Antifibrotic Effect of Curcumin in TGF-β1-Induced Myofibroblasts from Human Oral Mucosa

Zhang, Shan-Shan,Gong, Zhao-Jian,Li, Wen-Hui,Wang, Xiao,Ling, Tian-You Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.1

Background: Myofibroblasts play an important role in the development of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). In the current study, we investigate the effect of curcumin on growth and apoptosis of myofibroblasts derived from human oral mucosa. Methods: Myofibroblasts were generated by incubating fibroblasts, obtained from human oral mucosa, with transforming growth factor-${\beta}1$ (TGF-${\beta}1$). MTT, PI staining, and FACS assays were used to investigate curcumin's effect on proliferation and cell cycle of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Annexin V/PI binding and FACS assays were used to examine apoptosis of myofibroblasts, Western blotting to determine the levels of Bcl-2 and Bax, and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay was employed to examine the levels of collagen type I and III in the supernatants of myofibroblasts. Results: Curcumin inhibits proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts; it also disturbs the cell cycle, induces apoptosis and decreases the generation of collagen type I and III in myofibroblasts, which are more sensitive to its effects than fibroblasts. Curcumin induces apoptosis in myofibroblasts by down-regulating the Bcl-2/ Bax ratio. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the antifibrotic effect of curcumin in vitro. It may therefore be a candidate for the treatment of OSF.

Fast Thresholding Based on Improved Minimum Cross Entropy

Yong-Liang Zhang,Wen Zhang,Gang Xiao,Jia-Fa Mao,Shan-Shan Huang,Xiao-Wei Zheng 제어로봇시스템학회 2012 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2012 No.10

Image segmentation is an important and classic problem in image processing and computer vision. Thresholding is applied to many fields, because of its less computation and stable performance. The key of thresholding method is to determine the adaptive threshold. In order to segment biological image effectively, a new adaptive thresholding method is proposed. First, two dimension minimum entropy is computed based on gray-gradient co-occurrence matrix; and then the genetic algorithm is applied to encode the two-dimension threshold vector; Finally, the optimum threshold is calculated based on fitness function and uniformity measurement(UM). Experimental results show that this method has three advantages: 1) improve computational efficiency so that it can run in real time; 2) retain more object and edge information so that it can meet the practical requirement; 3) robust to the uneven distribution of light.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 as a Prognostic Factor in Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Zhang, Qiong-Wen,Liu, Lei,Chen, Ru,Wei, Yu-Quan,Li, Ping,Shi, Hua-Shan,Zhao, Yu-Wei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.6

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is associated with disruption of basement membranes of blood vessels and promotion of metastasis through the lymphatics. However, its prognostic value for survival in patients with gastric cancer remains controversial. Method: We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of the published literature in order to clarify the impact of MMP-9. Clinical studies were selected for further analysis if they provided an independent assessment of MMP-9 in gastric cancer and reported analysis of survival data according to MMP-9 expression. Results: A total of 11 studies, covering 1700 patients, were included for meta-analysis. A summary hazard ratio (HR) of all studies and sub-group hazard ratios were calculated. The combined HR suggested that a positive MMP-9 expression had an impact on overall survival: 1.25 (95% confidence interval 1.11-1.40) in all eligible studies; 1.13 (1.06-1.20) in 8 studies detecting MMP-9 by immunohistochemistry; 1.36 (1.12-1.65) in 7 studies from Asia. Only one study for DFS showed a significant impact on disease free survival (HR 1.73, 95%CI 1.27-2.34). Conclusions: Our findings suggested that MMP-9 protein expression might be a factor for a poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. However, the association was rather weak, so that more prospective studies should further explore the prognostic impact of MMP-9 mRNA and correlations between MMP-9 and clinicopathological characteristics.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Zhang, Feng-Wa,Zhou, Zhao-Yu,Wang, Hai-Lin,Zhang, Jv-Xia,Di, Bao-Shan,Huang, Wen-Hui,Yang, Ke-Hu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

Background and Aim: Laparoscopic and open rectum surgery for rectal cancer remains controversial. This systematic review compared the short-term and long-term efficiency and complications associated with laparoscopic and open resection for rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Knowledge and the China Biology Medicine Database to identify potential randomized controlled trials from their inception to March 31, 2014 without language restriction. Additional articles were identified from searching bibliographies of retrieved articles. Two reviewers independently assessed the full-text articles according to the pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as the methodological quality of included trials. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2. Results: A total of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 3,045 participants (laparoscopic group, 1,804 cases; open group, 1,241 cases) were reviewed. Laparoscopic surgery was associated with significantly lower intraoperative blood loss, earlier return of bowel movement and reduced length of hospital stay as compared to open surgery, although with increased operative time. It also showed an obvious advantage for minimizing late complications of adhesion-related bowel obstruction. Importantly, there were no significant differences in other postoperative complications, oncological clearance, 3-year and 5-year or 10 year recurrence and survival rates between two procedures. Conclusions: On the basis of this meta-analysis we conclude that laparoscopic surgery has advantages of earlier postoperative recovery, less blood loss and lower rates of adhesion-related bowel obstruction. In addition, oncological outcome is comparable after laparoscopic and open resection for rectal cancer.

Study on Joint Simulation of Very Fast Transient Overvoltage and Transient Enclosure Voltage in 1000 kV GIS

Zhang Yan-Ze,Chen Xiao-Yue,Si Jun-Jie,He Ze-Yu,Wen Xi-Shan 대한전기학회 2023 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.18 No.5

Disconnector operation in GIS generates VFTO and TEV, which threaten device insulation and personnel safety. In order to calculate VFTO and TEV more accurately, this paper proposes a VFTO-TEV joint simulation model. Among them, dynamic arc model is used to reflect the dynamic characteristics of high frequency AC arc. In order to reflect the electromagnetic leakage phenomenon caused by the impedance mismatch of high-frequency electromagnetic waves, and the influence of the transient potential difference formed by the transient electromagnetic field on grounding grid on TEV, the geometric structures of high-voltage bushing, grounding pillars and grounding grid are modeled to obtain their respective frequency-dependent admittance matrices, which are converted into corresponding broadband equivalent circuit models by combining vector fitting method and impedance synthesis method. The above modeling method is applied to the 1000 kV GIS test circuit, and the simulation model is built in the ATP-EMTP electromagnetic transient program, and the joint simulation research of VFTO and TEV is carried out. The results show that at each measurement point of the test circuit, the amplitude error of the VFTO obtained by simulation and actual measurement is mostly less than 7%, and the frequency spectrum both contains the main frequency components of 18 MHz and 25 MHz; Compared with the traditional calculation model of obtaining VFTO/TEV using CIGRE model/Petersen's law, the amplitude of VFTO and TEV obtained by joint simulation model is lower and contains richer high-frequency components. In addition, the opening speed of 0.8 m/s also corresponds to the maximum point of the VFTO amplitude of the test circuit. Finally, based on the above modeling method, the effectiveness of adding ferrite beads to suppress VFTO is verified by simulation. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

RPSA Gene Mutants Associated with Risk of Colorectal Cancer among the Chinese Population

Zhang, Shan-Chun,Jin, Wen,Liu, Hui,Jin, Ming-Juan,Chen, Ze-Xin,Ding, Zhe-Yuan,Zheng, Shuang-Shuang,Wang, Li-Juan,Yu, Yun-Xian,Chen, Kun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.12

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ribosomal protein SA (RPSA) gene with colorectal cancer (CRC). A case-control study including 388 controls and 387 patients with CRC was conducted in a Chinese population. Information about socio-demography and living behavior factors was collected by a structured questionnaire. Three SNPs (rs2133579, rs2269349, rs7641291) in RPSA gene were genotyped by Illumina SnapShot method. Multiple logistic regression models were used for assessing the joint effects between tea consumption and SNPs on CRC. The subjects with rs2269349 CC genotype had a decreased risk for CRC (OR=0.60; 95%CI = 0.37-0.99), compared with TT/CT genotype after adjustment for covariates. A similar association of rs2269349 with rectal cancer was observed (OR=0.49; 95%CI=0.24-1.00). Further analyses indicated that this SNP could modify the protective effect of tea drinking on CRC. Among the subjects with rs2269349 TT/CT or rs2133579 AA/GA, there was a marginal significantly lower risk of CRC (OR and 95%CI: 0.63 and 0.39-1.01 for rs2269349; 0.64 and 0.40-1.02 for rs2133579) in tea-drinking subjects in comparison to non-tea-drinking subjects. Mutants in the RPSA gene might be associated with genetic susceptibility to CRC and influence the protective effect of tea consumption in the Chinese population.

A Novel Face Recognition Algorithm based on the Deep Convolution Neural Network and Key Points Detection Jointed Local Binary Pattern Methodology

Wen-zhun Huang,Shan-wen Zhang 대한전기학회 2017 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.12 No.1

This paper presents a novel face recognition algorithm based on the deep convolution neural network and key point detection jointed local binary pattern methodology to enhance the accuracy of face recognition. We firstly propose the modified face key feature point location detection method to enhance the traditional localization algorithm to better pre-process the original face images. We put forward the grey information and the color information with combination of a composite model of local information. Then, we optimize the multi-layer network structure deep learning algorithm using the Fisher criterion as reference to adjust the network structure more accurately. Furthermore, we modify the local binary pattern texture description operator and combine it with the neural network to overcome drawbacks that deep neural network could not learn to face image and the local characteristics. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm obtains stronger robustness and feasibility compared with the other state-of-the-art algorithms. The proposed algorithm also provides the novel paradigm for the application of deep learning in the field of face recognition which sets the milestone for further research.

Lateral-torsional Buckling Analysis of Cantilever Beam with Tip Lateral Elastic Brace under Uniform and Concentrated Load

Wen-Fu Zhang,Ying-Chun Liu,Gui-Lan Hou,Ke-Shan Chen,Jing Ji,Yun Deng,Shi-Lin Deng 한국강구조학회 2016 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.16 No.4

The studies on the lateral-torsional buckling of cantilever steel beam with tip lateral elastic brace are rarely reported. The total potential energy is first established for the lateral-torsional buckling of cantilever steel beam with tip lateral elastic brace under uniform and concentrated load. The modal trial function of the lateral displacement and torsional angle are expressed as trigonometric function combination with six terms. By introducing new dimensionless parameters, the analytical solution of the dimensionless buckling equation for the lateral-torsional buckling of cantilever steel beam with tip lateral elastic brace is obtained. With the help of 1stOpt software which is mathematical optimization analysis software, the non-dimensional critical moment formula of the lateral-torsional buckling of cantilever beam with tip lateral elastic brace is obtained. Then, the accuracy of the formula is verified by ADINA finite element software. The results show that the given critical moment formula is of high accuracy. It provides convenient and simple design method for practical engineering.

PKCδ-dependent Activation of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System is Responsible for High Glucose-induced Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion

Zhu, Shan,Yao, Feng,Li, Wen-Huan,Wan, Jin-Nan,Zhang, Yi-Min,Tang, Zhao,Khan, Shahzad,Wang, Chang-Hua,Sun, Sheng-Rong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.10

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has contributed to advanced breast cancer development over the past decades. However, the mechanism underlying this contribution is poorly understood. In this study, we determined that high glucose enhanced proteasome activity was accompanied by enhanced proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as suppressed apoptosis, in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BZM) pretreatment mitigated high glucose-induced MCF-7 cell growth and invasion. Furthermore, high glucose increased protein kinase C delta ($PKC{\delta}$)-phosphorylation. Administration of the specific $PKC{\delta}$ inhibitor rottlerin attenuated high glucose-stimulated cancer cell growth and invasion. In addition, $PKC{\delta}$ inhibition by both rottlerin and $PKC{\delta}$ shRNA significantly suppressed high glucose-induced proteasome activity. Our results suggest that $PKC{\delta}$-dependent ubiquitin proteasome system activation plays an important role in high glucose-induced breast cancer cell growth and metastasis.

Predictive Value of Molecular Subtyping for Locoregional Recurrence in Early-Stage Breast Cancer with N1 without Postmastectomy Radiotherapy

Ge Wen,Jin-Shan Zhang,Yu-Jing Zhang,Yu-Jia Zhu,Xiao-Bo Huang,Xunxing Guan 한국유방암학회 2016 Journal of breast cancer Vol.19 No.2

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the relationship between molecular subtype and locoregional recurrence (LRR) in patients with early-stage breast cancer with 1–3 positive axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) and improve the individualized indications for postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). Methods: The records of 701 patients with pT1-2N1M0 breast cancer who did not undergo PMRT were retrospectively analyzed. Tumors were subclassified as follows: luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-enriched, and basal-like subtypes. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to determine the risk of LRR associated with the different subtypes and to adjust for clinicopathologic factors. Results: Luminal A, luminal B, HER2- enriched, and basal-like subtypes accounted for 51.2%, 28.0%, 8.1%, and 12.7% of cases, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 67 months (range, 9–156 months). Univariate analysis revealed that, compared with the luminal A subtype, the HER2-enriched and basal-like subtypes were associated with significantly higher 5-year LRR rates (5.6% vs. 21.6% and vs.15.7% respectively; p=0.002 each), lower 5-year LRR-free survival (LRFS) rates (90.6% vs. 73.8% and 78.5%, respectively; p=0.001 each), and poorer 5-year breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) rates (93.7% vs. 82.2% [p=0.002] and 84.9% [p=0.001], respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the HER2-enriched and basal-like subtypes, age ≤35 years, a medial tumor, and pT2 stage were poor prognostic factors for LRR and LRFS; furthermore, 2 to 3 positive ALNs represented an independent prognostic factor affecting LRR. The 10-year LRR rates of patients with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 risk factors were 1.0%, 6.9%, 14.3%, 30.4%, and 54.3%, respectively (p<0.001); the 10-year BCSS rates were 86.6%, 88.5%, 84.4%, 79.7%, and 38.8%, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: Molecular subtyping allows for individualized evaluation of LRR risk in patients with pT1-2N1M0 breast cancer. PMRT should be recommended for patients with ≥3 LRR risk factors.