Disease Course and Outcomes in Patients With the Limited Form of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders and Negative AQP4-IgG Serology at Disease Onset: A Prospective Cohort Study

Xiao-Dong Li,Jing Zhou,Rui Li,Bingjun Zhang,Yuge Wang,Xiaonan Zhong,Yaqing Shu,Yanyu Chang,Wei Qiu 대한신경과학회 2022 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.18 No.4

Background and Purpose Patients presenting with clinical characteristics that are strongly suggestive of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) have a high risk of developing definite NMOSD in the future. Little is known about the clinical course, treatment, and prognosis of these patients with likely NMOSD at disease onset. Methods This study prospectively recruited and visited 24 patients with the limited form of NMOSD (LF-NMOSD) at disease onset from November 2012 to June 2021. Their demographics, clinical course, longitudinal aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) serology, MRI, therapeutic management, and outcome data were collected and analyzed. Results The onset age of the cohort was 38.1±12.0 years (mean±standard deviation). The median disease duration was 73.5 months (interquartile range=44.3–117.0 months), and the follow-up period was 54.2±23.8 months. At the end of the last visit, the final diagnosis was categorized into AQP4-IgG-seronegative NMOSD (n=16, 66.7%), AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD (n=7, 29.2%), or multiple sclerosis (n=1, 4.2%). Seven of the 24 patients (29.2%) experienced conversion to AQP4-IgG seropositivity, and the interval from onset to this serological conversion was 37.9±21.9 months. Isolated/mixed area postrema syndrome (APS) was the predominant onset phenotype (37.5%). The patients with isolated/mixed APS onset showed a predilection for conversion to AQP4-IgG seropositivity. All patients experienced a multiphasic disease course, with immunosuppressive therapy reducing the incidence rates of clinical relapse and residual functional disability. Conclusions Definite NMOSD may be preceded by LF-NMOSD, particularly isolated/ mixed APS. Intensive long-term follow-up and attack-prevention immunotherapeutic management is recommended in patients with LF-NMOSD.

Pd Nanoparticles Self-Assembled on Fluorine-Modified MWCNTs as Electro-Catalysts for Methanol Electro-Oxidation

Xiao-Feng Zhang,Peng Dong,Ying-Jie Zhang,Xi-Kun Yang,Shu-Biao Xia,Zhen-Hua Jin,Ming-Li Xu 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2017 NANO Vol.12 No.3

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were modified by hydrogen fluoride (HF) in a simple method. With the help of fluorine, Pd nanoparticles (3.9 nm) synthesized by a one-step photochemical reduction were uniformly self-assembled on the active sites of functionalized MWCNTs and a new catalyst (Pd/HF-MWCNT) was obtained. UV–Vis absorption spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used. The results demonstrated that –F groups were introduced onto the surface of MWCNTs and C–F chemical bonds were formed. In addition, the electronic structure of Pd was changed. Pd–F coordination bond maybe formed between F atom and Pd atom. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry tests indicated that electrocatalytic activity of Pd/HF-MWCNTs catalyst for methanol in alkaline medium was about 1.6 times higher than that of the commercial Pd/C (JM) catalyst at the same condition. This new functionalized method has the advantages of simple step and safe operation. It is very significant to improve the wide application of MWCNTs and the commercial development of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).

Discriminating Eggs from Two Local Breeds Based on Fatty Acid Profile and Flavor Characteristics Combined with Classification Algorithms

Xiao-Guang Dong,Li-Bing Gao,Hai-Jun Zhang,Jing Wang,Kai Qiu,Guang-Hai Qi,Shu-Geng Wu 한국축산식품학회 2021 한국축산식품학회지 Vol.41 No.6

This study discriminated fatty acid profile and flavor characteristics of Beijing You Chicken (BYC) as a precious local breed and Dwarf Beijing You Chicken (DBYC) eggs. Fatty acid profile and flavor characteristics were analyzed to identify differences between BYC and DBYC eggs. Four classification algorithms were used to build classification models. Arachidic acid, oleic acid (OA), eicosatrienoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), hexadecenoic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and 35 volatile compounds had significant differences in fatty acids and volatile compounds by gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS) (p<0.05). For fatty acid data, k-nearest neighbor (KNN) and support vector machine (SVM) got 91.7% classification accuracy. SPME-GC-MS data failed in classification models. For electronic nose data, classification accuracy of KNN, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), SVM and decision tree was all 100%. The overall results indicated that BYC and DBYC eggs could be discriminated based on electronic nose with suitable classification algorithms. This research compared the differentiation of the fatty acid profile and volatile compounds of various egg yolks. The results could be applied to evaluate egg nutrition and distinguish avian eggs.

Distributed Dual-rate Consensus Predictive Control of Looper Tension System in Hot Rolling Mills

Xiao-Dong Zhang,Shao-Shu Gao,Xin-Ping Liu,Ting-Pei Huang 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2018 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.16 No.2

This paper considers a dual-rate distributed predictive control strategy for the looper tension system in hot rolling mills, which is a typical multi-agent system with directed communication topology. First, we establish an interconnected model for looper tension control system and the disturbances from the neighbors are considered effectively. Second, the consensus control protocol is developed based on the proposed control strategy to improve the robustness and stability of the multi-agent, and the sufficient conditions for consensus are developed. We update and implement all the agent controllers sequentially in one output sampling period and begin a new cycle at the next sampling instant, which leads the multi-agent control system is of fast control updating rate and slow output sampling rate. The control inputs of neighbors can be obtained to compensate the coupling effects, and the cooperation of controllers are improved. Finally, simulation results verify the proposed control strategy and corresponding results.

Protocatechuic Acid, a Gut Bacterial Metabolite of Black Raspberries, Inhibits Adenoma Development and Alters Gut Microbiome Profiles in Apc Min/+ Mice

Dong Athena,Lin Chien-Wei,Echeveste Carla Elena,Huang Yi-Wen,Oshima Kiyoko,Yearsley Martha,Chen Xiao,Yu Jianhua,Wang Li-Shu 대한암예방학회 2022 Journal of cancer prevention Vol.27 No.1

Administration of black raspberries (BRBs) and their anthocyanin metabolites, including protocatechuic acid (PCA), has been demonstrated to exert chemopreventive effects against colorectal cancer through alteration of innate immune cell trafficking, modulation of metabolic and inflammatory pathways, etc. Previous research has shown that the gut microbiome is important in the effectiveness of chemoprevention of colorectal cancer. This study aimed to assess the potency of PCA versus BRB dietary administration for colorectal cancer prevention using an ApcMin/+ mouse model and determine how bacterial profiles change in response to PCA and BRBs. A control AIN-76A diet supplemented with 5% BRBs, 500 ppm PCA, or 1,000 ppm PCA was administered to Apc- Min/+ mice. Changes in incidence, polyp number, and polyp size regarding adenomas of the small intestine and colon were assessed after completion of the diet regimen. There were significant decreases in adenoma development by dietary administration of PCA and BRBs in the small intestine and the 5% BRB-supplemented diet in the colon. Pro-inflammatory bacterial profiles were replaced with anti-inflammatory bacteria in all treatments, with the greatest effects in the 5% BRB and 500 ppm PCA-supplemented diets accompanied by decreased COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 levels in colonic mucosa. We further showed that 500 ppm PCA, but not 1,000 ppm PCA, increased IFN-γ and SMAD4 levels in primary cultured human natural killer cells. These results suggest that both BRBs and a lower dose PCA can benefit colorectal cancer patients by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of adenomas and promoting a more favorable gut microbiome condition.

A Pilot Clinical Study to Investigate the Hypomethylating Properties of Freeze-dried Black Raspberries in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome or Myeloproliferative Neoplasm

Dong Athena,Pan Xiaoqing,Lin Chien-Wei,Huang Yi-Wen,Krause Hayden,Pan Pan,Baim Arielle,Thomas Michael J,Chen Xiao,Yu Jianhua,Michaelis Laura,Liu Pengyuan,Wang Li-Shu,Atallah Ehab 대한암예방학회 2022 Journal of cancer prevention Vol.27 No.2

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) are bone marrow disorders characterized by cytopenias and progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) are Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for MDS and MDS/MPN patients. HMAs have improved patients’ survival and quality of life when compared with other therapies. Although HMAs are effective in MDS and MDS/MPN patients, they are associated with significant toxicities that place a large burden on patients. Our goal is to develop a safer and more effective HMA from natural products. We previously reported that black raspberries (BRBs) have hypomethylating effects in the colon, blood, spleen, and bone marrow of mice. In addition, BRBs exert hypomethylating effects in patients with colorectal cancer and familial adenomatous polyposis. In the current study, we conducted a pilot clinical trial to evaluate the hypomethylating effects of BRBs in patients with low-risk MDS or MDS/MPN. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated before and after three months of BRB intervention. CD45+ cells were isolated from PBMCs for methylation analysis using a reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing assay. Each patient served as their own matched control, with their measurements assessed before intervention providing a baseline for post-intervention results. Clinically, our data showed that BRBs were well-tolerated with no side effects. When methylation data was combined, BRBs significantly affected methylation levels of 477 promoter regions. Pathway analysis suggests that BRB-induced intragenic hypomethylation drives leukocyte differentiation. A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of BRB use in low-risk MDS or MDS/ MPN patients is warranted.

Distributed Consensus Control for Automatic Gauge Control of Hot Strip Mills

Xiao-Dong Zhang,Shao-Shu Gao,Wei-Xi Gao,Xu-Ying Wang,Wei Zhang 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2021 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.19 No.5

In this study, the distributed control strategy is proposed for the automatic gauge control(AGC) system, which is a typical multi-agent system. The distributed control protocol is developed with the subspace identification method using the measurements of the local agent and its neighbors directly,without any knowledge of the AGC system dynamics. The stability analysis of the multi-agent system with the proposed control protocol is given. In addition, the consensus control protocol with communication time delay is investigated. Finally, simulation results are carried out to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

Statistical experimental design optimization of rhamsan gum production by Sphingomonas sp. CGMCC 6833

Xiao-Ying Xu,Shu-Hao Dong,Sha Li,Xiao-Ye Chen,Ding Wu,Hong Xu 한국미생물학회 2015 The journal of microbiology Vol.53 No.4

Rhamsan gum is a type of water-soluble exopolysaccharideproduced by species of Sphingomonas bacteria. The optimalfermentation medium for rhamsan gum production bySphingomonas sp. CGMCC 6833 was explored definition. Single-factor experiments indicate that glucose, soybean meal,K2HPO4 and MnSO4 compose the optimal medium alongwith and initial pH 7.5. To discover ideal cultural conditionsfor rhamsan gum production in a shake flask culture, responsesurface methodology was employed, from which thefollowing optimal ratio was derived: 5.38 g/L soybean meal,5.71 g/L K2HPO4 and 0.32 g/L MnSO4. Under ideal fermentationrhamsan gum yield reached 19.58 g/L ± 1.23 g/L,42.09% higher than that of the initial medium (13.78 g/L ±1.38 g/L). Optimizing the fermentation medium results inenhanced rhamsan gum production.

Increased Serotonin Signaling Contributes to the Warburg Effect in Pancreatic Tumor Cells Under Metabolic Stress and Promotes Growth of Pancreatic Tumors in Mice

Jiang, Shu-Heng,Li, Jun,Dong, Fang-Yuan,Yang, Jian-Yu,Liu, De-Jun,Yang, Xiao-Mei,Wang, Ya-Hui,Yang, Min-Wei,Fu, Xue-Liang,Zhang, Xiao-Xin,Li, Qing,Pang, Xiu-Feng,Huo, Yan-Miao,Li, Jiao,Zhang, Jun-Feng Elsevier 2017 Gastroenterology Vol.153 No.1

<P><B>Background & Aims</B></P> <P>Desmoplasia and poor vascularity cause severe metabolic stress in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). Serotonin (5-HT) is a neuromodulator with neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine functions that contributes to tumorigenesis. We investigated the role of 5-HT signaling in the growth of pancreatic tumors.</P> <P><B>Methods</B></P> <P>We measured the levels of proteins that regulate 5-HT synthesis, packaging, and degradation in pancreata from Kras<SUP>G12D/+</SUP>/Trp53<SUP>R172H/+</SUP>/Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mice, which develop pancreatic tumors, as well as in PDAC cell lines and a tissue microarray containing 81 human PDAC samples. We also analyzed expression levels of proteins involved in 5-HT synthesis and degradation by immunohistochemical analysis of a tissue microarray containing 311 PDAC specimens, and associated expression levels with patient survival times. 5-HT level in 14 matched PDAC tumor and non-tumor tissues were analyzed by ELISA. PDAC cell lines were incubated with 5-HT and cell survival and apoptosis were measured. We analyzed expression of the 5-HT receptor HTR2B in PDAC cells and effects of receptor agonists and antagonists, as well as HTR2B knockdown with small hairpin RNAs. We determined the effects of 5-HT stimulation on gene expression profiles of BxPC-3 cells. Regulation of glycolysis by 5-HT signaling via HTR2B was assessed by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation analyses, as well as by determination of the extracellular acid ratio, glucose consumption, and lactate production. Primary PDACs, with or without exposure to SB204741 (a selective antagonist of HTR2B), were grown as xenograft tumors in mice, and SB204741 was administered to tumor-bearing KPC mice; tumor growth and metabolism were measured by imaging analyses.</P> <P><B>Results</B></P> <P>In immunohistochemical analysis of a tissue microarray of PDAC specimens, increased levels of TPH1 and decreased level of MAOA, which regulate 5-HT synthesis and degradation, correlated with stage and size of PDACs and shorter patient survival time. We found levels of 5-HT to be increased in human PDAC tissues compared with non-tumor pancreatic tissues, and PDAC cell lines compared with non-transformed pancreatic cells. Incubation of PDAC cell lines with 5-HT increased proliferation and prevented apoptosis. Agonists of HTR2B, but not other 5-HT receptors, promoted proliferation and prevented apoptosis of PDAC cells. Knockdown of HTR2B in PDAC cells, or incubation of cells with HTR2B inhibitors, reduced their growth as xenograft tumors in mice. We observed a correlation between 5-HT and glycolytic flux in PDAC cells; levels of metabolic enzymes involved in glycolysis, the phosphate pentose pathway, and hexosamine biosynthesis pathway increased significantly in PDAC cells following 5-HT stimulation. 5-HT stimulation led to formation of the HTR2B–LYN–p85 complex, which increased PI3K–Akt–mTOR signaling and the Warburg effect by increasing protein levels of MYC and HIF1A. Administration of SB204741 to KPC mice slowed growth and metabolism of established pancreatic tumors and prolonged survival of the mice.</P> <P><B>Conclusions</B></P> <P>Human PDACs have increased levels of 5-HT, and PDAC cells increase expression of its receptor, HTR2B. These increases allow for tumor glycolysis under metabolic stress and promote growth of pancreatic tumors and PDAC xenograft tumors in mice.</P>

Brep2Seq: a dataset and hierarchical deep learning network for reconstruction and generation of computer-aided design models

Zhang Shu-Ming,Guan Zhidong,Jiang Hao,Ning Tao,Wang Xiao-Dong,Tan Pingan 한국CDE학회 2024 Journal of computational design and engineering Vol.11 No.1

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction is a significant research topic in the field of computer-aided design (CAD), which is used to recover editable CAD models from original shapes, including point clouds, voxels, meshes, and boundary representations (B-rep). Recently, there has been considerable research interest in deep model generation due to the increasing potential of deep learning methods. To address the challenges of 3D reconstruction and generation, we propose Brep2Seq, a novel deep neural network designed to transform the B-rep model into a sequence of editable parametrized feature-based modeling operations comprising principal primitives and detailed features. Brep2Seq employs an encoder-decoder architecture based on the transformer, leveraging geometry and topological information within B-rep models to extract the feature representation of the original 3D shape. Due to its hierarchical network architecture and training strategy, Brep2Seq achieved improved model reconstruction and controllable model generation by distinguishing between the primary shape and detailed features of CAD models. To train Brep2Seq, a large-scale dataset comprising 1 million CAD designs is established through an automatic geometry synthesis method. Extensive experiments on both DeepCAD and Fusion 360 datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of Brep2Seq, and show its applicability to simple mechanical components in real-world scenarios. We further apply Brep2Seq to various downstream applications, including point cloud reconstruction, model interpolation, shape constraint generation, and CAD feature recognition.