Long Term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of N₀ Stage Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: a Single Institutional Experience with 610 Patients

Sun, Jian-Da,Chen, Chuang-Zhen,Chen, Jian-Zhou,Li, Dong-Sheng,Chen, Zhi-Jian,Zhou, Ming-Zhen,Li, De-Rui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Treatment responses of $N_0$ stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma were firstly analyzed comprehensively to evaluate long term outcomes of patients and identify prognostic factors. A total of 610 patients with $N_0$ NPC, undergoing definitive radiotherapy to their primary lesion and prophylactic radiation to upper neck, were reviewed retrospectively. Concomitant chemotherapy was administrated to 65 out of the 610. Survival rates of the patients were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test. Prognostic factors were identified by the Cox regression model. The study revealed the 5-year and 10-year overall, disease-free, disease-specific, local failure-free, regional failure-free, locoregional failure-free and distant metastasis-free survival rates to be 78.7% and 66.8%, 68.8% and 55.8%, 79.9% and 70.4%, 81.2% and 72.5%, 95.8% and 91.8%, 78.3% and 68.5%, 88.5% and 85.5%, respectively. There were 192 patients experiencing failure (31.5%) after radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Of these, local recurrence, regional relapse and distant metastases as the first event of failure occurred in 100 (100/610, 16.4%), 15(15/610, 2.5%) and 52 (52/610, 8.5%), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that T stage was the only independent prognostic factor for patients with $N_0$ NPC (P=0.000). Late T stage (P=0.000), male (P=0.039) and anemia (P=0.007) were independently unfavorable factors predicting disease-free survival. After treatment, satisfactory outcome wasgenerally achieved in patients with $N_0$ NPC. Local recurrence represented the predominant mode of treatment failure, while T stage was the only independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Late T stage, male gender, and anemia independently predicted lower possibility of the disease-free survival.

Metastasis associated genomic aberrations in stage II rectal cancer

Hong Zhao,Zhi-Zhou Shi,Rui Jiang,Dong-Bing Zhao,Hai-Tao Zhou,Jian-Wei Liang,Xin-Yu Bi,Jian-Jun Zhao,Zhi-Yu Li,Jian-Guo Zhou,Zhen Huang,Ye-Fan Zhang,Jian Wang,Xin Xu,Yan Cai,Ming-Rong Wang,Yu Zhang 한국유전학회 2016 Genes & Genomics Vol.38 No.11

Genomic aberrations of rectal carcinoma, especially DNA copy number changes associated with metastasis were largely unclear. We aim to identify the metastasis associated biomarkers in stage II rectal cancer. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary tumor tissues of stage II rectal carcinoma were analyzed by array-based comparative genomic hybridization, and genomic aberrations were identified by Genomic Workbench and SAM software. Copy number changes and mRNA expressions were validated by Real-time PCR in an independent rectal cancer samples. The results showed that the most frequent gains in stage II rectal cancer were at 1q21.2-q23.1, 3p21.31, 11q12.2-q23.3, 12q24.11-q24.31, 12q13.11-q14.1 and losses in 18q11.2-q23, 17q21.33-q22, 13q31.1-q31.3, 21q21.1-q21.3, 8p23.3-p23.1 and 4q22.1-q23. Twenty-two amplifications and five homozygous deletions were also identified. We further found that S100A1 (1q21.3-q23.1), MCM7 (7q22.1) and JUND (19p13.11) were amplified and overexpressed in stage II rectal cancer. Interestingly, the genomic aberrations affected 14 signaling pathways including VEGF signaling pathway and fatty acid metabolism. Most importantly, loss of 13q31.1-q34 and gain of 1q44 were associated with distant metastasis. Our results indicated that these metastasis associated genomic changes may be useful to reveal the pathogenesis of rectal cancer metastasis and identify candidate biomarkers.

The Protective Effect of Sodium Hyaluronate on the Cartilage of Rabbit Osteoarthritis by Inhibiting Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma Messenger RNA Expression

Jian-lin Zhou,Shi-qing Liu,Bo Qiu,Qiong-jie Hu,Jiang-hua Ming,Hao Peng 연세대학교의과대학 2009 Yonsei medical journal Vol.50 No.6

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to study the protective effect and influence of sodium hyaluronate (Na- HA) on mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) in cartilage of rabbit osteoarthritis (OA) model. Materials and Methods: Forty eight white rabbits were randomly divided into A, B, and C groups. Group A was normal control group, B and C groups underwent unilateral anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). The rabbits in group B were injected normal saline after ACLT; and Group C received intraarticular1% sodium hyaluronate (HA) injection 5 weeks after surgery, 0.3 mL once a week. At 11th week after surgery, all the rabbits were sacrificed. The cartilage changes on the medial femoral condyles were graded separately. Cartilage sections were stained with safranin-O and HE, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of PPAR-γ was detected by using real time polymerase chain reaction (Real Time-PCR). Results: Cartilage degeneration in group B was significantly more severe than in A and C injection group. The grey value of Safranin- O of B group was higher than A and C groups. Expression of PPAR-γ mRNA in group B was higher than group A and C. Conclusion: This study shows that Na-HA has a protective effect on articular cartilage degeneration, and the inhibitory effect on the PPAR-γ mRNA expression may be one of therapeutic mechanism of Na-HA. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to study the protective effect and influence of sodium hyaluronate (Na- HA) on mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) in cartilage of rabbit osteoarthritis (OA) model. Materials and Methods: Forty eight white rabbits were randomly divided into A, B, and C groups. Group A was normal control group, B and C groups underwent unilateral anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). The rabbits in group B were injected normal saline after ACLT; and Group C received intraarticular1% sodium hyaluronate (HA) injection 5 weeks after surgery, 0.3 mL once a week. At 11th week after surgery, all the rabbits were sacrificed. The cartilage changes on the medial femoral condyles were graded separately. Cartilage sections were stained with safranin-O and HE, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of PPAR-γ was detected by using real time polymerase chain reaction (Real Time-PCR). Results: Cartilage degeneration in group B was significantly more severe than in A and C injection group. The grey value of Safranin- O of B group was higher than A and C groups. Expression of PPAR-γ mRNA in group B was higher than group A and C. Conclusion: This study shows that Na-HA has a protective effect on articular cartilage degeneration, and the inhibitory effect on the PPAR-γ mRNA expression may be one of therapeutic mechanism of Na-HA.

Effects of pyrite bioleaching solution of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans on viability, differentiation and mineralization potentials of rat osteoblasts

Jian Zhou,Hong Yu Li,Ke-Ming Chen,De Juan Zhi,Qin-Jian Xie,Cory J. Xian 대한약학회 2015 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.38 No.12

Iron pyrite, an important component of traditional Chinese medicine, has a poor solubility, bioavailability, and patient compliance due to a high dose required and associated side effects, all of which have limited its clinical applications and experimental studies on its action mechanisms in improving fracture healing. This study investigated Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A.f)-bioleaching of two kinds of pyrites and examined bioactivities of the derived solutions in viability and osteogenic differentiation in rat calvarial osteoblasts. A.f bioleaching improved element contents (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Se) in the derived solutions and the solutions concentration-dependently affected osteoblast viability and differentiation. While the solutions had no effects at low concentrations and inhibited the osteoblast alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at high concentrations, they improved ALP activity at their optimal concentrations. The improved osteoblast differentiation and osteogenic function at optimal concentrations were also revealed by levels of ALP cytochemical staining, calcium deposition, numbers and areas of mineralized nodules formed, mRNA and protein expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes (osteocalcin, Bmp-2, Runx-2, and IGF-1), and Runx-2 nuclear translocation. Data from this study will be useful in offering new strategies for improving pyrite bioavailability and providing a mechanistic explanation for the beneficial effects of pyrite in improving bone healing.

Fabrication of Pure Refractory Metals by Resistance Sintering under Ultra High Pressure

Zhou Zhang-Jian,Du Juan,Song Shu-Xiang,Ge Chang-Chun 한국분말야금학회 2006 한국분말야금학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2006 No.1

Refractory materials, such as W and Mo, are very useful elements for use in high-temperature applications. But it is not easy to fabricat pure W and Mo with very high density and retaining very fine grain size because of their high melting point. In this paper, a newly developed method named as resistance sintering under ultra high pressure was use to fabricate pure fine-grained W and Mo. The microstructure was analysis by SEM. The sintering mechanism is primary analyzed. Basic physical property of these sintered pure W and Mo, such as hardness, bend strength, are tested.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Antibiotic-Impregnated Shunt Catheters on Anti-Infective Effect of Hydrocephalus Shunt

Zhou, Wen-xiu,Hou, Wen-bo,Zhou, Chao,Yin, Yu-xia,Lu, Shou-tao,Liu, Guang,Fang, Yi,Li, Jian-wen,Wang, Yan,Liu, Ai-hua,Zhang, Hai-jun The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2021 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.64 No.2

Objective : Shunt infection is a common complication while treating hydrocephalus. The antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheter (AISC) was designed to reduce shunt infection rate. A meta-analysis was conducted to study the effectiveness of AISCs in reduction of shunt infection in terms of age, follow-up time and high-risk patient population. Methods : This study reviewed literature from three databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (from 2000 to March 2019). Clinical studies from controlled trials for shunt operation were included in this analysis. A subgroup analysis was performed based on the patient's age, follow-up time and high-risk population. The fixed effect in RevMan 5.3 software (Cochrane Collaboration) was used for this meta-analysis. Results : This study included 19 controlled clinical trials including 10105 operations. The analysis demonstrated that AISC could reduce the infection rate in shunt surgery compared to standard shunt catheter (non-AISC) from 8.13% to 4.09% (odds ratio [OR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.58; p=0.01; I2=46%). Subgroup analysis of different age groups showed that AISC had significant antimicrobial effects in all three groups (adult, infant, and adolescent). Follow-up time analysis showed that AISC was effective in preventing early shunt infections (within 6 months after implant). AISC is more effective in high-risk population (OR, 0.24;95% CI, 0.14-0.40; p=0.60; I2=0%) than in general patient population. Conclusion : The results of meta-analysis indicated that AISC is an effective method for reducing shunt infection. We recommend that AISC should be considered for use in infants and high-risk groups. For adult patients, the choice for AISC could be determined based on the treatment cost.

Thermo-Sensitive Polyurethane Membrane with Controllable Water Vapor Permeation for Food Packaging

Zhou, Hu,Shit, Huanhuan,Fan, Haojun,Zhou, Jian,Yuan, Jixin The Polymer Society of Korea 2009 Macromolecular Research Vol.17 No.7

The size and shape of free volume (FV) holes available in membrane materials control the rate of gas diffusion and its permeability. Based on this principle, a segmented, thermo-sensitive polyurethane (TSPU) membrane with functional gate, i.e., the ability to sense and respond to external thermo-stimuli, was synthesized. This smart membrane exhibited close-open characteristics to the size of the FV hole and water vapor permeation and thus can be used as smart food packaging materials. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), positron annihilation lifetimes (PAL) and water vapor permeability (WVP) were used to evaluate how the morphological structure of TSPU and the temperature influence the FV holes size. In DSC and DMA studies, TSPU with a crystalline transition reversible phase showed an obvious phase-separated structure and a phase transition temperature at $53^{\circ}C$ (defined as the switch temperature and used as a functional gate). Moreover, the switch temperature ($T_s$) and the thermal-sensitivity of TSPU remained available after two or three thermal cyclic processes. The PAL study indicated that the FV hole size of TSPU is closely related to the $T_s$. When the temperature varied cyclically from $T_s-10{\circ}C$ to $T_s+10^{\circ}C$, the average radius (R) of the FV holes of the TSPU membrane also shifted cyclically from 0.23 to 0.467 nm, exhibiting an "open-close" feature. As a result, the WVP of the TSPU membrane also shifted cyclically from 4.30 to $8.58\;kg/m^2{\cdot}d$, which produced an "increase-decrease" response to the thermo-stimuli. This phase transition accompanying significant changes in the FV hole size and WVP can be used to develop "smart materials" with functional gates and controllable water vapor permeation, which support the possible applications of TSPU for food packaging.

Influence of Wet-Dry Cycles on Uniaxial Compression Behavior of Fissured Loess Disturbed by Vibratory Loads

Jian Xu,Liyang Zhou,Ke Hu,Yanfeng Li,Xiangang Zhou,Songhe Wang 대한토목학회 2022 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.26 No.5

In this study, the influence of wet-dry cycles on the uniaxial compression behavior of fissured loess after vibration was investigated by small shaking table tests, wet-dry tests, and uniaxial compression tests. Results show that the initial elastic modulus and peak strength both decline after wet-dry cycles while the morphology of stress-strain curves shows insignificant changes. Except for samples with a fissure angle α = 45°, where the bimodal stress-strain curves were observed, all show softening trend. The failure mode can be classified into four main types: fracture failure (α = 0° and 15°), slip-fracture coupled failure (α = 45°), slip failure (α = 60°), and compression shear failure (α = 30° and 90°). The failure modes of samples at α = 0°, 15°, 45°, and 60° are independent of wet-dry cycles but strongly depend on fissure angle, while those at the other fissure angles are more susceptible to wet-dry cycles. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of fissured loess samples before vibration are greater than those after vibration. The relationship between UCS and fissure angle before and after vibration show double-valley pattern. A binary medium model for fissured loess considering vibration and wet-dry cycles was constructed, which was verified by test data.

Navigation safety domain and collision risk index for decision support of collision avoidance of USVs

Zhou Jian,Ding Feng,Yang Jiaxuan,Pei Zhengqiang,Wang Chenxu,Zhang Anmin 대한조선학회 2021 International Journal of Naval Architecture and Oc Vol.13 No.1

This paper proposes a decision support model for USVs to improve the accuracy of collision avoidance decision-making. It is formed by Navigation Safety Domain (NSD) and domain-based Collision Risk Index (CRI), capable of determining the collision stage and risk between multiple ships. The NSD is composed of a warning domain and a forbidden domain, which is constructed under the constraints of COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). The proposed domain based CRI takes the radius of NSD in various encounter situations as threshold parameters. It is found that the value of collision risk in any directions can be calculated, including actual value and risk threshold. A catamaran USV and 6 given vessels are taken as study objects to validate the proposed model. It is found that the judgment of collision stage is accurate and the azimuth range of risk exists can be detected, hence the ships can take direct and effective collision avoidance measures. According to the relation between the actual value of CRI and risk threshold, the decision support rules are summarized, and the specific terms of COLREGs to be followed in each encounter situation are given.

Dielectric and magnetic properties of ZnO-doped cobalt ferrite

Jian-Ping Zhou,Li Lv,Xian-Zhi Chen 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2010 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.11 No.2

A series of cobalt ferrites with the chemical composition Co1+xZnxFe2-2xO4 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4) were obtained by a conventional ceramic method. The ZnO-doped samples have a smaller lattice constant than that of CoFe2O4 by adjusting part of the cobalt ions to the octahedral sites. Doping with ZnO could greatly improve the dielectric and magnetic properties. AC dielectric properties show that the samples had semiconductor characteristics for an electron exchange between ions with a different chemical valence. The dielectric constant of the ZnO-doped ferrites is mainly enhanced by Maxwell-Wagner polarization and a Koops mechanism. In comparison with pure CoFe2O4, the sample with small amounts of ZnO-doping has a higher permeability and a much lower coercivity with the condition of a small decrease in magnetization saturation, and it shows an obvious magnetostrictive effect at a magnetic field of <60 mT while the pure cobalt ferrite sample does not, although the saturated magnetostriction decreases. These results indicate that ZnO doping improves the magnetostrictive sensitivity of cobalt ferrites.