• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.5137-5142
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• 2012

UHRF2 is a member of the ubiquitin plant homeo domain RING finger family, which has been proven to be frequently up-regulated in colorectal cancer cells and play a role as an oncogene in breast cancer cells. However, the role of UHRF2 in glioma cells remains unclear. In this study, we performed real-time quantitative PCR on 32 pathologically confirmed glioma samples (grade I, 4 cases; grade II, 11 cases; grade III, 10 cases; and grade IV, 7 cases; according to the 2007 WHO classification system) and four glioma cell lines (A172, U251, U373, and U87). The expression of UHRF2 mRNA was significantly lower in the grade III and grade IV groups compared with the noncancerous brain tissue group, whereas its expression was high in A172, U251, and U373 glioma cell lines. An in vitro assay was performed to investigate the functions of UHRF2. Using a lentivirus-based RNA interference (RNAi) approach, we down-regulated UHRF2 expression in the U251 glioma cell line. This down-regulation led to the inhibition of cell proliferation, an increase in cell apoptosis, and a change of cell cycle distribution, in which S stage cells decreased and G2/M stage cells increased. Our results suggest that UHRF2 may be closely related to tumorigenesis and the development of gliomas.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2057-2061
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• 2012

Backgrounds: Deficiency or excess of trace elements can induce body metabolic disorders and cellular growth disturbance, even mutation and cancerization. Since there are few studies of the effect of trace elements in bladder carcinoma in China, the aim of this study was thus to assess variation using a case control approach. Methods: To determine this, 81 patients with bladder carcinoma chosen as a study group and 130 healthy persons chosen as a control group were all assayed for urinary and serum trace elements (calcium [Ca], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], selenium [Se]) using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the results were analyzed by independent sample t tests. The correlative factors on questionnaires answered by all persons were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: The results showed urinary Ca, Zn and serum Cu levels of the study group to be significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of he control group. Serum Ca and Se levels of study group were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of control group. Conclusion: There were higher urinary Zn and serum Cu concentrations in bladder carcinoma cases. Bladder carcinoma may be associated with Ca metabolic disorder, leading to higher urinary Ca and lower serum Ca. Low serum Se and smoking appear to be other risk factors for bladder carcinoma in China.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.1749-1752
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• 2012

Colorectal cancer (CRC), now the third most common cancer across the world, is known to aggregate in families. USP7 is a very important protein with an important role in regulating the p53 pathway, which is critical for genomic stability and tumor suppression. We here genotyped eight SNPs within the USP7 gene and conducted a case-control study in 312 CRC patients and 270 healthy subjects in the Chinese Han population. No significant associations were found for any single SNP and CRC risk. Our data eliminate USP7 as a potential candidate gene towards for CRC in the Han Chinese population.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.999-1003
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• 2014

Objective: To validate the relationship between MACC1 and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose 2, 6 bisphosphatase (PFKFB2) expression as well as its clinicopathological features and prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: By using immunohistochemistry, we investigated the MACC1 and PFKFB2 protein expression in 60 pairs of hepatocellular carcinoma and corresponding non-tumor tissues. Using the Mann-Whitney U test, the Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazard regression analysis and Spearman analysis, we studied the relationship between MACC1 and PFKFB2 protein expression and postoperative overall survival (OS) of the HCC patients. Results: MACC1 and PFKFB2 positive staining rates were significantly higher in hepatocellular carcinoma than in the corresponding nontumor tissues (P=0.012 and 0.04, respectively). The clinicopathological features evaluation revealed that positive expression of MACC1 was associated with a high Edmondson classification (P=0.007) and advanced TNM stage (P=0.027). Similar findings were evident for PFKFB2 expression (P=0.002 and P=0.027). MACC1 and PFKFB2 positive expression was associated with a lower OS rate (P=0.004 and 0.03, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed MACC1 positive expression to be a prognostic factor for postoperative OS, but PFKFB was not. Conclusion: Highly expressed MACC1 and PFKFB2 protein were associated with TNM stage, Edmondson-Steier classification and overall survival. MACC1 may affect tumor metabolism partly through expression and phophorylation of PFKFB2.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.91-100
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• 2016

Purpose - Recently actively growing franchise systems distribution channel system in which franchise headquarter compared with franchise occupies an important place in distribution channel. Due to this, franchise and franchise headquarter are interdependent on task and in this situation the goal they go after, motivation and objective are probably inconsistent. If so, possibility to participate goal setting process or operating activity of opposite side is becoming bigger and in the end conflict may generate. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of the supervisor's attitude and expertise as moderating factors in the relationship between goal-incongruity/coercive power/role-incongruity and the conflict perceived by franchisee. Research design, data and methodology - This study was intended to verify how the supervisor's attitude and expertise as moderating factors in the relationship between goal-incongruity/coercive power/role-incongruity and the conflict perceived by franchisee. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, some study models and hypotheses have been established through theoretical examinations. Then, using these scales, the researcher completed the questionnaire survey. To test our hypotheses, the survey was conducted from March 9, 2016 for 20 days by random sampling, The study was implemented through a descriptive survey method using a self-administered questionnaire. A survey of 124 restaurant franchisee across Seoul and Gyeonggi Province was performed. A total of 124 completed responses were analyzed. In this study, I used SPSS 22.0 to analyze data and did frequency analysis to see demographic, and general features of the respondents; also did exploratory factor analysis to examine the validity of the items of measurement. Factor analysis was first calculated at a minimum, the number of factors, principal component analysis used when variables are committed to maximising the information with (principle component analysis) and the rotation of factors were angry about the great variable factors than 1.0 by applying Varimax rotation. In addition, I used the value of Cronbach's (Alpha) to examine the reliance of questionnaire items, final analysis the reliability factor can be found both high reliability hayeoteumeuro exceeds over 0.6 and did Multiple regression analysis to test hypothesis and also did hierarchical regression analysis to examine moderating effect. Results - To analyze the proposed model, according to the analysis result, it was found that the influence of goal-incongruity, coercive power, and role-incongruity on the perceived conflict of franchisee is moderated by the supervisor's attitude and expertise. That is, the more the supervisor's attitude and expertise were positive, the more the conflicts of the goal-incongruity, coercive power, and role-incongruity were decreased. It also confirmed previous research's finding that goal-incongruity, coercive power, and role-incongruity positively influence on the conflict. Conclusions - According to the results of this research which reduces the conflict of franchise from the in consistent goal; coercive power, and inconsistent role of superiors, it provides very important implications for franchise headquarter which has franchise system and also give them some suggestion about how to recruit superiors and what kind of training may be fit for the superiors.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.485-492
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• 2011

The influence of high temperature on mammary cell turnover during the dry period is still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate mammary cell turnover and p53 protein expression in the mammary tissue under high temperature conditions. Mammary gland biopsy samples from 8 dairy cows were obtained at 7, 25, 40, and 53 d during the dry period in summer or spring (n = 4, each season). Cell cycle, cell turnover, and p53 protein expression were analyzed by flow cytometry. During the dry period in summer, the percentage of mammary epithelial cells in the G0/G1 phase was the highest, but those in the S and G2/M phases were lower. However, the proportion of cells in the different stages of the cell cycle was not significantly different among the different biopsy time points, except in the G2/M phase. Under different temperature conditions, the cells were significantly different in their apoptotic rate and proliferation index; moreover, the tendencies of these indicators to change significantly differed. In general, the samples under high temperature conditions showed significantly lower apoptotic rates and proliferation indices. Under high temperature conditions, the apoptotic rate and proliferation index were the lowest (2.17% and 3.26%, respectively) at day 40, and the highest at day 53 (3.67% and 4.61%, respectively). However, under normal temperature conditions, the values of these indicators were the lowest (7.60% and 5.54%, respectively) at day 7, and almost the highest at day 25 (12.85% and 6.47%, respectively). Moreover, p53 protein expression was significantly higher under high temperature conditions than under normal temperature conditions, except at day 25. The level of p53 protein was the lowest (13.10%) under high temperature conditions at day 25, but was the highest (26.07%) under normal temperature conditions. Our findings suggest that high temperature delayed the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and the cell turnover rate, but remarkably increased p53 protein expression. Thus, the results indicate that high temperature extends the recovery period of mammary epithelial cells.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.44-52
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• 2020

Objective: Minerals are one of the important nutrients for supporting the growth of sheep grazing in the highland, northwest of China. The experiment was conducted to investigate the relationship of both macro and micro minerals in sheep grazing in the highlands of six districts located in the Qilian Mountain of China. Methods: Samples of herbage (n = 240) and soil (n = 240) were collected at random in a "W" shape across the area designated for harvesting from 24 farms, where the sheep commonly graze in October (winter) for mineral analyses. In addition, serum samples were taken via jugular vein from 20 sheep per farm from 24 farms (n = 480 samples in total) for serum minerals analyses. Mean values of macro and micro minerals were statistically compared among districts and the correlations among soil-plant-animal were statistically analyzed and correlations were regressed, as well. Results: The results revealed that there were variations for both macro and micro minerals among districts. Statistical analysis of the correlation coefficients between herbage and sheep were significantly different for most of the minerals but not for P, Cu, and Se. Many correlation regression coefficients were found significantly different among minerals of herbage, soil, and sheep serum especially those of K, Na, Fe, Mn, and Zn (between herbage and sheep serum), and Fe and Mn (between herbage and soil), Na, Fe, Mn, and Zn (between soil and sheep serum), respectively. The regression coefficient equations derived under this experiment for prediction of Ca (R² = 0.618), K (R² = 0.803), Mg (R² = 0.767), Na (R² = 0.670), Fe (R² = 0.865),Zn (R² = 0.950), Mn (R² = 0.936), and Se (R² = 0.630), resulted in significant R² values. Conclusion: It is inferred that the winter herbage minerals in all the districts were below the recommended levels for macro minerals which indicated there would be some mineral deficiencies in sheep grazing the herbage in these regions. Supplemental minerals may therefore play an important role in balancing the minerals available from the herbage in winter and would lead to increased productivity in sheep on the highland areas of China. These findings could be potentially applied to the other regions for improving the livestock productivity.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.166-176
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• 2020

Objective: An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of L-arginine (L-Arg) and N-carbamoylglutamic acid (NCG) on the growth, metabolism, immunity and community of cecal bacterial flora of weanling and young rabbits. Methods: Eighteen normal-grade male weanling Japanese White rabbits (JWR) were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups with or without L-Arg and NCG supplementation. The whole feeding process was divided into weanling stage (day 37 to 65) and young stage (day 66 to 85). The effects of L-Arg and NCG on the growth, metabolism, immunity and development of the ileum and jejunum were compared via nutrient metabolism experiments and histological assessment. The different communities of cecal bacterial flora affected by L-Arg and NCG were assessed using high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics analysis. Results: The addition of L-Arg and NCG enhanced the growth of weanling and young rabbit by increasing the nitrogen metabolism, protein efficiency ratio, and biological value, as well as feed intake and daily weight gain. Both L-Arg and NCG increased the concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, and IgG. NCG was superior to L-Arg in promoting intestinal villus development by increasing villus height, villus height/crypt depth index, and reducing the crypt depth. The effects of L-Arg and NCG on the cecal bacterial flora were mainly concentrated in different genera, including Parabacteroides, Roseburia, dgA-11_gut_group, Alistipes, Bacteroides, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005. These bacteria function mainly in amino acid transport and metabolism, energy production and conversion, lipid transport and metabolism, recombination and repair, cell cycle control, cell division, and cell motility. Conclusion: L-Arg and NCG can promote the growth and immunity of weanling and young JWR, as well as effecting the jejunum and ileum villi. L-Arg and NCG have different effects in the promotion of nutrient utilization, relieving inflammation and enhancing adaptability through regulating microbial community.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10713-10718
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• 2015

Purpose: To investigate the prognostic value of serum amyloid A (SAA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing surgery. Materials and Methods: Preoperative serum samples of 328 patients with HCC who underwent curative resection and of 47 patients with benign liver lesion were assayed. Serum levels of SAA were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and its correlations with clinicopathological characteristics and survival were explored. Results: Levels of SAA were significantly higher in patients with HCC than those with benign liver lesion. There were strong correlations between preoperative serum SAA level and tumor size and more advanced BCLC stage. On univariate analysis, elevated SAA was associated with reduced disease-free survival and overall survival (p=0.001 and 0.03, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed that serum SAA level was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio 2.80, p=0.01). Conclusions: High SAA serum level is a novel biomarker for the prognosis of HCC patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5721-5727
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• 2014

Objectives: To evaluate the performance of clustering methods used in the prognostic assessment of categorical clinical data for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in China, and establish a predictable prognostic nomogram for clinical decisions. Materials and Methods: A total of 332 newly diagnosed HCC patients treated with hepatic resection during 2006-2009 were enrolled. Patients were regularly followed up at outpatient clinics. Clustering methods including the Average linkage, k-modes, fuzzy k-modes, PAM, CLARA, protocluster, and ROCK were compared by Monte Carlo simulation, and the optimal method was applied to investigate the clustering pattern of the indices including platelet count, platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and serum aspartate aminotransferase activity/platelet count ratio index (APRI). Then the clustering variable, age group, tumor size, number of tumor and vascular invasion were studied in a multivariable Cox regression model. A prognostic nomogram was constructed for clinical decisions. Results: The ROCK was best in both the overlapping and non-overlapping cases performed to assess the prognostic value of platelet-based indices. Patients with categorical platelet-based indices significantly split across two clusters, and those with high values, had a high risk of HCC recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42, 95% CI 1.09-1.86; p<0.01). Tumor size, number of tumor and blood vessel invasion were also associated with high risk of HCC recurrence (all p< 0.01). The nomogram well predicted HCC patient survival at 3 and 5 years. Conclusions: A cluster of platelet-based indices combined with other clinical covariates could be used for prognosis evaluation in HCC.