Balloon dilation of epidermolysis bullosa-related esophageal strictures: A report of two cases

Wei-Zhong Zhou,Jing-Guo Xia,Zheng-Qiang Yang,Chun-Gao Zhou,Lin-Bo Zhao,Sheng Liu,Hai Bin Shi 소화기인터벤션의학회 2018 International journal of gastrointestinal interven Vol.7 No.3

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a very rare inherited disease featured with skin blistering resulting from minor trauma. Sometimes the esophageal mucosa could also be involved, which leads to esophageal strictures. Here we report two cases of EB-related esophageal strictures who were successfully treated with esophageal balloon dilations. The two cases with EB had severe dysphagia. Clinical examination showed signs of malnutrition, skin blisters and loss of toenails due to EB. They underwent careful fluoroscopic balloon dilation with 10- and 16-mm-sized balloon catheters, respectively. They could ingest soft and some solid foods after the procedure and maintained during the 20 months and 16 months follow-up periods.

Balloon dilation of epidermolysis bullosa-related esophageal strictures: A report of two cases

Wei-Zhong Zhou,Jing-Guo Xia,Zheng-Qiang Yang,Chun-Gao Zhou,Lin-Bo Zhao,Sheng Liu,Hai Bin Shi 소화기인터벤션의학회 2018 Gastrointestinal Intervention Vol.7 No.3

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a very rare inherited disease featured with skin blistering resulting from minor trauma. Sometimes the esophageal mucosa could also be involved, which leads to esophageal strictures. Here we report two cases of EB-related esophageal strictures who were successfully treated with esophageal balloon dilations. The two cases with EB had severe dysphagia. Clinical examination showed signs of malnutrition, skin blisters and loss of toenails due to EB. They underwent careful fluoroscopic balloon dilation with 10- and 16-mm-sized balloon catheters, respectively. They could ingest soft and some solid foods after the procedure and maintained during the 20 months and 16 months follow-up periods.

Aberrant Expression of Markers of Cancer Stem Cells in Gastric Adenocarcinoma and their Relationship to Vasculogenic Mimicry

Zhou, Lei,Yu, Lan,Feng, Zhen-Zhong,Gong, Xiao-Meng,Cheng, Ze-Nong,Yao, Nan,Wang, Dan-Na,Wu, Shi-Wu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.10

Background: Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Asia, and the majority type is gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). Most GAC patients die of recurrence and metastasis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been thought to be responsible for the initiation, development, metastasis, and ultimately recurrence of cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate expression and clinical significance of CSCs markers, CD133 and Lgr5, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in primary GAC. Materials and Methods: Specimens from 261 Chinese patients with follow-up were analyzed for CD133, Lgr5 protein expression and VM by immunohistochemical and histochemical staining. The Pearson Chi's square test was used to assess the associations among the positive staining of these markers and clinicopathological characteristics. Postoperative overall survival time was were studied by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: In GAC tissues, positive rates of 49.0%, 38.7%, and 26.8% were obtained for CD133, Lgr5, and VM, respectively. The mean score of microvessel density (MVD) was $21.7{\pm}11.1$ in GAC tissues. There was a significantly difference between the positive and negative groups. There was a positive relationship between the VM, the expression of CD133 and Lgr5, and the score of MVD and the grades of tumor, lymph node metastasis, TNM stages (all p<0.05). The overall mean survival time of the patients with CD133, Lgr5, VM, and MVD (${\geq}22$) positive expression was lower than that of patients with negative expression. The score of MVD, positive expression of CD133 and VM were independent prognostic factors of GAC (p<0.05). Conclusions: VM, and expression of CD133, Lgr5, and the score of MVD are related to grades of tumor, lymph node metastasis, TNM stages, and overall mean survival time. It is suggested that CSCs and VM could play an important role in the evolution of GAC.

An Analytical–Numerical Hybrid Method for Evaluating Out-of-Plane Stability of Buckling Restrained Braces

Yun Zhou,Chen Gong,Gen-Quan Zhong,Shi-yu Tian,Ming-Xiang Xiong 한국강구조학회 2021 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.21 No.2

Out-of-plane stability of buckling restrained braces (BRBs) has been a critical concern for structural design of them under seismic loads. Although some calculation methods are available in literature catering for the determination of stability resistance of the BRBs, they showed complexities on dealing with numbers of parameters. In this paper, the mechanism of out-of-plane buckling failure of the BRBs was fi rstly introduced; then, an analytically and numerically hybrid method was proposed to calculate the out-of-plane stability resistance of the BRBs with considerations given to solve some key parameters; fi nally, the proposed hybrid method was verifi ed by test results of 4 BRB sub-frames subjected to the lateral loads. The results indicated that the out-of-plane bending deformation of BRB and gusset plate would occur under seismic loads. With an increasing rotation between the end of BRB and the inner core, the out-of-plane buckling failure happened owing to the existence of a plastic hinge at the bottom section of the outstanding part outside the inner core of the BRB. The outof- plane bending stiff ness of BRB and gusset plate, initial imperfection and bending moment capacity of the outstanding part are the key parameters aff ecting the out-of-plane stability of the BRBs. The proposed hybrid method is reasonable and eff ective to calculate the out-of-plane buckling capacity of the BRBs subject to diff erent combinations of axial force and end bending moments.

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer in Rural Areas of Wuhan China: a Matched Case-control Study

Zhang, Bin,Zhou, Ai-Fen,Zhu, Chang-Cai,Zhang, Ling,Xiang, Bing,Chen, Zhong,Hu, Rong-Hua,Zhang, Ya-Qi,Qiu, Lin,Zhang, Yi-Ming,Xiong, Chao-Du,Du, Yu-Kai,Shi, Yu-Qin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.12

Cervical cancer is a serious public health problem in developing countries. We investigated possible risk factors for cervical cancer in rural areas of Wuhan China using a matched case-control study with 33 women diagnosed with cervical cancer and 132 healthy women selected from the same area as matched controls. A questionnaire, which included questions about general demography conditions, environmental and genetic factors, the first sexual intercourse, first marriage age, age at first pregnancy, pregnancy first child's age, female personal health history, social psychological factors, dietary habits, smoking and alcohol status and other living habits was presented to all participants. At the same time, HPV infection of every participant was examined in laboratory testing. Results showed HPV infection (P<0.000, OR=23.4) and pregnancy first child's age (P<0.000, OR=13.1) to be risk factors for cervical cancer. Menopause (P=0.003, OR=0.073) was a protective factor against cervical cancer. However, there was no indication of associations of environmental (drinking water, insecticide, disinfectant) genetic (cancer family history), or life-style factors (smoking status, alcohol status, physical training, sleep quality), including dietary habits (intake of fruit and vegetable, meat, fried food, bean products and pickled food) or social psychological factors with cervical cancer. The results suggest that the risk of cervical cancer in Chinese rural women may be associated with HPV infection, menopause and the pregnancy first child's age.

Association between Ras association domain family 1A Promoter Methylation and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: a Meta-analysis

Yang, Jian-Zhou,Ji, Ai-Fang,Wang, Jin-Sheng,Chen, Zhong-Yi,Wen, Shi Wu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.9

RASSF1A has been reported to be a candidate tumor suppressor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the association between RASSF1A promoter methylation and ESCC remains unclear. Eligible studies were identified through searching PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and the China National Knowledge Infrastucture database. Studies were pooled and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Funnel plots were also performed to evaluate publication bias. Twelve studies involving 859 cases and 675 controls were included in this meta-analysis. A significant association was observed between RASSF1A methylation and ESCC overall (OR = 11.7, 95% CI: 6.59-20.9, z=8.36, P<0.00001). Subgroup analysis showed that the OR for heterogeneous tissues was 5.35 (95% CI = 2.95-9.71) while for autologous tissues it was 16.0 (8.31-30.96). For patient sample size, the OR for the <50 subgroup was 9.92 (95% CI = 2.88-34.2) and for the 50 case group was 13.1 (95% CI = 6.59-25.91). The OR for a relationship between RASSF1A methylation and TNM stages was 0.27 (95% CI=0.10-0.77), whereas there were no significant differences in RASSF1A methylation in relation to gender and differentiation among ESCC cases. This meta-analysis suggests a significant association between RASSF1A methylation and ESCC.

Senescence as A Consequence of Ginsenoside Rg₁ Response on K562 Human Leukemia Cell Line

Liu, Jun,Cai, Shi-Zhong,Zhou, Yue,Zhang, Xian-Ping,Liu, Dian-Feng,Jiang, Rong,Wang, Ya-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.12

Aims and Background: Traditional chemotherapy strategies for human leukemia commonly use drugs based on cytotoxicity to eradicate cancer cells. One predicament is that substantial damage to normal tissues is likely to occur in the course of standard treatments. Obviously, it is urgent to explore therapies that can effectively eliminate malignant cells without affecting normal cells. Our previous studies indicated that ginsenoside $Rg_1$ ($Rg_1$), a major active pharmacological ingredient of ginseng, could delay normal hematopoietic stem cell senescence. However, whether $Rg_1$ can induce cancer cell senescence is still unclear. Methods: In the current study, human leukemia K562 cells were subjected to $Rg_1$ exposure. The optimal drug concentration and duration with K562 cells was obtained by MTT colorimetric test. Effects of $Rg_1$ on cell cycle were analyzed using flow cytometry and by SA-${\beta}$-Gal staining. Colony-forming ability was measured by colony-assay. Telomere lengths were assessed by Southern blotting and expression of senescence-associated proteins P21, P16 and RB by Western blotting. Ultrastructural morphology changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results: K562 cells demonstrated a maximum proliferation inhibition rate with an $Rg_1$ concentration of $20{\mu}\;mol{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for 48h, the cells exhibiting dramatic morphological alterations including an enlarged and flat cellular morphology, larger mitochondria and increased number of lysosomes. Senescence associated-${\beta}$-galactosidase (SA-${\beta}$-Gal) activity was increased. K562 cells also had decreased ability for colony formation, and shortened telomere length as well as reduction of proliferating potential and arrestin $G_2$/M phase after $Rg_1$ interaction. The senescence associated proteins P21, P16 and RB were significantly up-regulated. Conclusion: Ginsenoside $Rg_1$ can induce a state of senescence in human leukemia K562 cells, which is associated with p21-Rb and p16-Rb pathways.

Comparative Genomics Profiling of Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori in Chinese Populations Using DNA Microarray

Yue-Hua Han,Wen-Zhong Liu,Yao-Zhou Shi,Li-Qiong Lu,Shudong Xiao,Qing-Hua Zhang,Guo-Ping Zhao 한국미생물학회 2007 The journal of microbiology Vol.45 No.1

In order to search for specific genotypes related to this unique phenotype, we used whole genomic DNA microarray to characterize the genomic diversity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains isolated from clinical patients in China.The open reading frame (ORF) fragments on our microarray were generated by PCR using gene-specific primers. Genomic DNA of H. pylori 26695 and J99 were used as templates. Thirty-four H. pylori isolates were obtained from patients in Shanghai. Results were judged based on ln(x) transformed and normalized Cy3/Cy5 ratios. Our microarray included 1882 DNA fragments corresponding to 1636 ORFs of both sequenced H. pylori strains. Cluster analysis, revealed two diverse regions in the H. pylori genome that were not present in other isolates. Among the 1636 genes, 1091 (66.7%) were common to all H. pylori strains, representing the functional core of the genome. Most of the genes found in the H. pylori functional core were responsible for metabolism, cellular processes, transcription and biosynthesis of amino acids, functions that are essential to H. pylori’s growth and colonization in its host. In contrast, 522(31.9%) genes were strain-specific genes that were missing from at least one strain of H. pylori. Strainspecific genes primarily included restriction modification system components, transposase genes, hypothetical proteins and outer membrane proteins. These strain-specific genes may aid the bacteria under specific circumstances during their long-term infection in genetically diverse hosts. Our results suggest 34 H. pylori clinical strains have extensive genomic diversity. Core genes and strain-specific genes both play essential roles in H. pylori propagation and pathogenesis. Our microarray experiment may help select relatively significant genes for further research on the pathogenicity of H. pylori and development of a vaccine for H. pylori.

Gene Expression Profile of Helicobacter pylori in Response to Growth Temperature Variation

Yue-hua Han,Wen-zhong Liu,Yao-zhou Shi,Li-qiong Lu,Shu-dong Xiao,Qing-hua Zhang 한국미생물학회 2009 The journal of microbiology Vol.47 No.4

A Helicobacter pylori whole-genome DNA microarray was constructed to study expression profiles of H. pylori in response to a sudden temperature transfer from 37°C to 20°C. The expression level of the genome at each of four time points (15, 30, 60, and 120 min) after temperature downshift was compared with that just before cold treatment. Globally, 10.2% (n=167) of the total predicted H. pylori genes (n=1636) represented on the microarray were significantly differentially expressed (p<0.05) over a 120 min period after shift to low temperature. The expression profiles of the differentially expressed genes were grouped, and their expression patterns were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Up-regulated genes mainly included genes involved in energy metabolism and substance metabolism, cellular processes, protein fate, ribosomal protein genes, and hypothetical protein genes, which indicate the compensational responses of H. pylori to temperature downshift. Those genes play important roles in adaption to temperature downshift of H. pylori. Down-regulation of DNA metabolism genes and cell envelope genes and cellular processes genes may reflect damaged functions under low temperature, which is unfavorable to bacterial infection and propagation. Overall, this time-course study provides new insights into the primary response of H. pylori to a sudden temperature downshift, which allow the bacteria to survive and adapt to the new host environment.

Experience of Congenital Choledochal Cyst in Adults:Treatment, Surgical Procedures and Clinical Outcome in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University

De Quan Wu,Qiu Shi Wang,Hong Bo Jia,Hong Shang,Xiang Yu Zhong,Wen Xue Zhou,Zhen Hua Sun,Long Xian Zheng 대한의학회 2004 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.19 No.6