Combination of Tumor Volume and Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Improved Prognostic Stratification of Stage II Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in the Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Era: A Large-Scale Cohort Study

Qiu-Yan Chen,Shao-Yan Guo,Lin-Quan Tang,Tong-Yu Lu,Bo-Lin Chen,Qi-Yu Zhong,Meng-Sha Zou,Qing-Nan Tang,Wen-Hui Chen,Shan-Shan Guo,Li-Ting Liu,Yang Li,Ling Guo,Hao-Yuan Mo,Rui Sun,Dong-Hua Luo,Chong Zha 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.3

Purpose Little is known about combination of the circulating Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) DNA and tumor volume in prognosis of stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in the intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) era. We conducted this cohort study to evaluate the prognostic values of combining these two factors. Materials and Methods By Kaplan-Meier, we compare the differences of survival curves between 385 patients with different EBV DNA or tumor volume levels, or with the combination of two biomarkers mentioned above. Results Gross tumor volume of cervical lymph nodes (GTVnd, p < 0.001) and total tumor volume (GTVtotal, p < 0.001) were both closely related to pretreatment EBV DNA, while gross tumor volume of nasopharynx (GTVnx, p=0.047) was weakly related to EBV DNA. EBV DNA was significantly correlated with progress-free survival (PFS, p=0.005), locoregional-free survival (LRFS, p=0.039), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS, p=0.017), while GTVtotal, regardless of GTVnx and GTVnd, had a significant correlation with PFS and LRFS. The p-values of GTVtotal for PFS and LRFS were 0.008 and 0.001, respectively. According to GTVtotal and pretreatment EBV DNA level, patients were divided into a low-risk group (EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3; EBV DNA 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3; or EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal < 30 cm3) and a high-risk group (EBV DNA > 0 copy/mL, GTVtotal  30 cm3). When patients in the low-risk group were compared with those in the high-risk group, 3-year PFS (p=0.003), LRFS (p=0.010), and DMFS (p=0.031) rates were statistically significant. Conclusion Pretreatment plasma EBV DNA and tumor volume were both closely correlated with prognosis of stage II NPC patients in the IMRT era. Combination of EBV DNA and tumor volume can refine prognosis and indicate for clinical therapy.

Elevated level of renal xanthine oxidase mRNA transcription after nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus infection in growing layers

Huayuan Lin,Qiqi Huang,Xiaoquan Guo,Ping Liu,Weilian Liu,Yuelong Zou,Shuliang Zhu,Guangfu Deng,Jun Kuang,Caiying Zhang,Huabin Cao,Guoliang Hu 대한수의학회 2015 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.16 No.4

To assess relationships between xanthine oxidase (XOD) and nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus (NIBV) infection, 240 growing layers (35 days old) were randomly divided into two groups (infected and control) of 120 chickens each. Each chicken in the control and infected group was intranasally inoculated with 0.2 mL sterile physiological saline and virus, respectively, after which serum antioxidant parameters and renal XOD mRNA expression in growing layers were evaluated at 8, 15 and 22 days post-inoculation (dpi). The results showed that serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in the infected group were significantly lower than in the control group at 8 and 15 dpi (p < 0.01), while serum malondialdehyde concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.01). The serum uric acid was significantly higher than that of the control group at 15 dpi (p < 0.01). In addition, the kidney mRNA transcript level and serum activity of XOD in the infected group was significantly higher than that of the control group at 8, 15 and 22 dpi (p < 0.05). The results indicated that NIBV infection could cause the increases of renal XOD gene transcription and serum XOD activity, leading to hyperuricemia and reduction of antioxidants in the body.

Robust Consensus of Multi-Agent Systems with Time-Delays and Exogenous Disturbances

Lei Guo,Hong-yong Yang,Hai-lin Zou 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2012 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.10 No.4

In this paper, the robust consensus of multi-agent dynamical systems with time-delays and exogenous disturbances is studied. A pinning control strategy is designed for a parts of agents of the multi-agent systems without disturbances, and this pinning control can bring multiple agents’ states to an expected consensus track. Under the effects of the disturbances, disturbance observers based control (DOBC) are developed for disturbances generated by an exogenous system to estimate the disturbances. Asymptotical consensus of the multi-agent systems with disturbances under the composite controller can be achieved for fixed and switching topologies. Finally, by applying an example of multi-agent systems with switching topologies and exogenous disturbances, the design of the parameters of DOBC are illuminated.

Traffic Flow Assignment Model with Modified Impedance Function

Yuan-Yang Zou,Xue-Guo Xu,Yu Hu,Gui-Hua Lin 대한토목학회 2018 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.22 No.10

In this paper, we study a mixed-mode traffic network, in which Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Gasoline Vehicles (GVs) can be driven freely. We propose a new piecewise impedance function and, based on this new impedance function, we present a convex but nonsmooth optimization model for the traffic network. In order to deal with the nonsmoothness, we introduce a binary variable. Furthermore, we report some numerical examples to show the efficiency of the model. %is effective and robust. In particular, our numerical results illustrate that, if the distance limit of BEVs is long enough and the unit operating cost of BEVs is lower than GVs, more travelers prefer to choosing BEVs.

Stanniocalcin-1 protects bovine intestinal epithelial cells from oxidative stress-induced damage

Li-ming Wu,Rui Guo,Lin Hui,Yong-gang Ye,Jing-mei Xiang,Chun-yun Wan,Miao Zou,Rui Ma,Xiao-zhuan Sun,Shi-jin Yang,Ding-zong Guo 대한수의학회 2014 JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE Vol.15 No.4

Chronic enteritis can produce an excess of reactive oxygenspecies resulting in cellular damage. Stanniocalcin-1(STC-1)reportedly possesses anti-oxidative activity, the aim of thisstudy was to define more clearly the direct contribution ofSTC-1 to anti-oxidative stress in cattle. In this study, primaryintestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were exposed to hydrogenperoxide (H2O2) for different time intervals to mimic chronicenteritis-induced cellular damage. Prior to treatment with 200μM H2O2, the cells were transfected with a recombinantplasmid for 48 h to over-express STC-1. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) double staining and trypan blueexclusion assays were then performed to measure cell viabilityand apoptosis of the cells, respectively. The expression of STC-1and apoptosis-related proteins in the cells was monitored byreal-time PCR and Western blotting. The results indicated thatboth STC-1 mRNA and protein expression levels positivelycorrelated with the duration of H2O2 treatment. H2O2 damagedthe bovine IECs in a time-dependent manner, and this effectwas attenuated by STC-1 over-expression. Furthermore, overexpressionof STC-1 up-regulated Bcl-2 protein expression andslightly down-regulated caspase-3 production in the damagedcells. Findings from this study suggested that STC-1 plays aprotective role in intestinal cells through an antioxidant mechanism.

Inhibition of miR338 rescues cleidocranial dysplasia in Runx2 mutant mice partially via the Hif1a-Vegfa axis

Jin Runze,Zhang Hanshu,Lin Chujiao,Guo Jinqiang,Zou Weiguo,Zhi Chen,Liu Huan 생화학분자생물학회 2023 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.55 No.-

Haploinsufficiency of Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) is responsible for cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare hereditary disease with a range of defects, including delayed closure of the cranial sutures and short stature. Symptom-based treatments, such as a combined surgical-orthodontic approach, are commonly used to treat CCD patients. However, there have been few reports of treatments based on Runx2-specific regulation targeting dwarfism symptoms. Previously, we found that the miR338 cluster, a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for postmenopausal osteoporosis, could directly target Runx2 during osteoblast differentiation in vitro. Here, we generated miR338−/−;Runx2+/− mice to investigate whether inhibition of miR338 could rescue CCD defects caused by Runx2 mutation in vivo. We found that the dwarfism phenotype caused by Runx2 haploinsufficiency was recovered in miR338−/−;Runx2+/− mice, with complete bone density restoration and quicker closure of fontanels. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed that knockout of miR338 specifically rescued the osteoblast lineage priming ability of bone marrow stromal cells in Runx2+/− femurs, which was further confirmed by Osterix-specific conditional knockout of miR338 in Runx2+/− mice (OsxCre; miR338 fl/fl;Runx2+/−). Mechanistically, ablation of the miR338 cluster in Runx2+/− femurs directly rescued the Hif1a-Vegfa pathway in Runx2+/− osteoblasts, as proven by gene expression profiles and ChIP and Re-ChIP assays. Collectively, our data revealed the genetic interaction between Runx2 and the miR338 cluster during osteoblast differentiation and implied that the miR338 cluster could be a potential therapeutic target for CCD.

Efficacy of lymph node dissection on stage IIICr of cervical cancer before CCRT: study protocol for a phase III, randomized controlled clinical trial (CQGOG0103)

Misi He,Mingfang Guo,Qi Zhou,Ying Tang,Lin Zhong,Qing Liu,Xiaomei Fan,Xiwa Zhao,Xiang Zhang,Gang Chen,Yuanming Shen,Qin Xu,Xiao-jun Chen,Yuancheng Li,Dongling Zou 대한부인종양학회 2023 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.34 No.3

Background: Cervical cancer is still present a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. In International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 2018, allowing assessment of retroperitoneal lymph nodes by imaging and/or pathological findings and, if deemed metastatic, the case is designated as stage IIIC (with r and p notations). Patients with lymph node metastases have lower overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and survival after recurrence, especially those who have unresectable macroscopical positive lymph nodes. Retrospective analysis suggests that there may be a benefit to debulking macroscopic nodes that would be otherwise difficult to sterilize with standard doses of radiation therapy. However, there are no prospective study reporting that resecting macroscopic nodes before concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) would improve PFS or OS of cervical cancer and no guidelines for surgical resection of bulky lymph nodes. The CQGOG0103 study is a prospective, multicenter and randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating lymph node dissection on stage IIICr of cervical cancer. Methods: Eligible patients are histologically confirmed cervical squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, adeno-squamous cell carcinoma. Stage IIICr (confirmed by computed tomography [CT]/magnetic resonance imaging/positron emission tomography/CT) and the short diameter of image-positive lymph node ≥15 mm. 452 patients will be equally randomized to receive either CCRT (pelvic external-beam radiotherapy [EBRT]/extended-field EBRT + cisplatin [40 mg/m2] or carboplatin [the area under curve=2] every week for 5 cycles + brachytherapy) or open/minimally invasive pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection followed by CCRT. Randomization is stratified by status of para-aortic lymph node. The primary endpoint is PFS. Secondary endpoints are OS and surgical complications. A total of 452 patients will be enrolled from multiple hospitals in China within 4 years and followed up for 5 years.

Helicobacter pylori Chaperone-Like Protein CagT Plays an Essential Role in the Translocation of CagA into Host Cells

( Ding Hong Lei ),( Hao Zeng ),( Lin Ping Huang ),( Yan Dong Dong ),( Yi Jun Duan ),( Xu Hu Mao ),( Gang Guo ),( Quan Ming Zou ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2012 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.22 No.10

Most of the Helicobacter pylori strains containing the cag pathogenicity island (PAI) have been associated with more severe gastric disease in infected humans. The cag PAI is composed of 27 proteins, and some of the components are required for CagA translocation into host cells as well as induction of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-8 (IL-8); however, the exact function of most of the components remains unknown or poorly characterized. In this study, we demonstrated that CagT (HP0532), which is an essential structural component of the cag PAI apparatus, plays an important role in the translocation of CagA into host epithelial cells. In addition to being located on the bacterial surface, CagT is also partially localized in the inner membrane, where it acts as a chaperone-like protein and promotes CagA translocation. However, CagT secretion was not detected by immunoprecipitation analysis of cell culture supernatants. Meanwhile, CagT was related to the introduction of IL-8 of the host cell. These results suggest that CagT is expressed on both the inner and outer bacterial membranes, where it serves as a unique type IV secretion system component that is involved in CagA secretion and cag PAI apparatus assembly.

Flavonoid Glycosides and Potential Antivirus Activity of Isolated Compounds from the Leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora

Zhou, Zhong-Liu,Yin, Wen-Qing,Zou, Xiao-Peng,Huang, Dan-Ying,Zhou, Cui-Liu,Li, Lian-Mei,Chen, Ke-Cheng,Guo, Zi-Ying,Lin, San-Qing 한국응용생명화학회 2014 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.57 No.6

The extraction and solvent partition of the leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora, and repeated column chromatography for n-BuOH fraction yielded a new flavonoid glycoside, citrioside C (1), along with three known flavonoid glycosides (2-4). The latter were identified with kaempferol-3-O-${\beta}$-$\small{D}$-glucopyranosyl (12)-${\alpha}$-$\small{L}$-rhamnoside (2), kaempferol-3-O-${\alpha}$-$\small{L}$-rhamnoside (3), and quercetin-3-O-${\alpha}$-$\small{L}$-rhamnoside (4). Their chemical structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic data analyses including NMR, MS, UV, and IR. All constitutents were isolated for the first time from the leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora. The potential antivirus activity of all the isolated compounds was evaluated. Compound 4 showed potent antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus with 50% inhibition concentration ($IC_{50}$) value of $1.9{\mu}g/mL$ and selective index value of 9.8.

Purification and Characterization of an Acid Deoxyribonuclease from the Cultured Mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis

( Mao Qing Ye ),( Zheng Hu ),( Ying Fan ),( Ling He ),( Fu Bao Xia ),( Guo Lin Zou ) 생화학분자생물학회 2004 BMB Reports Vol.37 No.4

A new acid deoxyribonuclease (DNase) was purified from the cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis, and designated CSDNase. CSDNase was purified by (NH₄)₂SO₄ precipitation, Sephacryl S-100 HR gel filtration, weak anion-exchange HPLC, and gel filtration HPLC. The protein was single-chained, with an apparent molecular mass of ca. 34 kDa, as revealed by SDS-PAGE, and an isoelectric point of 7.05, as estimated by isoelectric focusing. CSDNase acted on both double-stranded (ds) and single- stranded (ss) DNA, but preferentially on dsDNA. The optimum pH of CSDNase was pH 5.5 and its optimum temperature 55. The activity of CSDNase was not dependent on divalent cations, but its enzymic activity was inhibited by high concentration of the cation: MgC1₂ above 150 mM, MnCl₂ above 200 mM, ZnCl₂ above 150 mM, CaCl₂ above 200 mM, NaCl above 300 mM, and KCI above 300 mM. CSDNase was found to hydrolyze DNA, and to generate 3-phosphate and 5-OH termini. These results indicate that the nucleolytic properties of CSDNase are essentially the same as those of other well-characterized acid DNases, and that CSDNase is a member of the acid DNase family. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an acid DNase in a fungus.