal nanowires and resultant change in resistive switching characteristics.

Deng, Xiao Long,Hong, Sahwan,Hwang, Inrok,Kim, Jin-Soo,Jeon, Ji Hoon,Park, Yun Chang,Lee, Jongjin,Kang, Sung-Oong,Kawai, Tomoji,Park, Bae Ho RSC Pub 2012 Nanoscale Vol.4 No.6

<P>By confining columnar grains of textured oxide film using anodized aluminum oxide template, we could obtain a grain-boundary-free (GB-free) cuprous oxide (Cu(2)O) nanowire arrays with a narrow diameter distribution and a high density under the same electrochemical deposition condition. A two-terminal device fabricated using an individual GB-free nanowire and Au/Cr electrodes exhibits bipolar resistive switching contrary to the unipolar one of a textured film, and Schottky-like conduction. On the other hand, a nanowire device with Pt electrodes reveals non-switching behavior and Ohmic conduction. Thus, we can propose that the bipolar switching of a nanowire device with Au/Cr electrodes may result from the modulation of Schottky barrier at the interface by migration of oxygen vacancies while the unipolar one of a textured film may be defined as the bulky filamentary switching along the GBs in the GB-embedded texture films.</P>

Mitochondrial genome and diverse inheritance patterns in Pleurotus pulmonarius

Li-Yun Ye,You-Jin Deng,Irum Mukhtar,Guo-Liang Meng,Yan-Jiao Song,Bing Cheng,Jin-bing Hao,Xiao-Ping Wu 한국미생물학회 2020 The journal of microbiology Vol.58 No.2

Pleurotus pulmonarius, a member of the Pleurotaceae family in Basidiomycota, is an edible, economically important mushroom in most Asian countries. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA) of three P. pulmonarius strains – two monokaryotic commercial (J1-13 and ZA3) and one wild (X1-15) – were sequenced and analyzed. In ZA3 and X1-15, the mtDNA molecule was found to be a single circle of 68,305 bp and 73,435 bp, respectively. Both strains contain 14 core protein-coding genes and two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) subunit genes. The ZA3 strain has 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and nine introns: eight in cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), and one in the rRNA large subunit (rnl). Monokaryotic J1-13 and ZA3 mtDNAs were found to be similar in their structure. However, the wild strain X1-15 contains 25 tRNA genes and only seven introns in cox1. Open reading frames (ORFs) of ZA3/J1-13 and X1-15 encode LAGLIDADG, ribosomal protein S3, and DNA polymerase II. In addition, mtDNA inheritance in J1-13, ZA3, and X1-15 was also studied. Results showed that the mtDNA inheritance pattern was uniparental and closely related to dikaryotic hyphal location with respect to the parent. Results also show that mtDNA inheritance is influenced by both the parental nuclear genome and mitogenome in the zone of contact between two compatible parents. In summary, this analysis provides valuable information and a basis for further studies to improve our understanding of the inheritance of fungal mtDNA.

Effects of Quenching Methods and Aging Processes on the Crushing Properties and Microstructure of Al–Zn–Mg Alloy Thin-Walled Square Extrusions

Hui Guo,Jin Zhang,Cheng Wang,Yun‑lai Deng 대한금속·재료학회 2022 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.28 No.8

In this study, the effects of different (online quenching and offline quenching) quenching methods and aging processes (T6and T73) on the crashworthiness and microstructural evolution of three Al–Zn–Mg alloys (G1–G3) were studied by conductingtensile test and axial compression tests at room temperature, combined with optical metallography, electron back scattereddiffraction, and transmission electron microscopy microstructural observations. The obtained results revealed that thecrushing properties of three different Al–Zn–Mg alloys subjected to different quenching methods and aging processes weresignificantly different. Their crushing energy absorption of are ranked as follows: G1 > G3 > G2. The highest total energyabsorption gap (between T6 and T73) is the G1 alloy, and the lowest one is the G3 alloy. The largest total energy absorptiongap between the two quenching methods is the G3 alloy, and the smallest one is the G1 alloy. The G2 alloy with the largesttotal amount of Zn + Mg has the highest number density of matrix precipitates, the largest precipitate gap (between T6 andT73) and the smallest precipitate gap between the two quenching methods. The G3 alloy with the largest Zn/Mg ratio hasthe smallest number density of matrix precipitates, the minimum precipitation gap (between T6 and T73) and the maximumprecipitation gap between the two quenching methods. The G1 alloy with the lowest Zn/Mg ratio has the smallest size ofgrain boundary precipitates and PFZ width, while their largest values are obtained for the G3 alloy with the maximum Zn/Mg ratio. As a crushing resistant structural material, the crushing properties is improved without reducing the strength. Theratio of Zn/Mg should be controlled within the range of 4.57–6.15, while the total amount of Zn + Mg should be controlledwithin the range of 6.18–7.01.

Identification and Characterization of an Anaerobic Ethanol-Producing Cellulolytic Bacterial Consortium from Great Basin Hot Springs with Agricultural Residues and Energy Crops

( Chao Zhao ),( Yun Jin Deng ),( Xing Aa Wang ),( Qiu Zhe Li ),( Yi Fan Huang ),( Bin Liu ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.9

In order to obtain the cellulolytic bacterial consortia, sediments from Great Basin hot springs (Nevada, USA) were sampled and enriched with cellulosic biomass as the sole carbon source. The bacterial composition of the resulting anaerobic ethanol-producing celluloytic bacterial consortium, named SV79, was analyzed. With methods of the full-length 16S rRNA librarybased analysis and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, 21 bacteria belonging to eight genera were detected from this consortium. Clones with closest relation to the genera Acetivibrio, Clostridium, Cellulosilyticum, Ruminococcus, and Sporomusa were predominant. The cellulase activities and ethanol productions of consortium SV79 using different agricultural residues (sugarcane bagasse and spent mushroom substrate) and energy crops (Spartina anglica, Miscanthus floridulus, and Pennisetum sinese Roxb) were studied. During cultivation, consortium SV79 produced the maximum filter paper activity (FPase, 9.41 U/ml), carboxymethylcellulase activity (CMCase, 6.35 U/ml), and xylanase activity (4.28 U/ml) with sugarcane bagasse, spent mushroom substrate, and S. anglica, respectively. The ethanol production using M. floridulus as substrate was up to 2.63 mM ethanol/g using gas chromatography analysis. It has high potential to be a new candidate for producing ethanol with cellulosic biomass under anoxic conditions in natural environments.

Molecular identification and expression patterns of carboxylesterase genes based on transcriptome analysis of the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Ya Nan Zhang,Jin-Bu Li,Peng He,Liang Sun,Zhao-Qun Li,Li-Ping Fang,Zhan-Feng Ye,Dao-Gui Deng,Xiu-Yun Zhu 한국응용곤충학회 2016 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.19 No.4

Carboxylesterases (CXEs) belong to a family of metabolic enzymes that are widely distributed in insects and other organisms and can rapidly degrade the components of sex pheromones and plant volatiles with an acetate functional group. The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, is an important agricultural pest around the world, causing vast economic losses every year. The female sex pheromones of S. litura comprise four acetates, Z9, E11-14:OAc; Z9, E12-14:OAc; Z9-14:OAc; and E11-14:OAc, but the degradation mechanisms of these components are not well understood. By analysing previously obtained transcriptomic data of the sex pheromone glands,we identified a total of 24 putative CXE genes in S. litura. Gene expression patterns and phylogenetic analysis revealed 5 genes with antennae-specific or biased expression, and clusteredwith genes showed involvement in the degradation of sex pheromones or other detoxification in other insects. SlitCXE10was expressed specifically in the antennae of both sexes, and SlitCXE14, 17, 19, and 21 had high antenna biased expression. Interestingly, RT-PCR and qPCR tests indicated that SlitCXE24 had significantly higher expression in PG than in other tissue, and that it could be a potential candidate gene for sex pheromone degradation in PG. This study is the first to provide solid background information for the further elucidation of sex pheromone degradation, and ultimately provides potential targets for the disruption of sexual communication in S. litura for new pest management.

Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in microwave ablation treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis

Xiao-Long Li,Jia-Xin Li,Song-Yuan Yu,Pei-Li Fan,Yun-Jie Jin,Er-Jiao Xu,Sai-Nan Guan,Er-Ya Deng,Qiu-Yan Li,Zheng-Biao Ji,Jiu-Ling Qi,Hui-Xiong Xu,China Alliance of Multi-Center Clinical Study for Ultra 대한초음파의학회 2024 ULTRASONOGRAPHY Vol.43 No.1

Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCEMRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up.Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered.Conclusion: CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pretreatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes. Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE- MRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up. Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered. Conclusion: CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre- treatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes.

Molecular identification and sex distribution of two chemosensory receptor families in Athetis lepigone by antennal transcriptome analysis

Ya-Nan Zhang,Ji-FangMa,Liang Sun,Zhi-PingDong,Zhao-Qun Li,Xiu-Yun Zhu,YiWang,LuWang,Dao-Gui Deng,Jin-Bu Li 한국응용곤충학회 2016 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.19 No.3

Chemosensory receptors play central roles in insect behavior and can potentially be used as new targets for pest control. Athetis lepigoneMöschler (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous insect pest found in many countries in Europe and Asia. However, systemic identification of the chemosensory receptors in the antennae has not been reported. In the present study, we obtained the antennal transcriptome of A. lepigone using Illumina sequencing technology and identified 80 candidate chemosensory receptors, including 61 transcripts encoding for odorant receptors (ORs) and 19 for ionotropic receptors (IRs). This result is similar to that reported for other lepidopteran species, suggesting that our approach successfully identified ORs and IRs of A. lepigone. RT-PCR was used to determine the sex distribution patterns of all OR and IR genes. Some OR and IR genes showed male- or femalespecific/ predominant expression. Our results help understand the functions of chemosensory receptor genes in A. lepigone as well as other insects, and suggest that these genes could be potential targets for developing environment-friendly behavioral antagonists and pesticides against A. lepigone.

Down‐regulation of <i>GIGANTEA</i> ‐ <i>like</i> genes increases plant growth and salt stress tolerance in poplar

Ke, Qingbo,Kim, Ho Soo,Wang, Zhi,Ji, Chang Yoon,Jeong, Jae Cheol,Lee, Haeng‐,Soon,Choi, Young‐,Im,Xu, Bingcheng,Deng, Xiping,Yun, Dae‐,Jin,Kwak, Sang‐,Soo John Wiley and Sons Inc. 2017 Plant biotechnology journal Vol.15 No.3

<P><B>Summary</B></P><P>The flowering time regulator GIGANTEA (GI) connects networks involved in developmental stage transitions and environmental stress responses in <I>Arabidopsis</I>. However, little is known about the role of GI in growth, development and responses to environmental challenges in the perennial plant poplar. Here, we identified and functionally characterized three <I>GI‐like</I> genes (<I>PagGIa</I>,<I> PagGIb</I> and <I>PagGIc)</I> from poplar (<I>Populus alba × Populus glandulosa</I>). <I>PagGIs</I> are predominantly nuclear localized and their transcripts are rhythmically expressed, with a peak around zeitgeber time 12 under long‐day conditions. Overexpressing <I>PagGIs</I> in wild‐type (WT) <I>Arabidopsis</I> induced early flowering and salt sensitivity, while overexpressing <I>PagGIs</I> in the <I>gi‐2</I> mutant completely or partially rescued its delayed flowering and enhanced salt tolerance phenotypes. Furthermore, the PagGIs‐PagSOS2 complexes inhibited PagSOS2‐regulated phosphorylation of PagSOS1 in the absence of stress, whereas these inhibitions were eliminated due to the degradation of PagGIs under salt stress. Down‐regulation of <I>PagGIs</I> by RNA interference led to vigorous growth, higher biomass and enhanced salt stress tolerance in transgenic poplar plants. Taken together, these results indicate that several functions of <I>Arabidopsis GI</I> are conserved in its poplar orthologues, and they lay the foundation for developing new approaches to producing salt‐tolerant trees for sustainable development on marginal lands worldwide.</P>