An Integrated Nomogram Combining Clinical Factors and Microtubule-Associated Protein 1 Light Chain 3B Expression to Predict Postoperative Prognosis in Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Liang Chen,Hongyuan Fu,Tongyu Lu,Jianye Cai,Wei Liu,Jia Yao,Jinliang Liang,Hui Zhao,Jiebin Zhang,Jun Zheng,Yingcai Zhang,Yang Yang 대한암학회 2020 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.52 No.2

Purpose Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) serves as a key component of autophagy, which is associated with the progression of carcinoma. Yet, it is still unclear whether LC3B is also an independent risk factor for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). We aim to explore the predictive value of LC3B on prognosis of ICC, and to establish a novel and available nomogram to predict relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for these patients after curative-intent hepatectomy. Materials and Methods From August 2004 to March 2017, 105 ICC patients were eligibly enrolled in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Preoperative clinical information of enrolled patients was collected. Expression LC3B in the ICC specimen was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results The 5-year RFS and OS in this cohort were 15.7% and 29.6%, respectively. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, independent risk factors for 5-year OS were cancer antigen 125, microvascular invasion, LC3B expression and lymph node metastasis. Except for the above 4 factors, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and tumor differentiation were independent factors for 5-year RFS. The area under the curve of nomograms for OS and RFS were 0.820 and 0.747, respectively. Conclusion The nomograms based on LC3B can be considered as effective models to predict postoperative survival for ICC patients.

Fast Thresholding Based on Improved Minimum Cross Entropy

Yong-Liang Zhang,Wen Zhang,Gang Xiao,Jia-Fa Mao,Shan-Shan Huang,Xiao-Wei Zheng 제어로봇시스템학회 2012 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2012 No.10

Image segmentation is an important and classic problem in image processing and computer vision. Thresholding is applied to many fields, because of its less computation and stable performance. The key of thresholding method is to determine the adaptive threshold. In order to segment biological image effectively, a new adaptive thresholding method is proposed. First, two dimension minimum entropy is computed based on gray-gradient co-occurrence matrix; and then the genetic algorithm is applied to encode the two-dimension threshold vector; Finally, the optimum threshold is calculated based on fitness function and uniformity measurement(UM). Experimental results show that this method has three advantages: 1) improve computational efficiency so that it can run in real time; 2) retain more object and edge information so that it can meet the practical requirement; 3) robust to the uneven distribution of light.

Biomechanical Study of 3 Osteoconductive Materials Applied in Pedicle Augmentation and Revision for Osteoporotic Vertebrae: Allograft Bone Particles, Calcium Phosphate Cement, Demineralized Bone Matrix

Chongyu Jia,Renjie Zhang,Jiaqi Wang,Bo Zhang,Huaqing Zhang,Liang Kang,Luping Zhou,Cailiang Shen 대한척추신경외과학회 2023 Neurospine Vol.20 No.4

Objective: This study assessed biomechanical properties of pedicle screws enhanced or revised with 3 materials. We aimed to compare the efficacy of these materials in pedicle augmentation and revision. Methods: One hundred twenty human cadaveric vertebrae were utilized for in vitro testing. Vertebrae bone density was evaluated. Allograft bone particles (ABP), calcium phosphate cement (CPC), and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) were used to augment or revise pedicle screw. Post the implantation of pedicle screws, parameters such as insertional torque, pullout strength, cycles to failure and failure load were measured using specialized instruments. Results: ABP, CPC, and DBM significantly enhanced biomechanical properties of the screws. CPC augmentation showed superior properties compared to ABP or DBM. ABP-augmented screws had higher cycles to failure and failure loads than DBM-augmented screws, with no difference in pullout strength. CPC-revised screws exhibited similar strength to the original screws, while ABP-revised screws showed comparable cycles to failure and failure loads but lower pullout strength. DBM-revised screws did not match the original screws’ strength. Conclusion: ABP, CPC, and DBM effectively improve pedicle screw stability for pedicle augmentation. CPC demonstrated the highest efficacy, followed by ABP, while DBM was less effective. For pedicle revision, CPC is recommended as the primary choice, with ABP as an alternative. However, using DBM for pedicle revision is not recommended.

Which Indicator Among Lumbar Vertebral Hounsfield Unit, Vertebral Bone Quality, or Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-Measured Bone Mineral Density Is More Efficacious in Predicting Thoracolumbar Fragility Fractures?

Bo Zhang,Lu-Ping Zhou,Xian-Liang Zhang,Dui Li,Jia-Qi Wang,Chong-Yu Jia,Hua-Qing Zhang,Liang Kang,Ren-Jie Zhang,Cai-Liang Shen 대한척추신경외과학회 2023 Neurospine Vol.20 No.4

Objective: Hounsfield units (HU), vertebral bone quality (VBQ), and bone mineral density (BMD) can all serve as predictive indicators for thoracolumbar fragility fractures. This study aims to explore which indicator provides better risk prediction for thoracolumbar fragility fractures. Methods: Patients who have received medical attention from The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University for thoracolumbar fragility fractures were selected. A total of 78 patients with thoracolumbar fragility fractures were included in the study. To establish a control group, 78 patients with degenerative spinal diseases were matched to the fracture group on the basis of gender, age, and body mass index. The lumbar vertebral HU, the VBQ, and the BMD were obtained for all the 156 patients through computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The correlations among these parameters were analyzed. The area under curve (AUC) analysis was employed to assess the predictive efficacy and thresholds of lumbar vertebral HU, VBQ, and BMD in relation to the risk of thoracolumbar fragility fractures. Results: Among the cohort of 156 patients, lumbar vertebral HU exhibited a positive correlation with BMD (p < 0.01). Conversely, VBQ showed a negative correlation with HU, BMD (p < 0.05). HU and BMD displayed a favorable predictive efficacy for thoracolumbar fragility fractures (p < 0.01), with HU (AUC = 0.863) showcasing the highest predictive efficacy, followed by the DEXA-measured BMD (AUC = 0.813). VBQ (AUC = 0.602) ranked lowest among the 3 indicators. The thresholds for predicting thoracolumbar fragility fractures were as follows: HU (88),VBQ (3.37), and BMD (0.81). Conclusion: All 3 of these indicators, HU, VBQ, and BMD, can predict thoracolumbar fragility fractures. Notably, lumbar vertebral HU exhibits the highest predictive efficacy, followed by the BMD obtained through DEXA scanning, with VBQ demonstrating the lowest predictive efficacy.

Fenofibrate Increases Radiosensitivity in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Inducing G2/M Arrest and Apoptosis

Liu, Jia,Ge, Yang-Yang,Zhu, Hong-Cheng,Yang, Xi,Cai, Jing,Zhang, Chi,Lu, Jing,Zhan, Liang-Liang,Qin, Qin,Yang, Yan,Yang, Yue-Hua,Zhang, Hao,Chen, Xiao-Chen,Liu, Zhe-Ming,Ma, Jian-Xin,Cheng, Hong-Yan,S Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.16

Radiation therapy is an important treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, how to promote radiation sensitivity in HNSCC remains a challenge. This study aimed to investigate the radiosensitizing effects of fenofibrate on HNSCC and explore the underlying mechanisms. HNSCC cell lines CNE-2 and KB were subjected to ionizing radiation (IR), in the presence or absence of fenofibrate treatment. Cell growth and survival, apoptosis and cell cycle were evaluated. In addition, CNE-2 cells were xenografted into nude mice and subjected to IR and/or fenofibrate treatment. The expression of cyclinB and CDK1 was detected by Western blotting. Our results showed that fenofibrate efficiently radiosensitized HNSCC cells and xenografts in mice, and induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest via reducing the activity of the CDK1/cyclinB1 kinase complex. These data suggest that fenofibrate could be a promising radiosensitizer for HNSCC radiotherapy.

Association between Intracranial Arterial Dolichoectasia and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Its Underlying Mechanisms

Dao Pei Zhang,Suo Yin,Huai Liang Zhang,Dan Li,Bo Song,Jia Xu Liang 대한뇌졸중학회 2020 Journal of stroke Vol.22 No.2

Intracranial arterial dolichoectasia (IADE), also known as dilatative arteriopathy of the brain vessels, refers to an increase in the length and diameter of at least one intracranial artery, and accounts for approximately 12% of all patients with stroke. However, the association of IADE with stroke is usually unclear. Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is characterized by pathological changes in the small vessels. Clinically, patients with CSVD can be asymptomatic or present with stroke or cognitive decline. In the past 20 years, a series of studies have strongly promoted an understanding of the association between IADE and CSVD from clinical and pathological perspectives. It has been proposed that IADE and CSVD may be attributed to abnormal vascular remodeling driven by an abnormal matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase pathway. Also, IADErelated hemodynamic changes may result in initiation or progression of CSVD. Additionally, genetic factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of IADE and CSVD. Patients with Fabry’s disease and late-onset Pompe’s disease are prone to developing concomitant IADE and CSVD, and patients with collagen IV alpha 1 or 2 gene (COL4A1/COL4A2) and forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) variants present with IADE and CSVD. Race, strain, familial status, and vascular risk factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of IADE and CSVD. As well, experiments in mice have pointed to genetic strain as a predisposing factor for IADE and CSVD. However, there have been few direct genetic studies aimed towards determining the association between IADE and CSVD. In the future, more clinical and basic research studies are needed to elucidate the causal relationship between IADE and CSVD and the related molecular and genetic mechanisms.

mRNA Expression of Ovine Angiopoietin-like Protein 4 Gene in Adipose Tissues

Zhang, Jing,Jing, Jiong-Jie,Jia, Xia-Li,Qiao, Li-Ying,Liu, Jian-Hua,Liang, Chen,Liu, Wen-Zhong Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2016 Animal Bioscience Vol.29 No.5

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is involved in a variety of functions, including lipoprotein metabolism and angiogenesis. To reveal the role of ANGPTL4 in fat metabolism of sheep, ovine ANGPTL4 mRNA expression was analyzed in seven adipose tissues from two breeds with distinct tail types. Forty-eight animals with the gender ratio of 1:1 for both Guangling Large Tailed (GLT) and Small Tailed Han (STH) sheep were slaughtered at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months of age, respectively. Adipose tissues were collected from greater and lesser omental, subcutaneous, retroperitoneal, perirenal, mesenteric, and tail fats. Ontogenetic mRNA expression of ANGPTL4 in these adipose tissues from GTL and STH was studied by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that ANGPTL4 mRNA expressed in all adipose tissues studied with the highest in subcutaneous and the lowest in mesenteric fat depots. Months of age, tissue and breed are the main factors that significantly influence the mRNA expression. These results provide new insights into ovine ANGPTL4 gene expression and clues for its function mechanism.

Optical Characters Measurement and Simulation of 2D Cross Grating Microstructures of Butterfly Wings

Zhang, Wang,Zhang, Di,Chen, Wei-Xin,Gu, Jia-Jun,Liu, Qin-Lei,Zhu, Shen-Ming,Su, Hui-Lan,Feng, Chuan-Liang,Moon, Won-Jin 한국정밀공학회 2012 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.13 No.9

In this paper, the reflectance of the butterfly wings are measured by using the microspectrophotometer as the optical character with the reflectance on several scales on the wings. Reflectance spectra from different wing scale zones with the same color are dramatically different. And it suggests that the tiny structural difference has the great influence on the reflectance property. In addition, the microstructures of the butterfly wings can be simplified to a 2D crossing grating. By simulating a two-dimensional model using rigorous coupled-wave analysis technique, the optical properties of the butterfly wings were investigated. The simulation results depend strongly on the structural parameters and refractive index. The research will reveal the mechanisms of the structural color of 2D crossing grating butterfly wings.

Enhanced Metal-Insulator Transition Performance in Scalable Vanadium Dioxide Thin Films Prepared Using a Moisture-Assisted Chemical Solution Approach

Liang, Weizheng,Gao, Min,Lu, Chang,Zhang, Zhi,Chan, Cheuk Ho,Zhuge, Lanjian,Dai, Jiyan,Yang, Hao,Chen, Chonglin,Park, Bae Ho,Jia, Quanxi,Lin, Yuan American Chemical Society 2018 ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES Vol.10 No.9

<P>Vanadium dioxide (VO<SUB>2</SUB>) is a strong-correlated metal-oxide with a sharp metal-insulator transition (MIT) for a range of applications. However, synthesizing epitaxial VO<SUB>2</SUB> films with desired properties has been a challenge because of the difficulty in controlling the oxygen stoichiometry of VO<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>, where <I>x</I> can be in the range of 1 < <I>x</I> < 2.5 and V has multiple valence states. Herein, a unique moisture-assisted chemical solution approach has been developed to successfully manipulate the oxygen stoichiometry, to significantly broaden the growth window, and to significantly enhance the MIT performance of VO<SUB>2</SUB> films. The obvious broadening of the growth window of stoichiometric VO<SUB>2</SUB> thin films, from 4 to 36 °C, is ascribed to a self-adjusted process for oxygen partial pressure at different temperatures by introducing moisture. A resistance change as large as 4 orders of magnitude has been achieved in VO<SUB>2</SUB> thin films with a sharp transition width of less than 1 °C. The much enhanced MIT properties can be attributed to the higher and more uniform oxygen stoichiometry. This technique is not only scientifically interesting but also technologically important for fabricating wafer-scaled VO<SUB>2</SUB> films with uniform properties for practical device applications.</P> [FIG OMISSION]</BR>

Down-regulation of Long Non-coding RNA TUG1 Inhibits Osteosarcoma Cell Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis

Zhang, Qiang,Geng, Pei-Liang,Yin, Pei,Wang, Xiao-Lin,Jia, Jin-Peng,Yao, Jie Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.4

Objective: To investigate the expression level of TUG1 and one of its transcript variants (n377360) in osteosarcoma cells and assess the role of TUG1 in proliferation and apoptosis in the U2OS cell line. Methods: TUG1 and n377360 expression levels in patients with osteosarcomas and the U2OS human osteosarcoma cell line were evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR. U2OS cells were transected with TUG1 and n377360 siRNA or non-targeting siRNA. MTS was performed to assess the cell proliferation and flow cytometry was applied to analyze apoptosis. Results: We found significantly higher TUG1 and n377360 expression levels in osteosarcoma tissues compared with matched non-tumorous tissues. In line with this, suppression of TUG1 and n377360 expression by siRNA significantly impaired the cell proliferation potential of osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, inhibition of TUG1 expression significantly promoted osteosarcoma cell apoptosis. Conclusions: The overexpression of TUG1 and n377360 in osteosarcoma specimens and the functional role of TUG1 and n377360 regarding cell proliferation and apoptosis in an osteosarcoma cell line provided evidence that the use of TUG1 or n377360 may be a viable but an as yet unexplored therapeutic strategy in tumors that over express these factors.