Proposal of a Pretreatment Nomogram for Predicting Local Recurrence after Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy in T4 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Review of 415 Chinese Patients

Lu-Lu Zhang,Yi-Yang Li,Jiang Hu,Guan-Qun Zhou,Lei Chen,Wen-Fei Li,Ai-Hua Lin,Jun Ma,Zhen-Yu Qi,Ying Sun 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.4

Purpose Local relapse-free survival (LRFS) differs widely among patients with T4 category nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We aimed to build a nomogram incorporating clinicopathological information to predict LRFS in T4 NPC after definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Materials and Methods Retrospective study of 415 Chinese patients with non-metastatic T4 NPC treated with definitive IMRT with or without chemotherapy at our cancer center between October 2009 and September 2013. The nomogram for LRFS at 3 and 5 years was generated based on multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, and validated using bootstrap resampling, assessing discriminative performance using the concordance index (C-index) and determining calibration ability via calibration curves. Results Five-year LRFS was 88.8%. We identified and incorporated four independent prognostic factors for LRFS: ethmoid sinus invasion, primary gross tumor volume, age, and pretreatment body mass index. The C-index of the nomogram for local recurrence was 0.732 (95% confidence interval, 0.726 to 0.738), indicating excellent predictive accuracy. The calibration curve revealed excellent agreement between nomogram-predicted and observed LRFS probabilities. Risk subgroups based on total point score cutoff values enabled effective discrimination of LRFS. Conclusion This pretreatment nomogram enables clinicians to accurately predict LRFS in T4 NPC after definitive IMRT, and could help to facilitate personalized patient counselling and treatment strategies.

Characteristics and Comparisons of Morphometric Measurements and Computed Tomography Hounsfield Unit Values of C2 Laminae for Translaminar Screw Placement Between Patients With and Without Basilar Invagination

Lu-Ping Zhou,Jin Shang,Zhi-Gang Zhang,Zhen-Fei Jiang,Hua-Qing Zhang,Chong-Yu Jia,Ren-Jie Zhang,Cai-Liang Shen 대한척추신경외과학회 2022 Neurospine Vol.19 No.4

Objective: Patients with basilar invagination (BI) had high incidences of vertebral variations and high-riding vertebral artery (HRVA) that might restrict the use of pedicle or pars screw and increase the use of translaminar screw on axis. Here, we conducted a radiographic study to investigate the feasibility of translaminar screws and the bone quality of C2 laminae in patients with BI, which were compared with those without BI as control to provide guidelines for safe placement. Methods: In this study, a total of 410 patients (205 consecutive patients with BI and 205 matched patients without BI) and 820 unilateral laminae of the axis were included at a 1:1 ratio. Comparisons with regard to insertion parameters (laminar length, thickness, angle, and height) for C2 translaminar screw placement and Hounsfield unit (HU) values for the assessment of the appropriate bone mineral density of C2 laminae between BI and control groups were performed. Besides, the subgroup analyses based on the Goel A and B classification of BI, HRVA, atlas occipitalization, and C2/3 assimilation were also carried out. Furthermore, the factors that might affect the insertion parameters and HU values were explored through multiple linear regression analyses. Results: The BI group showed a significantly smaller laminar length, thickness, height, and HU value than the control group, whereas no significant difference was observed regarding the laminar angle. By contrast, the control group showed significantly higher rates of acceptability for unilateral and bilateral translaminar screw fixations than the BI group. Subgroup analyses showed that the classification of Goel A and B, HRVA, atlas occipitalization, and C2/3 assimilation affected the insertion parameters except the HU values. Multiple linear regression indicated that the laminar length was significantly associated with the male gender (B = 0.190, p < 0.001), diagnoses of HRVA (B = -0.109, p < 0.001), Goel A (B = -0.167, p < 0.001), and C2/3 assimilation (B = -0.079, p = 0.029); the laminar thickness was significantly associated with the male gender (B = 0.353, p < 0.001), diagnoses of HRVA (B = -0.430, p < 0.001), Goel B (B = -0.249, p = 0.026), and distance from the top of odontoid to the Chamberlain line (B = -0.025, p = 0.003); laminar HU values were significantly associated with age (B = -2.517, p < 0.001), Goel A (B = -44.205, p < 0.001), Goel B (B = -25.704, p = 0.014), and laminar thickness (B = -11.706, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with BI had narrower and smaller laminae with lower HU values and lower unilateral and bilateral acceptability for translaminar screws than patients without BI. Preoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography were needed for BI patients.

Exploration of temperature effect on videogrammetric technique for displacement monitoring

Hua-Fei Zhou,Lin-Jun Lu,Zhao-Yi Li,Yi-Qing Ni 국제구조공학회 2020 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.25 No.2

There has been a sustained interest towards the non-contact structural displacement measurement by means of videogrammetric technique. On the way forward, one of the major concerns is the spurious image drift induced by temperature variation. This study therefore carries out an investigation into the temperature effect of videogrammetric technique, focusing on the exploration of the mechanism behind the temperature effect and the elimination of the temperature-caused measurement error. 2D videogrammetric measurement tests under monotonic or cyclic temperature variation are first performed. Features of measurement error and the casual relationship between temperature variation and measurement error are then studied. The variation of the temperature of digital camera is identified as the main cause of measurement error. An excellent linear relationship between them is revealed. After that, camera parameters are extracted from the mapping between world coordinates and pixels coordinates of the calibration targets. The coordinates of principle point and focal lengths show variations well correlated with temperature variation. The measurement error is thought to be an outcome mainly attributed to the variation of the coordinates of principle point. An approach for eliminating temperature-caused measurement error is finally proposed. Correlation models between camera parameters and temperature are formulated. Thereby, camera parameters under different temperature conditions can be predicted and the camera projective matrix can be updated accordingly. By reconstructing the world coordinates with the updated camera projective matrix, the temperature-caused measurement error is eliminated. A satisfactory performance has been achieved by the proposed approach in eliminating the temperature-caused measurement error.

Genetic variations in the bitter taste receptor gene TAS2R38 are related to cigarette smoking behavior in Han Chinese smokers

Qi Fei-Yan,Zhu Zhou-Hai,Li Meng,Guan Ying,Peng Qi-Yuan,Lu She-Ming,Liu Zhi-Hua,Wang Ming-Feng,Miao Ming-Ming,Chen Zhang-Yu,Li Xue-Mei,Bai Jie,Yao Jian-Hua 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.11

Background: Smoking behavior is influenced by multiple genes, including the bitter taste gene TAS2R38. It has been reported that the correlation between TAS2R38 and smoking behavior has ethnicity-based differences. However, the TAS2R38 status in Chinese smokers is still unclear. Objective: This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between genetic variations in TAS2R38 (A49P, V262A and I296V) and smoking behaviors in the Han Chinese population. Methods: The haplotype analyses were performed and smoking behavior questionnaire was completed by 1271 individuals. Genetic association analyses for smoking behavior were analyzed using chi-square test. Further, for investigating the molecular mechanism of TAS2R38 variants effect on smoking behavior, we conducted TAS2R38-PAV and TAS2R38-AVI expression plasmids and tested the cellular calcium assay by cigarette smoke compounds stimulus in HEK293. Results: Significant associations of genetic variants within TAS2R38 were identified with smoking behavior. We found a higher PAV/PAV frequency than AVI/AVI in moderate and high nicotine dependence (FTND ≥ 4; X2 = 4.611, 1 df, p = 0.032) and strong cigarette smoke flavor intensity preference (X2 = 4.5383, 1 df, p = 0.033) in participants. Furthermore, in the in vitro cellular calcium assay, total particle matter (TPM), N-formylnornicotine and cotinine, existing in cigarette smoke, activated TAS2R38-PAV but not TAS2R38-AVI-transfected cells. Conclusion: Our data highlights that genetic variations in TAS2R38 are related to smoking behavior, especially nicotine dependence and cigarette smoke flavor intensity preference. Our findings may encourage further consideration of the taste process to identify individuals susceptible to nicotine dependence, particularly Han Chinese smokers.

Evolution and trends in intelligent tutoring systems research: a multidisciplinary and scientometric view

Guo, Lu,Wang, Dong,Gu, Fei,Li, Yazheng,Wang, Yezhu,Zhou, Rongting 서울대학교 교육연구소 2021 Asia Pacific Education Review Vol.22 No.3

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) are a promising integrated educational tool for customizing formal education using intelligent instruction or feedback. In recent decades, ITSs have transformed teaching and learning and associated research. This study examined the evolution and future trends of ITS research with scientometric methods. First, a dataset comprising 1173 relevant publications was compiled from the Web of Science Core Collection databases (including the Science Citation Index Expanded and the Social Science Citation Index). Then, the publication distributions by time, author, institution, country/ region, and knowledge sources were analyzed to reveal the multidisciplinary integration paths. Dataset co-occurrence and co-citation analyses were conducted to identify the most popular research issues, the research chronology, and the emerging trends. It was found that: (a) ITS research has been growing in recent years. According to the Price literature exponential growth curve, this feld is still in its initial stage while has high potential; (b) computer science, education, psychology, and engineering were the main ITS research knowledge sources, with ITS social science publications since 2007 being higher than ITS natural sciences publications; (c) interactive learning environments, student modeling, teaching/learning strategies, and machine learning have been the most popular research foci; and (d) the Coh-Metrix, problem-centered instruction, and STEM are the current research trends.

Controlled synthesis of CoFe2O4/MoS2 nanocomposites with excellent sedimentation stability for magnetorheological fluid

Guangshuo Wang,Fei Zhou,Ziwei Lu,Yingying Ma,Xiaoguang Li,Yu Tong,Xufeng Dong 한국공업화학회 2019 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.70 No.-

In this study, we reported novel nanocomposites containing cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles andmolybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets (CoFe2O4/MoS2). The obtained CoFe2O4/MoS2 as dispersedphase was used to prepare magnetorheological (MR)fluid and the rheological properties wereinvestigated in detail. The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that the CoFe2O4nanoparticles were homogeneoused decorated on the surface of MoS2 nanosheets. The successfulpreparation of CoFe2O4/MoS2 was further confirmed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectronspectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The CoFe2O4/MoS2 based MRfluid exhibited typical MR effect with increasing viscosity, shear stress, yield stress and dynamic shearmoduli depending on external magneticfields. More importantly, the preparedfluid showed excellentsedimentation stability due to unique two-dimensional structure and reducedfluid-particle densitymismatch.

Osmanthus fragrans Flower Extract and Acteoside Protect Against d-Galactose-Induced Aging in an ICR Mouse Model

Lina Xiong,Shuqin Mao,Baiyi Lu,Jiajia Yang,Fei Zhou,Yinzhou Hu,Yirong Jiang,Canxi Shen,Yajing Zhao 한국식품영양과학회 2016 Journal of medicinal food Vol.19 No.1

Osmanthus fragrans flower extract (OFE) is an organic extract from O. fragrans flower, which exhibits neuroprotective, free radical scavenging, and antioxidant effects. Therefore, the protective effect of OFE and acteoside against aging was studied. An aging ICR mouse model was established by chronically administering d-galactose (250 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. d-galactose induced spatial learning and memory impairments that were successfully inhibited by OFE and acteoside, which could shorten escape latency, improve platform crossing times, and increase zone time. The antioxidant potential of OFE and acteoside in vivo was evaluated by estimating the following: activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase and aging-related enzyme, particularly monoamine oxidase; contents of lipid peroxidation methane dicarboxylic aldehyde, advanced glycation end products, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (a DNA damage product); and levels of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2. OFE and acteoside also inhibited d-galactose-induced neurological aging by suppressing the increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein and neurotrophin-3. Considering the dose-dependent protective effects of OFE and acteoside, we concluded that OFE, rich in acteoside, was a good source of natural antiaging compounds.

Dynamic Characteristics of Saturated Soft Clays under Cyclic Loading in Drained Condition

Yong-hong Miao,Ruo-Yu Sheng,Jie Yin,Fan-Bo Zhou,Jian-fei Lu 대한토목학회 2020 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.24 No.2

This study presents an experimental investigation on the effects of cyclic loading waveform and cyclic stress ratio (CSR) on dynamic behaviors through laboratory tests on a source of soft clay under cyclic loading in drained condition. Test results showed that under different cyclic loading waveforms at a given frequency (f = 1 Hz) and CSR = 0.6, the axial strain increases significantly at a relatively lower number of cycles (N) and then became stable, while the axial strain consistently decreases with the increasing N and tend to be stable. At a given N, specimen under sine wave cyclic loads shows a higher axial strain rate than that under triangle wave or square cyclic loads. Test results also indicated that at different CSRs, the axial strain increases rapidly at a relatively lower N and then gradually tends to be stable with the increasing N at lower CSR yet there is no stable trend for specimens at higher CSR, which indicates there is a critical value of CSR. It is recommended to apply the cyclic loading in sine waveform with CSR close to and less than the critical value to get a better treatment effect.

CircularRNA_104670 plays a critical role in intervertebral disc degeneration by functioning as a ceRNA

Jian Son,Hong-Li Wang,Ke-Han Song,Zhi-Wen Ding,Hai-Lian Wang,Xiao-Sheng Ma,Fei-Zhou Lu,Xin-Lei Xia,Ying-Wei Wang,Fei-Zou,Jian-Yuan Jiang 생화학분자생물학회 2018 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.50 No.-

This study was carried out to explore the roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Differentially expressed circRNAs in IDD and normal NP tissues were identified based on the results of microarray analysis. Bioinformatics techniques were employed to predict the direct interactions of selected circRNAs, microRNAs (miR), and mRNAs. CircRNA_104670 was selected as the target circRNA due to its large multiplier expression in IDD tissues. After luciferase reporter and EGFP/RFP reporter assays, we confirmed that circRNA_104670 directly bound to miR-17-3p, while MMP-2 was the direct target of miR-17-3p. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that circRNA_104670 and miR-17-3p had good diagnostic significance for IDD (AUC circRNA_104670 = 0.96; AUC miRNA-17-3p = 0.91). A significant correlation was detected between the Pfirrmann grade and expression of circRNA_104670 (r = 0.63; p = 0.00) and miR-17-3p (r = −0.62; p = 0.00). Flow-cytometric analysis and the MTT assay showed that interfering with circRNA_104670 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited NP cell apoptosis (p < 0.01), and this inhibition was reduced by interfering with miR-17-3p. Interfering with circRNA_104670 suppressed MMP-2 expression and increased extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, which were also reduced by interfering with miR-17-3p. Finally, an MRI evaluation showed that circRNA_104670 inhibition mice had a lower IDD grade compared with control mice (p < 0.01), whereas circRNA_104670 and miRNA-17-3p inhibition mice had a higher IDD grade compared with circRNA_104670 inhibition mice (p < 0.05). CircRNA_104670 is highly expressed in the NP tissues of IDD and acts as a ceRNA during NP degradation.