Simulation and performance evaluation of the anoxic/anaerobic/aerobic process for biological nutrient removal

Zhen Zhou,Zhichao Wu,Zhiwei Wang,Shujuan Tang,Guowei Gu,Luochun Wang,Yingjun Wang,Zhiling Xin 한국화학공학회 2011 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.28 No.5

As a modified configuration of the conventional anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic (AAO) process, a novel anoxic/anaerobic/aerobic (Reversed AAO, RAAO) process has been extensively applied in domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). In this study, the Activated Sludge Model No. 2d (ASM2d) and a secondary clarifier model were calibrated and applied to simulate a pilot-scale RAAO test and evaluate the operational performance of the RAAO process. For calibration of the biological model ASM2d, only four kinetic parameters were adjusted to accurately simulate in-process variations of ammonium, nitrate and phosphate. Simulation results by the calibrated model demonstrated that phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAO) in the RAAO process (0.243 gP·(gCOD)^−1) contains less poly-phosphate than the AAO process (0.266 gP·(gCOD)^−1). With the increasing mixed liquor recirculation ratio in the RAAO process,the fraction of heterotrophic biomass and autotrophic biomass both increased, whereas the PAO decreased owing to adverse effects of electron acceptors on phosphorus release and poly-hydroxy-alkanoates synthesis.

Fotemustine, Teniposide and Dexamethasone in Treating Patients with CNS Lymphoma

Wu, Jing-Jing,Wang, Xin-Hua,Li, Ling,Li, Xin,Zhang, Lei,Sun, Zhen-Chang,Fu, Xiao-Rui,Ma, Wang,Chang, Yu,Zhang, Xu-Dong,Han, Li-Juan,Zhang, Ming-Zhi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.11

Purpose: We developed and evaluated a regimen including fotemustine, teniposide and dexamethasone (FTD) for treating patients with central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma based on pharmacokinetic properties of individual agents and in combination. Patients and Methods: In a comparison study, 8 patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) and 8 with secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL) were treated with FTD (comprising fotemustine 100 mg/m2, 1h infusion, day 1; teniposide 60 mg/m2, >0.5 h infusion, on day 2, 3, 4; dexamethasone 40 mg, 1h infusion, on day 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; and methotrexate 12 mg, cytosine arabinoside 50 mg plus dexamethasone 5 mg intrathecally, on day 2 and 7). Cycles were repeated every 3 weeks. After response assessment, patients received whole brain radiotherapy. Results: Of the 8 PCNSL patients, 4 (50%) achieved CR and 3 (38%) PR, an overall response rate of 88%. Four patients (50%) were in continuing remission at the end of this study after a median follow-up of 30 months (range 10 to 56 months). Of the 8 SCNSL patients the overall response rate was 63% (CR+PR: 38%+25%). All responses were achievable with predictable toxicity mainly reflecting reversible myelosuppression. Conclusion: This study suggests that FTD could be an effective treatment for CNS lymphoma, and is worthy of further evaluation.

Risk Factors, Patterns, and Outcomes of Late Recurrence after Liver Resection for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Analysis of a Multicenter Cohort over 15 Years)

( Xin-fei Xu ),( Jiong-jie Yu ),( Ju-dong Li ),( Hao Xing ),( Jun Han ),( Zhen-li Li ),( Han Wu ),( Han Zhang ),( Jian-hong Zhong ),( Yi- Sheng Huang ),( Ya-hao Zhou ),( Ting-hao Chen ),( Hong Wang ) 대한간학회 2018 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2018 No.1

Aims: Late recurrence (> 2 years) after liver resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is usually considered as multi-centric tumors or de novo cancer formation. We aimed to investigate risk factors, patterns and outcomes of late recurrence after HCC resection. Methods: From a multicenter database from 2001 to 2015, 734 patients who were alive and recurrence-free at 2 years after curative resection of initial HCC were enrolled into this retrospective study. Univariate and multivariate Cox-regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors of late recurrence. Patterns, treatments and outcomes of late recurrence were investigated and analyzed. Results: During a median follow-up of 78.0 months after surgery, 303 patients (41.3%) developed late recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed that cirrhosis, macroscopic vascular invasion, satellites, and tumor size > 5cm were independent risk factors of late recurrence. Among them, 273 (90.1%) were sole intrahepatic recurrence, 30 (9.9%) were concurrent intrahepatic and extrahepatic recurrence, and none of them was sole extrahepatic recurrence; 165 (54.4%) patients received curative treatments for recurrent HCC, including re-resection, transplantation and local ablation. Multivariate analysis showed regular postoperative surveillance and receiving curative treatments were two independent protective factors of prolonging survival for those patients with late recurrence. Conclusions: Late recurrence is correlated with cirrhosis and certain tumor-related characteristics of initial HCC. The patterns of late recurrence suggest that postoperative surveillance after 2 years of surgery could be adjusted and more targeted. Regular postoperative surveillance improves the probability to receive curative treatments again, yielding to better outcomes for patients with late recurrence.

Compatibility of Neural Stem Cells with Functionalized Selfassembling Peptide Scaffold In vitro

Zhen Xing Zhang,Ding Jun Hao,Qi Xin Zheng,Yong Chao Wu 한국생물공학회 2010 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.15 No.4

In this study, we evaluated the behavior of neural stem cells (NSCs) using a new peptide hydrogel scaffold named IKVAVmx, which was made by mixing self-assembling peptide RADA16 and designer peptide RADA16-IKVAV solutions. NSCs derived from rat cerebral cortex were culture-expanded in neuorobasal medium and seeded on the RADA16 and IKVAVmx hydrogels. Cells could penetrate the hydrogels and form a 3D cellular network. Compared to pure RADA16 scaffold, we found that IKVAVmx scaffold significantly promoted cell proliferation and stimulated cell migration into the 3D scaffold. Moreover, Immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis indicated that the differentiation ratio of neurons from NSCs in IKVAVmx scaffold was higher than that in pure RADA16 scaffold. These results suggested that this new hydrogel scaffold provided an ideal substrate for NSCs 3D culture and suggested its further application for neural tissue engineering.

Identification of Homer1 as a Potential Prognostic Marker for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Wu, San-Yun,Yu, Ming-Xia,Li, Xiao-Gai,Xu, Shu-Fang,Shen, Ji,Sun, Zhen,Zhou, Xin,Chen, Xing-Zhen,Tu, Jian-Cheng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.7

Background: The aim of the present study was to analyze whether Homer1 is a potential prognostic marker for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Materials and Methods: The expression of Homer1 in ICC tissue was detected with immunohistochemistry and levels of protein in ICC and paratumor tissues were evaluated by Western blotting. Survival analysis by the Kaplan-Meier method was performed to assess prognostic significance. Results: Homer1 expression was high in 67.4% (58/86) of ICC samples, and there was significant difference between ICC and adjacent noncancerous tissues (p<0.001); high expression was associated with poor histologic differentiation (p=0.019), TNM stage (p=0.014), lymph node metastasis (p=0.040), and lymphatic invasion (p=0.025). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, a comparison of survival curves of low versus high expressors of Homer1 revealed a highly significant difference in OS (p=0.001) and DFS (p=0.006), indicating that high expression of Homer1 was linked with a worse prognosis. Multivariate analyses showed that Homer1 expression was an independent risk factor predicting overall survival[Hazard ratio(HR), 7.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.63-21.47; p=0.002] and disease-free survival (HR, 11.56; 95%CI, 5.17-25.96; p<0.001) in ICC. Conclusions: Homer1 promotes lymphatic invasion and associates with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of ICC. The current study shows that Homer1 may be an independent prognostic factor for ICC patients after curative resection, and it provides an important basis for screening/treating high-risk patients.

Faecal Microbiota Microsphere Contributed to Relieving Gut Barrier Damage in Colitis

Shuang Zhen,Cheng Zhao,Xin Zhao,Wu Ji,Jieshou Li 한국고분자학회 2020 Macromolecular Research Vol.28 No.6

Gut microbiota play an important role in many diseases. However, few researches evaluated the effect of faecal bacteria transplantation in protecting gut barrier during colitis. In this study, we focused on the effect of faecal microbiota encapsulated alginate microsphere on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis mice. Bacteria are sensitive to gastric juice and digestive enzymes, which is the dilemma of utilizing microbiota. Through taking advantage of alginate, microspheres that could protect its contents were fabricated. In vitro drug release experiment demonstrated their ability in protecting contents in simulated gastric fluid and release contents in simulated intestinal fluid. Thus, the resultant microsphere could be used in faecal microbiota transplantation. In vivo, the transplantation of faecal microbiota from healthy mice showed protection against DSS induced oxidative stress and gut barrier damage. Our findings suggest that the faecal microbiota transplantation could be a potential effective treatment for protecting gut barrier in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) colitis with faecal microbiota encapsulated alginate microsphere.

Benefit of Post-mastectomy Radiotherapy of the Supra-/infraclavicular Lymphatic Drainage Area in Breast Cancer Patients

He, Zhen-Yu,Wu, San-Gang,Zhou, Juan,Sun, Jia-Yuan,Li, Feng-Yan,Lin, Qin,Guo, Ling,Lin, Huan-Xin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.14

Background: This study investigated the survival benefit of radiotherapy (RT) of the supra- and infraclavicular lymphatic drainage area in Chinese women with T1-2N1M0 breast cancer receiving mastectomy. Methods: A total of 593 cases were retrospectively reviewed from 1998 to 2007. The relationship between supra- or infraclavicular fossa relapse (SCFR) and post-operative RT at the supra-/infraclavicular lymphatic drainage area was evaluated. Results: The majority of patients (532/593; 89. 8%) received no RT while 61 patients received RT. The median follow-up was 85 months. Among patients without RT, 54 (10. 2%) developed recurrence in the chest wall or ipsilateral SCFR. However, none of the 61 patients who underwent RT demonstrated SCFR. One patient who received RT (1. 6%) experienced recurrence in the chest wall. Univariate analysis revealed that age and molecular subtype (both P < 0. 05) were two prognostic factors related to supraclavicular and infraclavicular fossa relapse-free survival (SFRFS). Multivariate analysis revealed that only Her-2 positive status (P = 0. 011) was an independent predictor of SFRFS. RT had no influence on distant metastasis (P = 0. 328) or overall survival (P = 0. 541). SCFR significantly affected probability of distant metastasis (P < 0. 001) and overall survival (P < 0. 001). Conclusion: Although RT was not significantly associated with SFRFS, postoperative RT was significantly associated with a lower locoregional (i. e., supraclavicular/infraclavicular and chest wall) recurrence rate. SCFR significantly influenced distant metastasis-free survival, which significantly influenced the overall survival of T1-2N1M0 breast cancer patients after mastectomy. Thus, prophylactic RT is recommended in T1-2N1M0 breast cancer patients, especially those who have Her-2 positive lesions.

Predictive Role of ERCC1 and XPD Genetic Polymorphisms in Survival of Chinese Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Zhang, Zhen-Yong,Tian, Xin,Wu, Rong,Liang, Yuan,Jin, Xue-Ying Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.6

Aim: There is increasing evidence that ERCC1 and XPD have roles in response to chemotherapy among patients with NSCLC, but the results are conflicting. Therefore, we conducted the present prospective study in a Chinese population. Methods: A total of 632 primary NSCLC patients were included, followed-up from May 2006 to May 2011. Polymorphisms were detected by real time PCR with TaqMan probse, using genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples. The Cox regression model was used to analyze the hazard ratios (HR) for ERCC1 and XPD. Results: The median time of follow-up was 31.6 months. Our results showed the ERCC1 118 T/T(HR=1.65, 95% CI=1.17-2.43) and XPD 751 Gln/Gln genotypes (HR=1.52, 95%CI=1.04-2.08) were associated with an increased risk of death from NSCLC. Moreover, the ERCC118 T allele and XPD 751 Gln allele genotypes had a more higher risk of death from NSCLC among both ex-smokers and current smokers. Conclusion: In summary, ERCC1 and XPD gene polymorphisms might provide better prognostic predictive information for NSCLC patients in Chinese populations, with smoking possibly interacting with the genotypes.

MicroRNA-576-3p Inhibits Proliferation in Bladder Cancer Cells by Targeting Cyclin D1

Liang, Zhen,Li, Shiqi,Xu, Xin,Xu, Xianglai,Wang, Xiao,Wu, Jian,Zhu, Yi,Hu, Zhenghui,Lin, Yiwei,Mao, Yeqing,Chen, Hong,Luo, Jindan,Liu, Ben,Zheng, Xiangyi,Xie, Liping Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2015 Molecules and cells Vol.38 No.2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous RNAs that play important gene-regulatory roles by binding to the imperfectly complementary sequences at the 3'-UTR of mRNAs and directing their gene expression. Here, we first discovered that miR-576-3p was down-regulated in human bladder cancer cell lines compared with the non-malignant cell line. To better characterize the role of miR-576-3p in bladder cancer cells, we over-expressed or down-regulated miR-576-3p in bladder cancer cells by transfecting with chemically synthesized mimic or inhibitor. The overexpression of miR-576-3p remarkably inhibited cell proliferation via G1-phase arrest, and decreased both mRNA and protein levels of cyclin D1 which played a key role in G1/S phase transition. The knock-down of miR-576-3p significantly promoted the proliferation of bladder cancer cells by accelerating the progression of cell cycle and increased the expression of cyclin D1. Moreover, the dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that miR-576-3p could directly target cyclin D1 through binding its 3'-UTR. All the results demonstrated that miR-576-3p might be a novel suppressor of bladder cancer cell proliferation through targeting cyclin D1.

Is Surgical Resection Justified for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus? (A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis)

( Liang Lei ),( Xin-fei Xu ),( Jiong-jie Yu ),( Ju-dong Li ),( Zhen-li Li ),( Jun Han ),( Han Zhang ),( Hao Xing ),( Han Wu ),( Ming-da Wang ),( Chao Li ),( Zheng Wang ),( Feng Shen ),( Meng-chao Wu ) 대한간학회 2018 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2018 No.1

Aims: The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is very poor. According to the BCLC treatment recommendations, sorafenib or other palliative treatment (PT) is recommended as the first-line therapy when it happens. In real world, however, a significant number of selected patients with HCC and PVTT suffered from surgical resection (SR). Methods: PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane library were searched for studies comparing SR with PT (including TACE, sorafenib, etc.) for HCC with PVTT, which were published before September 2017. Results: 4,810 patients from 7 studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis, which divided into the SR group (n = 2,344) and the PT group (n = 2476). When compared with the PT group, the pooled hazard ratio (HR) for the 1, 3 and 5-year OS rates of the SR group were 0.56 (95% CI 0.52-0.60, P=0.03), 0.56 (95% CI 0.53-0.59, P<0.001) and 0.55 (95% CI 0.54-0.57, P<0.001). For subgroup analysis, when compared with the mere TACE group, the pooled HR for the 1, 3 and 5-year OS rates of the SR group were 0.54 (95% CI 0.43-0.67, P=0.81), 0.75 (95% CI 0.65-0.87, P=0.25) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.67-0.88, P=0.25). Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated SR had better OS than TACE or other palliative therapy for HCC with PVTT. SR may be suitable as the first-line treatment for selected patients with resectable HCC and removable PVTT.