Low-dose Radiation Induces Antitumor Effects and Erythrocyte System Hormesis

Yu, Hong-Sheng,Liu, Zi-Min,Yu, Xiao-Yun,Song, Ai-Qin,Liu, Ning,Wang, Hao Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.7

Objective: Low dose radiation may stimulate the growth and development of animals, increase life span, enhance fertility, and downgrade the incidence of tumor occurrence.The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effect and hormesis in an erythrocyte system induced by low-dose radiation. Methods: Kunming strain male mice were subcutaneously implanted with S180 sarcoma cells in the right inguen as an experimental in situ animal model. Six hours before implantation, the mice were given 75mGy whole body X-ray radiation. Tumor growth was observed 5 days later, and the tumor volume was calculated every other day. Fifteen days later, all mice were killed to measure the tumor weight, and to observe necrotic areas and tumor-infiltration-lymphoreticular cells (TILs). At the same time, erythrocyte immune function and the level of 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-DPG) were determined. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of EPO and VEGFR of tumor tissues. Results: The mice pre-exposed to low dose radiation had a lower tumor formation rate than those without low dose radiation (P < 0.05). The tumor growth slowed down significantly in mice pre-exposed to low dose radiation; the average tumor weight in mice pre-exposed to low dose radiation was lighter too (P < 0.05). The tumor necrosis areas were larger and TILs were more in the radiation group than those of the group without radiation. The erythrocyte immune function, the level of 2,3-DPG in the low dose radiation group were higher than those of the group without radiation (P < 0.05). After irradiation the expression of EPO of tumor tissues in LDR group decreased with time. LDR-24h, LDR-48h and LDR-72h groups were all statistically significantly different from sham-irradiation group. The expression of VEGFR also decreased, and LDR-24h group was the lowest (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Low dose radiation could markedly increase the anti-tumor ability of the organism and improve the erythrocyte immune function and the ability of carrying $O_2$. Low-dose total body irradiation, within a certain period of time, can decrease the expression of hypoxia factor EPO and VEGFR, which may improve the situation of tumor hypoxia and radiosensitivity of tumor itself.

5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine Induces Hepatoma Cell Apoptosis via Enhancing Methionine Adenosyltransferase 1A Expression and Inducing S-Adenosylmethionine Production

Liu, Wei-Jun,Ren, Jian-Guo,Li, Ting,Yu, Guo-Zheng,Zhang, Jin,Li, Chang-Sheng,Liu, Zhi-Su,Liu, Quan-Yan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

In hepatocellular cancer (HCC), lack of response to chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be caused by a loss of epigenetic modifications of cancer cells. Methionine adenosyltransferase 1A is inactivated in HCC and may be stimulated by an epigenetic change involving promoter hypermethylation. Therefore, drugs releasing epigenetic repression have been proposed to reverse this process. We studied the effect of the demethylating reagent 5-aza-2'-deoxycitidine (5-Aza-CdR) on MAT1A gene expression, DNA methylation and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) production in the HCC cell line Huh7. We found that MAT1A mRNA and protein expression were activated in Huh7 cells with the treatment of 5-Aza-CdR; the status of promoter hypermethylation was reversed. At the same time, MAT2A mRNA and protein expression was significantly reduced in Huh7 cells treated with 5-Aza-CdR, while SAMe production was significantly induced. However, 5-Aza-CdR showed no effects on MAT2A methylation. Furthermore, 5-Aza-CdR inhibited the growth of Huh7 cells and induced apoptosis and through down-regulation of Bcl-2, up-regulation of Bax and caspase-3. Our observations suggest that 5-Aza-CdR exerts its anti-tumor effects in Huh7 cells through an epigenetic change involving increased expression of the methionine adenosyltransferase 1A gene and induction of S-adenosylmethionine production.

Compressed Magnetic Field in the Magnetically Regulated Global Collapsing Clump of G9.62+0.19

Liu, Tie,Kim, Kee-Tae,Liu, Sheng-Yuan,Juvela, Mika,Zhang, Qizhou,Wu, Yuefang,Li, Pak Shing,Parsons, Harriet,Soam, Archana,Goldsmith, Paul F.,Su, Yu-Nung,Tatematsu, Ken’ichi,Qin, Sheng-Li,Garay, Guido American Astronomical Society 2018 ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS - Vol.869 No.1

ALMA Reveals Sequential High-mass Star Formation in the G9.62+0.19 Complex

Liu, Tie,Lacy, John,Li, Pak Shing,Wang, Ke,Qin, Sheng-Li,Zhang, Qizhou,Kim, Kee-Tae,Garay, Guido,Wu, Yuefang,Mardones, Diego,Zhu, Qingfeng,Tatematsu, Ken’ichi,Hirota, Tomoya,Ren, Zhiyuan,Liu, Sheng-Yu American Astronomical Society 2017 The Astrophysical journal Vol.849 No.1

<P>Stellar feedback from high-mass stars (e.g., H II regions) can strongly influence the surrounding interstellar medium and regulate star formation. Our new ALMA observations reveal sequential high-mass star formation taking place within one subvirial filamentary clump (the G9.62 clump) in the G9.62+0.19 complex. The 12 dense cores (MM1-MM12) detected by ALMA are at very different evolutionary stages, from the starless core phase to the UC H II region phase. Three dense cores (MM6, MM7/G, MM8/F) are associated with outflows. The mass-velocity diagrams of the outflows associated with MM7/G and MM8/F can be well-fit by broken power laws. The mass-velocity diagram of the SiO outflow associated with MM8/F breaks much earlier than other outflow tracers (e.g., CO, SO, CS, HCN), suggesting that SiO traces newly shocked gas, while the other molecular lines (e.g., CO, SO, CS, HCN) mainly trace the ambient gas continuously entrained by outflow jets. Five cores (MM1, MM3, MM5, MM9, MM10) are massive starless core candidates whose masses are estimated to be larger than 25 M-circle dot, assuming a dust temperature of <= 20 K. The shocks from the expanding H II regions ('B' and 'C') to the west may have a great impact on the G9.62 clump by compressing it into a filament and inducing core collapse successively, leading to sequential star formation. Our findings suggest that stellar feedback from H II regions may enhance the star formation efficiency and suppress low-mass star formation in adjacent pre-existing massive clumps.</P>

Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Versus Radiotherapy Alone for Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Yu, Hong-Sheng,Wang, Xin,Song, Ai-Qin,Liu, Ning,Zhang, Wei,Yu, Li Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of concurrent radiochemotherapy with those of radiotherapy in treating locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (Stage III~IVa). Methods: A total of 95 patients suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (Stage III~IVa) were divided into two groups: concurrent radiochemotherapy (Group CCRT, n=49) and radiotherapy (Group RT, n=46). The two groups were both delivered conventional fractionated radiotherapy, while Group CCRT also received three cycles of PF (DDP+5-Fu) or PLF (DDP+5-Fu+CF) chemotherapy. Results: The complete remission rate and total remission rate of Group CCRT were higher than those of Group RT ($X^2$=4.72~7.19, P<0.05). The one-year overall survival (OS) rate calculated by the life table method, was also higher than that of Group RT ($X^2$=4.24, P<0.05) as well as the 3-year OS rate, nasopharyngeal control rate and cervical lymph nodes' control rate ($X^2$=4.28~4.40, P<0.05). In addition, the 5-year OS and metastasis-free rates of Group CCRT were higher than those of Group RT and the differences were of statistical importance ($X^2$=3.96~8.26, P<0.05). However, acute toxicity was also obviously higher, the difference in gastrointestinal reactions being statistically significant ($X^2$=11.70, P<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that concurrent radiochemotherapy could improve the remission rate, overall survival rate and locally control rate. The toxicity of concurrent radiochemotherapy could be tolerated by the patients.

Association of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A_2 with Characteristics of Vulnerable Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques

Yu-Sheng Liu,Qing-Hua Lu,Xiao-Bo Hu,Hong-Zhuan Li,Wei-Dong Jiang,Xin Wang,Hao Lin,Ai-Qiong Qin,Yong-Mei Wang,Tong Zhao,Zhao-Qiang Dong,Mei Zhang 연세대학교의과대학 2011 Yonsei medical journal Vol.52 No.6

Purpose: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA_2) is an inflammatory enzyme expressed in atherosclerotic plaques. We investigated the association of circulating Lp-PLA_2 with characteristics of vulnerable coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Materials and Methods: We recruited 113 patients with either unstable angina (UA, n=59) and stable angina (SA, n=54) by coronary angiography. Thirty-six healthy subjects served as controls. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used to evaluate the characteristics of coronary atherosclerotic plaque, and serum Lp-PLA2 concentration was measured as well. Results: Lp-PLA_2 concentration was significantly higher in both UA and SA patients [(396±36) μg/L and (321±39) μg/L, respectively]compared with the controls [(127±49) μg/L, p<0.01], and higher in UA than SA group. IVUS findings showed that remodeling index (RI) (0.91±0.15 vs. 0.85±0.11, p=0.005) and eccentricity index (EI) (0.73±0.16 vs. 0.65±0.22, p=0.039) were larger in UA than in SA group, and fibrous caps were thicker in SA than UA group [(0.91±0.23) mm vs. (0.63±0.21) mm, p=0.032]. Moreover, Lp-PLA_2 correlated positively with EI (r=0.439, p<0.01) and RI (r=0.592, p<0.05) in UA group. There was an inverse relationship between Lp-PLA_2 and fibrous cap thickness in both UA (r=-0.587, p<0.001) and SA (r=-0.318, p<0.05) groups. The independent risk factors in UA group were Lp-PLA_2 (OR=1.055, 95% CI: 1.03-1.08, p=0.013), LDL-cholesterol (OR=0.032, 95% CI: 0.00-0.05, p=0.041) and fibrous cap thickness (OR=0.008, 95% CI: 0.00-0.45, p=0.019). Lp-PLA_2 was strongly associated with both EI and fibrous cap thickness in both groups. Conclusion: Serum level of Lp-PLA_2 is associated with both eccentricity index and fibrous cap thickness in both UA and SA groups. Elevated levels of circulating Lp-PLA_2 might to be a strong risk factor and more serious for unstable angina than stable angina.

Influence of oxygen equivalent on molten salt oxidation efficiency of mixed resin in Li2CO3-Na2CO3-K2CO3 melt

Xin Liu,Zi-Yu Liu,Yang-Hai Zheng,Yong-De Yan,Wen-Da Xu,Yun Xue,Yue-Lin Wang,Fu-Qiu Ma,Kai Zhu,Yu-Sheng Yang 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.120 No.-

The disposal of spent radioactive ion exchange resin generated during the operation of nuclear facilitieshas always been a conundrum. The molten salt oxidation (MSO) for the treatment of mixed resin (MR)shows obvious superiority. In this work, ternary carbonate (Li2CO3-Na2CO3-K2CO3) and MR was usedas the molten salt system and the oxidation target, respectively. The oxidation behavior of MR was analyzedby varying the temperature and oxygen equivalent during the MSO process. By studying the effectof different oxygen equivalents on the oxidation efficiency, the oxygen equivalent of 125% could make theoxidation efficiency of MR reach 99.99% at 800 C. The composition of C, N and S containing exhaust gasproduced through MSO process of MR with temperature were almost consistent with the simulationresults. The exhaust gas was successfully adsorbed by molten carbonate to produce nitrate and sulfurcompounds. The carbonate has good absorption to harmful gases such as SO2, CO, NO, etc. The contentof SO2 from the highest 0.32% to 0, and 71.23% of sulfur in MR was trapped by molten carbonate asthe form of sulfate. This work has important implications for reducing the potential harm of radioactivewaste resin to the environment.

Case Study of the Effect of Rainfall Infiltration on a Tunnel Underlying the Roadbed Slope with Weak Inter-Layer

Sheng-yuan Fan,Zhan-ping Song,Yu-wei Zhang,Nai-fei Liu 대한토목학회 2020 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.24 No.5

It is a common type of tunnel under-cross the roadbed slope with weak inter-layer. Rainfall infiltration will cause soil softening, matric suction and strength reduction, which seriously threaten the safety of slope and tunnel. This paper presents a case where a tunnel underlying the roadbed slope with weak inter-layer in Guiyang 1# line, China. The seepage calculation model in MIDAS GTS/NX software, considering hydraulic permeability coefficient characteristiccurve and soil-water characteristic curve, was used to analyze the stress and deformation of the roadbed slope and tunnel. The results reveal that rainfall infiltration has great influence on the deformation of roadbed slope with weak inter-layer and the force of internal tunnel. Slope displacement increases rapidly in the early stage and decreases in the late stage, but the absolute value of displacement increases continuously and the slope safety factor decreases gradually, which makes the slope in a dangerous state. The force of tunnel lining increases in the early stage and decreases with the recovery of soil strength after rainfall. The control effects of anchor cable and anti-slide pile reinforcement on slope sliding and tunnel stress were studied. And the anchor cable reinforcement measure is more effective on reducing slope slip and tunnel lining structure internal force.

Overlapping Stents-Assisted Coiling for Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm : LVIS Stent within Neuroform EZ Stent

Liu, Xing-Long,Wang, Bin,Zhao, Lin-Bo,Jia, Zhen-Yu,Shi, Hai-Bin,Liu, Sheng The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2022 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.65 No.4

Objective : To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an overlapped stenting-assisted coiling technique in treating vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA) via Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) stent-within-Neuroform EZ stent. Methods : From January 2017 to June 2019, 18 consecutive patients with VADAs (ruptured : unruptured=5 : 13) were treated with the overlapping stents assisted-coiling technique in our center. The overlapping manner was a Neuroform EZ stent being deployed first, followed by LVIS stents placement using the 'shelf' technique. The patients' clinical characteristics, technical feasibility and safety, and immediate and follow-up angiographic results were retrospectively reviewed. Results : Seventeen (94.4%) procedures were technically successful with an exact deployment of the stents and patent parent or perforator arteries. The immediate angiographies after procedure confirmed Raymond class I, II, and III occlusion of VADAs were in 12 (66.7%), two (11.1%), and four cases (22.2%), respectively. Post-procedural complications developed in one patient (5.6%) with minor brainstem infarctions, which resulted from an in-stent thrombosis during the procedure. Angiographic follow-up at 5.7 months (range 3 to 9 months) demonstrated Raymond class I and II occlusion were in all cases (100%). The modified Rankin Scale scores at 21.3 months (range 15 to 42 months) 0-2 in 17 cases (94.4%) and three in one case (5.6%). Conclusion : Overlapping stents via LVIS stent-within-Neuroform EZ stent combined with coiling is safe and effective for patients with VADA in the midterm results.

Mouse Nerve Growth Factor Facilitates the Growth of Interspinal Schwannoma Cells by Activating NGF Receptors

Liu, Shu Yi,Liu, Sheng Ze,Li, Yu,Chen, Shi The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2019 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.62 No.6

Objective : Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a member of the neurotrophic factor family and plays a vital role in the physiological processes of organisms, especially in the nervous system. Many recent studies have reported that NGF is also involved in the regulation of tumourigenesis by either promoting or suppressing tumor growth, which depends on the location and type of tumor. However, little is known regarding the effect of NGF on interspinal schwannoma (IS). In the present study, we aimed to explored whether mouse nerve growth factor (mNGF), which is widely used in the clinic, can influence the growth of interspinal schwannoma cells (ISCs) isolated from IS in vitro. Methods : ISCs were isolated, cultured and identified by S-100 with immunofluorescence analysis. S-100-positive cells were divided into five groups, and separately cultured with various concentrations of mNGF (0 [phosphate buffered saline, PBS], 40, 80, 160, and 320 ng/mL) for 24 hours. Western blot and quantantive real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were applied to detect tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) receptor and p75 neurotrophin receptor ($p75^{NTR}$) in each group. Crystal violet staining was selected to assess the effect of mNGF (160 ng/mL) on ISCs growth. Results : ISCs growth was enhanced by mNGF in a dose-dependent manner. The result of crystal violet staining revealed that it was significantly strengthened the cells growth kinetics when cultured with 160 ng/mL mNGF compared to PBS group. Western blot and quantantive real time PCR discovered that TrkA receptor and mRNA expression were both up-regualated under the condition of mNGF, expecially in 160 ng/mL, while the exoression of $p75^{NTR}$ demonstrated no difference among groups. Conclusion : From these data, we conclude that exogenous mNGF can facilitate ISC growth by activating both TrkA receptor and $p75^{NTR}$. In addition, patients who are suffering from IS should not be administered mNGF in the clinic.