Plasma Folate and Vitamin B ₁₂ Levels in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cui, Lian-Hua,Quan, Zhen-Yu,Piao, Jin-Mei,Zhang, Ting-Ting,Jiang, Meng-Hui,Shin, Min-Ho,Choi, Jin-Su MDPI 2016 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES Vol.17 No.7

<P>Folate and vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> involved in the one-carbon metabolism may play a key role in carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through influencing DNA integrity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of plasma folate and vitamin B12 levels with HCC in a case-control study on 312 HCC patients and 325 cancer-free controls. Plasma concentrations of folate and vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> in all the subjects were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Meanwhile, the information of HCC patients’ clinical characteristics including tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, tumor size and tumor markers were collected. The patients of HCC had significantly lower folate levels than those of controls; there was no significant difference in the mean of plasma vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> levels. We also observed an inverse association between the levels of plasma folate and HCC: the adjusted odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence intervals (CI)) of HCC from the highest to lowest quartile of folate were 0.30 (0.15–0.60), 0.33 (0.17–0.65), and 0.19 (0.09–0.38). Compared to the subjects in the lowest quartile of plasma vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB>, only the subjects in the highest quartile of vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> exhibited a significant positive relationship with HCC, the adjusted OR was 2.01 (95% CI, 1.02–3.98). HCC patients with Stage III and IV or bigger tumor size had lower folate and higher vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> levels. There was no significant difference in the mean plasma folate levels of the HCC cases in tumor markers status (AFP, CEA and CA19-9 levels), whereas patients with higher CEA or CA19-9 levels retained significantly more plasma vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> than those with normal-CEA or CA19-9 level. In conclusion, plasma folate and vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> levels could be associated with HCC, and might be used as predictors of clinical characteristics of HCC patients. However, further prospective studies are essential to confirm the observed results.</P>

Upregulation of MicroRNA 181c Expression in Gastric Cancer Tissues and Plasma

Cui, Mei-Hua,Hou, Xiao-Lin,Lei, Xiao-Yan,Mu, Fang-Hong,Yang, Gui-Bin,Yue, Lin,Fu, Yi,Yi, Guo-Xing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.5

Objective: To test the microRNA-181c (miR-181c) expression in tissues and plasma of gastric cancer (GC) cases, analyze any correlations, and explore the possibility of miR-181c as a potential molecular marker for GC diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Relative miR-181c expression levels in cancers and plasma from 30 GC patients was tested using reverse transcription-real-time fluorescent quantitation PCR and compared to that in samples from 30 gastric ulcer and 30 chronic gastritis patients. Results: The miR-181c expression level in the GC tissues was significantly higher than that in the gastric ulcer and chronic gastritis tissues (P = 0.000), as was the miR-181c expression level in the GC plasma (P = 0.000). We determined that miR-181c expression in GC plasma was positively correlated to its expression in the GC tissues (P = 0.000). Conclusions: The expression of miR-181c is upregulated in GC tissues and plasma, and the miR-181c expression level in GC plasma is positively correlated to that in the corresponding cancer tissues. Plasma miR-181c is possibly a new serological marker for GC diagnosis.

An Arabidopsis cell growth defect factor-related protein, CRS, promotes plant senescence by increasing the production of hydrogen peroxide.

Cui, Mei Hua,Ok, Sung Han,Yoo, Kyoung Shin,Jung, Kwang Wook,Yoo, Sang Dong,Shin, Jeong Sheop Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists 2013 Plant & cell physiology Vol.54 No.1

<P>Arabidopsis thaliana Cell Growth Defect factor 1 (Cdf1) has been implicated in promotion of proapoptotic Bax-like cell death via the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we report a conserved function of a chloroplast-targeting Cdf-related gene Responsive to Senescence (CRS) using CRS overexpression and loss of function in plants as well as CRS heterologous expression in yeast. CRS expression was strongly induced in senescent leaves, suggesting its main functions during plant senescence. CRS expression in yeast mitochondria increased the ROS level and led to cell death in a manner similar to Cdf1. In whole plants, overexpression of CRS caused the loss of chlorophylls (Chls) and the rapid onset of leaf senescence, while the lack of CRS led to the delay of leaf senescence in a loss-of-function mutant, crs. The higher and lower accumulation of H(2)O(2) was correlated with early and late senescence in CRS-overexpressing and crs mutant plants, respectively. Furthermore, expression of senescence-related marker genes and metacaspase genes was induced in CRS-overexpressing plants in response to dark. Our findings suggest that CRS plays a key role in the leaf senescence process that accompanies H(2)O(2) accumulation resulting in cell death promotion.</P>

Possibility of Using DNA Chip Technology for Diagnosis of Human Papillomavirus

( Cui Hua Liu ),( Wen Li Ma ),( Rong Shi ),( Yang Qian Ou ),( Bao Zhang ),( Wen Ling Zheng ) 생화학분자생물학회 2003 BMB Reports Vol.36 No.4

To explore the application of DNA chip technology for the detection and typing of Human Papillomavirus(HPV), the HPV6, 11, 16 and 18 gene fragments were isolated and printed onto aminosilane-coated glass slides by a PixSys 5500 microarrayer as probes to prepare the HPV gene chips. HPV samples, after being labeled with fluorescent dye by restriction display PCR (RD-PCR) technology, were hybridized with the microarray, which was followed by scanning and analysis. The experimental condition for preparing the HPV gene chips was investigated, and the possibility of HPV genotyping using gene chips was discussed. The technique that was established in this study for preparing HPV gene chips is practical. The results of the present study demonstrated the versatility and inspiring prospect of using this technology to detect and genotype HPV.

Wind characteristics of high-rise building area at typhoon

Hua Cui,Kyoo-seock Lee 한국기상학회 2013 한국기상학회 학술대회 논문집 Vol.2013 No.4

Effect of nutritional factors on the accretion of secondary metabolites in Malaysian ginseng adventitious root cultures

Cui Xi-Hua,Hosakatte Niranjana Murthy,Zhang Ji-De,Song Hang-Lin,Jiang Yin-Ji,Qi Wen-Wen,Li Yong Yi,백기엽,박소영 한국식물생명공학회 2020 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.14 No.3

In this study, we aimed to verify the effect of nutritional factors on the accretion of secondary metabolites in the adventitious root (AR) cultures of Malaysian ginseng (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) grown in small-scale bioreactors. AR were induced from leaf explants and cultured in different types of media including Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, Driver Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) medium, Gamborg’s B5 medium, Woody Plant Medium (WPM), and ¾ MS medium. Among these media, the MS and Gamborg’s B5 media induced lateral root development from initial inoculum, which accounted for the increase in AR biomass accretion. By contrast, the DKW and WPM media did not induce lateral root formation from the cultured explants. The ¾ MS medium was optimal for the growth of AR and accretion of secondary metabolites, after 7 weeks of culture, the biomass of AR increased by 8.6-fold in ¾ MS medium, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents reached 5.23 and 2 mg g−1 of tissue dry weight, respectively. Analysis of mineral elements in the spent medium revealed that ¾ MS medium was most suitable for nutrient supply to developing AR. LC–MS analysis showed the accretion of eurycomanone, a therapeutically useful metabolite, in the AR of Malaysian ginseng.

Pilot-scale culture of Hypericum perforatum L. adventitious roots in airlift bioreactors for the production of bioactive compounds.

Cui, Xi-Hua,Murthy, Hosakatte Niranjana,Paek, Kee-Yoeup Humana Press 2014 Applied biochemistry and biotechnology Vol.174 No.2

<P>Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort) is an important medicinal plant which is widely used in the treatment for depression and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used as a dietary supplement. Major bioactive phytochemicals of H. perforatum are phenolics and flavonoids. Quality of these phytochemicals is dramatically influenced by environmental and biological factors in the field grown plants. As an alternative, we have developed adventitious root cultures in large-scale bioreactors for the production of useful phytochemicals. Adventitious roots of H. perforatum were cultured in 500 l pilot-scale airlift bioreactors using half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium with an ammonium and nitrate ratio of 5:25 mM and supplemented with 1.0 mg l(-1) indole butyric acid, 0.1 mg l(-1) kinetin, and 3 % sucrose for the production of bioactive phenolics and flavonoids. Then 4.6 and 6.3 kg dry biomass were realized in the 500 l each of drum-type and balloon-type bioreactors, respectively. Accumulation of 66.9 mg g(-1) DW of total phenolics, 48.6 mg g(-1) DW of total flavonoids, 1.3 mg g(-1) DW of chlorogenic acid, 0.01 mg g(-1) DW of hyperin, 0.04 mg g(-1) DW of hypericin, and 0.01 mg g(-1) DW of quercetin could be achieved with adventitious roots cultured in 500 l balloon-type airlift bioreactors. Our findings demonstrate the possibilities of using H. perforatum adventitious root cultures for the production of useful phytochemicals to meet the demand of pharmaceutical and food industry.</P>

Decision on Quality Investment Level Under Moral Hazard Environment

( Cui Hua Zhang ),( Hai Bin Yu ) 한국품질경영학회 2007 The Asian Journal on Quality Vol.8 No.2

Moral hazard and adverse selection often exist in asymmetric information environment. In this paper, quality investment decision problem is studied under moral hazard. A basic model for quality investment level decision is developed with the supplier as a principal and the buyer as an agent. And then we regard the supplier and the buyer`s rational limitations to set up a model when the buyer`s quality evaluation and processing activities are hidden. The model is optimized and the results under different backgrounds are discussed and compared. Results show that the buyer`s quality evaluation level and processing level are mostly influenced by the supplier`s quality assurance payment. Both the supplier and the buyer choose different quality investment levels under moral hazard because of the supplier`s payment to the buyer in case of internal failure and external failure.

일반 논문 : 중국 연변 지역어 처격 조사의 의미기능에 대한 연구

최화 ( Hua Cui ) 조선대학교 인문학연구원 2010 인문학연구 Vol.0 No.40

이 연구의 목적은 중국 연변 지역어의 처격 조사의 형태별 의미기능을 살펴보는 데 있다. 중국 연변 지역어에서 처격 조사는 일반적인 처격 조사 형태인 ``-에``를 포함하여 ``-에서, -(에)다, -(에)다가, -에가, -한테, -ㄴ데, -인데, -보구``의 형태로 나타난다. 또한, 이 지역어의 처격 조사는 목적격 조사와 공동격 조사의 형태로 실현되기도 한다. 이런 형태들은 각자의 의미기능을 수행하는 것을 통하여 처격 조사의 한 부분을 구성한다. 따라서 이들 형태들의 의미기능을 밝히는 것은 연변 지역어 처격 조사의 실현 양상을 파악하는데 도움이 될 것이다. 분석결과, 처격 조사의 대표형인 ``-에``는 [+장소], [+범위], [+조건], [+원인(이유)]의 의미기능이 확인되었다. ``-에서``는 [+활동배경], [+출처]의 의미기능이, ``-에다``는 [+놓이는 장소], [+곁들임] 또는 [+추가함]의 의미기능이, ``-에다가``는 [+놓이는 장소]의 의미기능과 함께 화용론적인 [초점(강조)]의 의미기능이, ``-에가``는 [+변경된 장소]의 의미기능이 확인되었다. 처격 조사 ``-ㄴ데(인데)``는 [+종착점], [+수혜자], [+행동주]의 의미기능이, ``-한테``는 ``-ㄴ데``가 갖는 의미기능 외에 화용론적 의미기능인 [+강조(초점)]의 의미기능이, ``-보구``는 [+행위지시(行爲指示)]의 의미기능이 확인되었다. 처격과 교체를 이루는 ``-으/르``는 [+피사동주], [+수혜자]의 의미기능을, ``-까``는 [+수동성(受動性)]의 의미기능을, ``-하구``는 [+수동성(受動性)]의 의미기능과 함께 [+강조]의 화용론적 의미기능을 하는 것으로 나타났다. The Purpose of this study is investigating meanings and functions of the locative cases by types in Yanbian region language of China. The locative cases in Yanbian region language of China are appeared through ``-에서, -(에)다, -(에)다가, -에가, -한테, -ㄴ데, -인데, -보구``types, excepting for general type``-에``. Furthermore, the locative cases in this region are also appeared in types of purpose locative case and common locative case. These types form one part of the locative casesthrough performing their meanings and functions. So illuminating meanings and functions of these types of locative cases is helpful to identify the patterns of locative cases in Yanbian region language of China. As a result, the typical type ``-에`` is confirmed as the meanings and functions of the [+place], [+range], [+condition] and [+reason]. ``-에서`` is confirmed as the meaning and functions of the [+background] and [+course]. ``-에다`` is confirmed as the meanings and functions of the [+place of putting things], [+garnish] and [+addition]. ``-에다가`` is confirmed as the meanings and functions of the [+place of putting things] and also confirmed as the pragmatic meanings and functions of the [focus(emphasis)]. ``-에가`` is confirmed as the meanings and functions of the [+changed place]. The locative case ``-ㄴ데(인데)`` is confirmed as the meanings and functions of the [+terminal], [+beneficiaries], [+actor]. ``-한테``is confirmed as the pragmatic meanings and functions of [focus(emphasis)] excepting the meanings and functions of which``-ㄴ데.``is keeping. and``-보구``is confirmed as the meanings and functions of the [+directed behavior]. ``-으/르`` which substituted the locative case is confirmed as the meanings and functions of the [+causee] and [+beneficiaries]. ``-까``is confirmed as the meanings and functions of the [+passivity] and at last``-하구``is confirmed as the meanings and functions of the [+passivity] and also confirmed as the pragmatic meanings and functions of the [+emphasis].

남성 주인공 변복 모티프의 한중 비교 연구 - <구운몽(九雲夢)>과 <양교혼(兩交婚)>을 중심으로

최예화 ( Cui Yi-hua ) 택민국학연구원 2018 국학연구론총 Vol.0 No.22

<구운몽>과 <兩交婚>은 한국과 중국 양국에서 거의 동시대에 출현하였다고 할 수 있다. 그런 작품 속에서 남성 변복 모티프가 등장하는 것은 예사로 볼 일이 아니다. 더욱이 <兩交婚> 역시 <구운몽>과 마찬가지로 여성과의 결연을 목적으로 변복하고 있다는 점도 주목할 필요가 있다. 이런 점에서 두 작품을 비교해 보는 것은 흥미로운 일이다. 하지만 본고에서는 영향 관계를 따지거나, 선후를 밝혀 볼 생각은 전혀 없다. 단지 같은 모티프가 각각의 작품 속에서 어떻게 작동하는지를 살피고, 공통점과 차이를 찾아 그 의미를 모색해보았다. <구운몽>과 <兩交婚>은 여성과의 결연을 앞둔 남성이 변복을 한다는 공통점을 갖는다. 결국, 두 작품의 변복 모티프는 결연 서사와 밀접한 관련을 맺는다. <구운몽>과 <兩交婚>은 변복 모티프에 따른 서사 전개가 동일함을 확인할 수 있다. 하지만 <구운몽>과 <兩交婚>의 변복모티프 관련 서사단락의 대비에서 살펴보다시피, 구체적인 부분에서는 차이를 보인다. 이는 아마도 당시 조선과 중국의 향유층 사이에 놓인 의식의 차이에 따른 것이라고도 할 수 있다. < The Cloud Dream of The Nine九雲夢 > and < Two marriages兩交婚 > appeared in Korea and China around the same period. Both works use character disguise as a motif. Furthermore, it is remarkable that the main character in < Two marriages兩交婚 > is disguised as a woman for the relationship with woman, as is the case for < The Cloud Dream of The Nine九雲夢 >. In this sense, it would be interesting to compare the two works. The purpose of this study is not to find out how one work influenced the other,# or which work came out first. Instead, this study examines how the same motif is applied in each work and observes how similar and distinct features determine meaning. < The Cloud Dream of The Nine九雲夢 > and < Two marriages兩交婚 > employ the same literary device where a man disguises himself before beginning a relationship with woman. Thus, the disguising motif in the two works are closely related to relationships. This study identifies that < The Cloud Dream of The Nine九雲夢 > and < Two marriages兩交婚 > had the same story development based on the disguising motif. However, a comparison of the narratives which relate to the use of the disguising motif in < The Cloud Dream of The Nine九雲夢 > and < Two marriages兩交婚 >, show differences in the details. It is assumed that such differences are caused by the different perceptions of the Joseon and Chinese people who were fans of both works.