Comparative Study between ZOOMit and Conventional Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MRI for Assessing Parotid Gland Abnormalities in Patients with Early- or Mid-Stage Sjögren’s Syndrome

Zhou Qing-Qing,Zhang Wei,Yu Yu-Sheng,Li Hong-Yan,Wei Liang,Li Xue-Song,He Zhen-Zhen,Zhang Hong 대한영상의학회 2022 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.23 No.4

Objective: To compare the reproducibility and performance of quantitative metrics between ZOOMit and conventional intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of early- and mid-stage Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 52.0 ± 10.8 years; male:female, 2:20) with early- or mid-stage SS and 20 healthy controls (46.9 ± 14.6 years; male:female, 7:13) were prospectively enrolled in our study. ZOOMit IVIM and conventional IVIM MRI were performed simultaneously in all individuals using a 3T scanner. Quantitative IVIM parameters - including tissue diffusivity (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) - inter- and intra-observer reproducibility in measuring these parameters, and their ability to distinguish patients with SS from healthy individuals were assessed and compared between ZOOMit IVIM and conventional IVIM methods, appropriately. MR gland nodular grade (MRG) was also examined. Results: Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility was better with ZOOMit imaging than with conventional IVIM imaging (ZOOMit vs. conventional, intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.897–0.941 vs. 0.667–0.782 for inter-observer reproducibility and 0.891–0.968 vs. 0.814–0.853 for intra-observer reproducibility). Significant differences in ZOOMit f, ZOOMit D*, conventional D*, and MRG between patients with SS and healthy individuals (all p < 0.05) were observed. ZOOMit D* outperformed conventional D* in diagnosing early- and mid-stage SS (area under receiver operating curve, 0.867 and 0.658, respectively; p = 0.002). The combination of ZOOMit D*, MRG, and ZOOMit f as a new diagnostic index for SS, increased diagnostic area under the curve to 0.961, which was higher than that of any single parameter (all p < 0.01). Conclusion: Considering its better reproducibility and performance, ZOOMit IVIM may be preferred over conventional IVIM MRI, and may subsequently improve the ability to diagnose early- and mid-stage SS.

Automatic Detection and Classification of Rib Fractures on Thoracic CT Using Convolutional Neural Network: Accuracy and Feasibility

Zhou Qing-Qing,Wang Jiashuo,Tang Wen,Hu Zhang-Chun,Xia Zi-Yi,Xue-Song Li,Zhang Rongguo,Yin Xindao,Zhang Bing,Zhang Hong 대한영상의학회 2020 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.21 No.7

Objective: To evaluate the performance of a convolutional neural network (CNN) model that can automatically detect and classify rib fractures, and output structured reports from computed tomography (CT) images. Materials and Methods: This study included 1079 patients (median age, 55 years; men, 718) from three hospitals, between January 2011 and January 2019, who were divided into a monocentric training set (n = 876; median age, 55 years; men, 582), five multicenter/multiparameter validation sets (n = 173; median age, 59 years; men, 118) with different slice thicknesses and image pixels, and a normal control set (n = 30; median age, 53 years; men, 18). Three classifications (fresh, healing, and old fracture) combined with fracture location (corresponding CT layers) were detected automatically and delivered in a structured report. Precision, recall, and F1-score were selected as metrics to measure the optimum CNN model. Detection/diagnosis time, precision, and sensitivity were employed to compare the diagnostic efficiency of the structured report and that of experienced radiologists. Results: A total of 25054 annotations (fresh fracture, 10089; healing fracture, 10922; old fracture, 4043) were labelled for training (18584) and validation (6470). The detection efficiency was higher for fresh fractures and healing fractures than for old fractures (F1-scores, 0.849, 0.856, 0.770, respectively, p = 0.023 for each), and the robustness of the model was good in the five multicenter/multiparameter validation sets (all mean F1-scores > 0.8 except validation set 5 [512 x 512 pixels; F1-score = 0.757]). The precision of the five radiologists improved from 80.3% to 91.1%, and the sensitivity increased from 62.4% to 86.3% with artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis. On average, the diagnosis time of the radiologists was reduced by 73.9 seconds. Conclusion: Our CNN model for automatic rib fracture detection could assist radiologists in improving diagnostic efficiency, reducing diagnosis time and radiologists’ workload.

Study on molten salt oxidation process of simulated Co doped cation exchange resins

Yun Xue,Yue-Lin Wang,Yu Li,Wen-Da Xu,Fu-Qiu Ma,Yang-Hai Zheng,Qing-Guo Zhang,Zhi Zhang,Mi-lin Zhang,Yong-De Yan 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.126 No.-

Cation exchange resins (CERs) are widely applied to purify waste liquids generated during the operationof nuclear reactors. The radioactive nuclides 60Co and 58Co are important corrosion activation products inreactor cooling water. In this study, the simulated Co doped CERs were oxidized with ternary carbonate. According to the thermogravimetric analysis (TG), the decomposition of Co doped CERs includes threeprocesses: 1. Elimination of the osmotic water; 2. Pyrolysis of sulfonic acid group; 3. Destruction of styrene–divinylbenzene copolymer. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate that sulfur mainly exists inthe form of sulfate in waste salt. The Co2+ undergoes the path of CoS2 ? Co3O4 with the increase of temperatureand the transition point is 650 C. Combined with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR)spectra and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, sulfonic acid groups begin to decomposeat 350 C. During the molten salt oxidation process, most of the sulfur in sulfonic acid groups is entrappedby carbonate as the form of sulfate, and a little of which remains as sulfone group, sulfoxide group andsulfur bridge in residue. When the resins are oxidized at 800 C, the retention rate of Co2+ is 97.3%, indicatingthat the molten salt oxidation can effectively remain Co2+ and convert it into a more stablesubstance.

Reduction of the contact resistance in copper phthalocyanine thin film transistor with UV/ozone treated Au electrodes

Jun Li,Liang Zhang,Xiao-Wen Zhang,Hao Zhang,Xue-Yin Jiang,Dong-bin Yu,Wen-Qing Zhu,Zhi-Lin Zhang 한국물리학회 2010 Current Applied Physics Vol.10 No.5

Bottom-contact (BC) copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) thin film transistor with UV/ozone treated Au as a source/drain electrode was fabricated and the contact resistance was estimated from the transmission line method (TLM). Comparing the properties of OTFT with untreated Au electrode, the performance of the BC CuPc-TFT with the UV/ozone treated Au electrodes was significantly improved: saturation mobility increased from 4.69 × 10−3 to 2.37 × 10−2 ㎠/V s, threshold voltage reduced from −29.1 to −6.4 V, and threshold swing varied from 5.08 to 2.25 V/decade. The contact resistance of the device with UV/ozone treated Au electrodes was nearly 20 times smaller than that of the device with untreated Au electrodes at the gate voltage of −20 V. This result indicated that using the UV/ozone treated Au electrode is an effective method to reduce the contact resistance. The present BC configuration with UV/ozone treated Au electrodes could be a significant step towards the commercialization of OTFT technology.

Physicochemical characterization and cytotoxicity of chitosanmodified single walled carbon nanotubes as drug carriers

Qing‑Ri Cao,Xiao‑Xue Zhang,Hao‑Yan Huang,Li‑Qing Chen,Hehua Jin,Beom‑Jin Lee,Jing‑Hao Cui 한국약제학회 2019 Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation Vol.49 No.1

The application of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as drug carriers is limited by their poor dispersal in aqueous medium. This study aimed to prepare chitosan (CS)-modified SWCNTs (CS-SWCNTs) and to evaluate their physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity. Oxidized SWCNTs (O-SWCNTs) were prepared with the use of strong acid, and the effects of acidizing conditions on the oxidation degree of the O-SWCNTs were investigated. CS was then non-covalently modified on the surfaces of O-SWCNTs. O-SWCNTs and CS-SWCNTs were characterized through ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The cytotoxic effects of the functionalized SWCNTs were determined through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. O-SWCNTs with relatively complete structure were successfully synthesized through 5 h of treatment with 5 M acid. The amine group of the CS and the carboxyl group of O-SWCNTs interacted in CS-SWCNTs. The functionalized SWCNTs did not aggregate or precipitate in water and exerted no cytotoxic effects on A549 and MCF-7 tumor cells. The CS-SWCNTs possess the advantages of a simple preparation process, excellent water dispersibility, and biocompatibility for drug loading.

Inhibition of Poly(I:C)-Induced Inflammation by Salvianolic Acid A in Skin Keratinocytes

( Qing-ling Zhang ),( Ri-hua Jiang ),( Xue Mei Li ),( Jung-woo Ko ),( Chang Deok Kim ),( Ming Ji Zhu ),( Jeung-hoon Lee ) 대한피부과학회 2019 Annals of Dermatology Vol.31 No.3

Background: Skin keratinocytes participate actively in inducing immune responses when external pathogens are introduced, thereby contributing to elimination of pathogens. However, in condition where the excessive inflammation is occurred, chronic skin disease such as psoriasis can be provoked. Objective: We tried to screen the putative therapeutics for inflammatory skin disease, and found that salvianolic acid A (SAA) has an inhibitory effect on keratinocyte inflammatory reaction. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effects of SAA in poly(I:C)-induced inflammatory reaction in skin keratinocytes. Methods: We pre-treated keratinocytes with SAA then stimulated with poly(I:C). Inflammatory reaction of keratinocytes was verified using real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. Results: When skin keratinocytes were pre-treated with SAA, it significantly inhibited poly (I:C)-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and CCL20. SAA inhibited poly(I:C)-induced activation of nuclear factor-κB signaling. And SAA also inhibited inflammasome activation, evidenced by decrease of IL-1β secretion. Finally, SAA markedly inhibited poly(I:C)-induced NLRP3 expression. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that SAA has an inhibitory effect on poly(I:C)-induced inflammatory reaction of keratinocytes, suggesting that SAA can be developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. (Ann Dermatol 31(3) 279∼285, 2019)

SPON2 Promotes M1-like Macrophage Recruitment and Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis by Distinct Integrin–Rho GTPase–Hippo Pathways

Zhang, Yan-Li,Li, Qing,Yang, Xiao-Mei,Fang, Fang,Li, Jun,Wang, Ya-Hui,Yang, Qin,Zhu, Lei,Nie, Hui-Zhen,Zhang, Xue-Li,Feng, Ming-Xuan,Jiang, Shu-Heng,Tian, Guang-Ang,Hu, Li-Peng,Lee, Ho-Young,Lee, Su-J American Association for Cancer Research 2018 Cancer research Vol.78 No.9

<P>Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P>Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) represent key regulators of the complex interplay between cancer and the immune microenvironment. Matricellular protein SPON2 is essential for recruiting lymphocytes and initiating immune responses. Recent studies have shown that SPON2 has complicated roles in cell migration and tumor progression. Here we report that, in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), SPON2 not only promotes infiltration of M1-like macrophages but also inhibits tumor metastasis. SPON2-α4β1 integrin signaling activated RhoA and Rac1, increased F-actin reorganization, and promoted M1-like macrophage recruitment. F-Actin accumulation also activated the Hippo pathway by suppressing LATS1 phosphorylation, promoting YAP nuclear translocation, and initiating downstream gene expression. However, SPON2-α5β1 integrin signaling inactivated RhoA and prevented F-actin assembly, thereby inhibiting HCC cell migration; the Hippo pathway was not noticeably involved in SPON2-mediated HCC cell migration. In HCC patients, SPON2 levels correlated positively with prognosis. Overall, our findings provide evidence that SPON2 is a critical factor in mediating the immune response against tumor cell growth and migration in HCC.</P><P><B>Significance:</B> Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract:</B> http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/9/2305/F1.large.jpg. <I>Cancer Res; 78(9); 2305–17. ©2018 AACR</I>.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract</B></P><P> [Figure]</P>

Original Article: Food Science/Microbiology : Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Camellia Oleifera Seed Oils

( Qing Fen Zhou ),( Xue Jing Jia ),( Qian Qian Li ),( Rui Wu Yang ),( Li Zhang ),( Yong Hong Zhou ),( Chun Bang Ding ) 한국응용생명화학회(구 한국농화학회) 2014 Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry (J. Appl. Vol.57 No.2

The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Camellia oleifera seed oil were studied. Four kinds of seed oil samples were prepared, crude oil and refined oil, extracted by cold pressing method (CPC, CPR), and organic solvent extraction (OSC, OSR). Antioxidant activity analysis was measured in 2,2-azinobis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)-diammonium salt, ferric reducing Ability of Plasma, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays. Besides, the percentage of inhibition of red blood cells hemolysis induced by 2,2´-azobis(2-amidnopropane) dihydrochlorid, the lag time of LDL conjugated dienes formation in vitro, and the inhibitors of loss in tryptophan fluorescence were all used to estimate the antioxidant activity of the samples. The total phenolic contents (TPC) were detemined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. The TPC of the C. oleifera seed oils can be arranged in descending order: CPC (1.9172 μg/mL) > OSC (1.5218 μg/mL) > CPR (1.0611 μg/mL) > OSR (0.6782 μg/mL). And the oils were investigated for activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger. The results showed the antioxidant activity of crude oil by cold pressing method was stronger than others, and all oils did inhibit activity of the top three bacteria expert A. niger. The further significance of the study contributes to measure the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the potential health benefits by the different methods of preparation and the oil of C. oleifera seeds acting as free radical scavenger, pharmaceuticals and preservatives may offer some information in medicine and cosmetic not just in food field.

A Case of Coenurosis in a Wild Rabbit (Lepus sinensis) Caused by Taenia serialis Metacestode in Qinghai Tibetan Plateau Area, China

Xue-Yong Zhang,Ying-Na Jian,Li-Qing Ma,Xiu-Ping Li,Panagiotis Karanis 대한기생충학열대의학회 2018 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.56 No.2

Clinical Model for Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinomas in Patients with Post-Sustained Virologic Responses of Chronic Hepatitis C: A Case Control Study

( Qing-lei Zeng ),( Bing Li ),( Xue-xiu Zhang ),( Yan Chen ),( Yan-ling Fu ),( Jun Lv ),( Yan-min Liu ),( Zu-jiang Yu ) 대한소화기학회 2016 Gut and Liver Vol.10 No.6

Background/Aims: No clinical model exists to predict the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in sustained virologic response-achieving (HCC after SVR) patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Methods: We performed a case-control study using a clinical database to research the risk factors for HCC after SVR. A predictive model based on risk factors was established, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated. Results: In the multivariate model, an initial diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis and post-SVR albumin reductions of 1 g/L were associated with 21.7-fold (95% CI, 4.2 to 112.3; p< 0.001) and 1.3-fold (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.7; p=0.004) increases in the risk of HCC after SVR, respectively. A predictive model based on an initial diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis (yes, +1; no, 0) and post- SVR albumin ≤36.0 g/L (yes, +1; not, 0) predicted the occurrence of HCC after SVR with a cutoff value of >0, an AUC of 0.880, a sensitivity of 0.833, a specificity of 0.896, and a negative predictive value of 0.956. Conclusions: An initial diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis combined with a post-SVR albumin value of ≤36.0 g/L predicts the occurrence of HCC after SVR in patients with CHC. (Gut Liver 2016;10:955-961)