Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer in Rural Areas of Wuhan China: a Matched Case-control Study

Zhang, Bin,Zhou, Ai-Fen,Zhu, Chang-Cai,Zhang, Ling,Xiang, Bing,Chen, Zhong,Hu, Rong-Hua,Zhang, Ya-Qi,Qiu, Lin,Zhang, Yi-Ming,Xiong, Chao-Du,Du, Yu-Kai,Shi, Yu-Qin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.12

Cervical cancer is a serious public health problem in developing countries. We investigated possible risk factors for cervical cancer in rural areas of Wuhan China using a matched case-control study with 33 women diagnosed with cervical cancer and 132 healthy women selected from the same area as matched controls. A questionnaire, which included questions about general demography conditions, environmental and genetic factors, the first sexual intercourse, first marriage age, age at first pregnancy, pregnancy first child's age, female personal health history, social psychological factors, dietary habits, smoking and alcohol status and other living habits was presented to all participants. At the same time, HPV infection of every participant was examined in laboratory testing. Results showed HPV infection (P<0.000, OR=23.4) and pregnancy first child's age (P<0.000, OR=13.1) to be risk factors for cervical cancer. Menopause (P=0.003, OR=0.073) was a protective factor against cervical cancer. However, there was no indication of associations of environmental (drinking water, insecticide, disinfectant) genetic (cancer family history), or life-style factors (smoking status, alcohol status, physical training, sleep quality), including dietary habits (intake of fruit and vegetable, meat, fried food, bean products and pickled food) or social psychological factors with cervical cancer. The results suggest that the risk of cervical cancer in Chinese rural women may be associated with HPV infection, menopause and the pregnancy first child's age.

Dynamic Hand Gesture Segmentation Method Based on Improved Kalman Filter and Weighted Skin-Color Model

Zhang Qiu-yu,Lu Jun-chi,Wei Hui-yi,Zhang Mo-yi,Duan Hong-xiang 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of Signal Processing, Image Vol.9 No.6

In order to improve the problems of segmentation accuracy and real-time existing in dynamic hand gesture under complex backgrounds, this paper presents a kind of dynamic hand gesture segmentation method based on improved Kalman filter and weighted skin-color model. Firstly, improved Kalman filter is utilized to process hand gesture image of hand gesture video sequences and get rough hand gesture results. Secondly, weighted skin-color model is applied to process rough results of hand gesture segmentation and segment hand gesture. Finally, morphological method is utilized to deal with gesture segmentation result, getting rid of the holes in the hand gesture’s binary image to realize the segmentation of dynamic hand gesture. Experiments show that the proposed method can segment hand gesture from dynamic hand gesture video sequences with complex backgrounds effectively. And the accuracy of hand gesture segmentation is high.

Novel AgCl/Ag2SO3 Hybrids as a Visible-Light-driven Photocatalyst: Preparation, Characterization, and Degradation of Rhodamine-B and Methyl Orange

Xiang-Feng Wu,Yi-Jin Wang,Zuo-Lin Cao,Yan-Mei Feng,Hui Li,Chen-Xu Zhang,Jun-Zhang Su,Jia-Rui Zhang,Yi-Wei Wang,Kai-Yuan Wang,Guo-Wen Sun 대한화학회 2018 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.39 No.7

The novel AgCl/Ag2SO3 hybrids as an efficient photocatalyst had been fabricated by an in situ synthetic method. The correlations between the structure and the photocatalytic properties of the as-fabricated hybrids were analyzed. Experimental results exhibited that with increasing the amount of Ag2SO3, the degradation rate of the as-obtained samples was firstly increased and then decreased under the visible light irradiation. When the mass ratio of AgCl to Ag2SO3 was 1:2, in 30?min, it displayed the highest degradation rate of 99.2% for rhodamine-B, which was obviously higher than 46.1, 60.5, and 14.6% of pure AgCl, Ag2SO3, and TiO2 (P25), respectively. Similar results could be found in degradation of methyl orange. It had the maximum of 97.4% in 90?min, which was higher than 55.2, 48.7, and 12.7% of pure AgCl, Ag2SO3, and P25, respectively. Moreover, the as-prepared hybrids possessed the enhanced separation and transfer of photo-generated electron?hole pairs compared to the pure samples. In addition, the holes and superoxide radicals played the dominant role and the hydroxyl radicals played the secondary role during the process of photocatalytic degradation.

Microwave-assisted Solvent-free Synthesis of Some Dimethine Cyanine Dyes, Spectral Properties and TD-DFT/PCM Calculations

Xiang-Han Zhang,Lan-Ying Wang*,Gao-Hong Zhai,Zhen-Yi Wen,Zu-Xun Zhang 대한화학회 2007 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.28 No.12

A series of dimethine cyanine dyes were synthesized in a fast, efficient and high yield by the condensation of quaternary salts with 1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde in the presence of piperidine under solvent-free microwave irradiation. The products were identified by 1H NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectra and elemental analysis. The absorption and fluorescence properties of these dyes were investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Calculations performed at a combination of time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and the polarizable continuum model (PCM) reproduced the p-p* type absorption bands of the dyes. Regression analysis was used for studying theoretical results of the absorption maxima in different solvents. Compared with experimental counterparts, estimated overall uncertainties in the absorption maxima were about ?2%.

Microwave-assisted Solvent-free Synthesis of Some Dimethine Cyanine Dyes, Spectral Properties and TD-DFT/PCM Calculations

Zhang, Xiang-Han,Wang, Lan-Ying,Zhai, Gao-Hong,Wen, Zhen-Yi,Zhang, Zu-Xun Korean Chemical Society 2007 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.28 No.12

A series of dimethine cyanine dyes were synthesized in a fast, efficient and high yield by the condensation of quaternary salts with 1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde in the presence of piperidine under solvent-free microwave irradiation. The products were identified by 1H NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectra and elemental analysis. The absorption and fluorescence properties of these dyes were investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Calculations performed at a combination of time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and the polarizable continuum model (PCM) reproduced the π-π* type absorption bands of the dyes. Regression analysis was used for studying theoretical results of the absorption maxima in different solvents. Compared with experimental counterparts, estimated overall uncertainties in the absorption maxima were about ±2%.

FNC inhibits non-small cell lung cancer by activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway

Jing Xiang,Niu Shuai,Liang Yi,Chen Huiping,Wang Ning,Peng Youmei,Ma Fang,Yue Wanying,Wang Qingduan,Chang Junbiao,Zhang Yi,Zhang Yan 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.1

Background: Previously, we published that 4'-azid-2'-deoxy-2'-fluorarabinoside (FNC), a novel cytosine nucleoside analog, has good anti-viral and anti-tumor activity. Objective: This study aimed to further explore the role and molecular mechanism of FNC in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: FNC was tested in the NSCLC H460 cell line, the Lewis mouse model, and the H460 cell xenograft model. The effects of FNC were assessed by cell viability, transwell migration, and wound scratch analyses of cell migration and invasion. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Proteins expression was assessed by western blot and immunohistochemistry staining (IHC). Results: FNC inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of H460 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. FNC treatment showed efficacy and low toxicity in the Lewis mouse lung cancer model as well as in the H460 cell xenograft model. Further, FNC induced H460 cell apoptosis through the activation of the mitochondrial pathway. Notably, FNC inhibited invasion by increasing E-cadherin protein and reducing the protein expression of VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, and CD31. Conclusion: FNC inhibits NSCLC by activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and regulating the expressions of multiple proteins related to cell adhesion and invasion, highlighting its potential as an NSCLC therapeutic.

Causal Relations between Exposome and Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Hong-Qi Li,Yi-Wei Feng,Yu-Xiang Yang,Xin-Yi Leng,Prof Can Zhang,Shi-Dong Chen,Kevin Kuo,Shu-Yi Huang,Xue-Qing Zhang,Yi Dong,Xiang Han,Xin Cheng,Mei Cui,Lan Tan,Qiang Dong,Jin-Tai Yu 대한뇌졸중학회 2022 Journal of stroke Vol.24 No.2

Background and Purpose To explore the causal relationships of elements of the exposome with ischemic stroke and its subtypes at the omics level and to provide evidence for stroke prevention. Methods We conducted a Mendelian randomization study between exposure and any ischemic stroke (AIS) and its subtypes (large-artery atherosclerotic disease [LAD], cardioembolic stroke [CE], and small vessel disease [SVD]). The exposure dataset was the UK Biobank involving 361,194 subjects, and the outcome dataset was the MEGASTROKE consortium including 52,000 participants. Results We found that higher blood pressure (BP) (systolic BP: odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.04; diastolic BP: OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05; pulse pressure: OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.06), atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.25), and diabetes (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.18) were significantly associated with ischemic stroke. Importantly, higher education (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.79) decreased the risk of ischemic stroke. Higher systolic BP (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10), pulse pressure (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.14), diabetes (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.45), and coronary artery disease (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.00) could cause LAD. Atrial fibrillation could cause CE (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.71 to 2.11). For SVD, higher systolic BP (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.07), diastolic BP (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.12), and diabetes (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.36) were causal factors. Conclusions The study revealed elements of the exposome causally linked to ischemic stroke and its subtypes, including conventional causal risk factors and novel protective factors such as higher education.

Common Variants in the PALB2 Gene Confer Susceptibility to Breast Cancer: a Meta-analysis

Zhang, Yi-Xia,Wang, Xue-Mei,Kang, Shu,Li, Xiang,Geng, Jing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.12

Objective: Increasing scientific evidence suggests that common variants in the PALB2 gene may confer susceptibility to breast cancer, but many studies have yielded inconclusive results. This meta-analysis aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between PALB2 genetic variants and breast cancer risk. Methods: An extensive literary search for relevant studies was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CISCOM, CINAHL, Google Scholar, CNKI and CBM databases from their inception through September 1st, 2013. A meta-analysis was performed using the STATA 12.0 software and crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Six case-control studies were included with a total of 4,499 breast cancer cases and 6,369 healthy controls. Our meta-analysis reveals that PALB2 genetic variants may increase the risk of breast cancer (allele model: OR>1.36, 95%CI: 1.20~1.52, P < 0.001; dominant model: OR>1.64, 95%CI: 1.42~1.91, P < 0.001; respectively). Subgroup analyses by ethnicity indicated PALB2 genetic variants were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer among both Caucasian and Asian populations (all P < 0.05). No publication bias was detected in this meta-analysis (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: The current meta-analysis indicates that PALB2 genetic variants may increase the risk of breast cancer. Thus, detection of PALB2 genetic variants may be a promising biomarker approach.

Overexpressed Ostepontin-c as a Potential Biomarker for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Zhang, Mei-Xiang,Xu, Yi-Jun,Zhu, Ming-Chen,Yan, Feng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.12

Background: The metastasis gene osteopontin (OPN) is subject to alternative splicing, which yields three messages, osteopontin-a, osteopontin-b and osteopontin-c. Osteopontin-c is selectively expressed in invasive, but not in noninvasive tumors. In the present study, we examined the expression of OPN-c in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) and assessed its value as a diagnostic biomarker. Methods: OPN-c expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 63 ESCC samples and correlated with clinicopathologic factors. Expression was also examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 120 ESCC patients and 30 healthy subjects. The role of OPN-c mRNA as a tumor marker was investigated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Results: Immunohistochemistry showed that OPN-c was expressed in 30 of 63 cancer lesions (48%)and significantly associated with pathological T stage (P=0.038) and overall stage (P=0.023). Real time PCR showed that OPN-c mRNA was expressed at higher levels in the PBMCs of ESCC patients than in those of healthy subjects (P<0.0001) with a sensitivity as an ESCC biomarker of 86.7%. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that expression of OPN-c is significantly elevated in ESCCs and this upregulation could be a potential diagnostic marker.

A Highly Active Alpha Amylase from Bacillus Licheniformis: Directed Evolution, Enzyme Characterization and Structural Analysis

( Yi Han Liu ),( Shu Ai Fan ),( Xiao Guang Liu ),( Zhi Meng Zhang ),( Jian Ling Wang ),( Zheng Xiang Wang ),( Fu Ping Lu ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.7

The stability of Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase (BLA) under acid condition was enhanced through direct evolution using the error-prone polymerase chain reaction. One beneficial mutation site, H281I, was obtained in BLA. The specific activity of H281I was 161/352 U/mg, which was 62.6/27.5% higher than that of the wild-type (WT) (99/276 U/mg) at pH 4.5/6.5 and 95°C. The pH optimum for H281I was decreased about 1 unit, whereas no significant changes of optimum temperature and thermostability were observed compared with the wild type (WT). The kcat/Km value of H281I was 1.7-/1.4-fold higher at pH 4.5/6.5, respectively, than that of WT. The structure model analysis indicated that the H281I mutation altered the predicted interaction between the amino acid residues at 281 and 273, thus creating a conducive local environment for substrate binding, as reflected by its decreased Km, and consequently increased the specific activity.