Association Between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the XRCC1 Gene and Susceptibility to Prostate Cancer in Chinese Men

Zhou, Yun-Feng,Zhang, Guang-Bo,Qu, Ping,Zhou, Jian,Pan, Hui-Xin,Hou, Jian-Quan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.10

Background: Prostate cancer (Pca) is one of the most common complex and polygenic diseases in men. The X-ray repair complementing group 1 gene (XRCC1) is an important candidate in the pathogenesis of Pca. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the XRCC1 gene and susceptibility to Pca. Materials and Methods: XRCC1 gene polymorphisms and associations with susceptibility to Pca were investigated in 193 prostate patients and 188 cancer-free Chinese men. Results: The c.910A>G variant in the exon9 of XRCC1 gene could be detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing methods. Significantly increased susceptibility to prostate cancer was noted in the homozygote comparison (GG versus AA: OR=2.95, 95% CI 1.46-5.42, ${\chi}^2$=12.36, P=0.001), heterozygote comparison (AG versus AA: OR=1.76, 95% CI 1.12-2.51, ${\chi}^2$=4.04, P=0.045), dominant model (GG/AG versus AA: OR=1.93, 95% CI 1.19-2.97, ${\chi}^2$=9.12, P=0.003), recessive model (GG versus AG+AA: OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.33-4.06, ${\chi}^2$=8.86, P=0.003) and with allele contrast (G versus A: OR=1.89, 95% CI 1.56-2.42, ${\chi}^2$=14.67, P<0.000). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the c.910A>G polymorphism of the XRCC1 gene is associated with susceptibility to Pca in Chinese men, the G-allele conferring higher risk.

Uncertainty Analysis of Dynamic Thermal Rating of Overhead Transmission Line

Zhou, Xing,Wang, Yanling,Zhou, Xiaofeng,Tao, Weihua,Niu, Zhiqiang,Qu, Ailing Korea Information Processing Society 2019 Journal of information processing systems Vol.15 No.2

Dynamic thermal rating of the overhead transmission lines is affected by many uncertain factors. The ambient temperature, wind speed and wind direction are the main sources of uncertainty. Measurement uncertainty is an important parameter to evaluate the reliability of measurement results. This paper presents the uncertainty analysis based on Monte Carlo. On the basis of establishing the mathematical model and setting the probability density function of the input parameter value, the probability density function of the output value is determined by probability distribution random sampling. Through the calculation and analysis of the transient thermal balance equation and the steady- state thermal balance equation, the steady-state current carrying capacity, the transient current carrying capacity, the standard uncertainty and the probability distribution of the minimum and maximum values of the conductor under 95% confidence interval are obtained. The simulation results indicate that Monte Carlo method can decrease the computational complexity, speed up the calculation, and increase the validity and reliability of the uncertainty evaluation.

Preparation and Improvement of Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Dietary Fiber from Corn Cob Fermented by Aspergillus niger

Yadi Zhou,Qijie Sun,Chao Teng,Mingchun Zhou,Guangsen Fan,Penghui Qu The Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnol 2024 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.34 No.2

Corn cobs were fermented with Aspergillus niger to produce soluble dietary fiber (SDF) of high quality and excellent food safety. In this work, the fermentation process was optimized by single-factor test and response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal fermentation conditions were determined to be a material-liquid ratio of 1:30, an inoculum concentration of 11%, a temperature of 32℃, a time of 6 days, and a shaking speed of 200 r/min. Under these conditions, the SDF yield of corn cob increased from 2.34% to 11.92%, and the ratio of soluble dietary fiber to total dietary fiber (SDF/TDF) reached 19.08%, meeting the requirements for high-quality dietary fiber (SDF/TDF of more than 10%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis revealed that the fermentation effectively degraded part of cellulose and hemicellulose, resulting in the formation of a loose and porous structure. After fermentation the water swelling capacity, water-holding capacity, and oil-holding capacity of the corn cob SDF were significantly improved and the adsorption capacity of glucose, cholesterol, and nitrite ions all increased by more than 20%. Moreover, the total phenolic content increased by 20.96%, which correlated with the higher antioxidant activity of SDF. Overall, the fermentation of corn cobs by A. niger increased the yield and enhanced the functional properties of dietary fiber (DF) as well.

Uncertainty Analysis of Dynamic Thermal Rating of Overhead Transmission Line

Xing Zhou,Yanling Wang,Xiaofeng Zhou,Weihua Tao,Zhiqiang Niu,Ailing Qu 한국정보처리학회 2019 Journal of information processing systems Vol.15 No.2

Dynamic thermal rating of the overhead transmission lines is affected by many uncertain factors. The ambienttemperature, wind speed and wind direction are the main sources of uncertainty. Measurement uncertainty isan important parameter to evaluate the reliability of measurement results. This paper presents the uncertaintyanalysis based on Monte Carlo. On the basis of establishing the mathematical model and setting the probabilitydensity function of the input parameter value, the probability density function of the output value is determinedby probability distribution random sampling. Through the calculation and analysis of the transient thermalbalance equation and the steady- state thermal balance equation, the steady-state current carrying capacity, thetransient current carrying capacity, the standard uncertainty and the probability distribution of the minimumand maximum values of the conductor under 95% confidence interval are obtained. The simulation resultsindicate that Monte Carlo method can decrease the computational complexity, speed up the calculation, andincrease the validity and reliability of the uncertainty evaluation.

Effects of azide on electron transport of exoelectrogens in air-cathode microbial fuel cells

Zhou, X.,Qu, Y.,Kim, B.H.,Choo, P.Y.,Liu, J.,Du, Y.,He, W.,Chang, I.S.,Ren, N.,Feng, Y. Elsevier Applied Science 2014 Bioresource technology Vol.169 No.-

The effects of azide on electron transport of exoelectrogens were investigated using air-cathode MFCs. These MFCs enriched with azide at the concentration higher than 0.5mM generated lower current and coulomb efficiency (CE) than the control reactors, but at the concentration lower than 0.2mM MFCs generated higher current and CE. Power density curves showed overshoot at higher azide concentrations, with power and current density decreasing simultaneously. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that azide at high concentration increased the charge transfer resistance. These analyses might reflect that a part of electrons were consumed by the anode microbial population rather than transferred to the anode. Bacterial population analyses showed azide-enriched anodes were dominated by Deltaproteobacteria compared with the controls. Based on these results it is hypothesized that azide can eliminate the growth of aerobic respiratory bacteria, and at the same time is used as an electron acceptor/sink.

The impacts of LPCVD wrap-around on the performance of n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact c-Si solar cell

Zhou Ying,Tao Ke,Liu Aimin,Rui Jia,Bao Jianhui,Sun Yufeng,Yang Sanchuan,Wang Qinqin,Zhang Qiang,Yang Songbo,Cao Yujia,Qu Hui 한국물리학회 2020 Current Applied Physics Vol.20 No.7

In this paper, Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) silicon solar cells with the industrial area (244.32 cm2) are fabricated on N-type silicon substrates. Both the ultra-thin tunnel oxide layer and phosphorus doped polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) thin film are prepared by the LPCVD system. The wrap-around of polysilicon is observed on the surface of borosilicate glass (BSG). The polysilicon wrap-around can form a leakage current path, thus degrades the shunt resistance of solar cells, and leads to the degradation of solar cell efficiency. Different methods are adopted to treat the polysilicon wrap-around and improve shunt resistance of solar cells. The experimental results indicate that a chemical etching method can effectively solve the problem of polysilicon wrap-around and improve the performance of solar cells. Finally, a conversion efficiency of 22.81% has been achieved by our bifacial TOPCon solar cells, with Voc of 702.6 mV, Jsc of 39.78 mA/cm2 and FF of 81.62%.

Long-term Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients after Hepatectomy

Zhou, Lei,Liu, Chang,Meng, Fan-Di,Qu, Kai,Tian, Feng,Tai, Ming-Hui,Wei, Ji-Chao,Wang, Rui-Tao Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.2

Background: The hepatocellular carcinoma is very common in China. Our aim in this report was to investigate clinical and pathological factors based on the current decade data that could influence prognosis of HCC patients after hepatectomy. Methods: Between 2002 and 2009, all patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC were followed up and reviewed retrospectively. Prognostic factors were studied by univariate and multivariate analysis, with Kaplan-Meier and Cox multivariate survival analyses. Results: Complete clinicopathologic and follow-up data were available for 114 patients. The estimated cumulative survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 yr were 84.6%, 60.2% and 51.8%, respectively. On univariate analysis, key prognostic factors were AFP level, GGT level, tumor size, number of tumors, portal vein invasion, liver cirrhosis status and TNM stage. In the multivariate analysis, tumor size, GGT level, liver cirrhosis status and portal vein invasion were significantly associated with patients' prognosis. Conclusion: Through follow-up of a relatively large cohort of Chinese patients, tumor size, GGT level, liver cirrhosis status, portal vein invasion were revealed as important factors for long-term survival after hepatectomy. Early diagnosis for tumor and the improvement of liver function before surgery are important ways to improve the prognosis.

Prognosis and Management for Gallbladder Cancer with Hepatic Invasion: Long-term Results of 139 Patients from a Single Center in China

Qu, Kai,Chang, Hu-Lin,Liu, Si-Nan,Liu, Chang,Xu, Xin-Sen,Wang, Rui-Tao,Zhou, Lei,Tian, Feng,Wei, Ji-Chao,Tai, Ming-Hui,Meng, Fan-Di Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.3

Objective: To improve the diagnosis of primary gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) with/without hepatic metastases by analyzing our experience of different GBC treatment in our patients. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out to analyze the clinical data of the 139 patients with GBC who underwent hepatic resection in our unit from January 2003 to December 2007. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they demonstrated hepatic invasion. Tumor presentation, surgical modes, and prognosis of each patient were retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were employed to compare the survival rates of those patients undergoing different surgical procedures. Results: Of the 139 patients, 46 were men and 93 were women with the male to female ratio of 1:2.0. Their ages were ranged from 35 to 86 years with a mean age of $62.8{\pm}10.4$ years. There were 73 patients complicated with hepatic invasion (group A), and no hepatic invasion occurred in the other 66 patients (group B). Compared with the group B, the patients with hepatic invasion suffered lower differentiation of tumor (p=0.000), more advanced Nevin staging (p=0.008) and poorer prognosis (p=0.013). Radical resection were more frequently performed in group B (75.76%) than in group A (45.20%) with better outcomes (p=0.000). Conclusion: GBC patients complicated with hepatic invasion had poorer prognosis than those without invasion in long-term follow-ups. Radical resection might result in a satisfied prognosis in patients without hepatic invasion, but appears less favorable than palliative resection in those who were complicated with hepatic invasion.

Gallbladder Cancer: a Subtype of Biliary Tract Cancer Which is a Current Challenge in China

Qu, Kai,Liu, Si-Nan,Chang, Hu-Lin,Liu, Chang,Xu, Xin-Sen,Wang, Rui-Tao,Zhou, Lei,Tian, Feng,Wei, Ji-Chao,Tai, Ming-Hui,Meng, Fan-Di Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.4

Biliary tract cancers, broadly described as malignancies that arise from the biliary tract epithelia, are usually divided into two major clinical phenotypes: cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer, differing in etiopathogenesis, risk factors, and perhaps molecular and genetic signatures. Atypical symptoms and lack of tumor biomarkers make it difficult to diagnose in early stages. At the time of presentation, few patients are candidates for potentially curative surgical resection. We here assessed and compared features of a total of 150 cases divided into extra- and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas and gallbladder cancers (GBC). Althought there were no significant differences in serum tumour marker levels, GBC patients had the poorest prognosis. Furthermore, gallbladder cancer respond poorly to chemotherapy or radiation therapy and approximately half of untreated patients died within 10 months. Therefore, treatment for patients with gallbladder cancer is still in challenge. Outcomes and survival of these patients had improved little over the past three decades - a period in which new successful treatments have greatly contributed to the prolonged patient survival for many other cancers.

MicroRNA-5582-3p alleviates the progression of osteosarcoma via targeting FZD4

Qu Wanming,Zhou Hongbin 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2023 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.19 No.2

Background Dysfunction of microRNAs (miRNAs) is a common characteristic during cancer progression. The suppressive function of miR-5582-3p in cancers has been emerged in recent studies, however, the clinical value and novel targets of miR-5582-3p in osteosarcoma (OS) have not been identifi ed. Objective Investigate the function and underlying mechanism of miR-5582-3p in OS. Results miR-5582-3p expression was signifi cantly reduced in OS tissues and cells. Lower level of miR-5582-3p had closed relationship with the advanced development and poor 5-year overall survival of OS patients. Transfection of miR-5582-3p in OS cells obviously inhibited the cell proliferation, invasion and colony formation. Highly expressed miR-5582-3p also delayed the cell cycle progression and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, FZD4 was validated as a target of miR-5582-3p. miR- 5582-3p interacted with the 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR) of FZD4 and reduced FZD4 expression in OS cells. Expression of miR-5582-3p was inversely correlated with that of FZD4 in OS tissues. Transfection of FZD4 rescued the suppressed OS cell proliferation, attenuated miR-5582-3p induced cell apoptosis and invasion. Conclusions Our fi ndings uncovered the novel anti-cancer potency of miR-5582-3p in OS via repressing FZD4, suggesting the possibility of miR-5582-3p as a therapeutic target of OS.