CT Findings of Persistent Pure Ground Glass Opacity: Can We Predict the Invasiveness?

Liu, Li-Heng,Liu, Ming,Wei, Ran,Jin, Er-Hu,Liu, Yu-Hui,Xu, Liang,Li, Wen-Wu,Huang, Yong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.5

Background: To investigate whether CT findings can predict the invasiveness of persistent cancerous pure ground glass opacity (pGGO) by correlating the CT imaging features of persistent pGGO with pathological changes. Materials and Methods: Ninety five patients with persistent pGGOs were included. Three radiologists evaluated the morphologic features of these pGGOs at high resolution CT (HRCT). Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between CT findings and histopathological classification (pre-invasive and invasive groups). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of diameters. Results: A total of 105 pGGOs were identified. Between pre-invasive (atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, AAH, and adenocarcinoma in situ, AIS) and invasive group (minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, MIA and invasive lung adenocarcinomas, ILA), there were significant differences in diameter, spiculation and vessel dilatation (p<0.05). No difference was found in air-bronchogram, bubble-lucency, lobulated-margin, pleural indentation or vascular convergence (p>0.05). The optimal threshold value of the diameters to predict the invasiveness of pGGO was 12.50mm. Conclusions: HRCT features can predict the invasiveness of persistent pGGO. The pGGO with a diameter more than 12.50mm, presences of spiculation and vessel dilatation are important factors to differentiate invasive adenocarcinoma from pre-invasive cancerous lesions.

The Relationships between Creativity, Drawing Ability, and Visual/Spatial Intelligence: A Study of Taiwan’s Third-Grade Children

Li-Ming Liu 서울대학교 교육연구소 2007 Asia Pacific Education Review Vol.8 No.3

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between the qualities of creativity, drawing ability, and visual/spatial intelligence of selected third-grade students in the Hsinchu area of Taiwan, Republic of China. The population for this study included approximately 11,653 third-grade students from 99 public elementary schools. Subjects were randomly selected from 16 out of 99 elementary schools. The Milne-Kasen Story Pictures (A Test for Creativity), the Young Visual Artist’s Checklist, the Portfolio Review Measurement, the classroom teacher’s nomination of Milne-Kasen Visual/Spatial Intelligence Checklist were given to 427 selected students. Data were processed, analyzed, and reported using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that positive relationships exist between a child’s creativity potential and self-image of artistic ability and local art educators’ observations of students’ artwork and classroom teachers’ observations of student’s art-related behaviors. There were significant differences in responses based upon the demographic factors of gender, community, age, and time of test taking. These findings should impact the delivery of art education to children at the elementary school level. In addition, it might influence the development of the art education curriculum in Taiwan.

Mycena subpiligera sp. nov., a Symbiotic Species from China Associated with the Seed Germination of Gastrodia elata

Li-na Liu,Guo-ying Zhou,Ai-rong Shen,Bao-ming Shen,Yun Tan,Zhu-ming Tan 한국균학회 2022 Mycobiology Vol.50 No.5

Mycena subpiligera, a new taxon in sect. Fragilipedes that can strongly enhance the germin- ation efficiency of Gastrodia elata seeds, was discovered in subtropical areas of China. As revealed by a morphological comparison with related Mycena species as well as maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the internal tran- scribed spacer (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU) regions of nuclear ribosomal RNA, the new taxon can be distinguished from phenotypically similar and phylogenetically related species. Optimal cultural conditions for M. subpiligera basidiomata are reported, and the germination rate of the new species is compared with that of M. citrinomarginata.

Knockout of the EgriBLOS2 gene results in the transparent integuments of Ectropis grisescens larvae

Li Jia-Li,Zhuang Xiang-Lin,Yuan Ting-Ting,Cai Xiao-Ming,Luo Zong-Xiu,Bian Lei,Chen Zong-Mao,Li Zhao-Qun,Liu Nai-Yong 한국응용곤충학회 2022 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.25 No.1

The body colors of insects have evolved specialized roles in body protection, signaling and physiology. In some case, the larvae can camouflage their body colors to adapt the habitants and protect themselves. However, the genetic and molecular basis on larval body colors of the tea geometrid, Ectropis grisescens, remains poorly known. Here, we reported an effect of the lysosome-related organelles complex-1, subunit 2 (EgriBLOS2) gene knockout on larval integuments of E. grisescens, by using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system. Combining transcriptomic data and PCR approaches, we first identified the EgriBLOS2 gene from E. grisescens, which encoded 137 amino acids and comprised 3 introns. In the phylogenetic analysis, EgriBLOS2 clustered in the Lepidoptera clade with high conservation to members in other lepidopteran species. Developmental expression profiles revealed that EgriBLOS2 was constantly tran scribed at each stage, in which its expression was significantly lower in 2nd instar larvae than that of other instars. After injecting EgriBLOS2-specific guide RNA and Cas9 messenger RNA into eggs, 70% of larvae showed the translucent integuments in G0 generation, with an emphasis on black splayed patterns in the 2nd and 8th segments of abdomens. However, some typical characteristics of larvae were not obviously changed in mutant instars, such as ocelli, mouthparts and other appendants. This study has unraveled the roles of EgriBLOS2 in the formation of larval integument colors, and provides an alternative strategy for pest management based on the colors in this species.

β-elemene Induces Caspase-dependent Apoptosis in Human Glioma Cells in vitro through the Upregulation of Bax and Fas/FasL and Downregulation of Bcl-2

Li, Chen-Long,Chang, Liang,Guo, Lin,Zhao, Dan,Liu, Hui-Bin,Wang, Qiu-Shi,Zhang, Ping,Du, Wen-Zhong,Liu, Xing,Zhang, Hai-Tao,Liu, Yang,Zhang, Yao,Xie, Jing-Hong,Ming, Jian-Guang,Cui, Yu-Qiong,Sun, Ying Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.23

Background: ${\beta}$-elemene, extracted from herb medicine Curcuma wenyujin has potent anti-tumor effects in various cancer cell lines. However, the activity of ${\beta}$-elemene against glioma cells remains unclear. In the present study, we assessed effects of ${\beta}$-elemene on human glioma cells and explored the underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: Human glioma U87 cells were used. Cell proliferation was determined with MTT assay and colony formation assay to detect the effect of ${\beta}$-elemene at different doses and times. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe cell apoptosis with Hoechst 33258 staining and change of glioma apoptosis and cell cycling were analyzed by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western-blotting assay were performed to investigated the influence of ${\beta}$-elemene on expression levels of Fas/FasL, caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax. The experiment was divided into two groups: the blank control group and ${\beta}$-elemne treatment group. Results: With increase in the concentration of ${\beta}$-elemene, cytotoxic effects were enhanced in the glioma cell line and the concentration of inhibited cell viability ($IC_{50}$) was $48.5{\mu}g/mL$ for 24h. ${\beta}$-elemene could induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. With Hoechst 33258 staining, apoptotic nuclear morphological changes were observed. Activation of caspase-3,-8 and -9 was increased and the pro-apoptotic factors Fas/FasL and Bax were upregulated, while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was downregulated after treatment with ${\beta}$-elemene at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, proliferation and colony formation by U87 cells were inhibited by ${\beta}$-elemene in a time and does-dependent manner. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ${\beta}$-elemene inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of human glioma cells in vitro. The induction of apoptosis appears to be related with the upregulation of Fas/FasL and Bax, activation of caspase-3,-8 and -9 and downregulation of Bcl-2, which then trigger major apoptotic cascades.

Cloning and Molecular Characterization of a Novel Rolling-Circle Replicating Plasmid, pK1S-1, from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki K1

Ming Shun Li,노종열,Xueying Tao,Zi Niu Yu,Zi Duo Liu,Qin Liu,Hong Guang Xu,심희진,김양수,왕용,최재영,제연호 한국미생물학회 2009 The journal of microbiology Vol.47 No.4

Bacillus thuringiensis, an entomopathogenic bacterium belonging to the B. cereus group, harbors numerous extra-chromosomal DNA molecules whose sizes range from 2 to 250 kb. In this study, we used a plasmid capture system (PCS) to clone three small plasmids from B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki K1 which were not found in B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD-1, and determined the complete nucleotide sequence of plasmid pK1S-1 (5.5 kb). Of the six putative open reading frames (ORF2-ORF7) in pK1S-1, ORF2 (MobK1) showed approximately 90% aa identity with the Mob-proteins of pGI2 and pTX14-2, which are rolling circle replicating group VII (RCR group VII) plasmids from B. thuringiensis. In addition, a putative origin of transfer (oriT) showed 95.8% identity with those of pGI2 and pTX14-2. ORF3 (RepK1) showed relatively low aa identity (17.8~25.2%) with the Rep protein coded by RCR plasmids, however. The putative double- strand origin of replication (dso) and single-strand origin of replication (sso) of pK1S-1 exhibited approximately 70% and 64% identities with those of pGI2 and pTX14-2. ORF6 and 7 showed greater than 50% similarities with alkaline serine protease, which belongs to the subtilase family. The other 2 ORFs were identified as hypothetical proteins. To determine the replicon of pK1S-1, seven subclones were contructed in the B. thuringiensis ori-negative pHT1K vector and were electroporated into a plasmid cured B. thuringiensis strain. The 1.6 kb region that included the putative ORF3 (Rep1K), dso and ORF4, exhibited replication ability. These findings identified pK1S-1 as a new RCR group VII plasmid, and determined its replication region.

Cloning and Molecular Characterization of a Novel Rolling-Circle Replicating Plasmid, pK1S-1, from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki K1

Ming Shun Li,Jong Yul Roh,Xueying Tao,Zi Niu Yu,Zi Duo Liu,Qin Liu,Hong Guang Xu,Hee Jin Shim,Yang-Su Kim,Yong Wang,Jae Young Choi,Yeon Ho Je 한국응용곤충학회 2009 한국응용곤충학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2009 No.05

Bacillus thuringiensis, an entomopathogenic bacterium belonging to the B. cereus group, harbors numerous extra-chromosomal DNA molecules whose sizes range from 2 to 250 kb. In this study, we used a plasmid capture system (PCS) to clone three small plasmids from B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki K1 using PCS which were not found in B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD-1, and determined the complete nucleotide sequence of plasmid pK1S-1 (5.5 kb). Of the six putative open reading frames (ORF2-ORF7) in pK1S-1, ORF2 (MobK1) showed approximately 90% aa identity with the Mob-proteins of pGI2 and pTX14-2, which are rolling circle replicating group VII (RCR group VII) plasmids from B. thuringiensis. In addition, a putative origin of transfer (oriT) showed 95.8% identity with those of pGI2 and pTX14-2. ORF3 (RepK1) showed relatively low aa identity (17.8-25.2%) with the Rep protein coded by RCR plasmids, however. The putative double-strand origin of replication (dso) and single-strand origin of replication (sso) of pK1S-1 exhibited approximately 70% and 64% identities with those of pGI2 and pTX14-2. ORF6 and 7 showed greater than 50% similarities with alkaline serine protease, which belongs to the subtilase family. The other 2 ORFs were identified as hypothetical proteins. To determine the replicon of pK1S-1, seven subclones were contructed in the B. t huringiensis ori-negative pHT1K vector and were electroporated into a plasmid cured B. thuringiensis strain. The 1.6 kb region that included the putative ORF3 (Rep1K), dso and ORF4, exhibited replication ability. These findings identified pK1S-1 as a new RCR group VII plasmid, and determined its replication region.

Numerical analysis and fluid-solid coupling model test of filling-type fracture water inrush and mud gush

Li, Li-Ping,Chen, Di-Yang,Li, Shu-Cai,Shi, Shao-Shuai,Zhang, Ming-Guang,Liu, Hong-Liang Techno-Press 2017 Geomechanics & engineering Vol.13 No.6

The geological conditions surrounding the Jijiapo Tunnel of the Three Gorges Fanba Highway project in Hubei Province are very complex. In this paper, a 3-D physical model was carried out to study the evolution process of filling-type fracture water inrush and mud gush based on the conditions of the section located between 16.040 km and 16.042 km of the Jijiapo Tunnel. The 3-D physical model was conducted to clarify the effect of the self-weight of the groundwater level and tunnel excavation during water inrush and mud gush. The results of the displacement, stress and seepage pressure of fracture and surrounding rock in the physical model were analyzed. In the physical model the results of the model test show that the rock displacement suddenly jumped after sustainable growth, rock stress and rock seepage suddenly decreased after continuous growth before water inrushing. Once water inrush occured, internal displacement of filler increased successively from bottom up, stress and seepage pressure of filler droped successively from bottom up, which presented as water inrush and mud gush of filling-type fracture was a evolving process from bottom up. The numerical study was compared with the model test to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the results of the model test.

Cyr61/CCN1 Overexpression Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Leading to Laryngeal Tumor Invasion and Metastasis and Poor Prognosis

Liu, Ying,Zhou, Yan-Dong,Xiao, Yu-Li,Li, Ming-Hua,Wang, Yu,Kan, Xuan,Li, Qiu-Ying,Lu, Jian-Guang,Jin, De-Jun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.7

Background: To examine the expression of cysteine-rich 61 (Cyr61/CCN1) protein in laryngeal squamouscell carcinoma (LSCC) tissues, and its relationship with the tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, metastasis, and prognosis. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of Cyr61, Vimentin (Vim), and E-cadherin (E-cad) in 88 cases of LSCC tissues and 30 cases of tumor-adjacent normal tissues. Vim and E-cad were used as mesenchymal and epithelial markers, respectively, to determine the relationship between Cyr61 expression and the EMT of LSCC cells. In addition, clinical and histopathological data were combined to analyze the relationship between the positive-expression rates of Cyr61, Vim and E-cad and LSCC invasion, metastasis and prognosis. Results: In LSCC tissues, Vim expression rate was significantly higher than that of the tumor-adjacent tissues, whereas E-cad expression rate was significantly lower than that of the tumor-adjacent tissues. The Vim expression rate was significantly higher in stages T3 and T4 than in stages T1 and T2 LSCC tissues, whereas E-cad expression rate was significantly lower in stages T3 and T4 than in stages T1 and T2 LSCC tissues. Compared to the group without lymph node metastasis, the Vim expression rate was significantly higher and the E-cad expression rate was significantly lower in the group with lymph node metastasis. The expression rate of Cyr61 was significantly higher in LSCC tissues than in the tumor-adjacent normal tissues. In addition, the Cyr61 expression rate was higher in stages T3 and T4 than in stages T1 and T2 LSCC, and higher in the group with lymph node metastasis than in the group without lymph node metastasis. The Vim expression rate was significantly higher in the Cyr61 positive group than in the Cyr61 negative group, whereas the E-cad expression rate was significantly higher in the Cyr61 negative group than in the Cyr61 positive group. Survival analysis indicated that survival rates of Cyr61 positive, Vim positive and E-cad negative groups were significantly lower than that of Cyr61 negative, Vim negative and E-cad positive groups, respectively. Conclusions: Cyr61 expression is closely associated with LSCC invasion and lymph node metastasis. Overexpression of Cyr61 may induce EMT and therefore leads to LSCC invasion and metastasis and poor prognosis. Cyr61 may become a new maker for clinical prediction of LSCC invasion and metastasis and a new target for LSCC treatment.

Adjuvant Radiotherapy after Breast Conserving Treatment for Breast Cancer:A Dosimetric Comparison between Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy and Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy

Liu, Zhe-Ming,Ge, Xiao-Lin,Chen, Jia-Yan,Wang, Pei-Pei,Zhang, Chi,Yang, Xi,Zhu, Hong-Cheng,Liu, Jia,Qin, Qin,Xu, Li-Ping,Lu, Jing,Zhan, Liang-Liang,Cheng, Hong-Yan,Sun, Xin-Chen Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.8

Background: Radiotherapy is an important treatment of choice for breast cancer patients after breast-conserving surgery, and we compare the feasibility of using dual arc volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT2), single arc volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT1) and Multi-beam Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (M-IMRT) on patients after breast-conserving surgery. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with breast cancer (half right-sided and half left-sided) treated by conservative lumpectomy and requiring whole breast radiotherapy with tumor bed boost were planned with three different radiotherapy techniques: 1) VMAT1; 2) VMAT2; 3) M-IMRT. The distributions for the planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OARs) were compared. Dosimetries for all the techniques were compared. Results: All three techniques satisfied the dose constraint well. VMAT2 showed no obvious difference in the homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI) of the PTV with respect to M-IMRT and VMAT1. VMAT2 clearly improved the treatment efficiency and can also decrease the mean dose and V5Gy of the contralateral lung. The mean dose and maximum dose of the spinal cord and contralateral breast were lower for VMAT2 than the other two techniques. The very low dose distribution (V1Gy) of the contralateral breast also showed great reduction in VMAT2 compared with the other two techniques. For the ipsilateral lung of right-sided breast cancer, the mean dose was decreased significantly in VMAT2 compared with VMAT1 and M-IMRT. The V20Gy and V30Gy of the ipsilateral lung of the left-sided breast cancer for VMAT2 showed obvious reduction compared with the other two techniques. The heart statistics of VMAT2 also decreased considerably compared to VMAT1 and M-IMRT. Conclusions: Compared to the other two techniques, the dual arc volumetric modulated arc therapy technique reduced radiation dose exposure to the organs at risk and maintained a reasonable target dose distribution.