Association between Initial Chest CT or Clinical Features and Clinical Course in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia

Liu Zhe,Jin Chao,Wu Carol C.,Liang Ting,Zhao Huifang,Wang Yan,Wang Zekun,Li Fen,Zhou Jie,Cai Shubo,Zeng Lingxia,Yang Jian 대한영상의학회 2020 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.21 No.6

Objective: To identify the initial chest computed tomography (CT) findings and clinical characteristics associated with the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Materials and Methods: Baseline CT scans and clinical and laboratory data of 72 patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia (39 men, 46.2 ± 15.9 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline CT findings including lobar distribution, presence of ground glass opacities, consolidation, linear opacities, and lung severity score were evaluated. The outcome event was recovery with hospital discharge. The time from symptom onset to discharge or the end of follow-up (for those remained hospitalized) was recorded. Data were censored in events such as death or discharge without recovery. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to explore the association between initial CT, clinical or laboratory findings, and discharge with recovery, whereby hazard ratio (HR) values < 1 indicated a lower rate of discharge at four weeks and longer time until discharge. Results: Thirty-two patients recovered and were discharged during the study period with a median length of admission of 16 days (range, 9 to 25 days), while the rest remained hospitalized at the end of this study (median, 17.5 days; range, 4 to 27 days). None died during the study period. After controlling for age, onset time, lesion characteristics, number of lung lobes affected, and bilateral involvement, the lung severity score on baseline CT (> 4 vs. ≤ 4 [reference]: adjusted HR = 0.41 [95% confidence interval, CI = 0.18–0.92], p = 0.031) and initial lymphocyte count (reduced vs. normal or elevated [reference]: adjusted HR = 0.14 [95% CI = 0.03–0.60], p = 0.008) were two significant independent factors that influenced recovery and discharge. Conclusion: Lung severity score > 4 and reduced lymphocyte count at initial evaluation were independently associated with a significantly lower rate of recovery and discharge and extended hospitalization in patients admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Analysis of Volatile Compounds of Jasmine Scented Tea during the Orthodox Manufacturing Process Using HS-SPME/GC-MS

Jian Lu,De-Jun Fu,Dong-Fen Wu,Yu Liu,Yao-Ping Luo 한국차학회 2015 한국차학회지 Vol.- No.S

Volatile components of jasmine-scented tea during the orthodox manufacturing process were extracted using Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and the major flavor compounds were identified by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/Retention indices (GC-MS/RI). The major volatile compounds extracted by SDE could also be obtained by HS-SPME, which appears more suitable for extraction of aromatic compounds, for its advantages of simplicity and convenience. The GC-MS chromatograms of tea samples showed that the aromatic constituents of jasmine tea had been identified in composition after 1st scenting, which contained 6 apparently high peaks representing linalool, benzyl acetate, α-farnesene, (Z)-3-hexenyl benzoate, methyl anthranilate, and indole. According to the change of peak area of major volatile compounds, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate with green grass aroma reduced by 71.13% and 63.10% respectively in jasmine tea product, while 7 compounds with favorable flowery fruity aroma-benzyl acetate, (Z)-3-hexenyl benzoate, linalool, benzyl alcohol, α-farnesene, methyl anthranilate and indole- increased by 17.84%, 28.33 times, 32.49%, 1.70 times, 6.67 times, 11.84 times and 21.48 times respectively, comparing to the base tea. Besides, nerolidol (fruity-flowery) and germacrene D (woody), not detected in the base tea also gradually increased. The quality grade of jasmine tea was potentially correlated to the ratio of peak area of the 9 favorable compounds to that of the 2 grass compounds. After 1st scenting, the peak areas of compounds from jasmine flower increased by 1.81×105-18.24×105, and decreased by 36.14%-69.95% after the 1st drying. The peak areas of some components detected in both the base tea and jasmine flowers, like (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and methyl salicylate, increased by 9.05%-57.60% of those of the base tea after 1st scenting, and lost more than 100% after the 1st drying, while the increased peak areas of some other components both detected, like α-farnesene and indole, were more than peak areas of the base tea, with 30%- 95% loss after the 1st drying. The content change tendency of volatiles during 2nd scenting and the 2nd drying were consistent with those during 1st scenting and the 1st drying. After raising fragrance, the contents of some low boiling point volatiles and compounds not detected in the base tea increased.

아드만탄 기반의 새로운 설포네이트 폴리카보네이트 난연제 성능 연구

Jian Wei Guo,Yue Qin Wang,Li Juan Feng,Xing Zhong,Chu Fen Yang,Sa Liu,Ying De Cui 한국고분자학회 2013 폴리머 Vol.37 No.4

A novel sulfonate flame retardant, 1,3,5,7-tetrakis(phenyl-4-sodium sulfonate)adamantane (FR-A), was suc-cessfully synthesized from l-bromoadamantane in sequential four-step reactions involving Fiedel-Crafts phenylation, sul-phonation, hydrolysis, and neutralization. The success of synthesis was confirmed by FTIR spectra, ‘H NMR spectra, elemental analyses and mass spectra. The effect of FR-A on the flame retardacy of polycarbonate (PC) has been studied. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that this novel sulfonate flame retardant had effective flame retardancy on polycarbonate (PC). With a small amount (0.08 Wt%) of FR-A. the flame retardancy of PC was improved obviously, which got to UL 94 V-0 rating. TGA and DTA curves demonstrated that the additive raised the degradation rate of PC by promoting the quick formation of an insulating carbon layer on the surface, and confirmed that the flame retardant mechanism of PC/FR-A system was similar to potassium diphenylsulfone sulfonate (KSS).

OsAREB1, an ABRE-binding protein responding to ABA and glucose, has multiple functions in Arabidopsis

( Xiao Fen Jin ),( Ai Sheng Xiong ),( Ri He Peng ),( Jin Ge Liu ),( Feng Gao ),( Jian Min Chen ),( Quan Hong Yao ) 생화학분자생물학회 2010 BMB Reports Vol.43 No.1

A Robust Finite-Horizon Kalman Filter for Uncertain Discrete Time-Varying Systems with State-Delay and Missing Measurements

Jun-Hui Zheng,Jian-Fen Liu 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of Grid and Distributed Comp Vol.9 No.3

In this paper, a robust kalman filter is designed for the uncertainty time-varying discrete systems with state delay in process and output matrices combined with the possibility of missing measurements. The uncertainties are expected in the process, output and white noise covariance matrices. A formula for a candidate upper bound on the actual state estimation error variances for all admissible parameter uncertainties and possible missing measurements is obtained. The filter parameters are optimized to give a minimal upper bound on the state estimation error covariance for all admissible uncertainties and missing measurements.

Exploration on Obstacle Avoidance and Study of Balance

WANG Qi-ming,Liu Jian-fen,Shi He-sheng 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of Grid and Distributed Comp Vol.9 No.3

This paper studies ε-greedy algorithm and softmax algorithm in obstacle avoidance and balance study. In the experiment, Sarsa algorithm and Q-Learning algorithm were used to appropriately simplify and build the model of obstacle avoidance; softmax algorithm was used to address how to balance exploration and utilisation; and two classical algorithms of reinforcement learning were adopted to deal with obstacle avoidance. The results generated by simulation prove that Sarsa algorithm and Q-Learning algorithm can handle obstacle avoidance and balance study in limited time step, which makes the intelligent agent improve the non-maximum estimated value of the value function of the state so as to choose the best action that has been carried out. In addition, Sarsa algorithm and Q-Learning algorithm can also enable the intelligent agent to try new actions and find out the optimal one.

Self-assembled wide bandgap nanocoatings enabled outstanding dielectric characteristics in the sandwich-like structure polymer composites

Wang Tian-Yu,Li Xiao-Fen,Liu Shu-Ming,Liu Bai-Xin,Liang Xi-Dong,Li Shunning,Zhang Gui-Xin,Liu Jian-Bo,Dang Zhi-Min 나노기술연구협의회 2022 Nano Convergence Vol.9 No.55

Polymer dielectrics are insulators or energy storage materials widely used in electrical and electronic devices. Polymer dielectrics are needed with outstanding dielectric characteristics than current technologies. In this study, the self-assembly of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) was applied to form an inorganic–organic nanocoating on various common polymer dielectrics. It is inexpensive and easy to fabricate this thin coating on a large scale. The coating has a wide bandgap and thus can significantly improve the breakdown strength of polymer dielectrics. The charge characteristics and trapping parameters of nano-domains on the surfaces of polymer dielectrics were measured, and the coating had shallow trap levels. This facilitated the dissipation of surface charges and thus greatly increased the flashover voltage. The coating also effectively improved the temperature stability and dielectric constant of the polymer dielectric. This nanocoating shows potential as a method to effectively improve the dielectric characteristics of polymer dielectrics and outperform existing composite polymer dielectrics, which are crucial for large-scale applications in energy storage and power and electronic devices.

Characterization and function of a short peptidoglycan recognition protein from the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi

Li-Shang Dai,Cen Qian, LeiWang,Guo-Qing Wei,Qiu-Ning Liu,Yu Sun,Cong-Fen Zhang,Jun Li,Dong-Ran Liu,Bao-Jian Zhu,Chao-Liang Liu 한국응용곤충학회 2015 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.18 No.4

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are conserved proteins in animals from insects to mammals and play an important role in immune response by recognizing peptidoglycan on microbial surfaces. In this study, a PGRP gene from Antheraea pernyi, named Ap-PGRP-A, was isolated and characterized. Sequence analysis revealed that the full-length cDNA of Ap-PGRP-A was 961 bp, containing a 40 bp 5′-untranslated sequence, a 339 bp 3′-untranslated region and an open reading frame of 582 bp. This gene encoded a putative protein of 193 amino acid residues. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Ap-PGRP-A had the closest protein sequence similarity to Antheraea mylitta PGRP. The recombinant protein was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli cells and a rabbit anti-Ap-PGRP-A antibody was also prepared. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that Ap-PGRP-A was extensively expressed in the fat body, midgut, hemocyte,malpighian tubule and epidermis of A. pernyi, especially in the fat body and midgut. The expression levels of Ap-PGRP-A were significantly up-regulated by three types of microorganisms, and Ap-PGRP-A expression was more sensitive in response to the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli than the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis or the fungus Beauveria bassiana. These data indicate that Ap-PGRP-A may play a role in the innate immune responses of A. pernyi.

Microarray Analysis of Long Non-coding RNA Expression Profile Associated with 5-Fluorouracil-Based Chemoradiation Resistance in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Xiong, Wei,Jiang, Yong-Xin,Ai, Yi-Qin,Liu, Shan,Wu, Xing-Rao,Cui, Jian-Guo,Qin, Ji-Yong,Liu, Yan,Xia, Yao-Xiong,Ju, Yun-He,He, Wen-Jie,Wang, Yong,Li, Yun-Fen,Hou, Yu,Wang, Li,Li, Wen-Hui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.8

Background: Preoperative 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemoradiotherapy is a standard treatment for locally advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, CRC cells often develop chemoradiation resistance (CRR). Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays critical roles in a myriad of biological processes and human diseases, as well as chemotherapy resistance. Since the roles of lncRNAs in 5-FU-based CRR in human CRC cells remain unknown, they were investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: A 5-FU-based concurrent CRR cell model was established using human CRC cell line HCT116. Microarray expression profiling of lncRNAs and mRNAs was undertaken in parental HCT116 and 5-FU-based CRR cell lines. Results: In total, 2,662 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 2,398 mRNAs were identified in 5-FU-based CRR HCT116 cells when compared with those in parental HCT116. Moreover, 6 lncRNAs and 6 mRNAs found to be differentially expressed were validated by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis for the differentially expressed mRNAs indicated involvement of many, such as Jak-STAT, PI3K-Akt and NF-kappa B signaling pathways. To better understand the molecular basis of 5-FU-based CRR in CRC cells, correlated expression networks were constructed based on 8 intergenic lncRNAs and their nearby coding genes. Conclusions: Changes in lncRNA expression are involved in 5-FU-based CRR in CRC cells. These findings may provide novel insight for the prognosis and prediction of response to therapy in CRC patients.

Crocin alleviates neurotoxicity induced by bupivacaine in SH-SY5Y cells with inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling

Lin Lili,Chen Zhen,Li Jun,Peng Jianye,Wang Jian,Feng Mingjun,Liu Tiancheng,Zhang Mengli,Wu Xian,Ai Fen,Shen Caijie 한국유전학회 2024 Genes & Genomics Vol.46 No.1

Background Bupivacaine, a common local anesthetic, can cause neurotoxicity and permanent neurological disorders. Crocin has been widely reported as a potential neuroprotective agent in neural injury models. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of crocin underlying bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity. Method Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were treated with bupivacaine and/or crocin for 24 h, followed by detecting cell viability using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The effect of crocin or bupivacaine on SH-SY5Y cell proliferation was measured by Ki67 immunofluorescence assay. The levels of apoptosis-related proteins and the markers in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were examined using western blot analysis. The activities of caspase 3, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were tested using respective commercial assay kits. Flow cytometry analysis was executed for detecting SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis. Result Crocin attenuated bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Meanwhile, crocin inhibited SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis induced by bupivacaine via repressing the activity of caspase-3, reducing Bax expression, and elevating Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, crocin mitigated oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells by increasing the content of CAT, SOD, GSH-Px and reducing the content of MDA. Additionally, crocin protected against bupivacaine-induced dephosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β. The protective effects of crocin against bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells were counteracted by the Akt inhibitor. Conclusion These results suggested that crocin may exert a neuroprotective function by promoting cell proliferation and suppressing apoptosis and oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells. Thus, crocin might become a promising drug for the treatment of bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity. Background Bupivacaine, a common local anesthetic, can cause neurotoxicity and permanent neurological disorders. Crocin has been widely reported as a potential neuroprotective agent in neural injury models. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of crocin underlying bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity. Method Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were treated with bupivacaine and/or crocin for 24 h, followed by detecting cell viability using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The effect of crocin or bupivacaine on SH-SY5Y cell proliferation was measured by Ki67 immunofluorescence assay. The levels of apoptosis-related proteins and the markers in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were examined using western blot analysis. The activities of caspase 3, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were tested using respective commercial assay kits. Flow cytometry analysis was executed for detecting SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis. Result Crocin attenuated bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Meanwhile, crocin inhibited SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis induced by bupivacaine via repressing the activity of caspase-3, reducing Bax expression, and elevating Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, crocin mitigated oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells by increasing the content of CAT, SOD, GSH-Px and reducing the content of MDA. Additionally, crocin protected against bupivacaine-induced dephosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β. The protective effects of crocin against bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells were counteracted by the Akt inhibitor. Conclusion These results suggested that crocin may exert a neuroprotective function by promoting cell proliferation and suppressing apoptosis and oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells. Thus, crocin might become a promising drug for the treatment of bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity.