Comparison of Liver Transplantation and Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus Type I and Type II

Jia-Yu Lv,Ning-Ning Zhang,Ya-Wei Du,Ying Wu,Tian-Qiang Song,Ya-Min Zhang,Yan Qu,Yu-Xin Liu,Jie Gu,Ze-Yu Wang,Yi-Bo Qiu,Bing Yang,Da-Zhi Tian,Qing-Jun Guo,Li Zhang,Ji-San Sun,Yan Xie,Zheng-Lu Wang,Xin 연세대학교의과대학 2021 Yonsei medical journal Vol.62 No.1

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) for hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) and to investigate risk factors affecting prognosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 94 HCC patients with PVTT type I (segmental PVTT) and PVTT type II (lobar PVTT) were involvedand divided into LR (n=47) and LT groups (n=47). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were comparedbefore and after inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Prognostic factors for RFS and OS were explored. Results: Two treatment groups were well-balanced using IPTW. In the entire cohort, LT provided a better prognosis than LR. Among patients with PVTT type I, RFS was better with LT (p=0.039); OS was not different significantly between LT and LR(p=0.093). In subgroup analysis of PVTT type I patients with α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels >200 ng/mL, LT elicited significantly longermedian RFS (18.0 months vs. 2.1 months, p=0.022) and relatively longer median OS time (23.6 months vs. 9.8 months, p=0.065). Among patients with PVTT type II, no significant differences in RFS and OS were found between LT and LR (p=0.115 and 0.335,respectively). Multivariate analyses showed treatment allocation (LR), tumor size (>5 cm), AFP and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels to be risk factors of RFS and treatment allocation (LR), AFP and AST as risk factors for OS. Conclusion: LT appeared to afford a better prognosis for HCC with PVTT type I than LR, especially in patients with AFP levels>200 ng/mL.

BRCA1 Gene Exon 11 Mutations in Uighur and Han Women with Early-onset Sporadic Breast Cancer in the Northwest Region of China

Cao, Yu-Wen,Fu, Xin-Ge,Wan, Guo-Xing,Yu, Shi-Ying,Cui, Xiao-Bin,Li, Li,Jiang, Jin-Fang,Zheng, Yu-Qin,Zhang, Wen-Jie,Li, Feng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.11

The prevalence of BRCA1 gene mutations in breast cancer differs between diverse ethnic groups. Relatively little information is known about patterns of BRCA1 mutations in early-onset breast cancer in women of Uighur or Han descent, the major ethnic populations of the Xinjiang region in China. The aim of this study was to identify BRCA1 mutations in Uighur and Han patients with early-onset (age <35 years), and sporadic breast cancer for genetic predisposition to breast cancer. For detection of BRCA1 mutations, we used a polymerase chain reaction single-stranded conformation polymorphism approach, followed by direct DNA sequencing in 22 Uighur and 13 Han women with early-onset sporadic breast cancer, and 32 women with benign breast diseases. The prevalence of BRCA1 mutations in this population was 22.9% (8/35) among early-onset sporadic breast cancer cases. Of these, 31.8% (7/22) of Uighur patients and 7.69% (1/13) of Han patients were found to have BRCA1 mutations. In 7 Uighur patients with BRCA1 mutations, there were 11 unique sequence alterations in the BRCA1 gene, including 4 clearly disease-associated mutations on exon 11 and 3 variants of uncertain clinical significance on exon 11, meanwhile 4 neutral variants on intron 20 or 2. None of the 11 BRCA1 mutations identified have been previously reported in the Breast Cancer Information Core database. These findings reflect the prevalence of BRCA1 mutations in Uighur women with early-onset and sporadic breast cancer, which will allow for provision of appropriate genetic counseling and treatment for Uighur patients in the Xinjiang region.

A Prediction Model Based on the Risk Factors Associated with Pathological Upgrading in Patients with Early-Stage Gastric Neoplasms Diagnosed by Endoscopic Forceps Biopsy

Zhao Yu Han,Zheng Yu,Sha Jie,Hua Hong Jin,Li Ke Dong,Lu Yu,Dang Yi Ni,Zhang Guo Xin 거트앤리버 소화기연관학회협의회 2023 Gut and Liver Vol.17 No.1

Background/Aims: The discrepancies between the diagnosis of preoperative endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients with early gastric neoplasm (EGN) exist objectively. Among them, pathological upgrading directly influences the accuracy and appropriateness of clinical decisions. The aims of this study were to investigate the risk factors for the discrepancies, with a particular focus on pathological upgrading and to establish a prediction model for estimating the risk of pathological upgrading after EFB. Methods: We retrospectively collected the records of 978 patients who underwent ESD from December 1, 2017 to July 31, 2021 and who had a final histopathology determination of EGN. A nomogram to predict the risk of pathological upgrading was constructed after analyzing subgroup differences among the 901 lesions enrolled. Results: The ratio of pathological upgrading was 510 of 953 (53.5%). Clinical, laboratorial and endoscopic characteristics were analyzed using univariable and binary multivariable logistic regression analyses. A nomogram was constructed by including age, history of chronic atrophic gastritis, symptoms of digestive system, blood high density lipoprotein concentration, macroscopic type, pathological diagnosis of EFB, uneven surface, remarkable redness, and lesion size. The C-statistics were 0.804 (95% confidence interval, 0.774 to 0.834) and 0.748 (95% confidence interval, 0.664 to 0.832) in the training and validation set, respectively. We also built an online webserver based on the proposed nomogram for convenient clinical use. Conclusions: The clinical value of identifying the preoperative diagnosis of EGN lesions is limited when using EFB separately. We have developed a nomogram that can predict the probability of pathological upgrading with good calibration and discrimination value.

Overexpression of Cyclooxygenase-1 Correlates with Poor Prognosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Yu, Zu-Hu,Zhang, Qiang,Wang, Ya-Dong,Chen, Jing,Jiang, Zhi-Mao,Shi, Min,Guo, Xin,Qin, Jie,Cui, Guang-Hui,Cai, Zhi-Ming,Gui, Yao-Ting,Lai, Yong-Qing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.6

The aim of this study was to evaluate expression of COX-1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its prognostic value. mRNA of COX-1 was detected in 42 paired RCC and adjacent normal tissues with quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Expression of COX-1 was also evaluated in 196 RCC sections and 91 adjacent normal tissues with immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed to assess COX-1 expression in RCC and its prognostic significance. The results of qRT-PCR showed mRNA levels of COX-1 in RCC tissues to be significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemical assays also revealed COX-1 to be overexpressed in RCC tissues (p < 0.001). Statistical analysis demonstrated high expression of COX-1 was correlated with tumour size (p = 0.002), pathological stage (p = 0.003), TNM stage (p = 0.003, 0.007, 0.027, respectively), and tumour recurrence (p < 0.001). Survival analysis indicated patients with high expression of COX-1 had shorter survival time (p < 0.001), and COX-1 was an independent predictor. This is the first study to reveal overexpression of COX-1 in RRC and point to use as a prognostic marker in affected patients.

Nicotine exacerbates tacrolimus-induced renal injury by programmed cell death

( Yu Ji Jiang ),( Sheng Cui ),( Kang Luo ),( Jun Ding ),( Qi Yan Nan ),( Shang Guo Piao ),( Mei Ying Xuan ),( Hai Lan Zheng ),( Yong Jie Jin ),( Ji Zhe Jin ),( Jung Pyo Lee ),( Byung Ha Chung ),( Bum 대한내과학회 2021 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.36 No.6

Background/Aims: Cigarette smoking is an important modifiable risk factor in kidney disease progression. However, the underlying mechanisms for this are lacking. This study aimed to assess whether nicotine (NIC), a major toxic component of cigarette smoking, would exacerbates tacrolimus (TAC)-induced renal in-jury. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were treated daily with NIC, TAC, or both drugs for 4 weeks. The influence of NIC on TAC-caused renal injury was examined via renal function, histopathology, oxidative stress, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and programmed cell death (apoptosis and autophagy). Results: Both NIC and TAC significantly impaired renal function and histopathology, while combined NIC and TAC treatment aggravated these parameters beyond the effects of either alone. Increased oxidative stress, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokine expressions, and programmed cell death from either NIC or TAC were also aggravated by the two combined. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that NIC exacerbates chronic TAC nephrotoxicity, implying that smoking cessation may be beneficial for transplant smokers taking TAC.

Transcriptional activation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 by 17β-estradiol in SaOS-2 cells

Yu-yan Zhao,Lei Guo,Xiao-juan Zhao,Hong Liu,Tian Lei,Dong-jie Ma,Xiao-yu Gao 생화학분자생물학회 2009 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.41 No.7

Osteoblasts can synthesize the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which may either enhance or attenuate IGF-stimulated bone cell proliferation. Since estrogen induced osteoblastic differentiation and proliferation through an estrogen- responsive gene in target cells, we investigated the effects of estrogen on IGFBP-6 expression in the human osteoblastic-like cell line SaOS-2. Expressions of IGFBP-6 protein and mRNA increased 2.8 and 2-fold, respectively, in the presence of 17-β-estradiol (E2) (0.01 to 1 μM) and estrogen receptor (ER) in SaOS-2 cells. On the other hand, E2 induced a 2-fold increase in SaOS-2 cell proliferation. To identify genomic sequences associated with estrogen responsiveness, the 5'-promoter region (-44 to +118) of the IGFBP-6 gene was cloned into a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter vector. E2 induced a 3-fold increase in CAT activity in SaOS-2 cells transiently transfected with this construct. Identification of the estrogen- responsive element (ERE) [5'-CCTTCA CCTG-3'] (-9 to +1) in this IGFBP-6 gene promoter region was confirmed using electromobility shift assays and deletion analysis. This functional ERE was important for E2-induced trans-activation of the IGFBP-6 gene. These results demonstrate that E2 exhibits a positive effect on IGFBP-6 gene transcription through estrogen- liganded ER binding to the functional ERE in the IGFBP-6 gene promoter in SaOS-2 cells. Osteoblasts can synthesize the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which may either enhance or attenuate IGF-stimulated bone cell proliferation. Since estrogen induced osteoblastic differentiation and proliferation through an estrogen- responsive gene in target cells, we investigated the effects of estrogen on IGFBP-6 expression in the human osteoblastic-like cell line SaOS-2. Expressions of IGFBP-6 protein and mRNA increased 2.8 and 2-fold, respectively, in the presence of 17-β-estradiol (E2) (0.01 to 1 μM) and estrogen receptor (ER) in SaOS-2 cells. On the other hand, E2 induced a 2-fold increase in SaOS-2 cell proliferation. To identify genomic sequences associated with estrogen responsiveness, the 5'-promoter region (-44 to +118) of the IGFBP-6 gene was cloned into a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter vector. E2 induced a 3-fold increase in CAT activity in SaOS-2 cells transiently transfected with this construct. Identification of the estrogen- responsive element (ERE) [5'-CCTTCA CCTG-3'] (-9 to +1) in this IGFBP-6 gene promoter region was confirmed using electromobility shift assays and deletion analysis. This functional ERE was important for E2-induced trans-activation of the IGFBP-6 gene. These results demonstrate that E2 exhibits a positive effect on IGFBP-6 gene transcription through estrogen- liganded ER binding to the functional ERE in the IGFBP-6 gene promoter in SaOS-2 cells.

Two-Step Oxidation of Refractory Gold Concentrates with Different Microbial Communities^s

( Guo-hua Wang ),( Jian-ping Xie ),( Shou-peng Li ),( Yu-jie Guo ),( Ying Pan ),( Haiyan Wu ),( Xin-xing Liu ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2016 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.26 No.11

Bio-oxidation is an effective technology for treatment of refractory gold concentrates. However, the unsatisfactory oxidation rate and long residence time, which cause a lower cyanide leaching rate and gold recovery, are key factors that restrict the application of traditional bio-oxidation technology. In this study, the oxidation rate of refractory gold concentrates and the adaption of microorganisms were analyzed to evaluate a newly developed two-step pretreatment process, which includes a high temperature chemical oxidation step and a subsequent bio-oxidation step. The oxidation rate and recovery rate of gold were improved significantly after the two-step process. The results showed that the highest oxidation rate of sulfide sulfur could reach to 99.01 % with an extreme thermophile microbial community when the pulp density was 5%. Accordingly, the recovery rate of gold was elevated to 92.51%. Meanwhile, the results revealed that moderate thermophiles performed better than acidophilic mesophiles and extreme thermophiles, whose oxidation rates declined drastically when the pulp density was increased to 10% and 15%. The oxidation rates of sulfide sulfur with moderate thermophiles were 93.94% and 65.73% when the pulp density was increased to 10% and 15%, respectively. All these results indicated that the twostep pretreatment increased the oxidation rate of refractory gold concentrates and is a potential technology to pretreat the refractory sample. Meanwhile, owing to the sensitivity of the microbial community under different pulp density levels, the optimization of microbial community in bio-oxidation is necessary in industry.

A Data-Driven Deep Learning Network for Massive MIMO Detection with High-order QAM

Yu, Yongzhi,Ying, Jie,Wang, Ping,Guo, Limin 한국통신학회 2023 Journal of communications and networks Vol.25 No.1

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)can provide higher spectral efficiency and energy efficiencycompared to conventional MIMO systems. Unfortunately, asthe numbers of modulation orders and antennas increase, thecomputational complexity of conventional symbol detection algo-rithms becomes unaffordable and their performance deteriorates. However, deep learning (DL) techniques can provide flexibility,nonlinearity and computational parallelism for massive MIMOdetection to address these challenges. We propose an efficientdata-driven detection network, i.e., accelerated multiuser inter-ference cancellation network (AMIC-Net), for uplink massiveMIMO systems. Specifically, we first introduce an extrapolationfactor regarded as a learnable parameter into the multiuserinterference cancellation (MIC) algorithm for iterative sequentialdetection (ISD) detector through extrapolation technique toenhance the convergence performance. Then we unfold the aboveaccelerated iterative algorithm and adopt a sparsely connectedapproach, instead of fully connected, to obtain a relativelysimple deep neural network (DNN) structure to enhance thedetection performance through the data-driven DL approach. Furthermore, in order to accommodate communication scenarioswith higher-order modulation, a novel activation function isproposed, which is composed of multiple softsign activationfunctions with additional learnable parameters to implement amulti-segment mapping of the set of constellation points withdifferent modulations. Numerical results show that the proposedDL network can bring significant performance gain to ISDdetector with various massive antenna settings and outperformthe existing detectors with the same or lower computationalcomplexity, especially in high-order QAM modulation scenarios.

Effect of Portal Vein Chemotherapy on Liver Metastasis after Surgical Resection of Colorectal Cancer

Yu, Dong-Sheng,Li, Ying,Huang, Xin-En,Lu, Yan-Yan,Wu, Xue-Yan,Liu, Jin,Cao, Jie,Xu, Xia,Xiang, Jin,Wang, Guo-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.9

Objective: To explore the effect of portal vein chemotherapy on liver metastasis after surgical resection of colorectal cancer. Methods: Patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria were assigned to receive either surgery plus 1-week continuous infusion of 5-FU (study group) or surgery alone (observational group). Patients in the study group received portal vein chemotherapy, whereby 5-FU (1000 mg/d) and heparin (5000 IU/d) infusion was initiated from the day of surgery and lasted for 7 consecutive days. Liver metastasis was monitored during five years follow-up postoperatively. Results: Sixty four patients were recruited and assigned to the study group (12 with colon and 20 with rectal cancer) or the control group (10 with colon and 22 with rectal cancer). Liver metastasis rate was 12.5% in study and 25.0% in observational group, the difference being significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: Portal vein chemotherapy could be an effective treatment in preventing liver metastasis after surgical resection of colorectal cancer.

Sulfakinin inhibits activity of digestive enzymes in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

Guo Di,Zhang Su,Zhang Yi-Jie,Ma Jun-Yu,Gao Cong-Fen,Wu Shun-Fan 한국응용곤충학회 2020 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.23 No.4

In animals, feeding can regulate release of digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes are produced and released in response to specific ratios of nutrients, so the quality and quantity of food ingested are important factors in the secretion and activity of digestive enzymes. In general, the enzyme activity and secretion in the fed insects are relatively higher than that in the unfed insects. Neuropeptides and peptide hormones are important regulators of enzyme activity. In several insects, the neuropeptide sulfakinin (SK) is known to be a regulator of feeding and digestion similar to cholecystokinin in mammals. However, the roles of diet and SK in regulation of activity of digestive enzymes in the important pest insect, the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), are unknown. In this study, we identified six genes encoding different digestive enzymes and cloned three of these. We found that enzymatic activity and transcriptional levels of digestive enzymatic activity genes were upregulated by refeeding animals for 5 h after 24 h starvation. Furthermore, injection of N. lugens SK reduces digestive enzyme activity and leads to a downregulation of digestive enzyme gene transcripts. This study provides new views into the action of diet and SK in regulation of digestive enzymes in (hemimetabolous) insects. Taken together with the roles of SK in inducing satiety, our data strongly suggest that SK signaling is important in regulation of food ingestion and processing.