Proposal of a Pretreatment Nomogram for Predicting Local Recurrence after Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy in T4 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Review of 415 Chinese Patients

Lu-Lu Zhang,Yi-Yang Li,Jiang Hu,Guan-Qun Zhou,Lei Chen,Wen-Fei Li,Ai-Hua Lin,Jun Ma,Zhen-Yu Qi,Ying Sun 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.4

Purpose Local relapse-free survival (LRFS) differs widely among patients with T4 category nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We aimed to build a nomogram incorporating clinicopathological information to predict LRFS in T4 NPC after definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Materials and Methods Retrospective study of 415 Chinese patients with non-metastatic T4 NPC treated with definitive IMRT with or without chemotherapy at our cancer center between October 2009 and September 2013. The nomogram for LRFS at 3 and 5 years was generated based on multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, and validated using bootstrap resampling, assessing discriminative performance using the concordance index (C-index) and determining calibration ability via calibration curves. Results Five-year LRFS was 88.8%. We identified and incorporated four independent prognostic factors for LRFS: ethmoid sinus invasion, primary gross tumor volume, age, and pretreatment body mass index. The C-index of the nomogram for local recurrence was 0.732 (95% confidence interval, 0.726 to 0.738), indicating excellent predictive accuracy. The calibration curve revealed excellent agreement between nomogram-predicted and observed LRFS probabilities. Risk subgroups based on total point score cutoff values enabled effective discrimination of LRFS. Conclusion This pretreatment nomogram enables clinicians to accurately predict LRFS in T4 NPC after definitive IMRT, and could help to facilitate personalized patient counselling and treatment strategies.

Risk Assessment of Secondary Primary Malignancies in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Big-Data Intelligence Platform-Based Analysis of 6,377 Long-term Survivors from an Endemic Area Treated with Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy during 2003-2013

Lu-Lu Zhang,Guo-Hong Li,Yi-Yang Li,Zhen-Yu Qi,Ai-Hua Lin,Ying Sun 대한암학회 2019 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.51 No.3

Purpose The incidence, risk factors and survival impact of secondary primary malignancies (SPMs) among survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with or without chemotherapy are poorly characterized. Materials and Methods Consecutive patients (n=6,377) from the big-data intelligence platform at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, China (in a high-incidence area) with newly diagnosed non-metastatic pathologically proven non-keratinizing undifferentiated NPC treated with IMRT±chemotherapy between January 2003 and June 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Cumulative incidence of SPMs was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify potential risk factors for SPMs and assess whether SPMs affect overall survival. Results Of the 6,377 patients, 189 (3.0%) suffered SPMs (median follow-up, 62 months). One-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-cumulative risks of SPMs were 0.4%, 0.9%, 1.6%, 2.2%, and 2.6%, respectively. Latency from start of IMRT to SPMs diagnosis was 37 months (range, 6 to 102 months). In patients with SPMs, 14.3% suffered SPMs within 1 year post-IMRT: 1-3 years, 38.1%; 3-5 years, 33.9%; and > 5 years, 13.7%. Lung cancer was the most common SPM (50/6,377, 0.78%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated sex (male, 64% increase), age (! 50 years, 68% increase), and smoking history (41% increase) were significant risk factors for SPMs, and SPMs were associated with poorer overall survival. Conclusion This large cohort study confirms SPMs a dreadful complication for long-term survivors of NPC treated with IMRT. SPMs negatively impact overall survival in NPC. Close follow-up is recommended for older male survivors with a smoking history.

Pathogenesis Division of Black Rot Bacteria of Chinese Cabbage in Shaanxi Central Productive Area

Lu-gang Zhang,Yan Lu,Mai-xia Hui,Ming-ke Zhang 한국원예학회 2008 한국원예학회 기타간행물 Vol.- No.-

Identification of piRNAs in Hela cells by massive parallel sequencing

( Yi Lu Lu ),( Chao Li ),( Kun Zhang ),( Hua Qin Sun ),( Da Chang Tao ),( Yun Qiang Liu ),( Si Zong Zhang ),( Yong Xin Ma ) 생화학분자생물학회 (구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2010 BMB Reports Vol.43 No.9

Piwi proteins and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have been implicated in transposon control in germline from Drosophila to mammals. To examine the profile of small RNA expression in human cancer cells and explore difference in small RNA transcriptome, small RNA libraries prepared from wildtype, HILI overexpressed and HILI knockdowned Hela cells were sequenced using Solexa technology. piRNAs and other repeat- associated small RNAs were observed in Hela cells. By using in situ hybridization, piR-49322 was localized in the nucleolus and around the periphery of nuclear membrane in Hela cells. Following the overexpression of HILI, the retrotransposon elements LINE1 was significantly repressed, while LINE1-associated small RNAs decreased in abundance. The present study demonstrated that HILI along with piRNAs plays a role in LINE1 suppression in Hela cancer cell line. [BMB reports 2010; 43(9): 635-641]

Intravenous Tenecteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke Within 4.5–24 Hours of Onset (ROSE-TNK): A Phase 2, Randomized, Multicenter Study

Wang Lu,Dai Ying-Jie,Cui Yu,Zhang Hong,Jiang Chang-Hao,Duan Ying-Jie,Zhao Yong,Feng Ye-Fang,Geng Shi-Mei,Zhang Zai-Hui,Lu Jiang,Zhang Ping,Zhao Li-Wei,Zhao Hang,Ma Yu-Tong,Song Cheng-Guang,Zhang Yi,Ch 대한뇌졸중학회 2023 Journal of stroke Vol.25 No.3

Background and Purpose Intravenous tenecteplase (TNK) efficacy has not been well demonstrated in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) beyond 4.5 hours after onset. This study aimed to determine the effect of intravenous TNK for AIS within 4.5 to 24 hours of onset. Methods In this pilot trial, eligible AIS patients with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch were randomly allocated to intravenous TNK (0.25 mg/kg) or standard care within 4.5–24 hours of onset. The primary endpoint was excellent functional outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 0–1). The primary safety endpoint was symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Results Of the randomly assigned 80 patients, the primary endpoint occurred in 52.5% (21/40) of TNK group and 50.0% (20/40) of control group, with no significant difference (unadjusted odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval 0.46–2.66; <i>P</i>=0.82). More early neurological improvement occurred in TNK group than in control group (11 vs. 3, <i>P</i>=0.03), but no significant differences were found in other secondary endpoints, such as mRS 0–2 at 90 days, shift analysis of mRS at 90 days, and change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 hours and 7 days. There were no cases of sICH in this trial; however, asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 3 of the 40 patients (7.5%) in the TNK group. Conclusion This phase 2, randomized, multicenter study suggests that intravenous TNK within 4.5–24 hours of onset may be safe and feasible in AIS patients with a DWI-FLAIR mismatch.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Min Zhang(Min Zhang),YiRan Wu(YiRan Wu),ZhaoXu Lu(ZhaoXu Lu),MeiYan Song(MeiYan Song),XiaoLan Huang(XiaoLan Huang),LaLa Mi(LaLa Mi),Jian Yang(Jian Yang),Xiaodai Cui(Xiaodai Cui) 대한정신약물학회 2023 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.21 No.2

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is inconclusive. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to explore whether vitamin D supplementation can improve core symptoms and coexisting conditions in children with ASD. Data were obtained by searching the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases up to February 2022 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Using a random-effects model, mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated through a meta-analysis. There were eight RCTs with 266 children with ASD in the present review, among which six RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Children who received vitamin D supplementation showed a significant improvement in stereotypical behavior scores (pooled mean difference (MD): −1.39; 95% CI: −2.7, −0.07; p = 0.04) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 34%), and there was a trend toward decreased total scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS, p = 0.05); however, there were no other significant differences in the core symptoms of ASD and coexisting conditions between groups as measured by the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). Vitamin D supplementation appears to improve stereotypical behaviors but does not improve other core symptoms and coexisting conditions. Further randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes and individualized doses are needed.

Which Indicator Among Lumbar Vertebral Hounsfield Unit, Vertebral Bone Quality, or Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-Measured Bone Mineral Density Is More Efficacious in Predicting Thoracolumbar Fragility Fractures?

Bo Zhang,Lu-Ping Zhou,Xian-Liang Zhang,Dui Li,Jia-Qi Wang,Chong-Yu Jia,Hua-Qing Zhang,Liang Kang,Ren-Jie Zhang,Cai-Liang Shen 대한척추신경외과학회 2023 Neurospine Vol.20 No.4

Objective: Hounsfield units (HU), vertebral bone quality (VBQ), and bone mineral density (BMD) can all serve as predictive indicators for thoracolumbar fragility fractures. This study aims to explore which indicator provides better risk prediction for thoracolumbar fragility fractures. Methods: Patients who have received medical attention from The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University for thoracolumbar fragility fractures were selected. A total of 78 patients with thoracolumbar fragility fractures were included in the study. To establish a control group, 78 patients with degenerative spinal diseases were matched to the fracture group on the basis of gender, age, and body mass index. The lumbar vertebral HU, the VBQ, and the BMD were obtained for all the 156 patients through computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The correlations among these parameters were analyzed. The area under curve (AUC) analysis was employed to assess the predictive efficacy and thresholds of lumbar vertebral HU, VBQ, and BMD in relation to the risk of thoracolumbar fragility fractures. Results: Among the cohort of 156 patients, lumbar vertebral HU exhibited a positive correlation with BMD (p < 0.01). Conversely, VBQ showed a negative correlation with HU, BMD (p < 0.05). HU and BMD displayed a favorable predictive efficacy for thoracolumbar fragility fractures (p < 0.01), with HU (AUC = 0.863) showcasing the highest predictive efficacy, followed by the DEXA-measured BMD (AUC = 0.813). VBQ (AUC = 0.602) ranked lowest among the 3 indicators. The thresholds for predicting thoracolumbar fragility fractures were as follows: HU (88),VBQ (3.37), and BMD (0.81). Conclusion: All 3 of these indicators, HU, VBQ, and BMD, can predict thoracolumbar fragility fractures. Notably, lumbar vertebral HU exhibits the highest predictive efficacy, followed by the BMD obtained through DEXA scanning, with VBQ demonstrating the lowest predictive efficacy.

Distinct Effects of Non-absorbed Agents Rifaximin and Berberine on the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Dysbiosis-induced Visceral Hypersensitivity in Rats

Jindong Zhang,Cunzheng Zhang,Tao Zhang,Lu Zhang,Liping Duan 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.4

Background/AimsIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is accepted as a disorder of gut-brain interactions. Berberine and rifaximin are non-absorbed antibiotics and have been confirmed effective for IBS treatment, but there is still lack of direct comparison of their effects. This study aims to compare the effect of the 2 drugs on the alteration of gut-brain axis caused by gut microbiota from IBS patients. MethodsGerm-free rats received fecal microbiota transplantation from screened IBS patients and healthy controls. After 14 days’ colonization, rats were administrated orally with berberine, rifaximin or vehicle respectively for the next 14 days. The visceral sensitivity was evaluated, fecal microbiota profiled and microbial short chain fatty acids were determined. Immunofluorescence staining and morphological analysis were performed to evaluate microglial activation. ResultsVisceral hypersensitivity induced by IBS–fecal microbiota transplantation was relieved by berberine and rifaximin, and berberine increased sucrose preference rate. Microbial α-diversity were reduced by both drugs. Compared with rifaximin, berberine significantly changed microbial structure and enriched Lachnoclostridium. Furthermore, berberine but not rifaximin significantly increased fecal concentrations of acetate and propionate acids. Berberine restored the morphological alterations of microglia induced by dysbiosis, which may be associated with its effect on the expression of microbial gene pathways involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Rifaximin affected neither the numbers of activated microglial cells nor the microglial morphological alterations. ConclusionsBerberine enriched Lachnoclostridium, reduced the expression of peptidoglycan biosynthesis genes and increased acetate and propionate. The absence of these actions of rifaximin may explain the different effects of the drugs on microbiota-gut-brain axis.

A Novel PCCM Voltage-Fed Single-Stage Power Factor Correction Full-Bridge Battery Charger

Zhang, Taizhi,Lu, Zhipeng,Qian, Qinsong,Sun, Weifeng,Lu, Shengli The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2016 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.16 No.3

A novel pseudo-continuous conduction mode (PCCM) voltage-fed single-stage power factor correction (PFC) full-bridge battery charger is proposed in this paper. By connecting a freewheeling transistor in parallel with an input inductor, the PFC cell can operate in the PCCM with a constant duty ratio. Thus, the dc/dc stage can be designed using this constant duty ratio and the restriction on the duty ratio of the PFC cell is eliminated. As a result, the input current distortion is less and the dc bus voltage becomes controllable over the wide output power range of the battery charger. Moreover, the operation principle of the dc/dc stage is designed to be similar to that of a conventional phase-shifted full-bridge converter. Therefore, it is easy to implement. In this paper, the operation of the new converter is explained, and the design considerations of the controller and key parameters are presented. Simulation and experimental results obtained from a 1 kW prototype are given to confirm the operation of the proposed converter.

Polymorphisms in the Perilipin Gene May Affect Carcass Traits of Chinese Meat-type Chickens

Zhang, Lu,Zhu, Qing,Liu, Yiping,Gilbert, Elizabeth R.,Li, Diyan,Yin, Huadong,Wang, Yan,Yang, Zhiqin,Wang, Zhen,Yuan, Yuncong,Zhao, Xiaoling Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.6

Improved meat quality and greater muscle yield are highly sought after in high-quality chicken breeding programs. Past studies indicated that polymorphisms of the Perilipin gene (PLIN1) are highly associated with adiposity in mammals and are potential molecular markers for improving meat quality and carcass traits in chickens. In the present study, we screened single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in all exons of the PLIN1 gene with a direct sequencing method in six populations with different genetic backgrounds (total 240 individuals). We evaluated the association between the polymorphisms and carcass and meat quality traits. We identified three SNPs, located on the 5' flanking region and exon 1 of PLIN1 on chromosome 10 (rs315831750, rs313726543, and rs80724063, respectively). Eight main haplotypes were constructed based on these SNPs. We calculated the allelic and genotypic frequencies, and genetic diversity parameters of the three SNPs. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.2768 to 0.3750, which reflected an intermediate genetic diversity for all chickens. The CC, CT, and TT genotypes influenced the percentage of breast muscle (PBM), percentage of leg muscle (PLM) and percentage of abdominal fat at rs315831750 (p<0.05). Diplotypes (haplotype pairs) affected the percentage of eviscerated weight (PEW) and PBM (p<0.05). Compared with chickens carrying other diplotypes, H3H7 had the greatest PEW and H2H2 had the greatest PBM, and those with diplotype H7H7 had the smallest PEW and PBM. We conclude that PLIN1 gene polymorphisms may affect broiler carcass and breast muscle yields, and diplotypes H3H7 and H2H2 could be positive molecular markers to enhance PEW and PBM in chickens.