MRI Features of Spinal Epidural Angiolipomas

Su Hu,Chun-hong Hu,Xiao-yun Hu,Xi-ming Wang,Hui Dai,Xiang-ming Fang,Lei Cui 대한영상의학회 2013 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.14 No.5

Objective: To describe the MRI findings in ten patients of spinal epidural angiolipoma for differentiated diagnosis presurgery. Materials and Methods: Ten surgically proved cases of spinal epidural angiolipomas were retrospectively reviewed, and the lesion was classified according to the MR findings. Results: Ten tumors were located in the superior (n = 4), middle (n = 2), or inferior (n = 4) thoracic level. The mass, with the spindle shape, was located in the posterior epidural space and extended parallel to the long axis of the spine. All lesions contained a fat and vascular element. The vascular content, correlating with the presence of hypointense regions on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and hyperintense signals on T2-weighted imaging, had marked enhancement. However, there were no flow void signs on MR images. All tumors were divided into two types based on the MR features. In type 1 (n = 3), the mass was predominantly composed of lipomatous tissue (> 50%) and contained only a few small angiomatous regions, which had a trabeculated or mottled appear. In type 2 (n = 7), the mass, however, was predominantly composed of vascular components (> 50%), which presented as large foci in the center of the mass. Conclusion: Most spinal epidural angiolipomas exhibit hyperintensity on T1WI while the hypointense region on the noncontrast T1WI indicates to be vascular, which manifests an obvious enhancement with gadolinium administration.

Poly(vinyl alcohol) Fibers with Excellent Mechanical Properties Produced by Reinforcement of Single-walled Graphene Oxide Nanoribbons with Complete Morphology Obtained by Freezedrying

Di Hu,Chao Xiao,Xia Wang,Xike Xiong,Jun Sun,Qiqi Zhuo,Jianjun Wang,Chuanxiang Qin,Lixing Dai 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.12

Nanofiller reinforcement is an effective approach to realize high performance of regular synthetic fibers. In thispaper, graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs) with complete morphology were prepared via unzipping single-walled carbonnanotubes (SWCNTs) through long-time freeze-drying after oxidation. GONRs derived from SWCNTs (SGONRs) did notneed any modification and could be directly added to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to form uniform dispersions and thencontinuous fibers were fabricated using wet spinning and hot-drawing. SGONRs provided abundant hydrogen bondinginteraction with PVA chains, so SGONRs could not only obviously improve the dispersibility in PVA, but also enhance themechanical properties of the composites. The tensile strength of PVA/SGONRs composite fibers with 0.4 wt% loading ofSGONRs reach 1032 MPa, improved by 121 % compared with PVA/SWCNTs fiber, and by 200 % with PVA fiber,respectively.

Construction of Novel Bifunctional Chimeric Proteins Possessing Antitumor and Thrombolytic Activities

( Hui Jing ),( You Jin Dai ),( Yuan Yuan Bian ),( Hui Li ),( Xiao Jin Cui ),( Xiao Jie Yu ),( Song You ),( Feng Qing Hu ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2012 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.22 No.7

Based on their respective antitumor and thrombolytic activities, the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin C2 (SEC2) and staphylokinase (Sak) were chosen for the construction of the novel chimeric proteins Sak-linker- SEC2 and SEC2-linker-Sak using a linker composed of nine Ala residues. Both chimeric proteins possessed nearly the same PBMC proliferation stimulating activity and antitumor activity as SEC2 and thrombolytic activity as Sak. Neither the SEC2 or Sak component of each chimeric protein affected the activity of the other component. The results presented in this study provide a possible strategy to prevent and cure tumor thrombus.

Genetic Variation and Evolution of the Pi9 Blast Resistance Locus in the AA Genome Oryza Species

Jinling Liu,Yajun Hu,Yuese Ning,Nan Jiang,Jun Wu,전종성,Yinghui Xiao,Xionglun Liu,Liangying Dai,Guo-Liang Wang 한국식물학회 2011 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.54 No.5

The rice nucleotide-binding site–leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR)-encoding resistance (R) gene Pi9 confers broad-spectrum resistance to the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. The Pi9 locus comprises many NBS-LRR-like genes and is an ancient locus that is highly conserved in cultivated and wild rice species. To understand the genetic variation and molecular evolutionary mechanism of the Pi9 alleles in different rice species, we studied five AA genome Oryza species including two cultivated rice species (Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima) and three wild rice species (Oryza nivara, Oryza rufipogon, and Oryza barthii). A 2.9-kb fragment spanning the NBS-LRR core region of the Pi9 gene was amplified and sequenced from 40 accessions. Sequence comparison revealed that the Pi9 alleles had an intermediate-diversified nucleotide polymorphism among the AA genome Oryza species. Sequence variations were more abundant in the LRR region than in the NBS region, indicating that the LRR region has played a more important role for the evolution of the Pi9alleles. Furthermore, positive selection was found to be the main force promoting the divergence of the Pi9 alleles,especially in the LRR region. Our results reveal the characteristics and evolutionary dynamics of the Pi9 alleles among the two cultivated and three wild rice species.

Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy: Evaluating Microstructural Changes of Extraocular Muscles and Optic Nerves Using Readout-Segmented Echo-Planar Imaging-Based Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Huan-Huan Chen,Hao Hu,Wen Chen,Dai Cui,Xiao-Quan Xu,Fei-Yun Wu,Tao Yang 대한영상의학회 2020 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.21 No.3

Objective: We aimed to investigate the ability of readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (rs-EPI)-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in assessing the microstructural change of extraocular muscles (EOMs) and optic nerves in patients with thyroidassociated orbitopathy (TAO) as well as in evaluating disease activity. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 35 TAO patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) who underwent pre-treatment rs-EPIbased DTI. Mean, axial, and radial diffusivity (MD, AD, and RD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the medial and lateral EOMs and optic nerve for each orbit were calculated and compared between TAO and HC groups and between active and inactive TAO groups. Factors such as age, sex, disease duration, mediation, and smoking history between groups were also compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of significant variables for disease activity. Results: Disease duration was significantly shorter in active TAOs than in inactive ones (p < 0.001). TAO patients showed significantly lower FA and higher MD, AD, and RD than HCs for both medial and lateral EOMs (p < 0.001), but not the AD value of lateral EOMs (p = 0.619). Active patients had significantly higher FA, MD, and AD than inactive patients for medial EOMs (p < 0.005), whereas only FA differed significantly in the lateral EOMs (p = 0.018). The MD, AD, and RD of optic nerves were significantly lower in TAO patients than HCs (p < 0.05), except for FA (p = 0.129). Multivariate analysis showed that the MD of medial EOMs and disease duration were significant predictors for disease activity. The combination of these two parameters showed optimal diagnostic efficiency for disease activity (area under the curve, 0.855; sensitivity, 68.4%; specificity, 96.9%). Conclusion: rs-EPI-based DTI is promising in assessing microstructural changes of EOMs and optic nerves and can help to indicate the disease activity of TAO, especially through the MD of medial EOMs.

Whole Brain Radiotherapy Combined with Stereotactic Radiotherapy Versus Stereotactic Radiotherapy Alone for Brain Metastases: a Meta-analysis

Duan, Lei,Zeng, Rong,Yang, Ke-Hu,Tian, Jin-Hui,Wu, Xiao-Lu,Dai, Qiang,Niu, Xiao-Dong,Ma, Di-Wa Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.2

Aim: This study was to evaluate the effect of whole brain radiation (WBRT) combined with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS) versus stereotactic radiotherapy alone for patients with brain metastases using a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library from their inception up to October 2013. Randomized controlled trials involving whole brain radiation combined with stereotactic radiotherapy versus stereotactic radiotherapy alone for brain metastases were included. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan5.2 software. Results: Four randomized controlled trials including 903 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed statistically significant lowering of the local recurrence rate (OR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.17~0.49), new brain metastasis rate (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.28~0.71) and symptomatic late neurologic radiation toxicity rate (OR=3.92, 95%CI: 1.37~11.20) in the combined group. No statistically significant difference existed in the 1-year survival rate (OR=0.78, 95%CI: 0.60~1.03). Conclusions: The results indicate that whole brain radiotherapy combined with stereotactic radiotherapy has advantages in local recurrence and new brain metastasis rates, but stereotactic radiotherapy alone is associated with better neurological function. However, as the samples included were not large, more high-quality, large-sample size studies are necessary for confirmation.

IGF-1 from Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Radioresistance of Breast Cancer Cells

Yang, Hui-Ying,Qu, Rong-Mei,Lin, Xiao-Shan,Liu, Tong-Xin,Sun, Quan-Quan,Yang, Chun,Li, Xiao-Hong,Lu, Wei,Hu, Xiao-Fang,Dai, Jing-Xing,Yuan, Lin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.23

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) on radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: MTT assays were used to detect any influence of AMSC supernatants on proliferation of breast cancer cells; cell migration assays were used to determine the effect of breast cancer cells on the recruitment of AMSCs; the cell survival fraction post-irradiation was assessed by clonogenic survival assay; ${\gamma}$-H2AX foci number post-irradiation was determined via fluorescence microscopy; and expression of IGF-1R was detected by Western blotting. Results: AMSC supernatants promoted proliferation and radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Breast cancer cells could recruit AMSCs, especially after irradiation. IGF-1 derived from AMSCs might be responsible for the radioresistance of breast cancer cells. Conclusions: Our results suggest that AMSCs in the tumor microenvironment may affect the outcome of radiotherapy for breast cancer in vitro.

Direct ethanol production from dextran industrial waste water by Zymomonas mobilis

Ming-xiong He,Han Qin,Xiao-bo Yin,Zhi-yong Ruan,Fu-rong Tan,Bo Wu,Zong-xia Shui,Li-chun Dai,Qi-chun Hu 한국화학공학회 2014 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.31 No.11

The direct production of ethanol from dextran industrial waste water was investigated by using Zymomonasmobilis via batch and semi-continuous fermentation mode. In batch fermentation, pretreated waste water (unsterilizedand sterilized), pH value (3.8 and 6.0), and Mg2+(with and without) was compared with OD600, sugar and ethanol con-centration. After 24 h fermentation, sugar in the dextran waste water was almost exhausted, and the amount of ethanolaccumulated reached 24.33-29.92 g/l, which is nearly 99% of the theoretical yield of ethanol. Kinetic parameters ofZ. mobilis in batch fermentation were also investigated. The raw dextran waste water was also used in semi-continuousfermentation. After 48 h fermentation, the production of ethanol was 28.65 g/l. These results indicated that dextranwaste water may be used as a candidate substrate and Z. mobilis could convert the raw material into ethanol directly.

Chinese patent herbal medicine (Shufeng Jiedu capsule) for acute upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Ying-ying Zhang,Ru-yu Xia,Shi-bing Liang,Xiao-yang Hu,Meng-yuan Dai,Yi-lin Li,Le-yi Zhao,Michael Moore,Yu-tong Fei,Jian-ping Liu 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.3

Background: Shufeng Jiedu capsule has been widely used in China for acute upper respiratory tract infections (AURTIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate its effectiveness and safety for AURTIs. Methods: Randomized controlled trials comparing SFJD with conventional drug for patients with AURTIs were included. Eight databases were searched from their inceptions to February 2021. Data was synthesized using risk ration (RR) or mean difference (MD) with their 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome was resolution time of typical symptoms. Results: Twenty-five RCTs involving 3410 patients were included. SFJD in combination with conventional drug was associated with; in common cold shortening the duration of fever (MD −1.54 days, 95% CI [−2.15,−0.92], I2 = 80%, n = 385, 3 trials) and cough (MD −1.22 days, 95% CI [−1.52, −0.93]); in herpangina, shortening the duration of fever (MD -0.68 days, 95% CI [−1.15, −0.21], I2 = 68%, n = 140, 2 trials) and blistering (MD −0.99 days, 95% CI [−1.23, −0.76], n = 386, 3 trials); in acute tonsillitis and acute pharyngitis shortening the duration of fever (MD −1.13 days, 95% CI [−1.36, −0.90], I2 = 33%, n = 688, 7 trials) and sore throat (MD −1.13 days, 95% CI [−1.40, −0.86], I2 = 84.1%, n = 1194, 10 trials). SFJD also improving their cure rate with a range (1–5 days). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Low certainty evidence suggests that SFJD appears to shorten the duration of symptoms in AURTIs, improve cure rate and seems safe for application. However, high quality placebo controlled trials are warranted to confirm its benefit.

Environmental Microbiology and Engineering : Microbial Community Dynamics in Batch High-Solid Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste Under Mesophilic Conditions

( Jing Yi ),( Bin Dong ),( Yong Gang Xue ),( Ning Li ),( Peng Gao ),( Yu Xin Zhao ),( Ling Ling Dai ),( Xiao Hu Dai ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.2

Microbial community shifts, associated with performance data, were investigated in an anaerobic batch digester treating high-solid food waste under mesophilic conditions using, a combination of molecular techniques and chemical analysis methods. The batch process was successfully operated with an organic removal efficiency of 44.5% associated with a biogas yield of 0.82 L/g VSremoval. Microbial community structures were examined by denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis. Clostridium and Symbiobacterium organisms were suggested to be mainly responsible for the organic matter catabolism in hydrolysis and acidogenesis reactions. The dynamics of archaeal and methanogenic populations were monitored using real-time PCR targeting 16S rRNA genes. Methanosarcina was the predominant methanogen, suggesting that the methanogenesis took place mainly via an aceticlastic pathway. Hydrogenotrophic methanogens were also supported in high-solid anaerobic digestion of food waste through syntrophism with syntrophic bacterium. Microbial community shifts showed good agreement with the performance parameters in anaerobic digestion, implying the possibility of diagnosing a high-solid anaerobic digestion process by monitoring microbial community shifts. On the other hand, the batch results could be relevant to the start-up period of a continuous system and could also provide useful information to set up a continuous operation.