Association of the XRCC1 c.1178G>A Genetic Polymorphism with Lung Cancer Risk in Chinese

Wang, Lei,Lin, Yong,Qi, Cong-Cong,Sheng, Bao-Wei,Fu, Tian Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.9

The X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 protein (XRCC1) plays important roles in the DNA base excision repair pathway which may influence the development of lung cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the potential association of the XRCC1 c.1178G>A genetic polymorphism with lung cancer risk. The created restriction site-polymerase chain reaction (CRS-PCR) and DNA sequencing methods were utilized to evaluate the XRCC1 c.1178G>A genetic polymorphism among 376 lung cancer patients and 379 controls. Associations between the genetic polymorphism and lung cancer risk were determined with an unconditional logistic regression model. Our data suggested that the distribution of allele and genotype in lung cancer patients was significantly different from that of controls. The XRCC1 c.1178G>A genetic polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (AA vs GG: OR=2.91, 95%CI 1.70-4.98, p<0.001; A vs G: OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.22-1.90, p<0.001). The allele A and genotype AA may contribute to risk of lung cancer. These preliminary results suggested that the XRCC1 c.1178G>A genetic polymorphism is statistically associated with lung cancer risk in the Chinese population.

Genome-wide locus-specific DNA methylation repatterning may facilitate rapid evolution of mercury resistance in rice

Cong Weixuan,Li Ning,Wang Jinbin,Kang Ying,Miao Yiling,Xu Chunming,Wang Ziqi,Liu Tongtong,Gong Lei,Liu Bao,Ou Xiufang 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.3

Background: Albeit a relatively stable epigenetic modification, DNA methylation in plants can be repatterned and play important roles in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, whether DNA methylation dynamics may contribute to cope with mercury (Hg) stress in plants remains to be fully investigated. Objective: To probe the potential roles of DNA methylation dynamics in coping with Hg stress in rice. Methods: Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing was used to profile the DNA methylation patterns of a rice Hg-resistant line (RHg) selected from a heterozygous mutant of the DNA methyltransferase 1 gene (OsMET1+/-), together with its Hg-sensitive wild-type plants of cv. Nipponbare (Nip) under both normal and Hg stress conditions. Results: Genome-wide locus-specific differential methylation regions (DMRs) were detected between RHg and Nip under normal condition, the predominant DMR patterns were CG hypo-DMRs, CHG hypo-DMRs and CHH hyper-DMRs. In both lines, more hyper- than hypo-DMRs were detected at all three sequence contexts (CG, CHG and CHH) under Hg stress relative to normal condition. Comparison of DNA methylation changes in the two lines under Hg stress indicates that RHg had a more dynamic methylome than the control (Nip). Original DMRs in RHg trended to transform to opposite status (from hyper- to hypo- or vice versa) under Hg stress condition. Gene ontology analysis revealed that Hg-resistance-related DMGs were enriched in diverse biological processes. Conclusions: Our results suggest genome-wide locus-specific DNA methylation repatterning can facilitate rapid acquisition of Hg resistance in rice.

Research on Crossing Tunnels' Seismic Response Characteristics

Cong Liu,Li-min Peng,Ming-feng Lei,Yu-feng Li 대한토목학회 2019 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.23 No.11

A large-scale shaking table test system and corresponding numerical model are designed to study the seismic characteristics of crossing tunnels. The calculated results are in good agreement with experimental data, both the results suggest that: Loading the El-Centro seismic wave, the maximum acceleration in upper tunnel’s crossing center section is located in the crown, the maximum strain is located in the haunch; meanwhile, the maximum acceleration and strain in underpass tunnel’s cross center section are both located in the crown. Affected by the underpass tunnel, at the side wall bottom of the upper tunnel, tests data reveal that the crossing center’s maximum acceleration is reduced for 30.9% and the strain was enlarged 170% than the normal section. Affected by the upper tunnel, at the haunch of the underpass tunnel, tests data reveal the crossing center’s maximum acceleration is enlarged by 10.0% and the strain is 27.2% reduced than the normal section.

The Stent-Assisted Coil-Jailing Technique Facilitates Efficient Embolization of Tiny Cerebral Aneurysms

Cong-Hui Li,Xian-Hui Su,Bo Zhang,Yong-Feng Han,Er-Wei Zhang,Lei Yang,Dong-Liang Zhang,Song-Tao Yang,Zhen-Quan Yan,Bu-Lang Gao 대한영상의학회 2014 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.15 No.6

Objective: Tiny cerebral aneurysms are difficult to embolize because the aneurysm’s sac is too small for a single small coil, and coils within the aneurysm may escape from the confinement of a stent. This study was performed to introduce the stent-assisted coil-jailing technique and to investigate its effect on the coil embolization of tiny intracranial aneurysms. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients with tiny intracranial aneurysms treated with the stent-assisted coil-jailing technique between January 2011 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed and followed-up. Results: All aneurysms were successfully treated with the coil-jailing technique, and at the end of embolization, complete occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved in 9 cases (56.3%), incomplete occlusion in 6 (37.5%), and partial occlusion in 1 (6.3%). Intraprocedural complications included acute thrombosis in one case (6.3%) and re-rupture in another (6.3%). Both complications were managed appropriately with no sequela. Follow-up was performed in all patients for 3–24 months (mean, 7.7 months) after embolization. Complete occlusion was sustained in the 9 aneurysms with initial complete occlusion, progressive thrombosis to complete occlusion occurred in the 6 aneurysms with initial near-complete occlusion, and one aneurysm resulted in progressive thrombosis to complete occlusion after initial partial occlusion. No migration of stents or coils occurred at follow-up as compared with their positions immediately after embolization. At follow-up, all patients had recovered with no sequela. Conclusion: The stent-assisted coil-jailing technique can be an efficient approach for tiny intracranial aneurysms, even though no definite conclusion regarding its safety can be drawn from the current data.

Tensile Behaviors of Laser-Discrete-Quenched Substrate/Nickel Coating of Electroplated Grinding Wheel

Cong Mao,Yujie Zhong,Yongle Hu,Weidong Tang,Z. M. Bi,Zhaohong Lei,Changchun Jiang,Aimin Tang 한국정밀공학회 2022 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.9 No.5

Electroplated grinding wheel has significant advantages, such as longer service life, higher removal rate, reduction of preparation work, reapplication of the wheel bub. Then it is an efficient, green and eco-friendly abrasive tool. In order to reveal the mechanism that the service life of the electroplated grinding wheel is increased by pre-quenched substrate, the tensile behavior and interfacial stresses of the laser-discrete-quenched substrate/nickel coating were studied through tensile experiment and simulation. The results show that random initial cracks appear in the nickel coating over the unquenched zone before the tensile experiment. There is an inter-diffusion region at the interface of steel substrate and nickel coating; in comparison with the unquenched zone, the size of the inter-diffusion region in the laser-quenched zone was decreased significantly (e.g., 1.2 μm in comparison with 2.6 μm). In tensile testing, the coating over the pre-quenched specimen remains bonded with the substrate firmly even the fracture occurs. In contrast, the damages in the forms of blistering, stripping and exfoliating occurred in the coating over the unquenched specimen. When a fracture occurs, there is a significant difference of the ultimate strains of quenched and unquenched zones; the ultimate strain of quenched zone is 0.0714, while that of the unquenched zone is 0.1667. At the bonding interface, the pre-quenched specimen ensured the overall shear stress and the maximum normal stress, which are lower than those of unquenched specimen. The initial cracks in pre-quenched specimen propagate during stretching, the effect of the absorbed strain energy reduces strain mismatch between the substrate and coating at the interface, and this improves the bonding strength at the interface of the laser-discrete-quenched specimen significantly.

Prognostic Role of Hypoxic Inducible Factor Expression in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-analysis

Li, Cong,Lu, Hua-Jun,Na, Fei-Fei,Deng, Lei,Xue, Jian-Xin,Wang, Jing-Wen,Wang, Yu-Qing,Li, Qiao-Ling,Lu, You Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.6

Introduction: Reported prognostic roles of hypoxic inducible factor (HIF) expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have varied. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the relationship between HIF expression and clinical outcome in NSCLC patients. Methods: PubMed were used to identify relevant literature with the last report up to December $20^{th}$, 2012. After careful review, survival data were collected from eligible studies. We completed the meta-analysis using Stata statistical software (Version 11) and combined hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS). Subgroup specificity, heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed. All of the results were verified by two persons to ensure accuracy. Results: Eight studies were finally stepped into this meta-analysis in which seven had available data for HIF-$1{\alpha}$ and three for HIF-$2{\alpha}$. Combined HRs suggested that higher expression of $HIF1{\alpha}$ had a negative impact on NSCLC patient survival (HR=1.50; 95%CI=1.07-2.10; p=0.019). The expression of HIF-$2{\alpha}$ was also relative to a poorer survival (HR=2.02; 95%CI=1.47-2.77; p=0.000). No bias existed in either of the two groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that elevations of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ and HIF-$2{\alpha}$ expression are both associated with poor outcome for patients with NSCLC. The data support further and high quality investigation of HIF expression for predicting poor outcome in patients with NSCLC.

Efficacy and Safety of the Safe Triangular Working Zone Approach in Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Spinal Metastasis

Yan Bi Cong,Fan Yan Feng,Tian Qing Hua,Wang Tao,Huang Zhi Long,Song Hong Mei,Li Ying,Jiao Lei,Wu Chun Gen 대한영상의학회 2022 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.23 No.9

Objective: This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the safe triangular working zone (STWZ) approach applied in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) for spinal metastases involving the posterior part of the vertebral body. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 87 patients who underwent PV for spinal metastasis involving the posterior part of the vertebral body, with or without the STWZ approach, from January 2019 to April 2022. Forty-nine patients (27 females and 22 males; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 57.2 ± 11.6 years; age range, 31–76 years) were included in group A (with STWZ approach), accounting for 54 vertebrae. Thirty-eight patients (18 females and 20 males; 59.1 ± 10.9 years; 29–81 years) were included in group B (without STWZ approach), accounting for 57 vertebrae. Patient demographics, procedure-related variables, and pain relief as assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) were collected at different time points. Tumor recurrence in the vertebrae after PV was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves. Results: The STWZ approach was successful from T1 to L5 without severe complications. Cement filling was satisfactory in 47/54 (87.0%) and 25/57 (43.9%) vertebrae in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). Cement leakage was not significantly different between groups A and B (p = 1.000). Mean VAS score ± SD before and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after PV were 7.6 ± 1.8, 4.2 ± 2.0, 2.7 ± 1.9, 1.9 ± 1.5, 1.7 ± 1.4, 1.7 ± 1.1, and 1.6 ± 1.3, respectively, in group A and 7.2 ± 1.7, 4.0 ± 1.3, 3.4 ± 1.6, 2.4 ± 1.2, 1.8 ± 1.0, 1.4 ± 0.5, and 1.7 ± 0.9, respectively, in group B. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a lower tumor recurrence rate in group A than in group B (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The STWZ approach may represent a new, safe, alternative/auxiliary approach to target the posterior part of the vertebral body in the PV for spinal metastases.

Does H3K27M Mutation Impact Survival Outcome of High-Grade Spinal Cord Astrocytoma?

Fan Zhang,Lei Cheng,Ze Ding,Shengxi Wang,Xingang Zhao,Zijun Zhao,Cong Liang,Kun Wu,Dongao Zhang,Yinqian Wang,Tao Fan 대한척추신경외과학회 2023 Neurospine Vol.20 No.4

Objective: To evaluate the impact of H3K27M mutation in the prognosis of histological high-grade intramedullary astrocytoma. Methods: A total of 78 patients who were diagnosed with high-grade spinal cord astrocytoma were included. Clinical data consisting demographic, radiological, molecular features and treatment data were recorded. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were performed to investigate variables associated with survival outcome of histological high-grade spinal cord astrocytoma. Results: Median survival time was 21 months. Overall survival (OS) at 1 and 3 years was 65.7% and 40.7%, respectively. Sex, location, and tumor span did not present significant association with OS. Patients with H3K27M mutation showed significant shorter duration of symptom than patients with H3K27 wild-type. As respect to adjuvant treatment, adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy were associated with favorable OS (both p = 0.01). Younger patients (age ≤ 18 years) had shorter OS (p = 0.008) than adult patients (age > 18 years). Of note, H3K27M mutation did not show significant impact on the survival outcome, regardless of histology grade 3 or grade 4 (p = 0.3). Conclusion: Histological high-grade spinal cord astrocytoma has dismal prognosis. Our study demonstrated that H3K27M mutation did not show significant impact on survival outcome of histological high-grade spinal cord astrocytoma.

A Mean Field Game-Theoretic Cross-Layer Optimization for Multi-Hop Swarm UAV Communications

Tong Li,Cong Li,Chungang Yang,Junqi Shao,Yue Zhang,Lei Pang,Lizhong Chang,Lingli Yang,Zhu Han 한국통신학회 2022 Journal of communications and networks Vol.24 No.1

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multi-hop communicationnetworks are foreseen to be widely employed inboth military and civilian scenarios. However, in ultra-densescenarios with swarm UAVs, nodes are highly dynamic mobile,ultra-dense deployment and non-centralized distribution. Thesecharacteristics make the centralized resource management policynot apply. Meanwhile, existing routing protocols can’t meetthe performance challenges of high dynamic, topology and linkfrequency changes of ultra-dense scenarios with swarm UAVs. Tosolve the above challenges of resource management and routingprotocol, a cross-layer optimization method is presented witha novel mean field game (MFG) in this paper. It is based onthe cross-layer design method of the MFG theory and jointlyconsiders the power resources in the physical layer, frequencyresources in the medium access control (MAC) layer, and routingresources in the network layer. By dividing into subproblems,the original problem is solved. Meanwhile, the optimal datatransmission path can be selected through the management andallocation of frequency resources and power resources. A crosslayerresource management dynamic source routing (CLRMDSR)protocol is designed based on that which adds link qualitymeasurement. The simulation results show that the presentedCLRM-DSR with the proposed resource management schemecan improve the data packet transmission rate, reduce end-toenddelay, and lower routing overhead for the multi-hop swarmUAV communication network.

Cerebrosides from Sea Cucumber Protect Against Oxidative Stress in SAMP8 Mice and PC12 Cells

Hongxia Che,Lei Du,Peixu Cong,Suyuan Tao,Ning Ding,Fengjuan Wu,Changhu Xue,Jie Xu,Yuming Wang 한국식품영양과학회 2017 Journal of medicinal food Vol.20 No.4

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder. Emerging evidence implicates β-amyloid (Aβ) plays a critical role in the progression of AD. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of cerebrosides obtained from sea cucumber against senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice in vivo. We also studied the effect of cerebrosides on Aβ-induced cytotoxicity on the rat pheochromocytoma cell (PC12) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cerebrosides ameliorated learning and memory deficits and the Aβ accumulation in demented mice, decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-G), and nitric oxide (NO), and enhanced the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity significantly. The neuroprotective effect of sea cucumber cerebrosides (SCC) was also verified in vitro: the cerebrosides increased the survival rate of PC12 cells, recovered the cellular morphology, downregulated the protein levels of Caspase-9, cleaved Caspase-3, total Caspase-3, and Bax, and upregulated the protein level of Bcl-2, revealing that cerebrosides could inhibit Aβ-induced cell apoptosis. The results showed the protective effect of SCC was regulated by the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway. Our results provide a new approach to developing the marine organisms as functional foods for neuroprotection.