Prediction of postoperative pancreatic fistula using a nomogram based on the updated definition

Cheng-Xiang Guo,Yi-Nan Shen,Qi Zhang,Xiao-Zhen Zhang,Jun-Li Wang,Shun-Liang Gao,Jian-Ying Lou,Ri-Sheng Que,Tao Ma,Ting-Bo Liang,Xue-Li Bai 대한외과학회 2020 Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research(ASRT) Vol.98 No.2

Purpose: The International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula’s definition of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) has recently been updated. This study aimed to identify risk factors for POPF in patients having pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and to generate a nomogram to predict POPF. Methods: Data on 298 patients who underwent PD from March 2012 to October 2017 was retrospectively reviewed and POPF statuses were redefined. A nomogram was constructed using data from 220 patients and validated using the remaining 78 patients. Independent risk factors for POPF were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. A predictive nomogram was established based on the independent risk factors and was compared with existing models. Results: Texture of the pancreas, size of the main pancreatic duct, portal vein invasion, and definitive pathology were the identified risk factors. The nomogram had a C-index of 0.793 and was internally validated. The nomogram performed better (C-index of 0.816) than the other most cited models (C-indexes of 0.728 and 0.735) in the validation cohort. In addition, the nomogram can assign patients into low- (less than 10%), intermediate- (10% to 30%), and high-risk (equal or higher than 30%) groups to facilitate personalized management. Conclusion: The nomogram accurately predicted POPF in patients having PD.

Silencing of long noncoding RNA HOXA11-AS inhibits the Wnt signaling pathway via the upregulation of HOXA11 and thereby inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and self-renewal of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells

Jun-Cheng Guo,Yi-Jun Yang,Jin-Fang Zheng,Jian-Quan Zhang,Min Guo,Xiang Yang,Xiang-Ling Jiang,Li Xiang,You Li,Huang Ping,Liu Zhuo 생화학분자생물학회 2019 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.51 No.-

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths, but its molecular mechanisms are not yet well characterized. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in tumorigenesis, including that of HCC. However, the role of homeobox A11 antisense (HOXA11-AS) in determining HCC stem cell characteristics remains to be explained; hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of HOXA11-AS on HCC stem cell characteristics. Initially, the expression patterns of HOXA11-AS and HOXA11 in HCC tissues, cells, and stem cells were determined. HCC stem cells, successfully sorted from Hep3B and Huh7 cells, were transfected with short hairpin or overexpression plasmids for HOXA11-AS or HOXA11 overexpression and depletion, with an aim to study the influences of these mediators on the self-renewal, proliferation, migration, and tumorigenicity of HCC stem cells in vivo. Additionally, the potential relationship and the regulatory mechanisms that link HOXA11-AS, HOXA11, and the Wnt signaling pathway were explored through treatment with Dickkopf-1 (a Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor). HCC stem cells showed high expression of HOXA11-AS and low expression of HOXA11. Both HOXA11-AS silencing and HOXA11 overexpression suppressed the self-renewal, proliferation, migration, and tumorigenicity of HCC stem cells in vivo, as evidenced by the decreased expression of cancer stem cell surface markers (CD133 and CD44) and stemness-related transcription factors (Nanog, Sox2, and Oct4). Moreover, silencing HOXA11-AS inactivated the Wnt signaling pathway by decreasing the methylation level of the HOXA11 promoter, thereby inhibiting HCC stem cell characteristics. Collectively, this study suggested that HOXA11-AS silencing exerts an antitumor effect, suppressing HCC development via Wnt signaling pathway inactivation by decreasing the methylation level of the HOXA11 promoter.

Longitudinal Intrinsic Brain Activity Changes in Cirrhotic Patients before and One Month after Liver Transplantation

Yue Cheng,Li-Xiang Huang,Li Zhang,Ming Ma,Shuang-Shuang Xie,Qian Ji,Xiao-Dong Zhang,Gao-Yan Zhang,Xue-Ning Zhang,Hong-Yan Ni,Wen Shen 대한영상의학회 2017 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.18 No.2

Objective: To evaluate the spontaneous brain activity alterations in liver transplantation (LT) recipients using resting-state functional MRI. Materials and Methods: Twenty cirrhotic patients as transplant candidates and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. All patients repeated the MRI study one month after LT. Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) values were compared between cirrhotic patients (both pre- and post-LT) and HCs as well as between the pre- and post-LT groups. The relationship between ALFF changes and venous blood ammonia levels and neuropsychological tests were investigated using Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: In the cirrhotic patients, decreased ALFF in the vision-related regions (left lingual gyrus and calcarine), sensorimotor-related regions (left postcentral gyrus and middle cingulate cortex), and the default-mode network (bilateral precuneus and left inferior parietal lobule) were restored, and the increased ALFF in the temporal and frontal lobe improved in the early period after LT. The ALFF decreases persisted in the right supplementary motor area, inferior parietal lobule, and calcarine. The ALFF changes in the right precuneus were negatively correlated with changes in number connection test-A scores (r = 0.507, p < 0.05). Conclusion: LT improved spontaneous brain activity and the results for associated cognition tests. However, decreased ALFF in some areas persisted, and new-onset abnormal ALFF were possible, indicating that complete cognitive function recovery may need more time.

Attenuation of Peripheral Regulatory T-Cell Suppression of Skin-Homing CD8+T Cells in Atopic Dermatitis

Bao-Xiang Zhang,Gang Ding,Jun-Cheng Lyu,Hai-Bo Liu,Dian-Cai Zhang,Dian-Cai Zhang,Xing-Jie Bi,Zhi-Wu Duan 연세대학교의과대학 2015 Yonsei medical journal Vol.56 No.1

Purpose: Cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA)-expressing CD8+T cells have been known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis(AD). However, the mechanisms underlying the loss of self-tolerance remainunclear. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in the development of homeostasisin the immune system. We, therefore, hypothesized that a reduced ability of Tregs to inhibit autologous CD8+CLA+T cells might be underlying mechanism in AD. Materials and Methods: CD8+CLA+T cells and Tregs were obtained from the peripheral blood of AD patients and control volunteers. The frequenciesof CD8+CLA+T cells were evaluated. The proliferative responses of CD8+CLA+T cells were assessed by flow cytometry, and the levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in culture supernatants were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Our results revealed higher frequency and increased expression of perforin and granzyme-B in peripheralCD8+CLA+T cells in AD, and lower inhibitory ability of Tregs on proliferation of CD8+CLA+T cells in AD. Meanwhile, the levels of TGF-β1 produced by Tregs were significantly lower in AD, and anti-TGF-β1 abolished such suppression. Conclusion: The attenuated inhibitory ability of Tregs on hyper-activated autologousCD8+CLA+T cells, mediated by TGF-β1, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD.

Molecular mechanisms of 1,2-dichloroethane-induced neurotoxicity

Xiang Yang,Zhang Xiaoshun,Tian Zhiling,Cheng Yibin,Liu Ningguo,Meng Xiaojing 한국독성학회 2023 Toxicological Research Vol.39 No.4

The production of industrial solvents and adhesives often utilizes 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE), a highly toxic halogenated hydrocarbon compound. Occupational 1,2-DCE poisoning occurs frequently and is a public health concern. Exposure to 1,2-DCE can damage the brain, liver, and kidneys. The main and most severe damage caused by exposure to 1,2-DCE is to the nervous system, especially the central nervous system. Current research on 1,2-DCE mainly focuses on the mechanism of brain edema. Several possible mechanisms of 1,2-DCE neurotoxicity have been proposed, including oxidative stress, calcium overload, blood–brain barrier damage, and neurotransmitter changes. This article reviews the research progress on 1,2-DCE neurotoxicity and the mechanism behind it to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of 1,2-DCE poisoning.

Glycerol steam reforming over Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalysts modified by metal oxides

Cheng-Hua Xu,Zun-Yu Huang,Chuan-Qi Liu,Hui-Wen Xiao,Jun Chen,Yong-Xiang Zhang,Ya-Cong Lei 한국화학공학회 2013 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.30 No.3

The metal oxides modified Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalysts for glycerol steam reforming were prepared by impregnation. Characterization results of fresh catalysts indicated that the molybdates modification abated the acidity and the stronger metal-support interaction of Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalysts, leading to a stable catalytic activity. Especially, NiMoLa-CaMg/γ-Al2O3 (NiMoLa/CMA) catalyst exhibited no deactivation along with glycerol complete conversion to stable gaseous products containing 69% H2, 20% CO and 10% CO2 during time-on-stream of 42 h. TPO of spent Ni/γ-Al2O3catalysts modified by different components showed that the carbon deposit on acidic sites and NiAl2O4 species led to catalysts deactivation. A lower reforming temperature and a higher LHSV and glycerol content were helpful to the production of syngas from GSR over NiMoLa/CMA; the reverse conditions would improve the formation of H2.

Optimization of the microemulsion formulation of curcuma oil and evaluation of its acaricidal efficacy against Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Cheng Zuo-Hui,Fan Fang-Fang,Zhao Jin-Zhong,Li Rui,Li Sheng-Cai,Zhang En-Jia,Liu Yu-Kun,Wang Jue-Ying,Zhu Xiang-Run,Tian Yong-Ming 한국응용곤충학회 2020 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.23 No.4

The microemulsion formulation (hereafter formulation) of curcuma oil and its acaricidal efficacy against Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval (Acari: Tetranychidae) were optimized in the laboratory to evaluate their spray effectiveness of oviposition inhibition and repellence. Ethovision XT6 was used to analyse the effects of the sublethal concentrations (LC 20 ) of curcuma oil and the formulation on the behaviors of T. cinnabarinus. The results showed that Tween-80 was the best surfactant, Isopropanol was the best co-surfactant and K m = 2:1 was the best condition for the formulation. The prepared microemulsions are stable under conditions of centrifugation and incubation for extended periods. The results showed that the effect of the spray bioassays of the formulation against T. cinnabarinus continuously increased during the experiment, but for curcuma oil almost no longer increase observed when the exposure time went beyond 24 h. Moreover, compared with curcuma oil (LC 50 = 0.716%), the spray bioassay of the formulation (LC 50 = 0.035%) was stronger against T. cinnabarinus. The repellency of the formulation to T. cinnabarinus was stronger with increasing exposure time, but that of curcuma oil declined after 12 h of exposure. The mobile distance of T. cinnabarinus treated with the formulation continuously declined during the experiment but that due to the curcuma oil almost no longer declined when the treatment time reached 12 h. The maximum mobile frequency of T. cinnabarinus treated by curcuma oil and the formulation was recorded at 6 h and 12 h, respectively. Thus, the formulation is a promising candidate as a botanical acaricide of green vegetables.

Ectopic Overexpression of COTE1 Promotes Cellular Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Zhang, Hai,Huang, Chang-Jun,Tian, Yuan,Wang, Yu-Ping,Han, Ze-Guang,Li, Xiang-Cheng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.11

Family with sequence similarity 189, member B (FAM189B), alias COTE1, a putative oncogene selected by microarray, for the first time was here found to be significantly up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specimens and HCC cell lines. mRNA expression of COTE1 in HCC samples and cell lines was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR, while protein expression of COTE1 in HCC tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. In addition, invasion of HCC cells was observed after overexpressing or silencing COTE1. In the total of 48 paired HCC specimens, compared with the adjacent non-cancer tissues, the expression of COTE1 was up-regulated in 31 (p<0.01). In HCC cell lines, COTE1 expression was significantly higher than in normal human adult liver (p<0.01). Overexpression of COTE1 enhanced HCC-derived LM6 and MHCC-L cellular invasion in vitro. In contrast, COTE1 knockdown via RNAi markedly suppressed these phenotypes, as documented in LM3 and MHCC-H HCC cells. Mechanistic analyses indicated that COTE1 could physically associate with WW domain oxidoreductase (WWOX), a tumor suppressor. COTE1 may be closely correlated with invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and thus may serve as an effective target for gene therapy.

Identification of a 193 bp promoter region of TaNRX1‑D gene from common wheat that contributes to osmotic or ABA stress inducibility in transgenic Arabidopsis

Cheng Jie,Wei Fan,Zhang Mingfei,Li Nan,Song Tianqi,Wang Yong,Chen Dongsheng,Xiang Jishan,Zhang Xiaoke 한국유전학회 2021 Genes & Genomics Vol.43 No.9

Background Cloning and characterizing the drought-inducible promoters is essential for their use in crop resistance’s genetic improvement. Previous studies have shown that the TaNRX1-D gene participates in regulating the response of wheat to drought stress. However, its promoter has not yet been identifed. Objective In this study, we aimed to characterize the promoter of the TaNRX1-D gene. Methods The promoter of TaNRX1-D (named P0, 2081 bp) was isolated from common wheat with several cis-acting elements that regulate in response to abiotic stresses and some core cis-acting elements. Functional verifcation of the promoter, eight 5′-deletion fragments of TaNRX1-D promoter, was fused to the β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene P0::GUS~P7::GUS and transformed into Arabidopsis, respectively. Agrobacterium-mediated GUS transient assay the P6a and P6b promoter regions in tobacco leaves under normal, osmotic or ABA stress. Results Activity analysis of the full-length promoter (P0) showed that the intensity of stronger β-glucuronidase (GUS) staining in the roots and leaves was obtained during the growth of transgenic Arabidopsis. P0::GUS displayed the GUS activity was much higher in the roots and leaves than in other parts of the transgenic plant under normal conditions, which was similarly within wheat. Analysis of the 5′-deletion fragments revealed that P0::GUS~P6::GUS responded well upon exposure to osmotic (polyethylene glycol-6000, PEG6000) and abscisic acid (ABA) stress treatments and expressed signifcantly higher GUS activity than the CaMV35S promoter (35S::GUS), while P7::GUS did not. GUS transient assay in tobacco leaves showed that the GUS activities of P6a and P6b were lower than P6 in the PEG6000 and ABA stresses. Conclusion The 193 bp (P6) segment was considered the core region of TaNRX1-D responding to PEG6000 or ABA treatment. GUS activity assay in transgenic Arabidopsis showed that this segment was sufcient for the PEG6000 or ABA stress response. The identifed 193 bp promoter of TaNRX1-D in this study will help breed osmotic or ABA tolerant crops. The 36 bp segment between P6 and P6b (−193 to −157 bp) was considered the critical sequence for the TaNRX1-D gene responding to PEG6000 or ABA treatment.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ is essential for secretion of ANP induced by prostaglandin D₂ in the beating rat atrium

Zhang, Ying,Li, Xiang,Liu, Li-Ping,Hong, Lan,Liu, Xia,Zhang, Bo,Wu, Cheng-Zhe,Cui, Xun The Korean Society of Pharmacology 2017 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.21 No.3

Prostaglandin $D_2$ ($PGD_2$) may act against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and play an anti-inflammatory role in the heart. Although the effect of $PGD_2$ in regulation of ANP secretion of the atrium was reported, the mechanisms involved are not clearly identified. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether $PGD_2$ can regulate ANP secretion in the isolated perfused beating rat atrium, and its underlying mechanisms. $PGD_2$ (0.1 to $10{\mu}M$) significantly increased atrial ANP secretion concomitantly with positive inotropy in a dose-dependent manner. Effects of $PGD_2$ on atrial ANP secretion and mechanical dynamics were abolished by AH-6809 ($1.0{\mu}M$) and AL-8810 ($1.0{\mu}M$), $PGD_2$ and prostaglandin $F2{\alpha}$ ($PGF2{\alpha}$) receptor antagonists, respectively. Moreover, $PGD_2$ clearly upregulated atrial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ($PPAR{\gamma}$) and the $PGD_2$ metabolite 15-deoxy-${\Delta}12$, 14-$PGJ_2$ (15d-$PGJ_2$, $0.1{\mu}M$) dramatically increased atrial ANP secretion. Increased ANP secretions induced by $PGD_2$ and 15d-$PGJ_2$ were completely blocked by the $PPAR{\gamma}$ antagonist GW9662 ($0.1{\mu}M$). PD98059 ($10.0{\mu}M$) and LY294002 ($1.0{\mu}M$), antagonists of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling, respectively, significantly attenuated the increase of atrial ANP secretion by $PGD_2$. These results indicated that $PGD_2$ stimulated atrial ANP secretion and promoted positive inotropy by activating $PPAR{\gamma}$ in beating rat atria. MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were each partially involved in regulating $PGD_2$-induced atrial ANP secretion.