In Situ Localisation of Superoxide Generated in Leaves of Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Shott under Various Stresses

Zhi-Fang Lin,Nan Liu,Gui-Zhu Lin,Chang-Lian Peng 한국식물학회 2009 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.52 No.4

Leaf discs of Alocasia macrorrhiza were treated with various stress factors, including two photo-oxidants, methyl viologen (MV) or riboflavin (RB); three pollutants, sodium bisulphite (NaHSO3), or the heavy metals lead or cadmium; or an osmotic medium, polyethylene glycol 6000. The in situ localisation sites for O2 − generation were identified using specific dye nitro blue tetrazolium as a probe. The level of superoxide production was determined by scanning the blue-stained formazan area and was defined as the percentage of pixels from the stained portion versus the total number of pixels in the entire leaf disc area. All stress factors induced the generation of O2 − in a time- or concentration-dependent pattern. Although superoxide production also was enhanced by longer time periods in untreated discs (control), the degree to which this occurred was less than that measured in leaves treated with either MV or RB. Generation sites were primarily found in the chloroplasts of stomatal guard cells and in the plasma membrane of the epidermis and mesophyll cells, indicating that they were most responsive to stress conditions. Nevertheless, the site of O2 − generation varied among these stress factors.

Angelica sinensis Supercritical Fluid CO2 Extract Attenuates D-Galactose-Induced Liver and Kidney Impairment in Mice by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Zhi-Zhun Mo,Zhi-Xiu Lin,ZiRen Su,Lin Zheng,Hui-Lin Li,JianHui Xie,Yan-Fang Xian,Tie-Gang Yi,Shui-Qing Huang,Jian-Ping Chen 한국식품영양과학회 2018 Journal of medicinal food Vol.21 No.9

Angelica sinensis (AS, Danggui in Chinese) is an important herbal component of various traditional formulae for the management of asthenia and its tonic effects. Although AS has been shown to ameliorate cognitive damage and nerve toxicity in D-galactose (D-gal)-elicited senescent mice brain, its effects on liver and kidney injury have not yet been explored. In this work, mice were subjected to hypodermic injection with D-gal (200 mg/kg) and orally gavaged with AS (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg) once a day for 8 successive weeks. Results revealed that AS significantly improved liver and kidney function as assessed by organ index and functional parameters. In addition, AS pretreatment effectively ameliorated the histological deterioration. AS attenuated the MDA level and markedly enhanced the activities and gene expressions of antioxidative enzymes, namely Cu, Zn-SOD, CAT, and GPx. Furthermore, AS markedly inhibited the D-gal-mediated increment of expressions of inflammatory cytokines iNOS, COX-2, IκBα, p-IκBα, and p65 and promoted the IκBα expression level in both hepatic and renal tissues. In sum, AS pretreatment could effectively guard the liver and kidney of mice from D-gal-induced injury, and the underlying mechanism was deemed to be intimately related to attenuating oxidative response and inflammatory stress.

Combined Screening of Cervical Cancer, Breast Cancer and Reproductive Tract Infections in Rural China

Li, Zhi-Fang,Wang, Shao-Ming,Shi, Ju-Fang,Zhao, Fang-Hui,Ma, Jun-Fei,Qiao, You-Lin,Feng, Xiang-Xian Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.7

Objectives: To investigate the current prevalence and knowledge of cervical cancer, breast cancer and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) in rural Chinese women, and to explore the acceptance and feasibility of implementing a combined screening program in rural China. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 30 to 59 years old in Xiangyuan County, Shanxi Province from 2009 to 2010. Socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of cervical cancer, breast cancer and RTIs, and the attitude toward single or combined screening were collected by an interview questionnaire. Each participant received a clinical examination of the cervix, breast and reproductive tract. Examinations included visual inspection, mammography, laboratory tests and pathological diagnosis. Results: A total of 1,530 women were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of cervical precancerous lesions, suspicious breast cancer, suspicious benign breast disease and RTIs was 1.4%, 0.2%, 14.0% and 54.3%, respectively. Cervicitis, trichomonas vaginitis, and bacterial vaginitis were the three most common RTIs among our participants. Television, radio broadcast, and public education during screening were the major source of healthcare knowledge in rural China. Moreover 99.7% of women expressed great interest in participating in a combined screening project. The affordable limit for combined screening project was only 50 RMB for more than half of the rural women. Conclusion: A combined screening program would be more effective and popular than single disease screening projects, while appropriate accompanied education and a co-pay model for its successful implementation need to be explored, especially in low-resource settings.

Antifungal activity of 3-acetylbenzamide produced by actinomycete WA23-4-4 from the intestinal tract of Periplaneta americana

Xia Fang,Juan Shen,Jie Wang,Zhi-li Chen,Pei-bin lin,Zhi-yu Chen,Lin-yan Liu,Huan-xiong Zeng,Xiao-bao Jin 한국미생물학회 2018 The journal of microbiology Vol.56 No.7

Actinomycetes are well-known for producing numerous bioactive secondary metabolites. In this study, primary screening by antifungal activity assay found one actinomycete strain WA23-4-4 isolated from the intestinal tract of Periplaneta americana that exhibited broad spectrum antifungal activity. 16S rDNA gene analysis of strain WA23-4-4 revealed close similarity to Streptomyces nogalater (AB045886) with 86.6% sequence similarity. Strain WA23-4-4 was considered as a novel Streptomyces and the 16s rDNA sequence has been submitted to GenBank (accession no. KX291006). The maximum antifungal activity of WA23-4-4 was achieved when culture conditions were optimized to pH 8.0, with 12% inoculum concentration and 210 ml ISP2 medium, which remained stable between the 5th and the 9th day. 3-Acetyl benzoyl amide was isolated by ethyl acetate extraction of WA23- 4-4 fermentation broth, and its molecular formula was determined as C9H9NO2 based on MS, IR, 1H, and 13C NMR analyses. The compound showed significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (MIC: 31.25 μg/ml) and Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404 (MIC: 31.25 μg/ml). However, the compound had higher MIC values against Trichophyton rubrum ATCC 60836 (MIC: 500 μg/ml) and Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC 96918 (MIC: 1,000 μg/ml). SEM analysis showed damage to the cell membrane of Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and to the mycelium of Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404 after being treatment with 3-acetyl benzoyl amide. In conclusion, this is the first time that 3-acetyl benzoyl amide has been identified from an actinomycete and this compound exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404.

Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers, Especially Fibrinogen to Albumin Ratio, Predict Prognosis in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

Lin Fang,Fei-Hu Yan,Chao Liu,Jing Chen,Dan Wang,Chun-Hui Zhang,Chang-Jie Lou,Jie Lian,Yang Yao,Bo-Jun Wang,Rui-Yang Li,Shu-Ling Han,Yi-Bing Bai,Jia-Ni Yang,Zhi-Wei Li,Yan-Qiao Zhang 대한암학회 2021 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.53 No.1

Purpose Systemic inflammatory response is a critical factor that promotes the initiation and metastasis of malignancies including pancreatic cancer (PC). This study was designed to determine and compare the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) in resectable PC and locally advanced or metastatic PC. Materials and Methods Three hundred fifty-three patients with resectable PC and 807 patients with locally advan-ced or metastatic PC were recruited in this study. These patients were classified into a training set (n=758) and a validation set (n=402). Kaplan-Meier survival plots and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze prognosis. Results Overall survival (OS) was significantly better for patients with resectable PC with low preoperative PLR (p=0.048) and MLR (p=0.027). Low FAR, MLR, NLR (p < 0.001), and PLR (p=0.003) were significantly associated with decreased risk of death for locally advanced or metastatic PC patients. FAR (hazard ratio [HR], 1.522; 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.261 to 1.837; p < 0.001) and MLR (HR, 1.248; 95% CI, 1.017 to 1.532; p=0.034) were independent prognostic factors for locally advanced or metastatic PC. Conclusion The prognostic roles of FAR, MLR, NLR, and PLR in resectable PC and locally advanced or metastatic PC were different. FAR showed the most prognostic power in locally advanced or metastatic PC. Low FAR was positively correlated with OS in locally advanced or metastatic PC, which could be used to predict the prognosis.

A phase I dose-finding trial of hyperthermic intraperitoneal docetaxel combined with cisplatin in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer

Zhi-yao You,Hui Li,Miao-fang Wu,Yanfang Ye,Li-juan Wang,Zhongqiu Lin,Jing Li 대한부인종양학회 2024 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.35 No.1

Objective: To identif y the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of docetaxel combined with afixed dose of cisplatin (75 mg/m2) delivered as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC) in patients with ovarian cancer. Methods: In this phase I trial, a time-to-event Bayesian optimal inter val design was used. Docetaxel was given at a starting dose of 60 mg/m2 and was increased in 5 mg/m2 incrementsuntil the MTD was determined or the maximum dose level of 75 mg/m2 was reached. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) rate was set at 25%, with a total sample size of 30 patients. HIPEC wasdelivered immediately following debulking surger y at a target temperature of 43°C for 90 minutes. Results: From August 2022 to November 2022, 30 patients were enrolled. Among thepatients who received a dose of docetaxel ≤65 mg/m2, no DLT was reported. DLTs wereobser ved in one patient who received 70 mg/m2 docetaxel (grade 3 anaemia) and in threepatients who received 75 mg/m2 docetaxel (one case of grade 3 anaemia, one case of grade3 hepatic impairment and one case of grade 4 thrombocytopenia). Patients treated withdocetaxel 75 mg/m2 in combination with cisplatin 75 mg/m2 had an estimated DLT rate of25%, which was the closest to the target DLT rate and was therefore chosen as the MTD. Conclusion: Docetaxel, in combination with a fixed dose of cisplatin (75 mg/m2), can be usedsafely at intraperitoneal doses of 75 mg/m2 in ovarian cancer patients who received HIPEC(43°C, 90 minutes) following debulking surger y. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05410483

Feasibility, accuracy and acceptability of self-sampled human papillomavirus testing using careHPV in Cambodia: a cross-sectional study

Zhi-yao You,Jing Li,Miao-fang Wu,Hui Li,Yanfang Ye,Li-juan Wang,Zhongqiu Lin 대한부인종양학회 2024 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.35 No.1

Objective: Self-sampled human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is a potential option forcer vical cancer screening, but research is scarce in Cambodia. We evaluated the feasibility,accuracy, and acceptability of self-sampled HPV testing using careHPV. Methods: A cross-sectional study including women aged 20–49 years attending 2 nationalhospitals in the capital city was conducted. Women under went both self-sampling andclinician-sampling of specimens, and were then asked to complete an acceptabilityquestionnaire. The paired samples were analyzed for high-risk HPV by careHPV andgenotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: A total of 375 women were eligible for inclusion. Based on PCR, 78.9% were negativefor HPV in both self and clinician-samples, 9.9% had a complete HPV type match, and 6.1%had all HPV types in clinician-samples also detected in self-samples. In 5.1%, one or more HPVtypes identified in the clinician-samples were missed in self-samples. When using careHPV,the overall agreement between the 2 sampling methods was 95.7% (95% confidence inter val[CI]=95.8–95.6) with good concordance (κ=0.66, 95% CI=0.56–0.76). Nearly 90% of the womenpreferred clinician-sampling over self-sampling, citing greater comfort, ease, and speed. Conclusion: Self-sampled HPV testing using careHPV could be an option for cer vical cancerscreening in Cambodia; however, it requires periodic quality control of handling procedures. In addition, women’s health education regarding the accuracy of self-sampled HPV testingand the importance of follow-up in cases of positive results is needed.

Isocoumarin Derivatives from the Sea Squirt-derived Fungus Penicillium stoloniferum QY2-10 and the Halotolerant Fungus Penicillium notatum B-52

Zhi-Hong Xin,Li-Tian,Tian-jiao Zhu,Wen-Liang Wang,Lin Du,Yu-chun Fang,Qian-Qun Gu,Wei-Ming Zhu 대한약학회 2007 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.30 No.7

Two isocoumarin derivatives, stoloniferol A (1) and B (2), a known 5α, 8α-epidioxy-23-methyl- (22E, 24R)-ergosta-6, 22-dien-3β-ol (3), and a known dihydrocitrinone (4) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the sea squirt-derived fungus, Penicillium stoloniferum QY2-10, and a halophilic fungus, Penicillium notatum B-52, respectively. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and optical rotation. The stereochemistry of 2 was determined on the basis of different NOE experiments and chemical transformation. Compound 3 showed cytotoxicity against P388 cells, with an IC50 value of 4.07 µM.

Comparative analysis of physiological traits of three Actinidia valvata Dunn genotypes during waterlogging and post-waterlogging recovery

Zhi Li,Yunpeng Zhong,Danfeng Bai,Miaomiao Lin,Xiujuan Qi,Jinbao Fang 한국원예학회 2020 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.61 No.5

Kiwifruit ( Actinidia sp.) vines are poorly adapted to waterlogging stress. Actinidia valvata is more tolerant against waterloggingstress than Actinidia deliciosa , and the latter contains some common rootstocks that are frequently used in kiwifruit cultivation. Little is known about the responses of A. valvata genotypes against waterlogging stress and during post-waterloggingrecovery. Here, we compared physiological traits of three A. valvata genotypes (KR1, KR3, and KR5) during waterloggingstress and recovery. Kiwifruit vines displayed water loss, a decline in the net photosynthetic rate, and inhibited shoot elongationduring waterlogging. These three genotypes could endure long-term waterlogging owing to their unique root systemconfi gurations as well as by sustaining carbohydrate reserves in the roots. Feeder roots of KR1 vines were damaged earlierand lost water more quickly than the other genotypes. Under the same stress, KR3 formed adventitious roots more rapidly,while KR5 had an improved ability to control water loss in above-ground tissues. After reoxygenation, growth of vineswas partially recovered due to water loss control, photosynthetic recovery, and carbohydrate replenishment. KR3 and KR5recovered their growth earlier and replenished more carbohydrates than KR1 after re-aeration. During waterlogging, both therelative water content and carbohydrate levels of vines can limit the recovery effi ciency after re-aeration. Our results revealedmutual and distinct responses of diff erent A. valvata genotypes during waterlogging stress and recovery and provided moreinsight into the physiological basis of their adaptation to waterlogging stress.

Risk Assessment of Breast Cancer in Guangdong, China: A Community-based Survey

Lin, Ying,Shao, Nan,Zhang, Yun-Jian,Wu, Zhuang-Hong,Li, Zhi-Bin,Ren, Ze-Fang,Wang, Shen-Ming Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.6

Objectives: Compared with Western countries, the incidence rates for breast cancer in China are still low. However, breast cancer appears to be hitting Chinese women at a much younger age, with a peak between 40 and 50 years. Furthermore, breast tumors of Asian women have molecular and genetic characteristics that are different from those of Caucasian women. Methods: A community-based study was designed to evaluate the relationship between lifestyles and breast cancer risk in Chinese women residing in Guangzhou. 16,314 subjects completed the questionnaire. Potential confounding factors included sociodemographic characteristics. Results: 33 individuals reported a history of breast cancer, yielding a prevalence rate of 202.3/100000. Associations between subjects' demographic and breast cancer risk factors were assessed. Breast cancer is associated with family history of breast cancer, X-rays received, benign breast disease and hyperlipoidemia or hypercholesteremia with elevated odds ratios. Conclusions: Family history of breast cancer, X-ray received benign breast disease and hyperlipoidemia or hypercholesteremia were significantly associated with risk of breast cancer and may havepotential for breast cancer risk assessment.