Combination of FDG PET/CT and Contrast-Enhanced MSCT in Detecting Lymph Node Metastasis of Esophageal Cancer

Tan, Ru,Yao, Shu-Zhan,Huang, Zhao-Qin,Li, Jun,Li, Xin,Tan, Hai-Hua,Liu, Qing-Wei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

Background: Lymph node metastasis is believed to be a dependent negative prognostic factor of esophageal cancer. To explore detection methods with high sensitivity and accuracy for metastases to regional and distant lymph nodes in the clinic is of great significance. This study focused on clinical application of FDG PET/CT and contrast-enhanced multiple-slice helical computed tomography (MSCT) in lymph node staging of esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifteen cases were examined with enhanced 64-slice-MSCT scan, and FDG PET/CT imaging was conducted for neck, chest and upper abdomen within one week. The primary lesion, location and numbers of metastatic lymph nodes were observed. Surgery was performed within one week after FDG PET/CT detection. All resected lesions were confirmed histopathologically as the gold standard. Comparative analysis of the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy based on FDG PET/CT and MSCT was conducted. Results: There were 946 lymph node groups resected during surgery from 115 patients, and 221 were confirmed to have metastasis pathologically. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of FDG PET/CT in detecting lymph node metastasis were 74.7%, 97.2% and 92.0%, while with MSCT they were 64.7%, 96.4%, and 89.0%, respectively. A significance difference was observed in sensitivity (p=0.030), but not the others (p>0.05). The accuracy of FDG PET/CT in detecting regional lymph node with or without metastasis were 91.9%, as compared to 89.4% for MSCT, while FDG PET/CT and MSCT values for detecting distant lymph node with or without metastasis were 94.4% and 94.7%. No significant difference was observed for either regional or distant lymph node metastasis. Additionally, for detecting para-esophageal lymph nodes metastasis, the sensitivity of FDG PET/CT was 72%, compared with 54.7% for MSCT (p=0.029). Conclusions: FDG PET/CT is more sensitive than MSCT in detecting lymph node metastasis, especially for para-esophageal lymph nodes in esophageal cancer cases, although no significant difference was observed between FDG PET/CT and MSCT in detecting both regional and distant lymph node metastasis. However, enhanced MSCT was found to be of great value in distinguishing false negative metastatic lymph nodes from FDG PET/CT. The combination of FDG PET/CT with MSCT should improve the accuracy in lymph node metastasis staging of esophageal cancer.

Outcome of minimally-invasive versus open pancreatectomies for solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas: A 2:1 matched case-control study

Hwee Leong Tan,Ek Khoon Tan,Jin Yao Teo,Juinn Huar Kam,Ser Yee Lee,Peng Chung Cheow,Prema Raj Jeyaraj,Pierce K. Chow,Alexander Y. Chung,London L. Ooi,Chung Yip Chan,Brian K. P. Goh 한국간담췌외과학회 2019 Annals of hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery Vol.23 No.3

Backgrounds/Aims: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPPN) is typically seen in young healthy females who would likely benefit from minimally-invasive pancreatectomy (MIP). A few comparative studies have suggested that MIP is associated with favorable outcomes when compared to the open approach for SPPN. This study aims to mitigate potential selection bias by performing a matched case-control study comparing MIP vs open pancreatectomy (OP) for SPPN. Methods: We performed a single-institution retrospective electronic chart review of all patients who underwent surgery for pathologically confirmed SPPN between 2000 and 2017. A 2:1 matched comparison using age, gender, tumor size and the type of pancreatectomy was performed between OP and MIP. Results: A total of 40 patients with a median age of 40.3 years (range 16.5-64.4) and female sex predominance (n=34, 85.0%) underwent surgery during the study period. Nine patients underwent MIP. Matched comparison between 18 OP and 9 MIP demonstrated that MIP was associated with a longer median operating time (305 vs 180 min, p=0.046) and shorter median postoperative stay (6 vs 9 days, p=0.015). There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion requirements, postoperative morbidity (including postoperative pancreatic fistula) and mortality, resection margins, lymph node yield and long-term survival. Conclusions: MIP is a safe and viable option in the management of SPPN with the benefit of a shorter postoperative length of stay at the expense of a longer operation time. There was no significant difference in oncologic outcomes between both groups of patients.

The Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Dominic Wei Ting Yap,Nicole Kye Wen Tan,Benjamin Kye Jyn Tan,Yao Hao Teo,Veronique Kiak Mien Tan,Anna See,Song Tar Toh 한국유방암학회 2022 Journal of breast cancer Vol.25 No.3

Purpose: Emerging evidence from animal models suggests that intermittent hypoxia due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for breast cancer. Despite their biological plausibility, human epidemiological studies have reported conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to delineate this relationship. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for eligible studies from inception until June 6, 2021. Two reviewers selected randomized trials or observational studies reporting the association between OSA and breast cancer incidence compared with those without OSA. Two reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). We pooled the maximally covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) using a random-effects inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis and performed pre-specified subgroup analyses. Results: We included six studies out of 1,707 records, comprising a combined cohort of 5,165,200 patients. All studies used the International Classification of Diseases codes to classify OSA and breast cancer. OSA patients had a 36% increased breast cancer risk (HR, 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.80; N = 6, I2 = 96%) compared to those without OSA. Most studies adjusted for confounders, such as age, sex, obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol use, and hypertension. Subgroup analyses for studies with (1) multivariate adjustment and (2) at least five years of follow-up yielded HRs of 1.35 (95% CI, 0.98–1.87; N = 5, I2 = 96%) and 1.57 (95% CI, 1.14–2.18; N = 4; I2 = 90%), respectively. One Mendelian randomization study suggested a causal relationship, with a two-fold increase in the odds of breast cancer in patients with OSA. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggested that OSA is a risk factor for breast cancer. Future studies should explore the dose-response relationship between OSA and breast cancer, and whether treatment may mitigate breast cancer risk or progression.

The Synthesis of Eu³⁺ Doped with TiO₂ Nano-Powder and Application as a Pesticide Sensor

Yao, Fei,Sun, Yang,Tan, Chunlei,Wei, Song,Zhang, Xiaojuan,Hu, Xiaoyun,Fan, Jun Korean Chemical Society 2011 대한화학회지 Vol.55 No.6

Using tetrabutyl titanate as precursor, $Eu^{3+}$ doped $TiO_2$ nano-powder was prepared by sol-gel method, the nature of luminescence of nano-powder was studied. The interaction of chlorpyrifos with $Eu^{3+}$ doped $TiO_2$ was studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results indicated the fluorescence intensity of $Eu^{3+}$ doped $TiO_2$ was quenched by chlorpyrifos and the quenching rate constant ($k_q$) was $1.24{\times}10^{11}\;L/mol{\cdot}s$ according to the Stern-Volmer equation. The dynamics of photoinduced electron transfer from chlorpyrifos to conduction band of $TiO_2$ nanoparticle was observed and the mechanism of electron transfer had been confirmed by the calculation of free energy change (${\Delta}G_{et}$) by applying Rehm-Weller equation as well as energy level diagram. A new rapid method for detection of chlorpyrifos was established according to the fluorescence intensity of $Eu^{3+}$ doped $TiO_2$ was proportional to chlorpyrifos concentration. The range of detection was $5.0{\times}10^{-10}-2.5{\times}10^{-7}mol/L$ and the election limit ($3{\sigma}$) was $3.2{\times}10^{-11}$ mol/L.

Radiation-induced Cochlea Hair Cell Death: Mechanisms and Protection

Tan, Pei-Xin,Du, Sha-Sha,Ren, Chen,Yao, Qi-Wei,Yuan, Ya-Wei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.10

Cochlea hair cell death is regarded to be responsible for the radiation-induced sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), which is one of the principal complications of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancers. In this mini-review, we focus on the current progresses trying to unravel mechanisms of radiation-induced hair cell death and find out possible protection. P53, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways have been proposed as pivotal in the processes leading to radiation hair cell death. Potential protectants, such as amifostine, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and epicatechin (EC), are claimed to be effective at reducing radiation-inducedhair cell death. The RT dosage, selection and application of concurrent chemotherapy should be pre-examined in order to minimize the damage to cochlea hair cells.

Assessment of the Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Chaetominine in a Human Leukemia Cell Line

Yao, Jingyun,Jiao, Ruihua,Liu, Changqing,Zhang, Yupeng,Yu, Wanguo,Lu, Yanhua,Tan, Renxiang The Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology 2016 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.24 No.2

Chaetominine is a quinazoline alkaloid originating from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus CY018. In this study, we showed evidence that chaetominine has cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on human leukemia K562 cells and investigated the pathway involved in chaetominine-induced apoptosis in detail. Chaetominine inhibited K562 cell growth, with an $IC_{50}$ value of 35 nM, but showed little inhibitory effect on the growth of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The high apoptosis rates, morphological apoptotic features, and DNA fragmentation caused by chaetominine indicated that the cytotoxicity was partially caused by its pro-apoptotic effect. Under chaetominine treatment, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was upregulated (from 0.3 to 8), which was followed by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol, and stimulation of Apaf-1. Furthermore, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, which are the main executers of the apoptotic process, was observed. These results demonstrated that chaetominine induced cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Chaetominine inhibited K562 cell growth and induced apoptotic cell death through the intrinsic pathway, which suggests that chaetominine might be a promising therapeutic for leukemia.

Cloning, Annotation and Expression Analysis of Mycoparasitism- Related Genes in Trichoderma harzianum 88

Lin Yao,Qian Yang,Jinzhu Song,Chong Tan,Changhong Guo,Li Wang,Lianhai Qu,Yun Wang 한국미생물학회 2013 The journal of microbiology Vol.51 No.2

Trichoderma harzianum 88, a filamentous soil fungus, is an effective biocontrol agent against several plant pathogens. High-throughput sequencing was used here to study the mycoparasitism mechanisms of T. harzianum 88. Plate confrontation tests of T. harzianum 88 against plant pathogens were conducted, and a cDNA library was constructed from T. harzianum 88 mycelia in the presence of plant pathogen cell walls. Randomly selected transcripts from the cDNA library were compared with eukaryotic plant and fungal genomes. Of the 1,386 transcripts sequenced, the most abundant Gene Ontology (GO) classification group was “physiological process”. Differential expression of 19 genes was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR at different mycoparasitism stages against plant pathogens. Gene expression analysis revealed the transcription of various genes involved in mycoparasitism of T. harzianum 88. Our study provides helpful insights into the mechanisms of T. harzianum 88-plant pathogen interactions.

A novel design method for improving collapse resistances of multi-story steel frames with unequal spans using steel braces

Zheng Tan,Wei-hui Zhong,Bao Meng,Shi-chao Duan,Hong-chen Wang3,Xing-You Yao,Yu-hui Zheng 국제구조공학회 2023 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.47 No.2

The bearing capacities resisted by the two-bay beams of multi-story planar frames with unequal spans under column removal scenarios differ considerably owing to the asymmetric stress on the left and right beams connected to the failed column and cause the potential for beams with larger span-to-depth ratios to be unable to exert effectively, which is disadvantageous for resisting the vertical load in unequal-span frame structures. To address this problem, the structural measure of adding braces to the weak bays of multi-story unequal-span frames was proposed, with the objective of achieving a coordinated stress state in two-bay beams with unequal spans, thereby improving the collapse resistance of unequal-span frame structures. Before conducting the numerical simulation, the modeling methods were verified by previous experimental results of two multi-story planar frames with and without steel braces. Thereafter, the effects of the tensile and compressive braces on the collapse behavior of the frame structures were elucidated. Then, based on the mechanical action laws of the braces throughout the collapse process, a detailed design method for improving the collapse resistance of unequal-span frame structures was proposed. Finally, the proposed design method was verified by using sufficient example models, and the results demonstrated that the design method has good application prospects and high practical value.

Effects of V2O5 on sinterability and microwave dielectric properties of NaCa4V5O17 ceramics

Guoguang Yao,Yang Li,Jingjing Tan,Cuijin Pei,Yan Zhang,Jia Chen 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2020 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.21 No.3

The NaCa4V5O17 ceramics owing low sintering temperature had been prepared via conventional solid state reaction methodusing V2O5 as vanadium source. The sinterability, microwave dielectric characterisations and compatibility with Ag wereinvestigated. Pure phase NaCa4V5O17 with triclinic structure was confirmed by Rietveld refinement and Raman spectrum. Thepermittivity (εr) and quality factor (Qxf) values mainly depended on the relative density, whereas the temperature coefficientof resonant frequency (τf) value was closely connected with the tetrahedral distortion of V(1)O4. The NaCa4V5O17 ceramicssintered at 800 oС owned high densification and moderate microwave dielectric performances under 10.7 GHz: εr = 9.5, Q×f= 34,200 GHz, τf = -90.0 ppm/oС, but poor chemical compatibility with Ag paste.

Graphitization of PAN-based carbon fibers by CO₂ laser irradiation

Liangbo Yao,Weimin Yang,Sanyang Li,Yang Sha,Jing Tan,Ying An,Haoyi Li 한국탄소학회 2017 Carbon Letters Vol.24 No.-