Identification of Specific Gene Modules in Mouse Lung Tissue Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

Xing, Yong-Hua,Zhang, Jun-Ling,Lu, Lu,Li, De-Guan,Wang, Yue-Ying,Huang, Song,Li, Cheng-Cheng,Zhang, Zhu-Bo,Li, Jian-Guo,Xu, Guo-Shun,Meng, Ai-Min Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.10

Background: Exposure to cigarette may affect human health and increase risk of a wide range of diseases including pulmonary diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung fibrosis and lung cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis induced by cigarettes still remain obscure even with extensive studies. With systemic view, we attempted to identify the specific gene modules that might relate to injury caused by cigarette smoke and identify hub genes for potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers from specific gene modules. Materials and Methods: The dataset GSE18344 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and divided into mouse cigarette smoke exposure and control groups. Subsequently, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct a gene co-expression network for each group and detected specific gene modules of cigarette smoke exposure by comparison. Results: A total of ten specific gene modules were identified only in the cigarette smoke exposure group but not in the control group. Seven hub genes were identified as well, including Fip1l1, Anp32a, Acsl4, Evl, Sdc1, Arap3 and Cd52. Conclusions: Specific gene modules may provide better understanding of molecular mechanisms, and hub genes are potential candidates of therapeutic targets that may possible improve development of novel treatment approaches.

Modelling of Acoustic Waves Propagating in Nesting Fibonacci Super-Lattice Phononic Crystal

Min Zhao,Hai-Feng Qi,Jia-Hui Xu,Ya-Zhuo Xie,Xing-Gan Zhang,Jian Gao 대한금속·재료학회 2014 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.20 No.4

Herein, we report construction of one kind of nesting-Fibonacci-super-lattice phononic crystal, in whichthe super-lattice cell is a well-defined Fibonacci generation sequence. We present a comparative study onband-gap structures of acoustic waves propagating in one-dimensional, nesting Fibonacci-periodic structureand simple-periodic structure. We find that there are more band gaps in nesting Fibonacci super-latticemodels, and that they present behavior different from the split-up of band gaps with different generationnumbers. With the increase of generation number, more band gaps split and occur. Additionally, whengeneration number becomes larger, Bragg scattering becomes more significant: the characteristic curvesbecome flatter and band gaps become wider. Furthermore, we study the effect of various parameters suchas density, thickness and defects on band-gap structures. Our work is significant both for understandingthe intrinsic physical properties of nesting Fibonacci sequences and for providing flexible choices to meetreal engineering requirements.

Mutations in AP22.65 Accelerate Flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana

Ji Hong Xing,Feng Ru Wang,Jiao Jia,Jing Zhang,Li Li,Zhan Chen,Qiao Yun Weng,Ping Yang,Ye Zhang,Bin Zhao,He Long Si,Jin Gao Dong,Jian Min Han 한국식물학회 2013 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.56 No.1

Identification of the gene(s) responsible for floweringtime in Arabidopsis has significant implications. We used theT-DNA insertion library of Arabidopsis thaliana to screen anearly-flowering mutant that exhibits accelerated floweringunder short-day conditions. AP22.65, a novel flowering-timegene in that species, was isolated and identified via genomewalkingand bioinformatics analysis. The flowering time ofAP22.65-complementing plants was similar to that of theCol-0 wild type (WT). Conversely, its overexpression delayedflowering. Consistent with this phenotype, expression ofAP22.65 was decreased in the ap22.65-1 mutant, recoveredin AP22.65-complementing plants, and increased in AP22.65-overexpressing plants. Compared with the WT, expressionlevels of critical genes in different flowering pathways, i.e.,SPY, FLC, GI, CO, FT, and LFY, were down-regulated inloss-of-function mutants. Expression of AP22.65 was distributedin flowers, siliques, rosette leaves, and whole seedlings. Therefore, this gene may be a negative regulator of Arabidopsisflowering.

Plasma Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and CCL3 as Potential Biomarkers for Distinguishing Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma from High-Risk Individuals Who Have Positive Epstein-Barr Virus Capsid Antigen-Specific IgA

Ning Xue,Jian-Hua Lin,Shan Xing,Dan Liu,Shi-Bing Li,Yan-Zhen Lai,Xue-Ping Wang,Min-Jie Mao,Qian Zhong,Mu-Sheng Zeng,Wan-Li Liu 대한암학회 2019 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.51 No.1

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify novel plasma biomarkers for distinguishing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients from healthy individuals who have positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen (VCA-IgA). Materials and Methods One hundred seventy-four plasma cytokines were analyzed by a Cytokine Array in eight healthy individuals with positive EBV VCA-IgA and eight patients with NPC. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect the expression levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and CC chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) in NPC cell lines and tumor tissues. Plasma MIF and CCL3 were measured by ELISA in 138 NPC patients, 127 EBV VCA-IgA negative (VN) and 100 EBV VCA-IgA positive healthy donors (VP). Plasma EBV VCA-IgA was determined by immunoenzymatic techniques. Results Thirty-four of the 174 cytokines varied significantly between the VP and NPC group. Plasma MIF and CCL3 were significantly elevated in NPC patients compared with VN and VP. Combination of MIF and CCL3 could be used for the differential diagnosis of NPC from VN cohort (area under the curve [AUC], 0.913; sensitivity, 90.00%; specificity, 80.30%), and combination of MIF, CCL3, and VCA-IgA could be used for the differential diagnosis of NPC from VP cohort (AUC, 0.920; sensitivity, 90.00%; specificity, 84.00%), from (VN+VP) cohort (AUC, 0.961; sensitivity, 90.00%; specificity, 92.00%). Overexpressions of MIF and CCL3 were observed in NPC plasma, NPC cell lines and NPC tissues. Conclusion Plasma MIF, CCL3, and VCA-IgA combination significantly improves the diagnostic specificity of NPC in high-risk individuals.

Biotechnology : Microbial Desulfurization of Dibenzothiophene and 4,6-Dimethyldibenzothiophene in Dodecane and Straight-Run Diesel Oil

( Luo Ming Fang ),( Xing Jian Min ),( Gou Zhong Xuan ),( Liu Hui Zhou ),( Chen Jia Yong ) 한국화학공학회 2003 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.20 No.4

The desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) and their mixture by lyophilized cells of Pseudomonas delafieldii R-8 was studied in the presence of dodecane. The desulfurization rate for 4,6-DMDBT was found to be about 40% in comparison with that for DBT. The desulfurization process for DBT and 4,6-DMDBT proceeded simultaneously without preference for either one. The desulfurization rate for each compound was decreased when they were mixed together. The extent of desulfurization of 4,6-DMDBT was increased with the increase of cell concentration and the decrease of the volume ratio of oil-to-water used. The specific desulfurization rate for 4,6-DMDBT could be reached to 10.4 mmol sulfur kg^(-1) (cell) h^(-1) [approximately 0.33 mg sulfur g^(-1) (cell) h^(-1)]. Pseudomonas delafieldii R-8 showed high desulfurization capability for straight-run diesel oil (containing 1,807 mg/L of sulfur). About 1,000 mg/L of sulfur in diesel oil was removed by resting cells of this strai in 24 h of reaction. The specific desulfurization rate was 8.75 mmol sulfur kg^(-1) (cell) h^(-1).

Silencing of Twist Expression by RNA Interference Suppresses Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition, Invasion, and Metastasis of Ovarian Cancer

Wang, Wen-Shuang,Yang, Xing-Sheng,Xia, Min,Jiang, Hai-Yang,Hou, Jian-Qing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.9

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the role of the Twist gene in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ovarian cancer. Methods: An RNA interference plasmid expressing a small interfering RNA (siRNA)-targeting Twist (Twist siRNA vector) was designed, constructed, and transfected into the human ovarian cancer cell line A2780. Transfection efficiency was assessed under a fluorescence microscope. Changes in the expression of Twist mRNA in A2780 after transfection with the pGenesil Twist shRNA plasmid were analyzed through RT-PCR. MTT assays and adhesion experiments were applied to determine changes in proliferation and adhesion ability of A2870 after transfection with the Twist shRNA plasmid. Changes in the expression of the E-cadherin and N-cadherin proteins in A2780 after transfection with the Twist shRNA plasmid were analyzed using Western blotting. Result: The restructuring plasmid pGenesil-Twist shRNA was constructed successfully. After 48 h of culture, 80% of the cells expressed high-intensity GFP fluorescence and stability. The expression of Twist decreased significantly after the transfection of the Twist shRNA plasmid (P<0.05). Proliferation of the transfected Twist shRNA cells showed no difference with that of the A2780-nontransfection or A2780-si-control groups (P>0.05) but the adhesion ability of A2780 decreased dramatically (P<0.05). Expression of the E-cadherin protein increased, whereas that of the N-cadherin protein decreased compared with that in the A2780-nontransfection or A2780-si-control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Twist is essential for epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis of ovarian cancer.

Analysis of Relationships Between Prethrombotic States and Cervical Cancer

Sun, You-Hong,Cui, Lin,Chen, Jue,Wang, Min,Liu, Jian-Jun,Liu, Xing-Xiang,Huang, Xin-En Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.14

Objective: To analyze the relationship between a prethrombotic state and the occurrence of thrombosis, as well as survival time for patients with cervical cancer. Methods: Patients with first diagnosis of cervical cancer were subgrouped according to FIGO staging, and two D-dimer levels were assessed. According to the results, patients are divided into an observation group (abnormal) and control group (normal). Results: For 106 patients with cervical cancer, 38 with abnormal D-dimer, the abnormal rate is 35.9%, of which stage I accounted for 6.5%, stage II 38.5%, stage III 50%, and stage IV 61.1% (p=0.013); The level of D-dimers in stageI wass $0.87{\pm}0.68ug/ml$, while in stage II it was $1.50{\pm}1.35ug/ml$, stage III $2.60{\pm}1.86ug/ml$ and stage IV $18.6{\pm}53.4ug/ml$ (P=0.031); after follow-up of patients for 2-30 months, the mortality of observation group is 21.1%, while for control group it was 2.94% (p <0.01). In the observation group, survival time was $15.1{\pm}5.8$ months, while for control group it was $21.0{\pm}5.4$ months, the difference between two groups being highly significant (p=0.000). Conclusion: There is a direct correlation between prethrombotic state and the grade malignancy of cervical cancer. The level is positively correlated with clinical stage, and is inversely related to survival time, so that a prethrombotic state could be used to predict the prognosis for patients with cervical cancer.

Sex Differences in Early and Late Recurrence after Liver Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (A Multicenter Study from China)

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

Aims: There is a striking sex difference in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a strong predominance for males. However, the impact of sex on the incidence of recurrence after curative resection of HCC remains controversial. Herein, we assess sex differences in the risks of recurrence and mortality for patients undergone curative resection of HCC. Methods: Data from 1,435 HCC patients undergone curative resection (1,228 males and 207 females) between 2004 and 2014 at five institutions in China were retrospectively analyzed. Patients’ baseline characteristics, operative variables, and rates of early recurrence (≤ 2 years after resection), late recurrence (> 2 years) and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) were evaluated and compared. Multivariable competing-risks regression analyses were performed to identify predictors associated with CSM, early and late recurrence. Results: The early recurrence rates between males and females were similar (43.3% vs. 42.0%, P=0.728), but the late recurrence and CSM rates in males were higher when compared to females (17.2% vs. 11.2%, P=0.044; 42.8% vs. 34.3%, P=0.022). Multivariable competing-risks regression analyses revealed no sex difference in early recurrence; however, males had significantly higher late recurrence rate [hazard ratio (HR), 1.752; 95% CI, 1.145-2.682; P=0.010] and CSM rate (HR, 1.307; 95% CI, 1.015-1.683; P=0.038) than females. Conclusions: Males had significantly higher late recurrence and CSM rates after curative resection of HCC than females. This suggests postoperative surveillance for HCC recurrence be varied by sex, especially for patients without recurrence at 2 years after resection.