A Systematic Review of Risk Factors for Brain Metastases and Value of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Sun, Dian-Shui,Hu, Li-Kuan,Cai, Ying,Li, Xiao-Mei,Ye, Lan,Hou, Hua-Ying,Wang, Cui-Hong,Jiang, Yu-Hua Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.3

Background: The incidence of brain metastases (BM) varies in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), calls into question the value of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). It is possible that clinicopathologic characteristics are associated with the development of BM, but these have yet to be identified in detail. Thus, we conducted the present meta-analysis on risk factors for BM and the value of PCI in patients with NSCLC. Methods: Eligible data were extracted and the risk factors for BM and the value of PCI in patients with NSCLC were analyzed by calculating the pooled odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was detected using Q and I-squared statistics, and publication bias was tested by funnel plots and Egger's test. Results: Six randomized controlled trials with a focus on the value of PCI and 13 eligible studies with a focus on risk factors for BM were included. PCI significantly reduced the incidence of BM in patients with NSCLC (p=0.000, pooled OR=0.34, 95% confidence interval = 0.37-0.59). Compared with non-squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma was associated with a low incidence of BM in patients with NSCLC (p=0.000, pooled OR=0.47, 95% confidence interval =0.34-0.65). The funnel plot and Egger's test suggested that there was no publication bias in the current meta-analysis. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides statistical evidence that compared with non-squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can be used as a predictor for BM in patients with NSCLC, and PCI might reduce the incidence of BM in patients with NSCLC, but does not provide a survival benefit.

Clinical Analysis of Stages of HBV Infection in 100 Cases of Lymphoma

Tang, Yang,Sun, Li-Guang,Liu, Chun-Shui,Li, Yu-Ying,Jin, Chun-Hui,Li, Dan,Bai, Ou Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.2

Objective: HBV infection may cause damage to the immune system and induce lymphomas as a result. Some scholars have indicated that HBsAg(+) reflecting HBV infection may have a relationship with lymphoma development. This study was designed to find out the specific stage of HBV infection which may be related to lymphoma. Methods: HBV serum markers, including HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb were tested among 100 lymphoma patients and 100 other patients who were diagnosed with non-lymphoma diseases in the First Hospital of Jilin University from 2010.1.1 to 2012.12.31. Three subgroups were established depending on different combinations of HBV serum markers. Subgroup 1 was HBsAg(+) representing the early stage of HBV infection. Subgroup 2 was HbsAb(+) representing convalescence and Subgroup 3 was "HbsAg and HbsAb negative combined with other positive markers" representing the intermediate stage of HBV infection. Chi square tests were used to compare the rates of three subgroups in lymphoma and control groups. Results: The rates of Subgroup were 13% and 5% respectively, an association between HBsAg and lymphoma being found (P<0.05). There was no difference between rate of Subgroup 2 of lymphoma group (15%) and that of control group (16%). In lymphoma group and control group, the rate of Subgroup 3 was different (12% vs 4%). This evidence was not specific to T cell lymphoma, B cell lymphoma or Hodgkin's lymphoma. Conclusions: Among serum markers of HBV, the combination of serum markers representing the early stage and intermediate stage of HBV infection have a relationship with lymphoma. Convalescence from HBV infection appears to have no relationship with lymphoma.

Spatial correlation of aerodynamic forces on 5:1 rectangular cylinder in different VIV stages

Yongfu Lei,Yanguo Sun,Tianyi Zhang,Xiongwei Yang,Ming-shui Li 한국풍공학회 2022 Wind and Structures, An International Journal (WAS Vol.34 No.1

To better understand the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) characteristics of a 5:1 rectangular cylinder, the distribution of aerodynamic force and the non-dimensional power spectral density (PSD) of fluctuating pressure on the side surface were studied in different VIV development stages, and their differences in the stationary state and vibration stages were analyzed. The spanwise and streamwise correlations of surface pressures were studied, and the flow field structure partitions on the side surface were defined based on the streamwise correlation analysis. The results show that the variation tendencies of mean and root mean square (RMS) pressure coefficients are similar in different VIV development stages. The RMS values during amplitude growth are larger than those at peak amplitude, and the smallest RMS values are observed in the stationary state. The spanwise correlation coefficients of aerodynamic lifts increase with increase of the peak amplitude. However, for the lock-in region, the maximum spanwise correlation coefficient for aerodynamic lifts occurs in the VIV rising stage rather than in the peak amplitude stage, probably due to the interaction of vortex shedding force (VSF) and self-excited force (SEF). The streamwise correlation results show that the demarcation point positions between the recirculation region and the main vortex region remain almost constant in different VIV development stages, and the reattachment points gradually move to the tailing edge with increasing amplitude. This study provides a reference to estimate the demarcation point and reattachment point positions through streamwise correlation and phase angle analysis from wind tunnel tests.

Aeromicrobium endophyticum sp. nov., an endophytic actinobacterium isolated from reed (Phragmites australis)

Fei-Na Li,Shui-Lin Liao,Shao-Wei Liu,Tao Jin,Cheng-Hang Sun 한국미생물학회 2019 The journal of microbiology Vol.57 No.9

A Gram-staining-positive, motile and short-rod-shaped actinobacterium designated 9W16Y-2T was isolated from surface- sterilized leaves of reed (Phragmites australis) collected from Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Colonies were pale greenish yellow, circular, smooth, and convex. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain 9W16Y-2T exhibited highest sequence similarities with Aeromicrobium camelliae CGMCC 1.12942T (99.0%) and Aeromicrobium erythreum NRRL B-3381T (97.2%). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and single-copy phylogenetic marker genes (pMGs) showed that strain 9W16Y- 2T belonged to the genus Aeromicrobium and formed a monophyletic clade with Aeromicrobium camelliae CGMCC 1.12942T. Furthermore, average nucleotide identity (ANI) and DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) clearly separated strain 9W16Y-2T from the other species of the genus Aeromicrobium with values below the thresholds for species delineation. The G+C content of the genomic DNA is 68.9 mol%. The diagnostic diamino acid of the cell-wall peptidoglycan was LLdiaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The major fatty acids (> 10% of the total fatty acids) were C18:0 10-methyl (TBSA) (28.2%), C16:0 (21.0%), C16:0 2-OH (20.8%) and C18:1 ω9c (12.8%). The polar lipid profile comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified lipid. Based on the phylogenic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features, strain 9W16Y-2T represents a novel species of the genus Aeromicrobium, for which the name Aeromicrobium endophyticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 9W16Y-2T (= CGMCC 1.13876T = JCM 33141T).

Experimental Investigation on the Properties of Sustainable Pervious Concrete with Different Aggregate Gradation

Junyu Zhang,Haoran Sun,Xiaotian Shui,Wenxuan Chen 한국콘크리트학회 2024 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.18 No.2

Pervious concrete (PC) as a green infrastructure material has been increasingly used due to its positive environmental impacts, such as controlling storm water runoff, removing water pollutants and reducing heat island effect. The aggregate gradation is a critical factor influencing the physical properties of PC. Therefore, this paper represents an attempt to determine the effects of aggregate gradation on the various physical properties of PC, and then to explore relationships between them. To this end, three aggregate gradations 4.75–9.5 mm, 9.5–19 mm and 19–31.5 mm were recombined with various proportions (20–80%) to obtain five different gradations named as A, B, C, D and E. PC mixtures were prepared with these five aggregate gradations. Then, physical and mechanical properties of PC including porosity, permeability, compressive strength and water stability were investigated, according to the available specification. The results suggested that it was feasible to use waste concrete for permeable pavement, because all the specimens provided required specification requirements. Different linear relationships were also found between the maximum aggregate size and porosity, permeability coefficient, compressive strength and its loss rate. That is, porosity and permeability increased with the proportion of larger size aggregate increased, however, compressive strength reduced. Thus the compressive strength had an inverse correlation with the porosity and water permeability. Among five different aggregate gradations, group C (20% of 4.75–9.5 mm aggregate, 50% of 9.5–19 mm aggregate and 30% of 19–31.5 mm aggregate) can be seen as the optimum gradation and is suitable for base layer materials of permeable pavements.

An Emerging Role for Circular RNAs in Osteoarthritis

Chen-Xi Yu,Shui Sun 연세대학교의과대학 2018 Yonsei medical journal Vol.59 No.3

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are currently classed as non-coding RNAs that, unlike the better known canonical linear RNAs, form acovalently closed continuous loop without 5’ or 3’ polarities. With the development of high throughput sequencing technology, alarge number of circRNAs have been discovered in many species. More importantly, growing evidence suggests that circRNAs areabundant, evolutionally conserved, and relatively stable in cells and tissues. Strikingly, recent studies have discovered that circRNAscan serve as microRNA sponges, interact with RNA-binding protein, and regulate gene transcription, as well as proteintranslation. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic degenerative joint disease. CircRNAs are differentially expressed inOA cartilage. Moreover, some circRNAs are involved in multiple pathological processes during OA, mainly extracellular matrixdegradation, inflammation, and apoptosis. In this review, we briefly delineate the biogenesis, characteristics, and biofunctions ofcircRNAs, and then, focus on the role of circRNAs in the occurrence and progression OA.

Two groups of S-Layer proteins, SLP1s and SLP2s, in Bacillus thuringiensis co-exist in the S-Layer and in parasporal inclusions

( Zhou Zhou ),( Dong Hai Peng ),( Jin Shui Zheng ),( Gang Guo ),( Long Jun Tian ),( Zi Niu Yu ),( Ming Sun ) 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2011 BMB Reports Vol.44 No.5

We screened four B. thuringiensis strains whose parasporal inclusions contained the S-layer protein (SLP), and cloned two slp genes from each strain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated these SLPs could be divided into two groups, SLP1s and SLP2s. To confirm whether SLPs were present in the S-layer or as a parasporal inclusion, strains CTC and BMB1152 were chosen for further study. Western blots with isolated S-layer proteins from strains CTC and BMB1152 in the vegetative phase showed that SLP1s and SLP2s were constituents of the S-layer. Immunofluorescence utilizing spore-inclusion mixtures of strains CTC and BMB1152 in the sporulation phase showed that SLP1s and SLP2s were also constituents of parasporal inclusions. When heterogeneously expressed in the crystal negative strain BMB171, four SLPs from strains CTC and BMB1152 could also form parasporal inclusions. This temporal and spatial expression is not an occasional phenomenon but ubiquitous in B. thuringiensis strains. [BMB reports 2011; 44(5): 323-328]

The relationship between genetic polymorphisms in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene and osteonecrosis of the femoral head induced by steroid in Chinese Han population

Lin Yuan,Wei Li,Xianquan Wang,Guang Yang,Haiyang Yu,Shui Sun 한국유전학회 2018 Genes & Genomics Vol.40 No.2

Previous studies suggested that apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) may result in abnormal lipid metabolism. Therefore, genetic polymorphisms in ApoE may be associated with the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). A case control study was designed to include 580 patients with steroid-induced ONFH and 560 age- and sex-matched non steroid-induced ONFH control subjects to analyze the association between ApoE polymorphisms and susceptibility of steroid-induced ONFH. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was utilized to differentiate two genotypes SNPs (rs7412 C/T and rs429358 T/C) in ApoE gene. Both rs7412 C/T and rs429358 T/C were found to be associated with the risk of steroid-induced ONFH. However, no significant association was observed between the haplotypes T-T, T-C and C-C in ONFH. Furthermore, T allele of rs7412 and C allele of rs429358 carriers were associated with higher levels of TG in steroid-induced ONFH patients (P < 0.05). The study suggested that ApoE genetic polymorphisms conferred susceptibility to steroid-induced ONFH in Chinese Han population. However, the results need further investigation with large sample size and various populations.

Expression of DNA Damage Response Proteins and Associations with Clinicopathologic Characteristics in Chinese Familial Breast Cancer Patients with BRCA1/2 Mutations

Xinyi Zhu,Tian Tian,Miao Ruan,Jia Rao,Wentao Yang,Xu Cai,Menghong Sun,Guangqi Qin,Zhonghua Zhao,Jiong Wu,Zhimin Shao,Ruohong Shui,Zhen Hu 한국유방암학회 2018 Journal of breast cancer Vol.21 No.3

Purpose: The characteristic expression of DNA damage response proteins in familial breast cancers with BRCA1, BRCA2, or non-BRCA1/2 mutations has not been analyzed in Chinese patients. Our study aimed to assess the differential expression of microcephalin 1 (BRIT1), ATM serine/threonine kinase (ATM), checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2), BRCA1, RAD51 recombinase (RAD51), and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) and establish the profile of Chinese familial breast cancers with different mutation status. Methods: We constructed five tissue microarrays from 183 familial breast cancer patients (31 with BRCA1 mutations; 14 with BRCA2 mutations, and 138 with non-BRCA1/2 mutations). The DNA response and repair markers used for immunohistochemistry analysis included BRIT1, ATM, CHEK2, BRCA1, RAD51, and PARP-1. The expressions of these proteins were analyzed in BRCA1/2 mutated tumors. The association between pathologic characteristics with BRCA1/2 mutation status was also analyzed. Results: In familial breast cancer patients, BRCA1 mutated tumors were more frequent with high nuclear grade, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative, low Ki-67, and positive CK5/6. BRCA1 mutated tumors had lower CHEK2 and higher cytoplasmic BRIT1 expression than BRCA2 and non-BRCA1/2 mutation tumors. BRCA2-associated tumors showed higher CHEK2 and cytoplasmic RAD51 expression than those in other groups. Nuclear PARP-1 expression in BRCA1/2-associated tumors was significantly higher than in non-BRCA1/2 mutation tumors. Moreover, we found quite a few of negative PARP-1 expression cases in BRCA1/2 mutated groups. Conclusion: The clinicopathologic findings of BRCA1-associated Chinese familial breast cancers were similar to the results of other studies. Chinese familial breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutations might have distinctive expression of different DNA damage response proteins. The reduced expression of PARP-1 in Chinese BRCA1/2 mutated breast cancer patients could influence the therapeutic outcome of PARP-1 inhibitors.