High-Definition Computed Tomography for Coronary Artery Stent Imaging: a Phantom Study

Wen Jie Yang,Ke Min Chen,Li Fang Pang,Ying Guo,Jian Ying Li,Huang Zhang,Zi Lai Pan 대한영상의학회 2012 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.13 No.1

Objective: To assess the performance of a high-definition CT (HDCT) for imaging small caliber coronary stents (≤ 3 mm) by comparing different scan modes of a conventional 64-row standard-definition CT (SDCT). Materials and Methods: A cardiac phantom with twelve stents (2.5 mm and 3.0 mm in diameter) was scanned by HDCT and SDCT. The scan modes were retrospective electrocardiography (ECG)-gated helical and prospective ECG-triggered axial with tube voltages of 120 kVp and 100 kVp, respectively. The inner stent diameters (ISD) and the in-stent attenuation value (AVin-stent) and the in-vessel extra-stent attenuation value (AVin-vessel) were measured by two observers. The artificial lumen narrowing (ALN = [ISD - ISDmeasured]/ISD) and artificial attenuation increase between in-stent and in-vessel (AAI = AVin-stent - AVin-vessel) were calculated. All data was analyzed by intraclass correlation and ANOVA-test. Results: The correlation coefficient of ISD, AVin-vessel and AVin-stent between the two observers was good. The ALNs of HDCT were statistically lower than that of SDCT (30 ± 5.7% versus 35 ± 5.4%, p < 0.05). HDCT had statistically lower AAI values than SDCT (15.7 ± 81.4 HU versus 71.4 ± 90.5 HU, p < 0.05). The prospective axial dataset demonstrated smaller ALN than the retrospective helical dataset on both HDCT and SDCT (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no differences in ALN between the 120 kVp and 100 kVp tube voltages on HDCT (p = 0.05). Conclusion: High-definition CT helps improve measurement accuracy for imaging coronary stents compared to SDCT. HDCT with 100 kVp and the prospective ECG-triggered axial technique, with a lower radiation dose than 120 kVp application, may be advantageous in evaluating coronary stents with smaller calibers (≤ 3 mm). Objective: To assess the performance of a high-definition CT (HDCT) for imaging small caliber coronary stents (≤ 3 mm) by comparing different scan modes of a conventional 64-row standard-definition CT (SDCT). Materials and Methods: A cardiac phantom with twelve stents (2.5 mm and 3.0 mm in diameter) was scanned by HDCT and SDCT. The scan modes were retrospective electrocardiography (ECG)-gated helical and prospective ECG-triggered axial with tube voltages of 120 kVp and 100 kVp, respectively. The inner stent diameters (ISD) and the in-stent attenuation value (AVin-stent) and the in-vessel extra-stent attenuation value (AVin-vessel) were measured by two observers. The artificial lumen narrowing (ALN = [ISD - ISDmeasured]/ISD) and artificial attenuation increase between in-stent and in-vessel (AAI = AVin-stent - AVin-vessel) were calculated. All data was analyzed by intraclass correlation and ANOVA-test. Results: The correlation coefficient of ISD, AVin-vessel and AVin-stent between the two observers was good. The ALNs of HDCT were statistically lower than that of SDCT (30 ± 5.7% versus 35 ± 5.4%, p < 0.05). HDCT had statistically lower AAI values than SDCT (15.7 ± 81.4 HU versus 71.4 ± 90.5 HU, p < 0.05). The prospective axial dataset demonstrated smaller ALN than the retrospective helical dataset on both HDCT and SDCT (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no differences in ALN between the 120 kVp and 100 kVp tube voltages on HDCT (p = 0.05). Conclusion: High-definition CT helps improve measurement accuracy for imaging coronary stents compared to SDCT. HDCT with 100 kVp and the prospective ECG-triggered axial technique, with a lower radiation dose than 120 kVp application, may be advantageous in evaluating coronary stents with smaller calibers (≤ 3 mm).

Intracranial Atherosclerosis: From Microscopy to High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Wen-jie Yang,Ka Sing Wong,Xiang-yan Chen 대한뇌졸중학회 2017 Journal of stroke Vol.19 No.3

Intracranial atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of ischemic stroke and occurs more commonly in patients of Asian, African or Hispanic origin than in Caucasians. Although the histopathology of intracranial atherosclerotic disease resembles extracranial atherosclerosis, there are some notable differences in the onset and severity of atherosclerosis. Current understanding of intracranial atherosclerotic disease has been advanced by the high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI), a novel emerging imaging technique that can directly visualize the vessel wall pathology. However, the pathological validation of HRMRI signal characteristics remains a key step to depict the plaque components and vulnerability in intracranial atherosclerotic lesions. The purpose of this review is to describe the histological features of intracranial atherosclerosis and to state current evidences regarding the validation of MR vessel wall imaging with histopathology.

Positive Association of TEAD1 With Schizophrenia in a Northeast Chinese Han Population

Yang Sun,Lin Wen,Yi-Yang Luo,Wen-Juan Hu,Hui-Wen Ren,Ye Lv,Cong Zhang,Ping Gao,Li-Na Xuan,Guan-Yu Wang,Cheng-Jie Li,Zhi-Xin Xiang,Zhi-Lin Luan 대한신경정신의학회 2023 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.20 No.12

Objective Schizophrenia is a complex and devastating psychiatric disorder with a strong genetic background. However, much uncertainty still exists about the role of genetic susceptibility in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. TEA domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1) is a transcription factor associated with neurodevelopment and has modulating effects on various nervous system diseases. In the current study, we performed a case–control association study in a Northeast Chinese Han population to explore the characteristics of pathogenic <i>TEAD1</i> polymorphisms and potential association with schizophrenia.Methods We recruited a total of 721 schizophrenia patients and 1,195 healthy controls in this study. The 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene region of <i>TEAD1</i> were selected and genotyped.Results The genetic association analyses showed that five SNPs (rs12289262, rs6485989, rs4415740, rs7113256, and rs1866709) were significantly different between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls in allele or/and genotype frequencies. After Bonferroni correction, the association of three SNPs (rs4415740, rs7113256, and rs1866709) with schizophrenia were still evident. Haplotype analysis revealed that two strong linkage disequilibrium blocks (rs6485989-rs4415740-rs7113256 and rs16911710-rs12364619-rs1866709) were globally associated with schizophrenia. Four haplotypes (C-C-C and T-T-T, rs6485989-rs4415740-rs7113256; G-T-A and G-T-G, rs16911710-rs12364619-rs1866709) were significantly different between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.Conclusion The current findings indicated that the human <i>TEAD1</i> gene has a genetic association with schizophrenia in the Chinese Han population and may act as a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia.

Expression Level of Valosin Containing Protein is Associated with Prognosis of Primary Orbital MALT Lymphoma

Zhu, Wen-Wen,Kang, Li,Gao, Ya-Ping,Hei, Yan,Dong, Jie,Liu, Yu,Xiao, Li-Hua,Yang, Guang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Objective: To investigate whether the expression level of valosin-containing protein (VCP) is correlated with the prognosis of primary orbital mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Methods: VCP expression in 58 samples from primary orbital MALT lymphoma patients was determined by immunohistochemisty using monoclonal antibodies. Correlations between VCP expression level and prognosis were clarified by statistical analysis. Results: It was found that the percentage of VCP positive cells in samples of primary orbital MALT lymphoma ranged from 32% to 95%. The samples were divided into two groups (level 1 and level 2) according to the median value (45%) of the percentage of VCP positive cells. It was found that the expression level of VCP was significantly correlated with recurrence (P=0.003) and tumor size (P=0.008). At the same time, the 5-year disease-free and overall survival rate of patients of level 1 was significantly better than that of level 2 (P=0.001; P=0.032). There was no observed correlation between the expression level of VCP and other clinical features. Conclusion: VCP could be a useful marker for predicting the prognosis of primary orbital MALT lymphoma.

Prediction and analysis of structural noise of a box girder using hybrid FE-SEA method

Wen-jun Luo,Zi-zheng Zhang,Bao-you Wu,Chang-jie Xu,Peng-qi Yang 국제구조공학회 2020 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.75 No.4

With the rapid development of rail transit, rail transit noise needs to be paid more and more attention. In order to accurately and effectively analyze the characteristics of low-frequency noise, a prediction model of vibration of box girder was established based on the hybrid FE-SEA method. When the train speed is 140 km/h, 200 km/h and 250 km/h, the vibration and noise of the box girder induced by the vertical wheel-rail interaction in the frequency range of 20-500 Hz are analyzed. Detailed analysis of the energy level, sound pressure contribution, modal analysis and vibration loss power of each slab at the operating speed of 140 km /h. The results show that: (1) When the train runs at a speed of 140km/h, the roof contributes more to the sound pressure at the far sound field point. Analyzing the frequency range from 20 to 500 Hz: The top plate plays a very important role in controlling sound pressure, contributing up to 70% of the sound pressure at peak frequencies. (2) When the train is traveling at various speeds, the maximum amplitude of structural vibration and noise generated by the viaduct occurs at 50 Hz. The vibration acceleration of the box beam at the far field point and near field point is mainly concentrated in the frequency range of 31.5-100 Hz, which is consistent with the dominant frequency band of wheel-rail force. Therefore, the main frequency of reducing the vibration and noise of the box beam is 31.5-100 Hz. (3) The vibration energy level and sound pressure level of the box bridge at different speeds are basically the same. The laws of vibration energy and sound pressure follow the rules below: web <wing plate <top plate. (4) When the train is running at a higher speed, the noise and vibration of the bridge structure are larger. (5) The hybrid FE-SEA method is used to predict the structural noise of the box beam, which not only improves the efficiency, but also improves the calculation accuracy, thereby expanding the frequency range of the structural noise and improving the prediction accuracy.

The Expression of MicroRNA-155 in Plasma and Tissue Is Matched in Human Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Wen-jie Shi,Jian-ling Wang,Dong Yang 연세대학교의과대학 2016 Yonsei medical journal Vol.57 No.2

Purpose: Tumor-associated microRNAs have been detected in cancer, though whether plasma microRNA-155 (miR-155) could be a potential biomarker for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) prognosis is unclear. We aimed to determine how miR-155 can be used to predict the clinical characteristics of patients with LSCC and correctly diagnose them. Materials and Methods: We collected tissue samples and peripheral blood samples before and after treatment from 280 LSCC cases and 560 controls. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR was employed in this study to compare the relative expressionof miR-155. Results: A total of 280 LSCC patients and 560 age- and sex-matched controls were included in the study. The miR-155 level was more up-regulated in LSCC tissue than in the non-tumor tissues (13.6±2.4 vs. 3.1±0.80, p<0.001). Additionally, a significantly higher miR-155 level in plasma samples from LSCC patients than in those of the controls (8.9±1.25 vs. 1.8±0.8, p<0.001) was reported. Tissue miR-155 showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.933, with a sensitivity of 82.6% and a specificity of 89.2%. The AUC for plasma miR-155 was 0.757, with a sensitivity of 58.4% and a specificity of 69.5%. When early LSCC in TNM I stage was considered, tissue miR-155 showed an area under the curve of 0.804, with a sensitivity of 85.2% and a specificity of 87.3%. Conclusion: The expression of tissue and plasma miR-155 were significantly up-regulated in patients with LSCC. Our work will serve as a basis for further investigation, preferably large-scale validation in clinical trials.

Characterization and expression analysis of glutathione S-transferase genes from an aquatic predator Protohermes costalis (Megaloptera: Corydalidae) on exposure to cadmium

Yang-Jie Zhao,Huang Xingrui,Wen Fasheng,Huang Xinglong,Liu Zhixiao,Zhang Youxiang 한국응용곤충학회 2023 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.26 No.2

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional detoxification enzymes which play important roles in protecting the organisms from environmental stress and are widely used as biomarkers for environmental bio monitoring studies. In this study, We investigated the GST activity in Protohermes costalis larvae, aquatic insects mainly found in oligotrophic fresh water environments, in response to cadmium (Cd) exposure. Eight GST genes in the larvae were identified and their expression patterns under Cd stress were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The GST activity in the whole body was up-regulated by CdCl 2 in a dose-dependent manner and the midgut and malpighian tubules may be the main sites involved in GST activity regulation. The identified PcGSTs are members of cytosolic GST family containing the conserved glutathione-binding domain and substrate-binding domain. Six of them are highly enriched in malpighian tu bules, midgut or/and fat body. The expression level of PcGSTe1 was significantly up-regulated by 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mM CdCl 2 treatments when compared with no Cd control. PcGSTs1 expression was significantly higher in 0.05 mM CdCl 2 and lower in 1 mM CdCl 2 compared with no Cd control. Other PcGSTs were up-regulated by different concentrations of CdCl 2 . Our results suggested that P. costalis midgut and malpighian tubules may be the main sites for GST activity regulation that induced by Cd in aqueous phase and increasing expression levels of different PcGST genes may be responsible for the GST activity up-regulation. Moreover, GST activity and gene expression in this insect may be used as biomarkers for future aquatic biomonitoring studies.

Adaptive Neural Dynamic Surface Control for a General Class of Stochastic Nonlinear Systems with Time Delays and Input Dead-zone

Wen-Jie Si,Xun-De Dong,Fei-Fei Yang 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2017 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.15 No.5

This paper investigates adaptive tracking control for a more general class of stochastic nonlinear timedelaysystems with unknown input dead-zone. For the considered system, the drift and diffusion terms containtime-delay state variables. In control design, Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals are employed to handle unknowntime-delay terms. Then, unknown nonlinear functions are approximated by RBF neural networks, and the dynamicsurface control (DSC) technique is utilized to avoid the problem of explosion of complexity. At last, based onthe Lyapunov stability theory, a robust adaptive controller is designed to guarantee that all closed-loop signals arebounded in probability and the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of the origin. The simulationexample is presented to further show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Associations of Genetic Variations in Mismatch Repair Genes MSH3 and PMS1 with Acute Adverse Events and Survival in Patients with Rectal Cancer Receiving Postoperative Chemoradiotherapy

Jie Yang,Ying Huang,Yanru Feng,Hongmin Li,Ting Feng,Jinna Chen,Luxi Yin,Weihu Wang,Shulian Wang,Yueping Liu,Yongwen Song,Yexiong Li,Jing Jin,Wen Tan,Dongxin Lin 대한암학회 2019 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.51 No.3

Purpose Mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency plays a critical role in rectal cancer. This study aimed to explore the associations between genetic variations in seven MMR genes and adverse events (AEs) and survival of patients with rectal cancer treated with postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Materials and Methods Fifty single nucleotide polymorphisms in seven MMR (MLH1, MLH3, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, PMS1 and PMS2) genes were genotyped by Sequenom MassARRAY method in 365 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer receiving postoperative CRT. The associations between genotypes and AEs were measured by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by unconditional logistic regression model. The associations between genetic variations and survival were computed by the hazard ratios and 95% CIs by Cox proportional regression model. Results The most common grade ! 2 AEs in those 365 patients, in decreasing order, were diarrhea (44.1%), leukopenia (29.6%), and dermatitis (18.9%). Except 38 cases missing, 61 patients (18.7%) died during the follow-up period. We found MSH3 rs12513549, rs33013, and rs6151627 significantly associated with the risk of grade ! 2 diarrhea. PMS1 rs1233255 had an impact on the occurrence of grade ! 2 dermatitis. Meanwhile, PMS1 rs4920657, rs5743030, and rs5743100 were associated with overall survival time of rectal cancer. Conclusion These results suggest that MSH3 and PMS1 polymorphisms may play important roles in AEs prediction and prognosis of rectal cancer patients receiving postoperative CRT, which can be potential genetic biomarkers for rectal cancer personalized treatment.

Preparation of BiPO4-Polyaniline Hybrid and its Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

Wen Jie Yu,Yang Cheng,Tao Zou,Yi Liu,Kui Wu,Na Peng 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2018 NANO Vol.13 No.1

Recently, BiPO4 has been proved to be an efficient photocatalyst which exhibits more attractive activity than that of TiO2-P25 under UV irradiation. However, photocatalytic oxidation-reduction ability of BiPO4 under visible light still needs to be improved. Conjugated polymer just like polyaniline was demonstrated to be a new and efficient visible co-photocatalyst in the field of pollutant governance. As far as we know, the attempt to enhance the photochemical ability of BiPO4 by employing polyaniline as a co-photocatalyst is still very limited. Hence, in order to testify the potential enhanced performance of such heterostructure, BiPO4-polyaniline heterostructure was prepared via hydrothermal method and hybridization in this paper. The experimental results indicated that several typical pollutants such as organic dyes and heavy metal ions can be effectively removed by BiPO4-polyaniline under visible light. The enhanced removal mechanism was attributed to the high separation efficiency of photo-induced electron–hole pairs and more efficient absorption of visible light after the loading of polyaniline on the surface of BiPO4 as an out-layer compared with single BiPO4.