Albumin-to-Fibrinogen Ratio as an Independent Prognostic Parameter in Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Retrospective Study of 191 Cases

Yi-Xin Zou,Jia Qiao,Hua-Yuan Zhu,Rui-Nan Lu,Yi Xia,Lei Cao,Wei Wu,Hui Jin,Wen-Jie Liu,Jin-Hua Liang,Jia-Zhu Wu,Li Wang,Lei Fan,Wei Xu,Jian-Yong Li 대한암학회 2019 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.51 No.2

Purpose Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most frequent type of B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders and chronic inflammation takes part in the development of CLL. However, there has been no valid immune biomarker to predict the prognosis of untreated CLL patients. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical correlations and prognostic value of albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio (AFR) detected at diagnosis in 191 CLL patients. Results The cut-off value of AFR was 9.7 calculated by X-tile. Patients who were more than 65 years old were often accompanied by low level of AFR (p < 0.001). Survival analysis showed that patients with low level of AFR had shorter overall survival (OS) than patients with high level of AFR (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis illustrated that AFR had a negative impact on OS (p=0.003) and was independent of parameters involved in CLL international prognostic index and other prognostic markers such as CD38 and ZAP-70. Conclusion These data provide a comprehensive view of AFR and shows that AFR at diagnosis is an adverse prognostic factor in untreated CLL patients.

The Comparative Analysis of 3D Software Virtual and Actual Wedding Dress

( Xin-yi Yuan ),( Soo-jeong Bae ) 한국패션비즈니스학회 2017 패션 비즈니스 Vol.21 No.6

This study is intended to compare an actual wedding dress being made completely through 3D software, and compare it with an actual dress of a real model by using collective tools for comparative analysis. The method of the study was conducted via a literature review along with the production of the dresses. In the production, two wedding dresses for the small wedding ceremony were designed. Each of the design was made into both 3D and an actual garment. The results are as follows. First, the 3D whole body scanner reflects the measure of the exact human body size, however there were some difficulties in matching what the customer wanted, because the difference of the skin color and the hair style. Second, the pattern of the dress is much more easily altered than it was in the real production. Third, the silhouette of the virtual and the actual person with the dress was nearly the same. Fourth, textile tool was much more convenient because of the use of real-time rendering on the virtual dresses. Lastly, the lace and biz decoration were flat, and the luster was duller than in reality. Prospectively, the consumer will decide their own design of variety through the use of the avatar without wearing the actual dresses, and they would demand what the another one desired, different from the presented ones by making the corrections by themselves. Through this process, the consumer would be actively participating in the design, a step which would finally lead to the two way designing rather than the one way design of present times.

Structure and Properties of Konjac Glucomannan/Galactoglucomannan Nanofiber Membrane

Yi Yuan,Xin Hong,Ruojun Mu,Jingni Gong,Lin Wang,Rongxun Huang,Jiayu Wu,Yongsheng Ni,Xianhui Wu,Jie Pang 한국고분자학회 2017 Macromolecular Research Vol.25 No.10

Konjac glucomannan (KGM)/galactoglucomannan (GGM) nanofiber membranes were obtained through electrospinning technology. Rheological properties of KGM/GGM solutions were observed by using a rotary rheometer. The apparent morphological, characteristic group and thermal stability of nanofiber membranes were studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectoscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) respectively. The physical and mechanical properties were also evaluated. Results revealed that the addition of GGM did not significantly affect the rheological properties of electrospinning solution. Increase in the amount of GGM in the nanofiber membrane resulted in gradual smoothening, uniformity and decrease in the number of nodes. KGM interacts with GGM through hydrogen-bond. Addition of GGM markedly enhanced the thermal stability, physical and mechanical properties of the nanofiber membrane. The study showed that the KGM/GGM nanofiber membrane have good potential for use in developing membrane based materials.

Predictive Value of Exercise Blood Pressure Changes for Orthostatic Hypotension in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease

Yi Qin,Zhao-hui Jin,Zhen-ying Zhang,Ke-ke Chen,Xin Yu,Hong-jiao Yan,Rui-dan Wang,Yuan Su,Ai-xian Liu,Jia-ning Xi,Bo-yan Fang 대한신경과학회 2023 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.19 No.1

Background and Purpose Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Early recognition OH is required with sensitive assessments. The purpose of this study was to determine whether blood pressure (BP) changes during exercise can predict the occurrence of OH in PD. Methods This prospective cohort study included 80 consecutive patients with PD. All patients agreed to participate in a baseline evaluation and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). According to the initial active standing test (AST), those without OH (PD-nonOH) at baseline had their AST results followed up for 6 months. The main outcome was defined as whether patients without OH at baseline would develop OH after 6 months. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the relevant variables. A nomogram was constructed based on clinical features and identified variables. The concordance index (C-index) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the accuracy and predictive ability of the nomogram, respectively. Results CPET results indicated that peak load, peak heart rate, heart rate recovery at 1 min, and systolic BP change (ΔSBP) were lower in those with OH than in the PD-nonOH group (p<0.05) at baseline. Logistic regression analysis indicated that peak load and ΔSBP during CPET had significant effects on OH (p<0.05). Age, sex, peak load, and ΔSBP were used to construct the nomogram model (C-index=0.761). The prediction model had an AUC of 0.782 (95% confidence interval=0.649–0.889) and a specificity and sensitivity of 70.0% and 81.8%, respectively. Conclusions This study has identified predictive factors for OH development in patients with PD. CPET could be used as a complementary examination to identify patients at a high risk of OH.

Exploring the Key Genes and Pathways of Osteoarthritis in Knee Cartilage in a Rat Model Using Gene Expression Profiling

Yi-Ming Ren,Xin Zhao,Tao Yang,Yuan-Hui Duan,Yun-Bo Sun,Wen-Jun Zhao,Meng-Qiang Tian 연세대학교의과대학 2018 Yonsei medical journal Vol.59 No.6

Purpose: To compare differentially expressed genes (DEGs) mediating osteoarthritis (OA) in knee cartilage and in normal kneecartilage in a rat model of OA and to identify their impact on molecular pathways associated with OA. Materials and Methods: A gene expression profile was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Analysis ofDEGs was carried out using GEO2R. Enrichment analyses were performed on the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia ofGenes and Genomes pathway using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database (http://www.string-db.org/). Subsequently, the regulatory interaction network of OA-associated genes was visualized using Cytoscape software (version 3.4.0;www.cytoscape.org). Results: In the gene expression profile GSE103416, a total of 99 DEGs were identified. Among them, 76 DEGs (76.77%) were overexpressed,and the remaining 23 DEGs (23.23%) were underexpressed. GO and pathway enrichment analyses of target geneswere performed. Using gene-gene interaction network analysis, relevant core genes, including MET, UBB, GNAI3, and GNA13,were shown to hold a potential relationship with the development of OA in cartilage. Using quantitative real-time PCR, the Gna13/cGMP-PKG signaling pathway was identified as a potential research target for therapy and for further understanding the developmentof OA. Conclusion: The results of the present study provide a comprehensive understanding of the roles of DEGs in knee cartilage in relationto the development of OA.

Wnt/β-Catenin Promotes the Osteoblastic Potential of BMP9 Through Down-Regulating Cyp26b1 in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Yao Xin-Tong,Li Pei-pei,Liu Jiang,Yang Yuan-Yuan,Luo Zhen-Ling,Jiang Hai-Tao,He Wen-Ge,Luo Hong-Hong,Deng Yi-Xuan,He Bai-Cheng 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2023 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.20 No.5

BACKGROUND: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) promotes the osteogenic differentiation induced by bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9), but the intrinsic relationship between BMP9 and ATRA keeps unknown. Herein, we investigated the effect of Cyp26b1, a critical enzyme of ATRA degradation, on the BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and unveiled possible mechanism through which BMP9 regulates the expression of Cyp26b1. METHODS: ATRA content was detected with ELISA and HPLC–MS/MS. PCR, Western blot, and histochemical staining were used to assay the osteogenic markers. Fetal limbs culture, cranial defect repair model, and micro–computed tomographic were used to evaluate the quality of bone formation. IP and ChIP assay were used to explore possible mechanism. RESULTS: We found that the protein level of Cyp26b1 was increased with age, whereas the ATRA content decreased. The osteogenic markers induced by BMP9 were increased by inhibiting or silencing Cyp26b1 but reduced by exogenous Cyp26b1. The BMP9-induced bone formation was enhanced by inhibiting Cyp26b1. The cranial defect repair was promoted by BMP9, which was strengthened by silencing Cyp26b1 and reduced by exogenous Cyp26b1. Mechanically, Cyp26b1 was reduced by BMP9, which was enhanced by activating Wnt/b-catenin, and reduced by inhibiting this pathway. b-catenin interacts with Smad1/5/9, and both were recruited at the promoter of Cyp26b1. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested the BMP9-induced osteoblastic differentiation was mediated by activating retinoic acid signalling, viadown-regulating Cyp26b1. Meanwhile, Cyp26b1 may be a novel potential therapeutic target for the treatment of bone-related diseases or accelerating bone-tissue engineering.

Profile of disposition, tissue distribution and excretion of the novel anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) agent W-1 in rats

Ying-Yuan Lu,Xiao-Wei Wang,Xin Wang,Wen-Bing Dai,Qiang Zhang,Pu Li,Ya-Qing Lou,Chuang Lu,Jun-Yi Liu,Guo-Liang Zhang 대한약학회 2016 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.39 No.7

The purpose of this study was to characterize the disposition, distribution, excretion and plasma protein binding of 6-benzyl-1-benzyloxymethyl-5-iodouracil (W- 1) in rats. Concentrations of W-1 within biological samples were determined using a validated high performance liquid chromatography method. The plasma protein binding of W-1 was examined by equilibrium dialysis method. After oral administration of W-1 (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively) in self-microemulsifying drug delivery system formulation, the pharmacokinetic parameters of W-1 were as follows: the peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) were 0.42, 1.50 and 2.55 μg/mL, the area under the curve (AUC0-t) were 0.89, 2.27 and 3.96 lg/h mL and the plasma half-life (t1/2) were 5.15, 3.77 and 3.77 h, respectively. Moreover, the prototype of W-1 was rapidly and extensively distributed into fifteen tissues, especially higher concentrations were detected in intestine, stomach and liver, respectively. The plasma protein binding of W-1 in rat, beagle dog and human were in the range of 97.96–99.13 %. This study suggested that W-1 has an appropriate pharmacokinetics in rats, such as rapid absorption, moderate clearance, and rapid distribution to multiple tissues. Those properties provide important information for further development W-1 as an anti-HIV-1 drug candidate.

Controllable Synthesis of Co-Doped Spinel LiMn2O4 Nanotubes as Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Li-Xin Zhang,Yuan-Zhong Wang,Hong-Fang Jiu,Ya-Lei Wang,Yi-Xin Sun,Zhenzhong Li 대한금속·재료학회 2014 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.10 No.2

Spinel Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes have been synthesized via solid state reaction using α-MnO2 nanotubes as selftemplates. The as-prepared powders were investigated by XRD, TEM, and galvanostatic discharge/charge analysis. The optimal doping amount was confirmed by galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements. The results indicate that about 67% of initial capacity (115 mAh/g) of LiMn2O4 nanotubes can be retained after 50 cycles. For Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes, the initial reversible capacity is 126.6 mAh/g and 100 mAh/g can be maintained after 50 cycles. The capacitance retention rate of Co-LiMn2O4 nanotubes is as high as 79%. These results indicate that the doping Co can effectively improve circle stability and electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4 nanotubes.

Improving the interfacial stability, conductivity, and electrochemical performance of Li2MoO3@g-C3N4 composite as a promising cathode for lithium-ion battery

Zhi-Xin He,Hai-Tao Yu,Fei He,Ying Xie,Lang Yuan,Ting-Feng Yi 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.119 No.-

Li-rich layered Li2MoO3 (LMO) materials are one promising cathode materials for Li-ion batteries due totheir high theoretical capacity and without oxygen evolution. However, the poor electrical conductivityand air instability have limited its application as a cathode material for lithium-ion battery. To solve theseproblems, Li2MoO3/g-C3N4 composites were successfully constructed by combining the molten salt andball milling methods. Carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with an abundant nitrogen-containing carbon frameworkcontains a large number of ‘‘hole” defects and double-bonded nitrogen vacancy edges, which are favorablefor the adsorption and diffusion of Li ions. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculationsrevealed that a stable interface can be formed between g-C3N4 and LMO, which also leads to the improvementof the electronic conductivity and the reduction of interfacial impedance of the composite. Therefore, the electrochemical performance of the composite material is significantly improved. The dischargecapacity of GLMO-5 at a current density of 1700 mA g1 is 64.6 mAh/g, which is much greater thanthe value (29.9 mAh/g) of the original LMO sample under the same conditions. EIS further shows thatGLMO-5 has the highest discharge capacity with a DLi+ value of 1.94 1014 cm2 s1. These results indicatethat constructing LMO-based composites with a highly stable layered material containing unsaturatedfunctional groups should be an effective strategy to enhance the interfacial stability, electronicconductivity, and thus the electrochemical performances of the cathode materials.

Clinical Significance of BCR-ABL Fusion Gene Subtypes in Chronic Myelogenous and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemias

Ye, Yuan-Xin,Zhou, Juan,Zhou, Yan-Hong,Zhou, Yi,Song, Xing-Bo,Wang, Jun,Lin, Li,Ying, Bin-Wu,Lu, Xiao-Jun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

Background: Some reports have suggested that chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients have a higher prevalence of M-bcr than acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, which show a higher prevalence of m-bcr. However, the relationship between BCR-ABL subtypes and progression of CML and ALL remains unclear. Materials and Methods: 354 CML chronic phase (CML-CP) patients, 26 CML blastic phase (CML-BP) patients and 72 ALL patients before treatment with BCR-ABL positive were recruited for blood routine examination and bone marrow smear cytology. Some 80 CML-CP and 32 ALL patients after imatinib (IM) treatment were followed-up for BCR-ABL relative concentrations detected after treatment for 3, 6 and 9 months and 1 year. Results: Before treatment, CML-CP patients showed lower BCR-ABL relative concentrations with a higher proportion of M-bcr (42.7%) compared to CML-BP and ALL patients while ALL patients had a higher BCR-ABL relative concentration with high expression of m-bcr (51.4%). Patients with M-bcr demonstrated higher WBC counts than those with m-bcr and the mixed group and higher PLT counts were noted in the CML-CP and ALL groups. After imatinib (IM) treatment, patients with m-bcr showed higher BCR-ABL relative concentrations in both CML-CP and ALL groups. Conclusions: This study identified the BCR-ABL gene as an important factor in CML and ALL cases. The M-bcr subtype was associated more with CML while the m-bcr subtype was associated more with ALL. Patients with m-bcr seem to have a poorer response to IM in either CML or ALL patients compared to M-bcr patients.