Penicilazaphilone C, a new antineoplastic and antibacterial azaphilone from the Marine Fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum

Song-lin Zhou,Min Wang,Huan-ge Zhao,Yong-hao Huang,Ying-ying Lin,Guang-hong Tan,Shung-lin Chen 대한약학회 2016 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.39 No.12

Two azaphilonidal derivatives [penicilazaphilonesB (1) and C (2)], have been isolated from thefermented products of marine fungus strain Penicilliumsclerotiorum M-22, penicilazaphilones C was a new compound. The compound’s structures were identified by theanalysis of spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMRtechniques (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, COSY, HMQC, andHMBC). Biological evaluation revealed that penicilazaphilonesB and C showed selective cytotoxicity againstmelanoma cells B-16 and human gastric cancer cells SGC-7901 with IC50 values of 0.291, 0.449 and 0.065,0.720 mM, respectively, while exhibiting no significanttoxicity to normal mammary epithelial cells M10 at thesame concentration. Moreover, penicilazaphilones C alsoexhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcusaureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiellapneumonia and Escherichia coli with MIC values0.037–0.150 mM, while penicilazaphilones B’s bacteriostaticaction was weaker.

Medical students’ self-assessed efficacy and satisfaction with training on endotracheal intubation and central venous catheterization with smart glasses in Taiwan: a non-equivalent control-group pre- and post-test study

Yu-Fan Lin,Chien-Ying Wang,Yen-Hsun Huang,Sheng-Min Lin,Ying-Ying Yang 한국보건의료인국가시험원 2022 보건의료교육평가 Vol.19 No.-

Purpose Endotracheal intubation and central venous catheterization are essential procedures in clinical practice. Simulation-based technology such as smart glasses has been used to facilitate medical students’ training on these procedures. We investigated medical students’ self-assessed efficacy and satisfaction regarding the practice and training of these procedures with smart glasses in Taiwan. Methods This observational study enrolled 145 medical students in the 5th and 6th years participating in clerkships at Taipei Veterans General Hospital between October 2020 and December 2021. Students were divided into the smart glasses or the control group and received training at a workshop. The primary outcomes included students’ pre- and post-intervention scores for self-assessed efficacy and satisfaction with the training tool, instructor’s teaching, and the workshop. Results The pre-intervention scores for self-assessed efficacy of 5th- and 6th-year medical students in endotracheal intubation and central venous catheterization procedures showed no significant difference. The post-intervention score of self-assessed efficacy in the smart glasses group was better than that of the control group. Moreover, 6th-year medical students in the smart glasses group showed higher satisfaction with the training tool, instructor’s teaching, and workshop than those in the control group. Conclusion Smart glasses served as a suitable simulation tool for endotracheal intubation and central venous catheterization procedures training in medical students. Medical students practicing with smart glasses showed improved self-assessed efficacy and higher satisfaction with training, especially for procedural steps in a space-limited field. Simulation training on procedural skills with smart glasses in 5th-year medical students may be adjusted to improve their satisfaction.

Diagnostic Value of Human Epididymis Protein 4 Compared with Mesothelin for Ovarian Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Lin, Jia-Ying,Qin, Jin-Bao,Li, Xiao-Yan,Dong, Ping,Yin, Bing-De Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.11

Background and Purpose: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecologic cancers because of the lack of effective early detection methods. Accuracies of the human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and mesothelin in detecting ovarian cancer have never been systematically assessed. The current systematic review aimed to tackle this issue. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched (September 1995-November 2011) for studies on the diagnostic performances of HE4 and mesothelin in differentiating ovarian cancer from other benign gynecologic diseases. QUADAS items were used to evaluate the qualities of the studies. Meta-DiSc software was used to handle data from the included studies and to examine heterogeneity. All included studies for diagnostic performance were combined with sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves, and areas under the SROC curves (AUC). Results: A total of 18 studies and 3,865 patients were eligible for the final analysis. The pooled sensitivity estimates for HE4 (74.4%) were significantly higher than those for mesothelin (49.3%). The pooled specificity estimates for mesothelin (94.5%) were higher than those for HE4 (85.8%). The pooled DOR estimates for HE4 (26.22) were higher than those for mesothelin (24.01). The SROC curve for HE4 showed better diagnostic accuracy than that for mesothelin. The PLR and NLR of HE4 were 6.33 (95% CI: 3.58 to 11.18) and 0.27 (95% CI: 0.21 to 0.34), respectively. The PLR and NLR for mesothelin were 11.0 (95% CI: 6.21 to 19.59) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.42 to 0.62), respectively. The combination of the two tumor markers or their combination with CA-125 increased sensitivity and specificity to different extents. Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of HE4 in differentiating ovarian cancer from other benign gynecologic diseases is better than that of soluble mesothelin-related protein. Combinations of two or more tumor markers show more sensitivity and specificity.

The Reflux Symptoms Before and After Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy of Chinese Patients With Achalasia

( Ying Xu ),( Yan Wang ),( Yun Bao ),( Ting Yu ),( Yurong Tang ),( Lin Lin ),( Liuqin Jiang ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회(구 대한소화관운동학회) 2021 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.27 No.3

Background/Aims Achalasia is a rare disease, but the incidence is increasing recently. Peroral esophageal myotomy (POEM) is an effective treatment. Regurgitation is a common symptom before and after POEM. Our aim is to investigate the factors related to preoperative and postoperative reflux symptoms. Methods Our study was retrospective. The achalasia patients diagnosed by high-resolution manometry and gastroscopy were divided into reflux group and non-reflux group before and after POEM, respectively. General information, symptoms, POEM information, and manometric results were compared. Results (1) Ninety-six of 130 patients had reflux symptoms before POEM. The lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) in the reflux group was significantly higher than the non-reflux group (P = 0.023), while integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was similar. The reflux group had longer esophagus than the non-reflux group (P = 0.006). Reflux symptoms were not related to subtypes of achalasia. (2) Twenty-five of 84 patients had reflux symptoms after POEM. Postoperative Eckardt scores, LESP, and 4-second IRP (4sIRP) were significantly lower than the preoperative values (P < 0.001). The preoperative values and POEM information were similar between the postoperative 2 groups and there was no significant difference in the presence of preoperative reflux symptoms between 2 groups. The postoperative LESP and 4sIRP were similar between the 2 groups, however, the postoperative UESP was significantly higher in the reflux group than the non-reflux group (P = 0.042). The non-reflux group had more declines in Eckardt scores and LESP than the reflux group. Conclusions The reflux symptoms of achalasia patients without treatment were mainly due to food retention. The postoperative reflux symptoms were not the sign of the excessive relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021;27:377-389)

Anisotropic In-plane Resistivity and Magnetoresistance of the Detwinned BaFe2As2

Lin Jiao,Zong Fa Weng,Xue Yan Tang,Lu Kai Guo,Tian Shang,Lin Yang,Hui Qiu Yuan,Yu Ying Wu,Zheng Cai Xia 한국물리학회 2013 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.63 No.3

We have measured the electrical resistivity and the magnetoresistance of detwinned BaFe2As2single crystals in fields up to 16 Tesla. The temperature dependence of the resistivity shows acounterintuitive anisotropic behavior in the ab-plane, likely arising from the effect of the nematicsusceptibility. Little magnetoresistance is observed at temperatures above the structural/magnetictransition, below which a huge in-plane magnetoresistance with an anisotropy is detected.

Overexpression of microRNA-612 Restrains the Growth, Invasion, and Tumorigenesis of Melanoma Cells by Targeting Espin

Ying Zhu,Hao-liang Zhang,Qi-ying Wang,Min-jing Chen,Lin-bo Liu 한국분자세포생물학회 2018 Molecules and cells Vol.41 No.2

microRNA (miR)-612 shows anticancer activity in several types of cancers, yet its function in melanoma is still unclear. This study was undertaken to investigate the expression of miR-612 and its biological relevance in melanoma cell growth, invasion, and tumorigenesis. The expression and prognostic significance of miR-612 in melanoma were examined. The effects of miR-612 overexpression on cell proliferation, colony formation, tumorigenesis, and invasion were determined. Rescue experiments were conducted to identify the functional target gene(s) of miR-612. miR-612 was significantly downregulated in melanoma tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Low miR-612 expression was significantly associated with melanoma thickness, lymph node metastasis, and shorter overall, and disease-free survival of patients. Overexpression of miR-612 significantly decreased cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion of SK-MEL-28 and A375 melanoma cells. In vivo tumorigenic studies confirmed that miR-612 overexpression retarded the growth of A375 xenograft tumors, which was coupled with a decline in the percentage of Ki-67-positive proliferating cells. Mechanistically, miR-612 targeted Espin in melanoma cells. Overexpression of Espin counteracted the suppressive effects of miR-612 on melanoma cell proliferation, invasion, and tumorigenesis. A significant inverse correlation (r = -0.376, P = 0.018) was observed between miR-612 and Espin protein expression in melanoma tissues. In addition, overexpression of miR-612 and knockdown of Espin significantly increased the sensitivity of melanoma cells to doxorubicin. Collectively, miR-612 suppresses the aggressive phenotype of melanoma cells through downregulation of Espin. Delivery of miR-612 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy against melanoma.

PLA Reforms as Seen from the Composition of the Central Military Commission of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China

Ying Yu Lin 한국국방연구원 2019 The Korean Journal of Defense Analysis Vol.31 No.4

Following the most recent round of military reforms launched in 2016, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), from the highest to the lowest echelons, has been moving in the direction dictated by President Xi Jinping. The major concern of the PLA, however, is the membership of the Central Military Commission (CMC). The list of candidates for the CMC of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was not decided until the rst plenary session of the Central Committee of the CPC after the 19th National Congress. The CMC retains its one chairman and two vice chairmen leadership structure, but only the chiefs of the Joint Staff Department and Political Work Department, the Minister of National Defense and the head of the Commission for Discipline Inspection are granted a seat in the CMC. As compared with the 18th CMC, the 19th CMC has fewer members. The decrease in the number of CMC members represents a change in the command structure of the PLA. From a hierarchical perspective, each level of command has its political and professional signicance, also tasked with different missions. All levels work together to manage the PLA, the world’s largest military force. From the change in the composition of the CMC, the selection of candidates for CMC membership, the qualications of the candidates in terms of grade and rank, and their functions, this study seeks to nd out the impact of the 19th CMC members and newly-appointed theater commands’ and the services’ commanding generals and admirals on the PLA reforms as well as the implications thereof.

Assessing the EORTC QLQ-BM22 Module Using Rasch Modeling and Confirmatory Factor Analysis across Countries: a Comprehensive Psychometric Evaluation in Patients with Bone Metastases

Lin, Chung-Ying,Pakpour, Amir H Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.3

Background: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Bone Metastases Module (EORTC QLQ-BM22) is a recently designed supplement to EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Additional psychometric properties, especially using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the Rasch model, are warranted. Materials and Methods: A total of 573 patients with bone metastases were enrolled from eight countries with a mean${\pm}$SD age of $55.8{\pm}13.7years$. Slightly more than two thirds of them were female (n=383; 66.8%). CFA was used to examine the BM22 framework; Rasch models were applied to understand misfit items and differential item functioning (DIF). Results: The fit indices were satisfactory in CFA (comparative fit index=0.972, Tucker-Lewis index=0.964, root mean square error of approximation=0.076, and standardized root mean square residual=0.045). All items fit well in the Rasch models (mean square values were between 0.5 and 1.5), and only one item (number 17) displayed DIF across gender. However, there were six DIF items across Canada and Taiwan, ten across Canada and Iran, and six across Taiwan and Iran. Conclusions: The BM22 has satisfactory psychometric properties, and could assess the QoL of patients with bone metastases specifically focusing on their symptoms. Clinicians may want to use it to capture the underlying QoL for patients with bone metastases. However, the score of item 17 should be interpreted with caution when comparing male and female patients. In addition, researchers should note that variation in DIF items may occur when conducting an international study.

Influence of Personal Character on Quality of Life of Patients with Esophageal Cancer in North Henan Province and Influencing Factors

Lin, Jian-Ying,Wang, Ming-Sheng,Dong, Liang-Peng,Xu, Da-Wei,Wang, Ying,Li, Xue-Liang,Li, Xiu-Min Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.11

The aim of this study was to investigate QoL (quality of life) of patients with esophageal cancer in northern Henan province, China, and to accurate evaluate and reflect the relationship between patient characteristics and QoL. In the high risk area of esophageal cancer in the north of Henan province, 735 patients with esophageal cancer were investigated. The Eysenck personality questionnaire (EPQ) and QoL were analyzed by using the questionnaire of general situation, EPQ, QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OES18. The effects of personal character on the QoL of esophageal carcinoma patients were analyzed by SPSS 11.0 software. The QoL of esophageal cancer patients in Northern Henan region was significantly affected by character. The difference between choleric and type of melancholic temperament types was significant (P<0.01), also in OESEAT, OESTA, OESCO and OESSP (P<0.05). Differences in personal character can thus influence the quality of esophageal cancer patient lives.

Premature Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction in Iranian Prostate Cancer Patients

Lin, Chung-Ying,Burri, Andrea,Pakpour, Amir H Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.4

Background: To investigate the prevalence of premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in a sample of patients with prostate cancer and to determine the utility of the previously suggested cutoffs of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) for the diagnosis of PE and that of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) for ED. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,202 men with prostate cancer were invited from urology clinics at the universities of Iran, Tehran, Qazvin, Ahvaz, Guilan and Tabriz. Clinical characteristics were collected through medical records. PE and ED diagnoses were made by trained urologists. In addition to the clinical diagnoses, PE and ED were measured through self-report using the PEDT and the IIEF-5. Questionnaire cutoff scores were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and confirmed by predictive ability using logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of PE was 63.7% and that of ED was 66.2%. Prevalences of PE decreased and that of ED increased with advanced TNM stages. According to ROC, the suggested cutoff for the PEDT to diagnose a PE was ${\geq}11$ (sensitivity=0.988, 1-specificity=0.084, and predictive ability=0.914) and ${\leq}17$ for the IIEF-5 (sensitivity=0.966, 1-specificity=0.031, and predictive ability=0.967). Conclusions: Prevalence of sexual problems was high in prostate cancer patients in Iran, therefore oncologists should take into account these potential problems when deciding on treatment modalities.