Pretreatment Serum Amyloid A and C-reactive Protein Comparing with Epstein-Barr Virus DNA as Prognostic Indicators in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Prospective Study

Qiu-Yan Chen,Qing-Nan Tang,Lin-Quan Tang,Wen-Hui Chen,Shan-Shan Guo,Li-Ting Liu,Chao-Feng Li,Yang Li,Yu-Jing Liang,Xue-Song Sun,Ling Guo,Hao-Yuan Mo,Rui Sun,Dong-Hua Luo,Yu-Ying Fan,Yan He,Ming-Yuan C 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.3

Purpose The measuring Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA is an important predictor of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study evaluated the predictive value of pretreatment serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) comparing with EBV DNA in patients with NPC. Materials and Methods In an observational study of 419 non-metastatic NPC patients, we prospectively evaluated the prognostic effects of pretreatment SAA, CRP, and EBV DNA on survival. The primary endpoint was progress-free survival (PFS). Results The median level of SAA and CRP was 4.28 mg/L and 1.88 mg/L, respectively. For the high- SAA group (> 4.28 mg/L) versus the low-SAA ( 4.28 mg/L) group and the high-CRP group (> 1.88 mg/L) versus the low-CRP ( 1.88 mg/L) group, the 5-year PFS was 64.5% versus 73.1% (p=0.013) and 65.2% versus 73.3% (p=0.064), respectively. EBV DNA detection showed a superior predictive result, the 5-year PFS in the EBV DNA  1,500 copies/mL group was obviously different than the EBV DNA < 1,500 copies/mL group (62.2% versus 77.8%, p < 0.001). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis confirmed that in the PFS, the independent prognostic factors were including EBV DNA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.788; p=0.009), tumour stage (HR, 1.903; p=0.021), and node stage (HR, 1.498; p=0.049), but the SAA and CRP were not included in the independent prognostic factors. Conclusion The results of SAA and CRP had a certain relationship with the prognosis of NPC, and the prognosis of patients with high level of SAA and CRP were poor. However, the predictive ability of SAA and CRP was lower than that of EBV DNA.

High-efficiently and rapidly capturing cesium from water with Prussian blue@expanded graphite as adsorbent

Kangkang Sun,Muyu Liu,Kaige Sun,Hongxia Zhang,Yuhan Song,Yangshuai Qiu 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.125 No.-

The removal of radioactive 137Cs from nuclear wastewater is still needed to mitigate their high radiologicaltoxicity to living creatures. However, the industrial application of adsorbents is still challengingowing to the complex and costly preparation and slow adsorption rate for Cs wastewater with low concentration. Herein, cost-effective and fast removal of Cs+ is achieved by vermiform expanded graphite(EG) immobilized with potassium copper hexacyanoferrate (KCuHCF) via the in-situ synthesis method. We revealed that the nano-scale KCuHCF granules are dispersed homogeneously on the EG interlayers. With this design, it achieves an excellent Cs removal capacity of 16.24 mg/g within 30 min in ultralowCs concentration and shows high selectivity among various competing ions. We systematically studiedthe associated adsorption mechanism by XPS and ICP, which revealed that ion exchange between the latticeK and Cs played critical roles. Our work paves the way for the design of economical adsorbents forradioactive Cs remediation.

한, 중 합성명사 어순에 대한 유형론적 고찰

손금추 ( Jin Qiu Sun ),엄성호 ( Cheng Hao Yan ) 이중언어학회 2014 이중언어학 Vol.55 No.-

A Typological View on the Word order of Korean and Chinese Compound Nouns. Bilingual Research 55, 133-155. Chinese, Korean belong to SVO, SOV language. Because of different sentence word order, the compound noun of two languages shows different characteristics. In this study, we use language universals and typology achievements as the background. The word order of Chinese and Korean compound nouns is compared. Then we reveal the restriction factor of word order in category, cognitive category and social category.(Xian International Studies University·Kyunghee University)

Mixtures of Tea and Citrus maxima (pomelo) Alleviate Lipid Deposition in HepG2 Cells Through the AMPK/ACC Signaling Pathway

Ran An,Shuai Wen,Dong-Li Li,Qiu-Hua Li,Xing-Fei Lai,Wen-Ji Zhang,Ruo-Hong Chen,Jun-Xi Cao,Zhi-Gang Li,Qiu-Sheng Huang,Ling-Li Sun,Shi-Li Sun 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Journal of medicinal food Vol.23 No.9

Tea and citrus maxima are natural, medicinal homologous plants, typically used for making beverages, which have anticancer, antiobesity, and antioxidation properties. Green tea, yellow tea, and black tea were combined with citrus maxima to obtain green tea and Citrus maxima (GTCM), yellow tea and Citrus maxima (YTCM), and black tea and Citrus maxima (BTCM). The biochemical components of these mixtures were analyzed, and their possible effects and mechanisms on relieving liver lipid deposition were explored. The tea polyphenols, free amino acids, phenolamine ratio, and caffeine were comparable in YTCM and GTCM, being significantly higher than those in BTCM. In addition, the content of esterified catechins, nonesterified catechins, and total catechins in YTCM was significantly higher than those in GTCM and BTCM. All three mixtures of Citrus maxima tea significantly reduced lipid deposition in HepG2 cells, with GTCM and YTCM being slightly more effective than BTCM. Regarding the possible mechanism, Western blot analysis revealed that the three Citrus maxima tea mixtures could activate the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway, upregulate the expression of p-AMPK, p-ACC, and CPT-1 proteins, and downregulate the expression of SREBP1c and fatty acid synthase proteins to inhibit fat synthesis, thereby relieving lipid deposition in liver cells. In conclusion, as a novel and healthy beverage, Citrus maxima tea has the potential to alleviate liver lipid deposition, and further could be responsible for obesity treatment.

Metabolomic analysis of biochemical changes in the tissue and urine of proteoglycan-induced spondylitis in mice after treatment with moxibustion

Xiao Xu,Ya-Nan Shi,Rong-Yun Wang,Cai-Yan Ding,Xiao Zhou,Yu-Fei Zhang,Zhi-Ling Sun,Zhi-Qin Sun,Qiu-Hua Sun 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.1

Background: Moxibustion is widely used in East Asian countries to manage the symptom of rheumatic diseases. The aim of this study was to identify potential metabolic profiles of moxibustion on relieving ankylosing spondylitis (AS) mice through UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS metabolomic study. Methods: Thirty-two female Balb/c mice were randomized into healthy control (HC), AS model, moxibustion at acupuncture points (MA) in AS model, and moxibustion at non-acupuncture points (MNA) AS model groups. Moxibustion was administered daily at GV4, bilateral BL23 and bilateral ST36 acupuncture points for four weeks in the MA group. The overall health status, the thickness of hind paws and the tissue concentrations of IL-1β, PGE2, IL-6 and TNF-α were assessed. The UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used to explore the perturbations of endogenous metabolites in tissue and urine of AS model mice intervened by moxibustion. Results: Compared with the AS group, the overall health status was significantly improved after 4-week moxibustion intervention (p < 0.05). The results also showed that MA significantly reduced the levels of paw thickness and decreased the levels of four cytokines in the tissue (p < 0.01). Thirty-seven endogenous metabolites identified by the OPLS-DA were considered to be contributing to therapeutic effects of moxibustion. Moreover, metabolic pathway analysis further revealed that the identified metabolites were mainly involved in TCA cycle, Lipid metabolism, Amino Acid metabolism, Intestinal flora metabolism and Purine metabolism. Conclusions: UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS based metabolomics approach, as a novel and powerful tool, can help us to gain the insights into potential mechanisms of action of moxibustion for AS.

Molecular and cellular mechanism of neuroprotection by vascular endothelial growth factor against ischemic/hypoxic injury

Sun, Feng-Yan,Qiu, Mei-Hong,Xu, Jian-Yi,Yan, Zeng-Jin 한림대학교 환경·생명과학연구소 2003 [일송 국제심포지엄] 노화와 만성퇴행성 신경질환 Vol.- No.5

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a dimeric glycoprotein, is original found in the vascular endothelial cells with high potency of angiogenesis, vascular permeability and endothelial proliferation. However, VEGF also could be detected in the culture neuronal astrocytes, cardiac myocytes and cornea, which did not associate with neovascularization. In the brain, VEGF expression was observed in the neuronal cells in the postnatal and adult rats. Functional study demonstrated exogenous VEGF could enhance the axonal outgrowth and neuronal survival against hypoxic neuronal damage. Therefore, in the past several years, we further studied the neuroprotective mechanism of endogenous and exogenous VEGF against ischemic neuronal injury with morphological, electrical physiological and biochemical approaches in in vivo and in vitro studies as follows.

In Vivo Experimental Study on the Effects of Fluid in Increasing the Efficiency of Radiofrequency Ablation

Sun, Yi-Xin,Cheng, Wen,Han, Xue,Liu, Zhao,Wang, Qiu-Cheng,Shao, Hua Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.14

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the most widely used and studied method internationally for the local treatment of liver tumors. However, the extension of coagulation necrosis in one RFA procedure is limited and incomplete coverage of the damaged area can lead to a high local recurrence rate. Objective: In this study, we compared the effects of different solutions in enhancing hepatic radiofrequency by establishing a rabbit VX2 liver cancer model. We also determined the optimal solution to maximise effects on the extent of RFA-induced coagulation necrosis. Methods: Thirty VX2 tumor rabbits were randomly assigned to five groups: group A, RFA alone; group B, RFA with anhydrous ethanol injection; group C, RFA with 5% hypertonic saline injection; group D, RFA with lidocaine injection; and group E, RFA with a mixed solution. Routine ultrasound examinations and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of the ablation areas were performed after RFA. Then, we measured the major axis and transverse diameter and compared the areas of coagulation necrosis induced by RFA. Results: The mean ablation area range increased in groups B, C and especially E, and the scopes were greater compared with group A. Preoperative application of anhydrous ethanol, hypertonic saline, lidocaine and the mixed solution (groups B, C, D and E, respectively) resulted in larger coagulation necrosis areas than in group A (p<0.05). Among the groups, the coagulation necrosis areas in group E was largest, and the difference was statistically significant compared with other groups (p<0.05). Pathological findings were consistent with imaging results. Conclusions: A mixture of dehydrated alcohol, hypertonic saline and lidocaine injected with RFA increases the extent of coagulation necrosis in the liver with a single application, and the mixed solution is more effective than any other injection alone.

Electrochemical Polymerization of Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol Acrylate on Carbon Fiber for Improved Interfacial Properties

Qiu Li,Ai-ling Zhang,Meng Zhang,Fang-fang Li,Song Wang,San-xi Li,Yong-jiang Li,Ze-fei Sun 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.12

Methoxy polyethylene glycol acrylate (MPGA) was electrochemical polymerized on carbon fiber (CF) by usingcyclic voltammetry (CV) to enhance the surface properties of CF. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanningelectron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) investigations confirmed that MPGA electropolymerizedon CF (MPGA-CF) was obtained. The low frequency capacitance of MPGA-CF (CLF=5.85 mF·cm-2) was higher thanCF(CLF=4.75 mF·cm-2) based on the result of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) and the data obtained fitted withan R(Q(R(Q(R(CR))))) equivalent circuit model. Contact angle experiment showed that the contact angle between water andMPGA-CF is significantly lower than that between water and CF. Mechanical experimental results indicated that theinterlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of MPGA-CF/epoxy resin composites (32.24 MPa) has improved by 134.81 % comparewith the CF/epoxy resin composites (13.73 MPa), which significantly enhanced interfacial properties of epoxy resincomposites.

Combination of Tumor Volume and Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Improved Prognostic Stratification of Stage II Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in the Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Era: A Large-Scale Cohort Study

Qiu-Yan Chen,Shao-Yan Guo,Lin-Quan Tang,Tong-Yu Lu,Bo-Lin Chen,Qi-Yu Zhong,Meng-Sha Zou,Qing-Nan Tang,Wen-Hui Chen,Shan-Shan Guo,Li-Ting Liu,Yang Li,Ling Guo,Hao-Yuan Mo,Rui Sun,Dong-Hua Luo,Chong Zha 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.3

Purpose Little is known about combination of the circulating Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) DNA and tumor volume in prognosis of stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in the intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) era. We conducted this cohort study to evaluate the prognostic values of combining these two factors. Materials and Methods By Kaplan-Meier, we compare the differences of survival curves between 385 patients with different EBV DNA or tumor volume levels, or with the combination of two biomarkers mentioned above. Results Gross tumor volume of cervical lymph nodes (GTVnd, p < 0.001) and total tumor volume (GTVtotal, p < 0.001) were both closely related to pretreatment EBV DNA, while gross tumor volume of nasopharynx (GTVnx, p=0.047) was weakly related to EBV DNA. EBV DNA was significantly correlated with progress-free survival (PFS, p=0.005), locoregional-free survival (LRFS, p=0.039), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS, p=0.017), while GTVtotal, regardless of GTVnx and GTVnd, had a significant correlation with PFS and LRFS. The p-values of GTVtotal for PFS and LRFS were 0.008 and 0.001, respectively. According to GTVtotal and pretreatment EBV DNA level, patients were divided into a low-risk group (EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3; EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3; or EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3) and a high-risk group (EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3). When patients in the low-risk group were compared with those in the high-risk group, 3-year PFS (p=0.003), LRFS (p=0.010), and DMFS (p=0.031) rates were statistically significant. Conclusion Pretreatment plasma EBV DNA and tumor volume were both closely correlated with prognosis of stage II NPC patients in the IMRT era. Combination of EBV DNA and tumor volume can refine prognosis and indicate for clinical therapy.

Normalized Creatinine-to-Cystatin C Ratio and Risk of Diabetes in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Qiu Shanhu,Xue Cai,Bo Xie,Yang Yuan,Sun Zilin,Tongzhi Wu 대한당뇨병학회 2022 Diabetes and Metabolism Journal Vol.46 No.3

Background: Creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio is recently suggested to be a surrogate marker for sarcopenia. However, little is known about its association with diabetes. This study aimed to fill in this gap based on a large-scale prospective cohort.Methods: A population-based representative sample of 5,055 participants aged ≥45 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study was enrolled between 2011 and 2012 and followed at least once during the subsequent surveys at 2013, 2015, or 2018. Creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio was calculated and normalized by body weight. Incident diabetes was ascertained by plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, self-reported history, or use of anti-diabetic drugs. Logistic regression analysis and mediation analysis were employed.Results: During follow-up, 634 participants developed diabetes. The risk of diabetes was gradually and significantly decreased with increased normalized creatinine–cystatin C ratio. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for diabetes was 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.83 to 0.99) per 1 standard deviation higher of normalized creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio, and this relationship remained significant after controlling for muscle strength. The risk reduction in diabetes was significantly larger in participants with normal-weight and high normalized creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio compared with those with overweight/obesity and high normalized creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio (Pinteraction=0.01). Insulin resistance and inflammation appeared to be key mediators accounting for the observed relationship between normalized creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio and risk of diabetes, with their mediating effect being 93.1% and 22.0%, respectively.Conclusion: High normalized creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio is associated with reduced risk of diabetes in middle-aged and older adults.