The Prognostic Value of Treatment-Related Lymphopenia in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients

Li-Ting Liu,Qiu-Yan Chen,Lin-Quan Tang,Shan-Shan Guo,Ling Guo,Hao-Yuan Mo,Ming-Yuan Chen,Chong Zhao,Xiang Guo,Chao-Nan Qian,Mu-Sheng Zeng,Jin-Xin Bei,Jing Tan,Shuai Chen,Ming-Huang Hong,Jian-Yong Shao 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.1

Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of treatment-related lymphopenia in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Materials and Methods A total of 413 consecutive stage II-IVb NPC patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) were enrolled. The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were compared using the log-rank test. Results A minimum (mini)–absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC) of < 390 cells/μL or ALC after 3 months of CCRT (post3m-ALC) < 705 cells/μL was significantly associated with worse outcome than mini-ALC ! 390 cells/μL (OS, p=0.002; PFS, p=0.005; DMFS, p=0.004) or post3m-ALC ! 705 cells/μL (OS, p < 0.001; PFS, p < 0.001; DMFS, p=0.001). Patients with lymphopenia (mini-ALC < 390 cells/μL and post3m-ALC < 705 cells/μL) had a worse prognosis than those without lymphopenia (mini-ALC ! 390 cells/μL and post3m-ALC ! 705 cells/μL) (OS, p < 0.001; PFS, p < 0.001; DMFS, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that post3m-ALC was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 2.78; p=0.015), PFS (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.82; p=0.003), and DMFS (HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.08; p=0.014). Multivariate analysis also revealed that patients with lymphopenia had a high risk of death (HR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.75 to 8.19; p=0.001), disease progression (HR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.59 to 5.41; p=0.001), and distant metastasis (HR, 3.89; 95% CI, 1.67 to 9.10; p=0.002). Multivariate analysis performed with time dependent Cox regression demonstrated ALC was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR, 0.995; 95% CI, 0.991 to 0.999; p=0.025) and PFS (HR, 0.993; 95% CI, 0.988 to 0.998; p=0.006). Conclusion Treatment-related lymphopenia was a poor prognostic factor in NPC patients.

New Control Strategy for Three-Phase Grid-Connected LCL Inverters without a Phase-Locked Loop

Lin Zhou,Ming Yang,Qiang Liu,Ke Guo 전력전자학회 2013 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.13 No.3

The three-phase synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop (SRF-PLL) is widely used for synchronization applications in power systems. In this paper, a new control strategy for three-phase grid-connected LCL inverters without a PLL is presented. According to the new strategy, a current reference can be generated by using the instantaneous power control scheme and the proposed positive-sequence voltage detector. Through theoretical analysis, it is indicated that a high-quality grid current can be produced by introducing the new control strategy. In addition, a kind of independent control for reactive power can be achieved under unbalanced and distorted grid conditions. Finally, the excellent performance of the proposed control strategy is validated by means of simulation and experimental results.

Molecular characterization and inhibition analysis of the acetylcholinesterase gene from the silkworm maggot, Exorista sorbillans

( Guo Jun Lang ),( Ming Yan Zhang ),( Bao Ling Li ),( Lin Lin Yu ),( Xing Meng Lu ),( Chuan Xi Zhang ) 생화학분자생물학회 (구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2010 BMB Reports Vol.43 No.8

Several organophosphorus (OP) insecticides can selectively kill the silkworm maggot, Exorista sorbillans (Es) (Diptera: Tachinidae), while not obviously affecting the host (Bombyx mori) larvae, but the mechanism is not yet clear. In this study, the cDNA encoding an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from the field Es was isolated. One point mutation (Gly353Ala) was identified. The Es-353G AChE and Es-353A AChE were expressed in baculovirus- insect cell system, respectively. The inhibition results showed that for eserine and Chlorpyrifos, Es-353A AChE was significantly less sensitive than Es-353G AChE. Meanwhile, comparison of the I(50) values of eserine, dichlorvos, Chlorpyrifos and omethoate of recombinant Es AChEs with its host (Bombyx mori) AChEs indicated that, both Es AChEs are more sensitive than B. mori AChEs. The results give an insight of the mechanism that some OP insecticides can selectively kills Es while without distinct effect on its host, B. mori. [BMB reports 2010; 43(8): 573-578]

Microbiological Purification of L-Arabitol from Xylitol Mother Liquor

( Ming Guo Jiang ),( Ben Wang ),( Li Fang Yang ),( Shuang Jun Lin ),( Hai Rong Cheng ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2011 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.21 No.1

As a rare sugar alcohol, L-arabitol can be used in food and can prevent extra fat deposits in the intestinal tract. Commercially, L-arabitol is prepared from pure L-arabinose by hydrogenation, which needs a high temperature and high pressure, leading to a high production cost for Larabitol. Therefore, this study describes a novel L-arabitol production method based on biological purification from the xylitol mother liquor, a cheap and readily available raw material that contains a high concentration of Larabitol. First, a novel Bacillus megaterium strain was screened that can utilize xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol, yet not L-arabitol. The isolated strain was inoculated into a medium containing the xylitol mother liquor under formulated culture conditions, where a high L-arabitol yield (95%) and high purity (80%) were obtained when the medium was supplemented with 50 g/l of xylitol mother liquor. Upon further purification of the fermentation broth by ion exchange and decolorization, L-arabitol was crystallized with a purity of 98.5%.

Finite element model updating of jointed structure based on modal and strain frequency response function

Zhan Ming,Guo Qintao,Yue Lin,Zhang Baoqiang 대한기계학회 2019 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.33 No.10

To acquire a reasonable model for structural dynamic strength analysis, a bottom-up finite element modeling and updating methodology based on multi responses is proposed. The fundamental principles of structural dynamics analysis and model updating were introduced, and the proposed strategy was applied to the case study of an L-shaped jointed structure. Components of the jointed structure were modeled sequentially, and inaccurate model parameters were updated based on the corresponding experimental modal results in the first stage. In the second stage, components were connected together by bolts. The joint interfaces were represented by thin-layer elements, and local joint parameters were updated based on strain frequency response function (FRF). Finally, the precision of finite element model (FEM) was validated by acceleration frequency response function. The results indicated that the proposed methodology is able to reduce model simulation errors in both components and the overall jointed structure. Not only can the updated model of a jointed structure reproduce the experimental results used in updating, but also predict responses that are not used in the process of model updating.

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.

New Control Strategy for Three-Phase Grid-Connected LCL Inverters without a Phase-Locked Loop

Zhou, Lin,Yang, Ming,Liu, Qiang,Guo, Ke The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2013 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.13 No.3

The three-phase synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop (SRF-PLL) is widely used for synchronization applications in power systems. In this paper, a new control strategy for three-phase grid-connected LCL inverters without a PLL is presented. According to the new strategy, a current reference can be generated by using the instantaneous power control scheme and the proposed positive-sequence voltage detector. Through theoretical analysis, it is indicated that a high-quality grid current can be produced by introducing the new control strategy. In addition, a kind of independent control for reactive power can be achieved under unbalanced and distorted grid conditions. Finally, the excellent performance of the proposed control strategy is validated by means of simulation and experimental results.

The Gender-Sensitive Social Risk Factors for Internet Addiction in College Undergraduate Students

Xia Lin,Jing-yan Gu,Wan-jun Guo,Ya-jing Meng,Hui-yao Wang,Xiao-jing Li,Wei Deng,Lian-sheng Zhao,Xiao-hong Ma,Ming-li Li,Ting Chen,S,K,Cheng,Tao Li 대한신경정신의학회 2021 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.18 No.7

Objective The current study aims to explore precipitating and social risk factors for internet addiction (IA) in university undergraduate students, and to provide evidence for interventions and the early prevention of IA in different genders. Methods Four thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight college sophomores completed an online survey on their internet use-related behaviours and social risk factors. Results We found that more male (8.3%) than female students (5.4%) had moderate and severe IA. The main online activity in the moderate and severe IA groups was online gaming in males and online streaming in females. Roommates engaging in similar internetbased entertainment was a risk factor of IA only for males, while not being in a romantic relationship was a risk factor of IA for females only. Infatuation with the internet before college and adjustment problems for college life were shared risk factors for both genders in the mild and moderate IA groups. Conclusion IA was a common phenomenon in college students with shared and unique precipitating and social risk factors in males and females. The gender-sensitive risk factors for IA warranted earlier and individualized intervention and prevention strategies for IA in this population.

Screening and Anti-virulent Study of N-Acyl Homoserine Lactones DNA Aptamers against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing

Zu-Guo Zhao,Yun Mei Yu,Bi Yu Xu,Shuang-Shuang Yan,Jun-Fa Xu,Fang Liu,Guo-Ming Li,Yuan Lin Ding,Shu Qing Wu 한국생물공학회 2013 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.18 No.2

In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a quorum sensing (QS) system regulates the expression of many virulence factors. N-acyl homoserine lactone (HSL) is the signal molecule of QS system. In order to find a novel HSL binder to interfere with QS signaling and to attenuate P. aeruginosa virulence, an amino lactam surrogate (ALS) of HSL was used as a target to screen HSL aptamers with the technique of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Eight HSL aptamers with high affinities for 3O-C12-HSL (20 nM ≤ Kd < 35 nM) or C4-HSL (25 nM < Kd < 50 nM) were finally obtained. In vitro QS-inhibiting study of P. aeruginosa showed that HSL aptamers could inhibit virulence in a dose-dependent manner. ALSap-8 which bound C4-HSL primarily acted on the rhl system and inhibited the secretion of pyocyanin. ALSap-5 which bound 3O-C12-HSL not only showed strong inhibitory activity on biofilm formation as well as secretions of LasA protease and LasB elastase, but also reduced pyocyanin secretion. Since the las system is capable of activating the rhl system mildly, we speculated that ALSap-5 can simultaneously interfere with the las and rhl systems. High-affinity aptamers against HSL in this study are novel QS and virulence-inhibitors, and may have potential as drug candidates for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infection.

Characterization of two novel γ-gliadin genes encoded by K genome of Crithopsis delileana and evolution analysis with those from Triticeae

Zhi-Fu Guo,Li-Jun Zhang,Ming Zhong,Yu-Ming Wei,Li Zhang,Hui Ma,Hao-Ge Li,Li-Jing Chen,Jing-Wei Lin,You-Liang Zheng 한국유전학회 2010 Genes & Genomics Vol.32 No.3

By acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (A-PAGE) analysis,it was indicated that the electrophoresis mobility of gliadins from Crithopsis delileana (Schult) Roshev (2n=2x=14,KK) had obvious difference with those from common wheat in α, γ and ω region. Using homologous primers, two γ-gliadin genes (gli-Kr1 and gli-Kr2) were isolated from C. delileana,which had been deposited in the GenBank under accession numbers EU283818 and EU283821, respectively. Two γ-gliadin genes of C. delileana had the similar primary structures to the corresponding gene sequences from other wheat related species. The differences were mainly resulted from substitutions,insertions and deletions involving single amino acid residues or motifs of γ-gliadins. The repetitive domains of gli-Kr1 and gli-Kr2 from C. delileana are shorter than most of other sequences. By the alignment of γ-gliadin genes from A, B, D, Am, Au, S, Sl, Ssh, Ss and Sb genomes of Triticum and Aegilops, R genome of Secale (γ-secalin), Ee genome of Lophopyrum and K genome of Crithopsis in Triticeae, phylogenetic analysis indicated that two γ-gliadin genes of C. delileana could be clustered together with a γ-gliadin genefrom Ssh genome of Aegilops by an interior paralleled branch. It was the first time that the γ-gliadin genes encoded by K genome of C. delileana were characterized. These could offer precious information for better understanding the qualities associated with gliadins, the response in coeliac disease and studying the evolutionary relationship of gliadins in Triticeae.