Inhibiting autophagy enhanced mitotic catastrophe-mediated anticancer immune responses by regulating the cGAS-STING pathway

Given the limitations of the response rate and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in clinical applications, exploring new therapeutic strategies for cancer immunotherapy is necessary. We found that 5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-4-methyl-2-(p-tolyl)imidazole (BZML), a microtubule-targeting agent, exhibited potent anticancer activity by inducing mitotic catastrophe in A549/Taxol and L929 cells. Nuclear membrane disruption and nuclease reduction provided favorable conditions for cGAS-STING pathway activation in cells with mitotic catastrophe. Similar results were obtained in paclitaxel-, docetaxel- and doxorubicin-induced mitotic catastrophe in various cancer cells. Notably, the surface localization of CALR and MHC-I and the release of HMGB1 were also significantly increased in cells with mitotic catastrophe, but not in apoptotic cells, suggesting that mitotic catastrophe is an immunogenic cell death. Furthermore, activated CD8+T cells enhanced the anticancer effects originating from mitotic catastrophe induced by BZML. Inhibiting the cGAS-STING pathway failed to affect BZML-induced mitotic catastrophe but could inhibit mitotic catastrophe-mediated anticancer immune effects. Interestingly, the expression of p-TBK1 first increased and then declined; however, autophagy inhibition reversed the decrease in p-TBK1 expression and enhanced mitotic catastrophe-mediated anticancer immune effects. Collectively, the inhibition of autophagy can potentiate mitotic catastrophe-mediated anticancer immune effects by regulating the cGAS-STING pathway, which explains why the anticancer immune effects induced by chemotherapeutics have not fully exerted their therapeutic efficacy in some patients and opens a new area of research in cancer immunotherapy.

Perspectives and mechanisms for targeting mitotic catastrophe in cancer treatment

Mitotic catastrophe is distinct from other cell death modes due to unique nuclear alterations characterized as multi and/or micronucleation. Mitotic catastrophe is a common and virtually unavoidable consequence during cancer therapy. However, a comprehensive understanding of mitotic catastrophe remains lacking. Herein, we summarize the anticancer drugs that induce mitotic catastrophe, including microtubule-targeting agents, spindle assembly checkpoint kinase inhibitors, DNA damage agents and DNA damage response inhibitors. Based on the relationships between mitotic catastrophe and other cell death modes, we thoroughly evaluated the roles played by mitotic catastrophe in cancer treatment as well as its advantages and disadvantages. Some strategies for overcoming its shortcomings while fully utilizing its advantages are summarized and proposed in this review. We also review how mitotic catastrophe regulates cancer immunotherapy. These summarized findings suggest that the induction of mitotic catastrophe can serve as a promising new therapeutic approach for overcoming apoptosis resistance and strengthening cancer immunotherapy.

Peptide MSI-1 inhibited MCR-1 and regulated outer membrane vesicles to combat immune evasion of Escherichia coli

Polymyxin resistance is conferred by MCR-1 (mobile colistin resistance 1)-induced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modification of G- bacteria. However, the peptide MSI-1 exerts potent antimicrobial activity against mcr-1-carrying bacteria. To further investigate the potential role of MCR-1 in improving bacterial virulence and facilitating immune evasion, and the immunomodulatory effect of peptide MSI-1, we first explored outer membrane vesicle (OMV) alterations of mcr-1-carrying bacteria in the presence and absence of sub-MIC MSI-1, and host immune activation during bacterial infection and OMV stimulation. Our results demonstrated that LPS remodelling induced by MCR-1 negatively affected OMV formation and protein cargo by E. coli. In addition, MCR-1 diminished LPS-stimulated pyroptosis but facilitated mitochondrial dysfunction, further aggravating apoptosis in macrophages induced by OMVs of E. coli. Similarly, TLR4-mediated NF-κB activation was markedly alleviated once LPS was modified by MCR-1. However, peptide MSI-1 at the sub-MIC level inhibited the expression of MCR-1, further partly rescuing OMV alteration and attenuation of immune responses in the presence of MCR-1 during both infection and OMV stimulation, which can be exploited for anti-infective therapy.

Cigarette Smoke Extract and Lipopolysaccharide Induce Pyroptosis in Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells of Rats

We studied the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE), LPS, or their combination on the activity and pyroptosis of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC) in rats. PMVEC were cultured without treatment, with CSE in different concentrations (1-25%), with 20 ng/ml LPS, or with 20% CSE+20 ng/ml LPS. Cell viability was determined using the CCK8 kit, apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, and cell morphology was evaluated using light microscopy. The content of IL-1β and IL-18 was measured by ELISA. CSE decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The morphology of cells in the CSE+LPS group showed the most significant cytomorphological changes and the highest pyroptosis rate. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rates in the CSE and LPS groups were higher than in the control group, but the highest rate of apoptosis was revealed in the CSE+LPS group (p<0.01). The levels of IL-18 and IL-1β in the cell supernatant of the CSE, LPS, and CSE+LPS groups were significantly (p<0.01) increased in comparison with the control. These levels in the CSE+LPS group were higher (p<0.01) than in other groups. There were no differences between the CSE and LPS groups. Thus, the effect of CSE on cell viability is dose-dependent. Combined treatment with CSE+LPS can induce cell pyroptosis and increase the levels of inflammatory cytokines in PMVEC. These observations demonstrated that pyroptosis caused by CSE and LPS can play an important role in pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Observation of a Strongly Isospin-Mixed Doublet in ^{26}Si via β-Delayed Two-Proton Decay of ^{26}P

β decay of proton-rich nuclei plays an important role in exploring isospin mixing. The β decay of ^{26}P at the proton drip line is studied using double-sided silicon strip detectors operating in conjunction with high-purity germanium detectors. The T=2 isobaric analog state (IAS) at 13 055 keV and two new high-lying states at 13 380 and 11 912 keV in ^{26}Si are unambiguously identified through β-delayed two-proton emission (β2p). Angular correlations of two protons emitted from ^{26}Si excited states populated by ^{26}P β decay are measured, which suggests that the two protons are emitted mainly sequentially. We report the first observation of a strongly isospin-mixed doublet that deexcites mainly via two-proton decay. The isospin mixing matrix element between the ^{26}Si IAS and the nearby 13 380-keV state is determined to be 130(21) keV, and this result represents the strongest mixing, highest excitation energy, and largest level spacing of a doublet ever observed in β-decay experiments.

Probing ^{93m}Mo Isomer Depletion with an Isomer Beam

The isomer depletion of ^{93m}Mo was recently reported [Chiara et al., Nature (London) 554, 216 (2018)NATUAS0028-083610.1038/nature25483] as the first direct observation of nuclear excitation by electron capture (NEEC). However, the measured excitation probability of 1.0(3)% is far beyond the theoretical expectation. In order to understand the inconsistency between theory and experiment, we produce the ^{93m}Mo nuclei using the ^{12}C(^{86}Kr,5n) reaction at a beam energy of 559 MeV and transport the reaction residues to a detection station far away from the target area employing a secondary beam line. The isomer depletion is expected to occur during the slowdown process of the ions in the stopping material. In such a low γ-ray background environment, the signature of isomer depletion is not observed, and an upper limit of 2×10^{-5} is estimated for the excitation probability. This is consistent with the theoretical expectation. Our findings shed doubt on the previously reported NEEC phenomenon and highlight the necessity and feasibility of further experimental investigations for reexamining the isomer depletion under low γ-ray background.

Circulating myeloid-derived suppressors cells correlate with clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes undergoing neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

Myeloid-derived suppressors cells (MDSCs) are heterogeneous immunosuppressive cells, closely related to the development, efficacy and prognosis in various tumors. The relationship between clinicopathological characteristics, efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NCIO) and circulating MDSCs in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was investigated in this study.

METHODS

This study analyzed the clinical data of patients diagnosed at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Chest Hospital from November 2020 to August 2021. MDSCs and T cells subgroups were measured in fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) at baseline. Flow cytometry was used to detect MDSCs and T cells subgroups.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients with NSCLC and 20 patients with benign nodule underwent direct surgery. 23 patients with NSCLC scheduled to accept NCIO before surgery. NSCLC had elevated levels of total MDSCs, PMN-MDSCs and M-MDSCs compared to patients with benign nodule. MDSCs subgroups were correlated to the pTNM stage in NSCLC patients. The frequency of total MDSCs were moderately positively correlated with regulatory T cells (Tregs)(r = 0.3597, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with CD4 + T cells(r = 0.2714, P < 0.05). The baseline levels of total MDSCs, PMN-MDSCs and Tregs in pCR patients were significantly decreased than those of non-pCR patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Circulating MDSCs were increased in NSCLC patients. MDSC subgroups were related to pTNM stage in NSCLC patients. Total MDSCs were positively correlated with Tregs levels and negatively correlated with CD4 + T cells in peripheral blood. The level of MDSCs and Tregs in peripheral blood may have potential value in predicting pathological response in NSCLC.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Five Systemic Treatments for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma in China: An Economic Evaluation Based on Network Meta-Analysis

Background and Objective

Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) is the main histological subtype of liver cancer and causes a great disease burden in China. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of five first-line systemic treatments newly approved in the Chinese market for the treatment of uHCC, namely, sorafenib, lenvatinib, donafenib, sintilimab plus bevacizumab (D + A), and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (T + A) from the perspective of China's healthcare system, to provide a basis for decision-making.

Methods

We constructed a network meta-analysis of 4 clinical trials and used fractional polynomial models to indirectly compare the effectiveness of treatments. The partitioned survival model was used for cost-effectiveness analysis. Primary model outcomes included the costs in US dollars and health outcomes in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) under a willingness-to-pay threshold of $33,521 (3 times the per capita gross domestic product in China) per QALY. We performed deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to investigate the robustness. To test the effect of active treatment duration on the conclusions, we performed a scenario analysis.

Results

Compared with sorafenib, lenvatinib, donafenib, D + A, and T + A regimens, it yielded an increase of 0.25, 0.30, 0.95, and 1.46 life-years, respectively. Correspondingly, these four therapies yielded an additional 0.16, 0.19, 0.51, and 0.86 QALYs and all four ICERs, $40,667.92/QALY gained, $27,630.63/QALY gained, $51,877.36/QALY gained, and $130,508.44/QALY gained, were higher than $33,521 except for donafenib. T + A was the most effective treatment and donafenib was the most economical option. Sensitivity and scenario analysis results showed that the base-case analysis was highly reliable.

Conclusion

Although combination therapy could greatly improve patients with uHCC survival benefits, under the current WTP, donafenib is still the most economical option.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a] Pyrazine Derivatives as Novel Dual c-Met/VEGFR-2 Inhibitors

In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of novel [1,2,4]triazolo [4,3-a]pyrazine derivatives, and evaluated them for their inhibitory activities toward c-Met/VEGFR-2 kinases and antiproliferative activities against tested three cell lines in vitro. Most of the compounds showed satisfactory activity compared with lead compound foretinib. Among them, the most promising compound 17l exhibited excellent antiproliferative activities against A549, MCF-7, and Hela cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 0.98 ± 0.08, 1.05 ± 0.17, and 1.28 ± 0.25 µM, respectively, as well as excellent kinase inhibitory activities (c-Met IC₅₀ = 26.00 nM and VEGFR-2 IC₅₀ = 2.6 µM). Moreover, compound 17l inhibited the growth of A549 cells in G0/G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner, and induced the late apoptosis of A549 cells. Its intervention on intracellular c-Met signaling of A549 was verified by the result of Western blot. Fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that compound 17l inhibited the growth of A549 cells by inhibiting the expression of c-Met and VEGFR-2, and its hemolytic toxicity was low. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation indicated that compound 17l could bind to c-Met and VEGFR-2 protein, which was similar to that of foretinib.

Autophagy and cancer treatment: four functional forms of autophagy and their therapeutic applications

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Drugs play a pivotal role in cancer treatment, but the complex biological processes of cancer cells seriously limit the efficacy of various anticancer drugs. Autophagy, a self-degradative system that maintains cellular homeostasis, universally operates under normal and stress conditions in cancer cells. The roles of autophagy in cancer treatment are still controversial because both stimulation and inhibition of autophagy have been reported to enhance the effects of anticancer drugs. Thus, the important question arises as to whether we should try to strengthen or suppress autophagy during cancer therapy. Currently, autophagy can be divided into four main forms according to its different functions during cancer treatment: cytoprotective (cell survival), cytotoxic (cell death), cytostatic (growth arrest), and nonprotective (no contribution to cell death or survival). In addition, various cell death modes, such as apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, senescence, and mitotic catastrophe, all contribute to the anticancer effects of drugs. The interaction between autophagy and these cell death modes is complex and can lead to anticancer drugs having different or even completely opposite effects on treatment. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying contexts in which autophagy inhibition or activation will be beneficial or detrimental. That is, appropriate therapeutic strategies should be adopted in light of the different functions of autophagy. This review provides an overview of recent insights into the evolving relationship between autophagy and cancer treatment.

Survivin suppression heightens BZML-induced mitotic catastrophe to overcome multidrug resistance by removing therapy-induced senescent A549/Taxol cells

Mitotic catastrophe (MC) is a newly identified type of anticancer mechanism for multidrug resistance (MDR) prevention. However, the long cellular death process resulting from MC is not beneficial for anticancer treatment. BZML is a novel colchicine-binding site inhibitor which can overcome MDR by inducing MC; however, BZML-induced MC cells underwent a long cellular death process. Thus, to improve anticancer therapies based on drug-induced MC, BZML-induced MC was served as a model to further study the underlying molecular mechanisms in the process of MC. Here, BZML could induce p53-dependent senescence in A549/Taxol cells, a MDR cell line. This senescence was a secondary effect of MC in overcoming MDR. During MC, BZML-induced destruction of protein-degradation system contributed not only to an increase of p53 protein but also to the accumulation of survivin in nucleus of A549/Taxol cells. Importantly, the nuclear accumulation of survivin was not the inducer but the result of BZML-induced MC, and it promoted the survival of senescent cells. Moreover, it provided additional vulnerability and critical opportunities for sequentially applied therapies. Further, targeting survivin with YM155 accelerated the death of MC cells by timely eliminating therapy-induced senescent cells and strengthening the efficiency of BZML in overcoming MDR in A549/Taxol cells. Collectively, nuclear accumulation of survivin delayed cellular death during MC by promoting the survival of BZML-induced senescent A549/Taxol cells. Moreover, "one-two punch" approach to cancer treatment based on combination therapy with YM155 for survivin suppression might be a new strategy for potentiating MC to overcome MDR.

MSI-1 combats drug-resistant S. aureus by affecting bacterial viability and inhibiting carotenoid pigment production

Development of novel therapeutic strategies and antibacterial agents against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is urgent. In this study, antibacterial activities and possible mechanisms of peptide MSI-1 against multiple drug-resistant S. aureus were investigated. Results demonstrated that MSI-1 had potent bacteriostatic activity and bactericidal efficiency against S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 4 to 16 μg/mL and bactericidal times from 2-12 h. MSI-1 exhibited a low incidence of developing resistance and additive effects with vancomycin to overcome MRSA and VRSA. Moreover, MSI-1, even at sub-MIC concentrations, inhibited staphyloxanthin (STX) production of S. aureus. This inhibitory effect was unique and effectively sensitized S. aureus to host immune defense. In terms of its modes of action, MSI-1 disrupted the cell membrane of S. aureus by binding to negatively-charged lipoteichoic acid to exert a direct bactericidal effect. Interestingly, MSI-1 interacted with 4,4'-diapophytoene desaturase (CrtN) of S. aureus via ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, and Pi-Pi or Pi-alkyl interactions, and alanine substitution of the key amino acids contributed to these interactions weakened this STX production inhibition. Thus, in a MRSA-induced skin infection in mice and MRSA/VRSA-induced systemic infection in Galleria mellonella,MSI-1 alleviated staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome to promote mouse skin wound repair and mitigated staphylococcus infection-induced immune melanization to enhance G. mellonella survival. Collectively, MSI-1 has potent antibacterial activity against drug-resistant S. aureus by affecting bacterial viability and exerting its anti-virulence effects. It can be developed as a new antibacterial agent to resist refractory S. aureus infection.

Structural analysis and binding sites of inhibitors targeting the CD47/SIRPα interaction in anticancer therapy

Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47)/signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) is a negative innate immune checkpoint signaling pathway that restrains immunosurveillance and immune clearance, and thus has aroused wide interest in cancer immunotherapy. Blockade of the CD47/SIRPα signaling pathway shows remarkable antitumor effects in clinical trials. Currently, all inhibitors targeting CD47/SIRPα in clinical trials are biomacromolecules. The poor permeability and undesirable oral bioavailability of biomacromolecules have caused researchers to develop small-molecule CD47/SIRPα pathway inhibitors. This review will summarize the recent advances in CD47/SIRPα interactions, including crystal structures, peptides and small molecule inhibitors. In particular, we have employed computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) approaches to analyze all the published crystal structures and docking results of small molecule inhibitors of CD47/SIRPα, providing insight into the key interaction information to facilitate future development of small molecule CD47/SIRPα inhibitors.

QTMP, a Novel Thiourea Polymer, Causes DNA Damage to Exert Anticancer Activity and Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies, and multidrug resistance (MDR) severely restricts the effectiveness of various anticancer drugs. Therefore, the development of novel anticancer drugs for the treatment of CRC patients with MDR is necessary. Quaternized thiourea main-chain polymer (QTMP) is a self-assembled nanoparticle with good water solubility. Notably, QTMP is not a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate, and it exhibits potent cytotoxic activity against CRC cells, including HCT116/DDP and P-gp-mediated multidrug-resistant Caco2 cells. QTMP also exhibits a strong anticancer activity against SW480 cells in vivo. Interestingly, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) production were increased in a concentration-dependent manner in QTMP-treated HCT116, SW480 and Caco2 cells. Importantly, QTMP causes DNA damage in these CRC cells via direct insertion into the DNA or regulation of ROS and/or RNS production. QTMP also induces caspase-dependent apoptosis via overproduction of ROS and RNS. Therefore, QTMP is a promising anticancer therapeutic agent for patients with CRC, including those cancer cells with P-gp-mediated MDR. The present study also indicates that the design and synthesis of anticancer drugs based on thiourea polymers is promising and valuable, thereby offering a new strategy to address MDR, and provides reference resources for further investigations of thiourea polymers.

[A nested case-control study on relationship of traditional and combined lipid metabolism indexes with incidence of diabetes]

Objective: To explore the relationship between lipid indicators and the incidence of diabetes, and to compare the diabetes prediction and identification power of traditional lipid combined lipid indicators, in order to explore the best alternative indicators for identifying and predicting diabetes. Methods: Based on the Jinchang cohort, a nested case-control study was conducted in 1 025 new cases of diabetes after excluding patients with malignant tumor and related endocrine, circulatory system disease, then an age (±2 years), gender matched 1∶1 control group of 1 025 cases was set to analyze the relationship between the incidence of diabetes and lipid parameters. Results: Among the traditional lipid parameters, the fourth quartile of TG, TC, and LDL-C indicated higher risks of developing diabetes, which was 14.00 times (95%CI: 9.73-20.15), 2.15 times (95%CI: 1.65-2.79) and 1.66 times (95%CI: 1.29-2.14) than that of the first quartile, respectively. The risk of developing diabetes indicated by the fourth quartile of HDL-C was 0.21 times than that indicated by the first quartile (95%CI: 0.15-0.28). In the combined lipid parameters, the fourth quartile of TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C indicated higher risks of developing diabetes, which was 14.86 times (95%CI: 10.35-21.34), 8.12 times (95%CI: 5.94-11.01), 5.85 times (95%CI:4.34-7.88) and 5.20 times (95%CI: 3.85-7.03) than that indicated by the first quartile, respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C were 0.76 (95%CI: 0.74-0.78), 0.59 (95%CI: 0.57-0.61), 0.67 (95%CI: 0.65-0.69), 0.57 (95%CI: 0.55-0.59), 0.77 (95%CI: 0.75-0.78), 0.73 (95%CI: 0.71-0.75), 0.69 (95%CI: 0.67-0.71) and 0.66 (95%CI: 0.64-0.68), respectively. The optimal diabetes predicting point cuts of TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C were 1.40, 4.70, 1.28, 3.25, 1.17, 3.43, 2.46, and 3.58 mmol/L, respectively. Conclusions: Lipid metabolic disorder is a risk factor for diabetes. TG and TG/HDL-C are the good lipid metabolism indicators for the prediction of diabetic.

[Relationship of body mass index and blood pressure with diabetes: a nested case-control study]

Objective: To explore the relationship of body mass index and blood pressure with the incidence of diabetes in Jinchang cohort. Methods: We designed a nested case-control study, a total of 29 572 workers who had no history of diabetes in baseline survey in Jinchang cohort were selected as the study cohort from June 2011 to December 2013. After 2 year follow-up, 1 021 workers with first diagnosed diabetes were selected as the case group, after 1∶1 matching according to the same gender and age ±2 years among those without diabetes, circulatory system, or endocrine system diseases during the same follow-up period, 1 021 controls was selected and 2 042 subjects were finally included. We used multivariate conditional logistic regression model, additive interaction model and multiplicative interaction model to explore the relationship of body mass index and blood pressure with the incidence of diabetes. Results: After adjusting for factors such as occupation, alcohol use, family history of diabetes, hyperuricemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low-HDL cholesterolemia and high-LDL cholesterolemia, multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of diabetes increased with body mass index and blood pressure. Hypertension and overweight/obesity had a multiplicative interaction on the incidence of diabetes. The risks of diabetes in men and women with hypertension and overweight/obese were 2.04 times (95%CI: 1.54-2.69) and 3.88 times (95%CI: 2.55-5.91) higher than those in men and women with normal body weight and blood pressure, respectively. In the combination of BMI and blood pressure, obese individuals with SBP≥160 mmHg were 4.57 times (95%CI: 2.50-8.34) more likely to have diabetes than those with normal BMI and SBP, obese individuals with DBP≥90 mmHg were 3.40 times (95%CI: 2.19-5.28) more likely to have diabetes than those with normal BMI and DBP. Conclusions: Overweight/obesity and hypertension can increase the risk of diabetes. Health education about body weight and blood pressure controls should be strengthened to reduce the risk of diabetes.

[Prospective cohort study of relationship of triglyceride, fasting blood-glucose and triglyceride glucose product index with risk of hypertension]

Objective: To investigate the relationship of triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FPG) and triglyceride glucose product index (TyG) with the incidence of hypertension, and provide basic data for the prevention and treatment of hypertension in the population. Methods: A total of 23 581 individuals who met the research criteria in Jinchang cohort were selected as the research subjects, the Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the relationship of TG, FPG, and TyG with the risk of hypertension. A stratified analysis was conducted by sex. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, compared with the normal TG group, the HR(95%CI) of the elevated TG margin group and the elevated group were 1.16 (1.01-1.34) and 1.49 (1.30-1.70), respectively in the total population. Among men, they were 1.13 (1.01-1.27) and 1.17 (1.06-1.30), and among women, they were 1.05 (0.88-1.26) and 1.06 (0.88-1.28). Compared with the normal FPG group, the HR (95%CI) of the FPG-impaired group were 1.29 (1.13-1.48) in the total population, 1.26 (1.08-1.48) in men and 1.59 (1.14-2.21) in women. Taking the lowest quartile array as a reference, the HR (95%CI) of the highest quartile array of TyG was 1.73 (1.45-2.07) in the total population, 1.32 (1.14-1.53) in men and 1.87 (1.37-2.54) in women. TG, FPG had a nonlinear dose-response relationship with the risk of hypertension, while TyG had a linear correlation with the risk of hypertension. Conclusions: Higher TG, FPG, and TyG levels are independent risk factors for the incidence of hypertension. People with higher TG, FPG and TyG are at high risk for hypertension, to which close attention should be paid in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.

Large Isospin Asymmetry in ^{22}Si/^{22}O Mirror Gamow-Teller Transitions Reveals the Halo Structure of ^{22}Al

β-delayed one-proton emissions of ^{22}Si, the lightest nucleus with an isospin projection T_{z}=-3, are studied with a silicon array surrounded by high-purity germanium detectors. Properties of β-decay branches and the reduced transition probabilities for the transitions to the low-lying states of ^{22}Al are determined. Compared to the mirror β decay of ^{22}O, the largest value of mirror asymmetry in low-lying states by far, with δ=209(96), is found in the transition to the first 1^{+} excited state. Shell-model calculation with isospin-nonconserving forces, including the T=1, J=2, 3 interaction related to the s_{1/2} orbit that introduces explicitly the isospin-symmetry breaking force and describes the loosely bound nature of the wave functions of the s_{1/2} orbit, can reproduce the observed data well and consistently explain the observation that a large δ value occurs for the first but not for the second 1^{+} excited state of ^{22}Al. Our results, while supporting the proton-halo structure in ^{22}Al, might provide another means to identify halo nuclei.

Esomeprazole overcomes paclitaxel-resistance and enhances anticancer effects of paclitaxel by inducing autophagy in A549/Taxol cells

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignancies, and the occurrence of drug-resistance severely limits the efficacy of anticancer drugs in the treatment of NSCLC. Identification of new agents to reverse drug-resistance in NSCLC treatment is of great importance and urgency both clinically and scientifically. In the present study, we found that A549/Taxol cells displayed a high level of resistance to paclitaxel with the resistance index up to 231. Importantly, esomeprazole could potentiate the antiproliferative effect of paclitaxel in A549/Taxol cells, but not in A549 cells. Further exploration on the underlying mechanisms revealed that esomeprazole decreased the intracellular pH via inhibiting V-ATPase expression in A549/Taxol cells. Meanwhile, esomeprazole pretreatment significantly promoted paclitaxel-induced polymerization of tubulin and enhanced the proportion of G2/M-arrested cells in A549/Taxol cells. Unfortunately, esomeprazole could only result in a slight decrease in the expression of P-gp in A549/Taxol cells. Interestingly, esomeprazole significantly increased paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, which was impeded by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA in A549/Taxol cells. Taken together, our data suggest that esomeprazole is a promising chemosensitizer against paclitaxel-resistant NSCLC by inducing autophagy. Our study also offers a new strategy to solve the paclitaxel-resistance problem during NSCLC treatment.

Positive-Parity Linear-Chain Molecular Band in ^{16}C

An inelastic excitation and cluster-decay experiment ^{2}H(^{16}C,^{4}He+^{12}Be or ^{6}He+^{10}Be)^{2}H was carried out to investigate the linear-chain clustering structure in neutron-rich ^{16}C. For the first time, decay paths from the ^{16}C resonances to various states of the final nuclei were determined, thanks to the well-resolved Q-value spectra obtained from the threefold coincident measurement. The close-threshold resonance at 16.5 MeV is assigned as the J^{π}=0^{+} band head of the predicted positive-parity linear-chain molecular band with (3/2_{π}^{-})^{2}(1/2_{σ}^{-})^{2} configuration, according to the associated angular correlation and decay analysis. Other members of this band were found at 17.3, 19.4, and 21.6 MeV based on their selective decay properties, being consistent with the theoretical predictions. Another intriguing high-lying state was observed at 27.2 MeV which decays almost exclusively to ^{6}He+^{10}Be(∼6  MeV) final channel, corresponding well to another predicted linear-chain structure with the pure σ-bond configuration.

Tephritidae bacterial symbionts: potentials for pest management

Tephritidae is a large family that includes several fruit and vegetable pests. These organisms usually harbor a variegated bacterial community in their digestive systems. Symbiotic associations of bacteria and fruit flies have been well-studied in the genera Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Ceratitis, and Rhagoletis. Molecular and culture-based techniques indicate that many genera of the Enterobacteriaceae family, especially the genera of Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pectobacterium, Citrobacter, Erwinia, and Providencia constitute the most prevalent populations in the gut of fruit flies. The function of symbiotic bacteria provides a promising strategy for the biological control of insect pests. Gut bacteria can be used for controlling fruit fly through many ways, including attracting as odors, enhancing the success of sterile insect technique, declining the pesticide resistance, mass rearing of parasitoids and so on. New technology and recent research improved our knowledge of the gut bacteria diversity and function, which increased their potential for pest management. In this review, we discussed the diversity of bacteria in the economically important fruit fly and the use of these bacteria for controlling fruit fly populations. All the information is important for strengthening the future research of new strategies developed for insect pest control by the understanding of symbiotic relationships and multitrophic interactions between host plant and insects.

Biosynthesis of poly-γ-glutamic acid in Escherichia coli by heterologous expression of pgsBCAE operon from Bacillus

AIMS

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is an excellent water-soluble biosynthesis material. To confirm the rate-limiting steps of γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway, we introduced a heterologous Bacillus strain pathway and employed an enzyme-modulated dismemberment strategy in Escherichia coli.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we heterologously introduced the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway of two laboratory-preserved strains-Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 and Bacillus subtilis 168 into E. coli, and compared their γ-PGA production levels. Next, by changing the plasmid copy numbers and supplying sodium glutamate, we explored the effects of gene expression levels and concentrations of the substrate l-glutamic acid on γ-PGA production. We finally employed a two-plasmid induction system using an enzyme-modulated dismemberment of pgsBCAE operon to confirm the rate-limiting genes of the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway.

CONCLUSION

Through heterologously over-expressing the genes of the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway and exploring gene expression levels, we produced 0·77 g l^-1 γ-PGA in strain RSF-EBCAE(BS). We also confirmed that the rate-limiting genes of the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway were pgsB and pgsC.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This work is beneficial to increase γ-PGA production and study the mechanism of γ-PGA biosynthesis enzymes.

5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-4-methyl-2-(p-tolyl) imidazol (BZML) targets tubulin and DNA to induce anticancer activity and overcome multidrug resistance in colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies, and multidrug resistance (MDR) reduces the efficiency of anticancer drugs. Therefore, the development of novel anticancer drugs that are highly active against CRC with MDR is urgently needed. Our previous study showed that 5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-4-methyl-2-(p-tolyl) imidazol (BZML) is not a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate and has a potent anticancer effect against paclitaxel -sensitive or -resistant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we found that BZML exhibited strong anticancer activity not only in sensitive CRC cells (SW480 and HCT-116 cells) but also in intrinsically drug-resistant CRC cells (Caco2 cells). In addition, by targeting the colchicine binding site, BZML inhibited tubulin polymerization, which induced G2/M phase arrest, and it caused DNA damage by directly targeting DNA or producing ROS. Further, BZML induced apoptosis through the time-dependent ROS-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in the CRC cells. Additionally, BZML inhibited P-gp-mediated drug efflux and enhanced the inhibition of the cell growth that had been induced by paclitaxel or doxorubicin in Caco2 cells. In summary, BZML is a multi-targeted anticancer drug that targets tubulin and DNA, and the mechanisms underlying its potent anticancer activity involve disrupting microtubule assembly, causing DNA damage, inducing cell cycle arrest and eventually activating the ROS-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in SW480, HCT-116 and Caco2 cells. Therefore, the novel compound BZML is a promising anticancer drug that has tremendous potential for CRC treatment, especially for the treatment of drug-resistant CRC.

The influence of antibiotics on gut bacteria diversity associated with laboratory-reared Bactrocera dorsalis

The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a destructive insect pest of a wide range of fruit crops. Commensal bacteria play a very important part in the development, reproduction, and fitness of their host fruit fly. Uncovering the function of gut bacteria has become a worldwide quest. Using antibiotics to remove gut bacteria is a common method to investigate gut bacteria function. In the present study, three types of antibiotics (tetracycline, ampicillin, and streptomycin), each with four different concentrations, were used to test their effect on the gut bacteria diversity of laboratory-reared B. dorsalis. Combined antibiotics can change bacteria diversity, including cultivable and uncultivable bacteria, for both male and female adult flies. Secondary bacteria became the dominant population in female and male adult flies with the decrease in normally predominant bacteria. However, in larvae, only the predominant bacteria decreased, the bacteria diversity did not change a lot, likely because of the short acting time of the antibiotics. The bacteria diversity did not differ among fruit fly treatments with antibiotics of different concentrations. This study showed the dynamic changes of gut bacterial diversity in antibiotics-treated flies, and provides a foundation for research on the function of gut bacteria of the oriental fruit fly.

Decrease of AIM2 mediated by luteolin contributes to non-small cell lung cancer treatment

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Although extensive studies showed that luteolin exhibited antitumor effects against NSCLC, the mechanism has not been fully established. In the present study, we found that luteolin significantly reduced the expression of absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) at both mRNA and protein levels leading to the suppression of AIM2 inflammasome activation, which induced G2/M phase arrest and inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in NSCLC. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of luteolin on NSCLC cells were abolished by the knockdown of AIM2. On the contrary, the antitumor effects of luteolin could be notably reversed by the overexpression of AIM2. In addition, luteolin reduced poly(dA:dT)-induced caspase-1 activation and IL-1β cleavage in NSCLC cells. These findings suggested that AIM2 was essential to luteolin-mediated antitumor effects. The antitumor effects of luteolin, which were closely associated with AIM2, were also confirmed in the A549 and H460 xenograft mouse models. Collectively, our study displayed that the antitumor effects of luteolin on NSCLC were AIM2 dependent and the downregulation of AIM2 might be an effective way for NSCLC treatment.

AdipoRs- a potential therapeutic target for fibrotic disorders

Introduction: Fibrotic disorders are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality; hence effective treatments are still vigorously sought. AdipoRs (AdipoR1 and Adipo2) are responsible for the antifibrotic effects of adiponectin (APN). APN exerts antifibrotic effects by binding to its receptors. APN concentration and AdipoR expression are closely associated with fibrotic disorders. Decreased AdipoR expression may reduce APN-AdipoR signaling, while the upregulation of AdipoR expression may restore the anti-fibrotic effects of APN. Loss of APN signaling exacerbates fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Areas covered: We assess the relationship between APN and fibrotic disorders, the structure of receptors for APN and the pathways accounting for APN or its analogs blocking fibrotic disorders. This article also discusses designed APN products and their therapeutic prospects for fibrotic disorders. Expert opinion: AdipoRs have a critical role in blocking fibrosis. The development of small-molecule agonists toward this target represents a valid drug development pathway.

Overcoming resistance to mitochondrial apoptosis by BZML-induced mitotic catastrophe is enhanced by inhibition of autophagy in A549/Taxol cells

OBJECTIVES

Our previous in vitro study showed that 5-(3, 4, 5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-4-methyl-2-(p-tolyl) imidazol (BZML) is a novel colchicine binding site inhibitor with potent anti-cancer activity against apoptosis resistance in A549/Taxol cells through mitotic catastrophe (MC). However, the mechanisms underlying apoptosis resistance in A549/Taxol cells remain unknown. To clarify these mechanisms, in the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis and autophagy, which are closely associated with MC in BZML-treated A549 and A549/Taxol cells.

METHODS

Xenograft NSCLC models induced by A549 and A549/Taxol cells were used to evaluate the efficacy of BZML in vivo. The activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was assessed using JC-1 staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI double-staining, a caspase-9 fluorescence metric assay kit and western blot. The different functional forms of autophagy were distinguished by determining the impact of autophagy inhibition on drug sensitivity.

RESULTS

Our data showed that BZML also exhibited desirable anti-cancer activity against drug-resistant NSCLC in vivo. Moreover, BZML caused ROS generation and MMP loss followed by the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol in both A549 and A549/Taxol cells. However, the ROS-mediated apoptotic pathway involving the mitochondria that is induced by BZML was only fully activated in A549 cells but not in A549/Taxol cells. Importantly, we found that autophagy acted as a non-protective type of autophagy during BZML-induced apoptosis in A549 cells, whereas it acted as a type of cytoprotective autophagy against BZML-induced MC in A549/Taxol cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the anti-apoptosis property of A549/Taxol cells originates from a defect in activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and autophagy inhibitors can potentiate BZML-induced MC to overcome resistance to mitochondrial apoptosis.

[Effects of seawater immersion on the inflammatory response and oxygen free radical injury of rats with superficial partial-thickness scald at early stage]

Objective: To study the effects of seawater immersion on the inflammatory response and oxygen free radical injury of rats with superficial-thickness scald at early stage. Methods: Seventy Wistar rats were divided into healthy control group (HC, n=7), pure scald group (PS, n=21), scald+ fresh water immersion group (SF, n=21), and scald+ seawater immersion group (SS, n=21) according to the random number table. Rats in group HC did not receive any treatment, while 5% total body surface area superficial partial-thickness scald was made on the back of rats in the latter three groups. Rats in group PS lived freely immediately post burn, while wounds on the back of rats in groups SF and SS were immersed into fresh water and seawater, respectively. Serum and full-thickness skin tissue in the center of wounds on the back of 7 rats in groups PS, SF, and SS at post immersion (injury) hour (PIH) 2, 4, and 6 were collected, respectively, while serum and full-thickness skin tissue at the same position of the 7 rats in group HC were collected at PIH 6 of rats in other groups. Morphology of skin tissue was observed with HE staining; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) content in serum and skin tissue was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; superoxide dismutase (SOD) content in serum and skin tissue was determined by hydroxylamine method; malondialdehyde content in serum and skin tissue was determined by thiobarbituric acid method. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, Welch test, LSD test, and Tamhane test. Results: (1) Epidermal cells of skin tissue of rats in group HC arranged in order and continuously, and the dermis tissue and accessory structures were clear and complete. The skin layer and epidermis of wounds of rats in group PS had no significant change, but the edema of epidermis and dermis and infiltration of inflammatory cells enhanced over time at PIH 2, 4, and 6. The horny layer of epidermis of wounds of rats in group SF reduced, and the edema of epidermis and dermis and infiltration of inflammatory cells enhanced over time at PIH 2, 4, and 6; some epidermal cells disintegrated at PIH 6. The horny layer of epidermis of wounds of rats in group SS significantly reduced, along with the increase in disintegration of epidermal cells, the significant enhancement of edema of epidermis and dermis, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells over time at PIH 2, 4, and 6. (2) Compared with (247±27) pg/mL in group HC, the serum content of TNF-α of rats in group PS significantly increased at PIH 2 and 4 [respectively (675±122) and (367±54) pg/mL, P<0.05 or P<0.01] but significantly decreased at PIH 6 [(147±27) pg/mL, P<0.01]; the serum content of TNF-α of rats in group SF significantly decreased at PIH 6 [(90±24) pg/mL, P<0.01]; the serum content of TNF-α of rats in group SS significantly increased at PIH 2, 4, and 6 [respectively (1 646±58), (2 086±114), and (2 951±58) pg/mL, with P values below 0.01]. Compared with (364±123) U/mL in group HC, the serum content of SOD of rats in group PS significantly increased at PIH 2 and 4 [respectively (489±13) and (447±14) U/mL, with P values below 0.05]; the serum content of SOD of rats in group SF significantly decreased at PIH 6 [(282±13) U/mL, P<0.05]; the serum content of SOD of rats in group SS significantly increased at PIH 2 [(461±23) U/mL, P<0.05] but significantly decreased at PIH 4 and 6 [respectively (226±8) and (205±10) U/mL, with P values below 0.01]. Compared with that in group HC, the serum content of malondialdehyde of rats in groups PS, SF, and SS significantly increased at PIH 2, 4, and 6 (with P values below 0.01). (3) Compared with that in group HC, the TNF-α content in wound tissue of rats in groups PS and SS significantly increased at PIH 2, 4, and 6 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the TNF-α content in wound tissue of rats in group SF significantly increased at PIH 2 and 4 (with P values below 0.01). Compared with that in group HC, the SOD content in wound tissue of rats in groups PS and SF significantly increased at PIH 2, 4, and 6 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the SOD content in wound tissue of rats in group SS significantly increased at PIH 2 and 4 (with P values below 0.01). Compared with that in group HC, the malondialdehyde content in wound tissue of rats in groups PS, SF, and SS significantly increased at PIH 2, 4, and 6 (with P values below 0.01). Conclusions: Seawater immersion can enhance the inflammatory response and oxygen free radical injury of wounds and the whole body of rats with superficial partial-thickness scald at early stage.

BZML, a novel colchicine binding site inhibitor, overcomes multidrug resistance in A549/Taxol cells by inhibiting P-gp function and inducing mitotic catastrophe

Multidrug resistance (MDR) interferes with the efficiency of chemotherapy. Therefore, developing novel anti-cancer agents that can overcome MDR is necessary. Here, we screened a series of colchicine binding site inhibitors (CBSIs) and found that 5-(3, 4, 5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-4-methyl-2-(p-tolyl) imidazol (BZML) displayed potent cytotoxic activity against both A549 and A549/Taxol cells. We further explored the underlying mechanisms and found that BZML caused mitosis phase arrest by inhibiting tubulin polymerization in A549 and A549/Taxol cells. Importantly, BZML was a poor substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and inhibited P-gp function by decreasing P-gp expression at the protein and mRNA levels. Cell morphology changes and the expression of cycle- or apoptosis-related proteins indicated that BZML mainly drove A549/Taxol cells to die by mitotic catastrophe (MC), a p53-independent apoptotic-like cell death, whereas induced A549 cells to die by apoptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that BZML is a novel colchicine binding site inhibitor and overcomes MDR in A549/Taxol cells by inhibiting P-gp function and inducing MC. Our study also offers a new strategy to solve the problem of apoptosis-resistance.

5-(Furan-2-yl)-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiol-3-one oxime (6f), a new synthetic compound, causes human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cell apoptosis by disrupting tubulin polymerisation and inducing G2/M arrest

In the current study, we synthesized a series of new compounds targeting tubulin and tested their anti-proliferative activities. Among these new synthetic com-pounds, 5-(furan-2-yl)-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiol-3-one oxime (6f) exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity against different human cancer cell lines including human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC-7901, human non-small cell lung cancer A549, and human fibrosarcoma HT-1080. As a result, 6f was selected to further test the sensitivity to different cancer cell lines including human cervical cancer cell line HeLa, human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549, human liver carcinoma cell line HepG-2, human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines KB, SGC-7901 and HT-1080. Among these cell lines, HT-1080 and HeLa are the most sensitive. Therefore, HT-1080 was selected to further explore the properties of anti-proliferative activity and the underlying mechanisms. Our data proved that 6f exhibited strong anti-proliferative effects against HT-1080 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. We showed that the growth inhibitory effect of 6f in HT-1080 cells was related with microtubule depolymerisation. Molecular docking studies revealed that 6f interacted and bound efficiently with the colchicine-binding site of tubulin. In addition, 6f treatment induced G2/M cell cycle arrest dose-dependently and subsequently induced cell apoptosis. Western blot study indicated that upregulation of cyclin B1 and p-cdc2 was related with G2/M arrest. 6f-induced cell apoptosis was associated with both mitochondrial and death receptor pathway. In conclusion, our data showed that 6f, among the newly synthetic compounds, exhibited highest anti-proliferative activity by disrupting the microtubule polymerisation, causing G2/M arrest and subsequently inducing cell apoptosis in HT-1080 cells. Hence, 6f is a promising microtubule depolymerising agent for the treatment of various cancers especially human fibrosarcoma.

Roles of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and nuclear factor-κB in immune response to spinal tuberculosis in a New Zealand white rabbit model

This study aimed to explore the roles of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in immune response to spinal tuberculosis in a New Zealand white rabbit model. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were collected and divided into four groups: experimental group (n=30, spinal tuberculosis model was established), the sham group (n=15, sham operation was performed) and the blank group (n=3). The qRT-PCR assay and western blotting were applied to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of MCP-1 and NF-κB in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to measure serum levels of MCP-1, NF-κB, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10. Flow cytometry was adopted to assess the distributions of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ lymphocytes and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3 lymphocyte subsets. Compared with the sham and blank groups, the mRNA and protein expressions of MCP-1 and NF-κB in the experimental group were significantly increased. The experimental group had lower serum levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ and higher serum level of IL-10 than the sham and blank groups. In comparison to the sham and blank groups, CD4⁺ T lymphocyte subsets percentage, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio and CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3+ Tregs subsets accounting for CD4⁺ lymphocyte in the experimental group were lower, while percentage of CD8⁺ T lymphocyte subsets was higher. Our study provided evidence that higher expression of MCP-1 and NF-κB may be associated with decreased immune function of spinal tuberculosis, which can provide a new treatment direction for spinal tuberculosis.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of 2-aryl-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-1,2,3-triazol derivatives as microtubule-destabilizing agents

A series of 2-aryl-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-1,2,3-triazols were designed as analogs of substituted methoxybenzoyl-aryl-thiazole (SMART) under the consideration of geometric features.

Doxorubicin conjugated functionalizable carbon dots for nucleus targeted delivery and enhanced therapeutic efficacy

Carbon dots (CDs) have shown great potential in imaging and drug/gene delivery applications. In this work, CDs functionalized with a nuclear localization signal peptide (NLS-CDs) were employed to transport doxorubicin (DOX) into cancer cells for enhanced antitumor activity. DOX was coupled to NLS-CDs (DOX-CDs) through an acid-labile hydrazone bond, which was cleavable in the weakly acidic intracellular compartments. The cytotoxicity of DOX-CD complexes was evaluated by the MTT assay and the cellular uptake was monitored using flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cell imaging confirmed that DOX-CDs were mainly located in the nucleus. Furthermore, the complexes could efficiently induce apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy of DOX-CDs was investigated in an A549 xenograft nude mice model and the complexes exhibited an enhanced ability to inhibit tumor growth compared with free DOX. Thus, the DOX-CD conjugates may be exploited as promising drug delivery vehicles in cancer therapy.

Standard Model Prediction for Direct CP Violation in K→ππ Decay

We report the first lattice QCD calculation of the complex kaon decay amplitude A_{0} with physical kinematics, using a 32³×64 lattice volume and a single lattice spacing a, with 1/a=1.3784(68) GeV. We find Re(A_{0})=4.66(1.00)(1.26)×10(-7) GeV and Im(A_{0})=-1.90(1.23)(1.08)×10(-11) GeV, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. The first value is in approximate agreement with the experimental result: Re(A_{0})=3.3201(18)×10(-7) GeV, while the second can be used to compute the direct CP-violating ratio Re(ϵ^{'}/ϵ)=1.38(5.15)(4.59)×10^{-4}, which is 2.1σ below the experimental value 16.6(2.3)×10(-4). The real part of A_{0} is CP conserving and serves as a test of our method while the result for Re(ϵ^{'}/ϵ) provides a new test of the standard model theory of CP violation, one which can be made more accurate with increasing computer capability.

Prospective Evaluation of Rapid Antigen Tests for Diagnosis of Respiratory Viral Pathogens

Acute respiratory infection is a frequently transmitted illness of concern to doctors and patients. Considering its airborne transmission, early diagnosis of such disease is particularly important. This study explored respiratory viral infections with influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, human bocavirus, coronavirus, and other early diagnostic substances as confirmed by literature resources. This study also used the corresponding monoclonal antibodies that were produced with the use of hybridoma technology, which were fixed on the chip after purification, for further serum detection. Using this method, a new technique to simultaneously detect 6 kinds of febrile respiratory viruses in a protein chip was developed. The accuracy rate of this method can be >99.65%. This product is inexpensive and capable of high-precision and high-throughput screening, which are prominent advantages.

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Six diagnostic methods on respiratory viral infection are explored in this study.

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Monoclonal antibodies produced with hybridoma technology are used.

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A new technique to simultaneously detect 6 kinds of febrile respiratory viruses in a protein chip was developed.

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The accuracy rate for this method is >99.65%, and is inexpensive and capable of high-precision and high-throughout screening.

Characterizations, relationship, and potential sources of outdoor and indoor particulate matter bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a community of Tianjin, Northern China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most toxic air pollutants in China. However, because there are unsubstantial data on indoor and outdoor particulate PAHs, efforts in assessing inhalation exposure and cancer risk to PAHs are limited in China. This study measured 12 individual PAHs in indoor and outdoor environments at 36 homes during the non-heating period and heating period in 2009. Indoor PAH concentrations were comparable with outdoor environments in the non-heating period, but were lower in the heating period. The average indoor/outdoor ratios in both sampling periods were lower than 1, while the ratios in the non-heating period were higher than those in the heating period. Correlation analysis and coefficient of divergence also verified the difference between indoor and outdoor PAHs, which could be caused by high ventilation in the non-heating period. To support this conclusion, linear and robust regressions were used to estimate the infiltration factor to compare outdoor PAHs to indoor PAHs. The calculated infiltration factors obtained by the two models were similar in the non-heating period but varied greatly in the heating period, which may have been caused by the influence of ventilation. Potential sources were distinguished using a diagnostic ratio and a mixture of coal combustion and traffic emission, which are major sources of PAHs.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2,3-diarylthiophene analogues of combretastatin A-4

A series of novel 2,3-diarylthiophene analogues of combretastatin A-4 were synthesised and evaluated for their in vitro anti-proliferative activities.