Showing papers by "China Three Gorges University published in 2016"

The cytokine storm of severe influenza and development of immunomodulatory therapy.

Abstract: Severe influenza remains unusual in its virulence for humans. Complications or ultimately death arising from these infections are often associated with hyperinduction of proinflammatory cytokine production, which is also known as 'cytokine storm'. For this disease, it has been proposed that immunomodulatory therapy may improve the outcome, with or without the combination of antiviral agents. Here, we review the current literature on how various effectors of the immune system initiate the cytokine storm and exacerbate pathological damage in hosts. We also review some of the current immunomodulatory strategies for the treatment of cytokine storms in severe influenza, including corticosteroids, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 agonists, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, antioxidants, anti-tumour-necrosis factor therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, statins, arbidol, herbs, and other potential therapeutic strategies.

A Robust Luminescent Tb(III)-MOF with Lewis Basic Pyridyl Sites for the Highly Sensitive Detection of Metal Ions and Small Molecules.

Abstract: A new luminescent terbium-metal-organic framework [Tb3(L)2(HCOO)(H2O)5]·DMF·4H2O (1) (H4L = 4,4'-(pyridine-3,5-diyl)diisophthalic acid) has been successfully assembled by Tb(3+) ions and an undeveloped pyridyl-tetracarboxylate. Compound 1 exhibits a 3D porous (3,8)-connected (4.5(2))2(4(2).5(12).6(6).7(5).8(3)) topological framework with fascinating 1D open hydrophilic channels decorated by uncoordinated Lewis basic pyridyl nitrogen atoms. In particular, the Tb-MOF (1) can detect Cu(2+) ions with high selectivity and sensitivity, and its luminescence is nearly entirely quenched in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution and biological system. In addition, 1 still has high detection for the trace content of nitromethane with 70 ppm, which suggests that 1 is a promising example of dual functional materials with sensing copper ions and nitromethane.

A Water-Stable Metal–Organic Framework for Highly Sensitive and Selective Sensing of Fe3+ Ion

Abstract: A new metal–organic framework [Zn5(hfipbb)4(trz)2(H2O)2] (NNU-1) [H2hfipbb = 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid), Htrz = 1H-1,2,3-triazole] was assembled by hydrothermal synthesis. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that NNU-1 displays a twofold interpenetrating three-dimensional (3D) framework with a {424·64}-bcu topology. Interestingly, the 3D framework contains a two-dimensional (2D) layered structure that consists of alternating left- and right-handed double helical chains. On the basis of the hydrophobic −CF3 groups from H2hfipbb ligand, NNU-1 possesses excellent stability in water. It is worth noting that NNU-1 not only shows a highly selective fluorescence quenching effect to Fe3+ ion in aqueous solution but also resists the interference of other metals including Fe2+ ion. Accordingly, NNU-1 probably functions as a potential promising fluorescence sensor for detecting Fe3+ ion with high sensitivity and selectivity.

A multi-responsive luminescent sensor based on a super-stable sandwich-type terbium(III)–organic framework

Abstract: A super-stable multifunctional terbium(III)–organic framework, namely {[Tb(TATAB) (H2O)2]·NMP·H2O}n (Tb-MOF, H3TATAB = 4,4′,4′′-s-triazine-1,3,5-triyltri-m-aminobenzoic acid, NMP = N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) was synthesized. Tb-MOF exhibits a 2D sql structure with binuclear [Tb2(COO)4(H2O)4]2+ units as 4-connected nodes, and free water and NMP molecules are inserted between 2D layers through hydrogen-bonding interactions, forming a sandwich-type architecture. Observably, such a framework remains intact in a remarkable variety of environments such as common solvents and aqueous solutions with metal cations and inorganic anions, as well as with a pH ranging from 1 to 13. In particular, Tb-MOF can not only detect small organic molecules, metal cations and inorganic anions with high sensitivity and high selectivity, but also can accurately detect explosive 2-nitrophenol, 3-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol in water. Its luminescence quenching response to Fe3+ and Cr2O72− ions can be explained in terms of the competitive absorption mechanism. In addition, the luminescence intensity of Tb-MOF is strongly correlated with the pH value in a pH range from 1 to 13. Thus, this material can be potentially used as a multi-responsive luminescent sensor.

An Ultrastable Europium(III)-Organic Framework with the Capacity of Discriminating Fe2+/Fe3+ Ions in Various Solutions.

Abstract: An ultrastable luminescent europium–organic framework, {[Eu(L)(H2O)2]·NMP·H2O}n (CTGU-2; NMP = N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone), can first detect Fe2+/Fe3+ cations in different medium systems with high selectivity and sensitivity, and it also exhibits high sensitivity for Cr2O72– anion and acetone with a wide linear range and a low detection limit.

Equilibrium and kinetic studies on MB adsorption by ultrathin 2D MoS2 nanosheets

Abstract: MoS2 sheets, graphene-like two-dimensional materials, show application potential in optoelectronics and biomedicine due to their unique properties. However, the environmental influence of such 2D materials remains to be unveiled. Here we report that MoS2 ultrathin nanosheets synthesized by a hydrothermal process display remarkable selective removal of Methylene Blue (MB) from aqueous solution, showing the maximum adsorption capacity reached up to 146.43 mg g−1 within only 300 seconds. The kinetics and equilibrium of the adsorption process were found to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models, respectively. More importantly, MoS2 nanosheets can be readily cleaned for reuse by washing with deionized water. This work demonstrates that the resulting MoS2 nanosheets may be considered as highly efficient and green adsorbents for eliminating MB from aqueous solution.

Assembly of Two Novel Cd3/(Cd3 + Cd5)-Cluster-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks: Structures, Luminescence, and Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes

Abstract: Two new three-dimensional (3D) multinodal Cd(II)–organic frameworks, [Cd3(dccpa)(bipy)0.5(H2O)4]·5H2O (1) and [(CH3)2NH2]2[Cd11(dccpa)4(DMF)4(H2O)8]·4H2O (2) (H6dccpa = 3,4-di(3,5-dicarboxyl phenyl) phthalic acid, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine), have been prepared and fully characterized. Compound 1 possesses a 3D neutral framework with a new (6,6,7)-connected topology based on a single trinuclear cluster, while 2 features a 3D anionic framework with a new (5,6,6,10)-connected topology containing mixed trinuclear and pentanuclear clusters. Remarkably, 1 and 2 show promising photocatalytic activities toward the degradation of rhodamine B and methyl blue, which suggests that different kinds of cluster units may exert different impacts on the decomposition of organic dyes.

Tumor‐associated antigens: Tn antigen, sTn antigen, and T antigen

Abstract: Glycosylation is one of the major posttranslational modifications of proteins. N-glycosylation (Asn-linked) and O-glycosylation (Ser/Thr-linked) are the two main forms. Abnormal O-glycosylation is frequently observed on the surface of tumor cells, and is associated with an adverse outcome and poor prognosis in patients with cancer. O-glycans (Tn, sTn, and T antigen) can be synthesized in the Golgi apparatus with the aid of several glycosyltransferases (such as T-synthase and ST6GalNAc-I) in a suitable environment. The unique molecular chaperone of T-synthase is Cosmc, which helps T-synthase to fold correctly in the endoplasmic reticulum. Dysregulation of these glycosyltransferases, molecular chaperones, or the environment is involved in the dysregulation of O-glycans. Tn, sTn, and T antigen neo- or over-expression occurs in many types of cancer including gastric, colon, breast, lung, esophageal, prostate, and endometrial cancer. This review discusses the major synthetic pathway of O-glycans and the mechanism by which Tn, sTn, and T antigens promote tumor metastasis.

The Chemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Psoralea corylifolia Linn.: A Review.

Abstract: Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (P. corylifolia) is an important medicinal plant with thousands of years of clinical application. It has been widely used in many traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of various diseases such as leucoderma and other skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases, nephritis, osteoporosis, and cancer. Phytochemical studies indicated that coumarins, flavonoids, and meroterpenes are the main components of P. corylifolia, and most of these components are present in the seeds or fruits. The extracts and active components of P. corylifolia demonstrated multiple biological activities, including estrogenic, antitumor, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, osteoblastic, and hepatoprotective activities. This paper systematically summarized literatures on the chemical constituents and biological activities of P. corylifolia, which provided useful information for the further research and development toward this potent medicinal plant.

Modeling of landslide generated impulsive waves considering complex topography in reservoir area

Abstract: The impulsive wave is considered as one of the most notably secondary hazards induced by landslides in reservoir areas. The impulsive wave with considerable wave amplitude is able to cause serious damage to the dam body, shoreline properties and lives. To investigate and predict the wave characteristics, many experimental studies employed the generalized channels rather than the realistic topography. Deviation from the idealized geometries may result in non-negligible effects due to the wave refraction or reflection with complex topography. To consider the topography effect, a prototype scaled experiment was conducted. A series of tests with different collocation of parameters were performed. The experimental results were then summarized to propose empirical equations to predict the maximum wave amplitude, and wave decay in channel direction. The generalized empirical equations can obtain better results for wave features prediction by compared with those derived from the idealized models. Furthermore, a 3D numerical modeling corresponding to the physical experiment was conducted based on the SPH method. The wave characteristics in the sliding and channel directions were investigated in detail including the maximum wave amplitude, wave run-up, wave arrival time and wave crest amplitude decay. The comparison between the simulation and experiment indicates the promising accuracy of the SPH simulation in determining the general features even with complex river topography. Finally, the limitation and applicability of both the experimental and numerical methods in analyzing the practical engineering problems were discussed. Combination of the both methods can benefit the hazard prevention and reduction for landslide generated impulsive waves in reservoir area.

Catalytic aza-Wittig Reaction of Acid Anhydride for the Synthesis of 4H-Benzo[d][1,3]oxazin-4-ones and 4-Benzylidene-2-aryloxazol-5(4H)-ones

Abstract: Compared to the aza-Wittig reaction of aldehydes, ketones, amides, and esters, the aza-Wittig reaction of acid anhydride was always overlooked, which should be an important part of Wittig reactions. Here, the aza-Wittig reaction of anhydride and catalytic aza-Wittig reaction of anhydride were both developed with high yields, which provides an efficient method to synthesize of 4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazin-4-ones and 4-benzylidene-2-aryloxazol-5(4H)-ones. The strategy of copper-catalyzed reduction of phosphine oxide was used and found effective for this transformation. Additionally, the one-pot catalytic aza-Wittig reaction of carboxylic acids was achieved. Furthermore, NMR experiments and Hammett plot recorded the process of catalytic aza-Wittig reaction of anhydride, which provides direct proof that the copper-catalyzed reduction of waste phosphine oxide is the key step in this transformation.

Approaching the theoretical capacity of Li3VO4 via electrochemical reconstruction

Abstract: Li3VO4 is a potential anode for Li-ion batteries owing to its safe discharge plateau and high capacity, but the reported reversible capacity is still far from its theoretical value (592 mAh g−1). Here, for the first time, a Li3VO4 anode is reported with reversible capacity approaching the theoretical value. Li3VO4 aggregates hybridized with carbon (Li3VO4/C) are first fabricated, and then dramatically transform into well dispersed Li3VO4 nanocrystals (NCs) anchoring on carbon nanoflakes (NFs) by electrochemical reconstruction. In the Li3VO4/C NC-on-NF structures, the small-sized Li3VO4 NCs, the flexible carbon NFs, and the good dispersity provide high Li-ion storage, electronic conductivity and stability, respectively. Resultingly, outstanding electrochemical performance of the Li3VO4/C is achieved with discharge and charge capacities of 542 and 541 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at a specific current of 150 mA g−1. After 1000 cycles at a specific current of 2000 mA g−1, the discharge and charge capacities are maintained at 422 and 421 mAh g−1. When matching with a 4 V cathode, the specific energy density of the Li3VO4/C is 4.2 times of Li4Ti5O12 and 1.2 times of graphite, and the volumetric energy density is 3.2 times of Li4Ti5O12 and 1.4 times of graphite.

Hyperuricemia and coronary heart disease mortality: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Abstract: Hyperuricemia may be associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality; however, the results from prospective studies are conflicting The objective of this study was to assess the association between hyperuricemia and risk of CHD mortality by performing a meta-analysis Pubmed and Embase were searched for relevant prospective cohort studies published until July 2015 Studies were included only if they reported data on CHD mortality related to hyperuricemia in a general population The pooled adjusted relative risk (RR) was calculated using a random-effects model A total of 14 studies involving 341 389 adults were identified Hyperuricemia was associated with an increased risk of CHD mortality (RR: 114; 95 % CI: 106–123) and all-cause mortality (RR: 120; 95 % CI: 113–128) For each increase of 1 mg/dl of serum uric acid (SUA), the overall risks of CHD and all-cause mortality increased by 20 and 9 %, respectively According to the gender subgroup analyses, hyperuricemia increased the risk of CHD mortality in women (RR: 147; 95 % CI: 121–173) compared to men (RR: 110; 95 % CI: 100–119) The risk of all-cause mortality was greater in women Hyperuricemia may modestly increase the risk of CHD and all-cause mortality Future research is needed to determine whether urate–lowering therapy has beneficial effects for reducing CHD mortality

Increased expression of PD‑L1 by the human papillomavirus 16 E7 oncoprotein inhibits anticancer immunity.

Abstract: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte dysfunction is frequently associated with PD‑L1/PD‑1 pathway activation, and is a principal obstacle in cancer therapy. In the present study, the mechanisms underlying the human papillomavirus (HPV)‑induced evasion of cervical cancer cells to the host immune system via the programmed death ligand 1/programmed death 1 (PD‑L1/PD‑1) signaling pathway was investigated. A significant increase in the expression of the HPV16E7 viral protein and PD‑L1 in cervical tissues was observed when compared with normal cervical tissues. In addition, a positive correlation between HPV16E7 and PD‑L1 expression was observed by immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction. Overexpressing HPV16E7 oncoprotein in the epithelial carcinoma of PC3 cells increased the expression level of the PD‑L1 protein and inhibited peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity. Upon knockdown of HPV16E7 in HPV16‑associated CaSki cervical cancer cells with a relevant siRNA, a reduction in PD‑L1 protein expression was observed, as well as a significant increase in PBMC proliferation and CTL activity. A recombinant plasmid, MSCVPIG‑soluble PD‑1, was constructed and transfected into the CaSki cell line, and was co‑cultured with PBMCs. PBMC proliferation and CTL activity were observed to increase significantly. In conclusion, the results presented in the current study suggest that overexpression of PD‑L1, induced by HPV16E7, may be responsible for lymphocyte dysfunction. In addition, soluble PD‑1 may restore the function of tumor‑infiltrating lymphocytes by inhibiting the PD‑L1/PD‑1 signaling pathway. These results may provide a novel insight for immunotherapeutic approaches in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Water Allocation in Transboundary River Basins under Water Scarcity: a Cooperative Bargaining Approach

Abstract: Transboundary river basins are one of the main sources of fresh water which are facing water scarcity. When transboundary water is contested not only the allocation outcomes matter but also the allocation process should possess a certain desirable properties such as flexibility and sustainability. Therefore designing a mechanism that possesses these desirable characteristics and allocates the contested water resource is important as well. This article proposed a water allocation framework by combining the bankruptcy theory with asymmetric Nash bargaining solution concept for solving the water sharing problem in transboundary river basins under scarcity. Furthermore, the allocation framework was applied to the Nile river basin and to a hypothetical water scarce transboundary river basin. The results obtained were then compared with the allocation outcomes from classical bankruptcy allocation rules. The results showed that the proposed method can provide insights which could be useful for obtaining water allocation outcomes which are easier to implement and enforce under water scarce conditions.

Creep degradation mechanism by water-rock interaction in the red-layer soft rock

Abstract: Bank slope stability has become a great concern, while the impoundment of Three Gorges reservoir. The bank slope composed of red-layer soft rock has exhibited distinct deformation and failure. Therefore, a typical red-layer soft rock around Three Gorges reservoir area was selected to demonstrate the process of cyclic changes at the reservoir level and immersion-air-dry cyclic action of water-rock inside hydro-fluctuation belt. To meet the objective of this study, a series of creep tests were conducted on the rock specimens at different water-rock interaction stages. The following points were noticed based on the laboratory results: (1) the creep fracture strength and long-term strength of red-layer soft rock degraded significantly during the process of water-rock interaction. For the first three water-rock interaction circulations, the strength of red-layer soft rock degraded quickly and then gradually became stable. (2) During the creep test, the lateral expansion of red-layer soft rock increased significantly regarding to the number of cycles. (3) The creep curve includes three typical stages at failure stress level—primary (damped) stage, secondary (steady-state) stage, and tertiary (nonlinear accelerated) stage. As the number of cycles increased, the percentage of secondary stage diminished gradually. However, the tertiary stage showed a gradual increment, since the plasticity of the specimens was strengthened by water-rock interaction. (4) The shear failure characteristics of the specimens became highly considerable during the process of water-rock interaction, and there have been a gradual increment of shear rupture zone. (5) The SEM results showed that the specimen microstructure changed its state from dense to loose and porous. The findings of this research provide a good basis for long-term stability analysis of bank slope.

Rapid removal of selenate in a zero-valent iron/Fe3O4/Fe2+ synergetic system

Abstract: Batch experiments were conducted to investigate selenate reduction in a hybridized zero-valent iron (ZVI or Fe0) system that was easily created by mixing magnetite and Fe2+ with ZVI particle (20 mesh) and preconditioning for 24 h prior to selenate addition. The performance of the hybrid ZVI/Fe3O4/Fe2+ system (hZVI) were compared with those of non-hybrid (ZVI, Fe2+ and Fe3O4 alone) or partial-hybrid systems (ZVI/Fe2+, Fe3O4/Fe2+ and ZVI/Fe3O4). The results showed that precondition of 24 h significantly increased the reactivity of hZVI towards selenate reduction possible due to the formation of reactive interface between ZVI and magnetite. hZVI achieved the most effective selenate removal than any of other systems. ZVI/Fe3O4/Fe2+ was a synergetic system, in which any constituent was indispensable for rapid removal of selenate. ZVI was the primary electron donor for selenate reduction. Fe2+ instead of acidic pH (H+) participated in selenate reduction together with ZVI. Moreover, Fe2+ rejuvenated the passivaed surface of ZVI and magnetite, and thus sustained the reactivity of hZVI for rapid removal of selenate. Magnetite served as the primary reaction sites for selenate removal. Se speciation extraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy evidences indicated stepwise reduction of SeVI to SeIV and then to Se0 or Se−II in the hZVI system. Findings of this study could help develop an hZVI technology suitable for treating various selenium-contaminated wastewaters.

GSK-3β controls autophagy by modulating LKB1-AMPK pathway in prostate cancer cells

Abstract: BACKGROUND Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3B, GSK-3β) is a multi-functional protein kinase involved in various cellular processes and its activity elevates after serum deprivation. We have shown that inhibition of GSK-3β activity triggered a profound autophagic response and subsequent necrotic cell death after serum deprivation in prostate cancer cells. In this study, we dissected the mechanisms involved in GSK-3β inhibition-triggered autophagy. METHODS Prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cells were used in the study. Multiple GSK-3β specific inhibitors were used including small chemicals TDZD8, Tideglusib, TWS119, and peptide L803-mts. Western blot assay coupled with phospho-specific antibodies were used in detecting signal pathway activation. ATP levels were assessed with ATPLite kit and HPLC methods. Autophagy response was determined by evaluating Microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) processing and p62 protein stability in Western blot assays. Immunofluorescent microscopy was used to detect LKB1 translocation. RESULTS Inhibition of GSK-3β activity resulted in a significant decline of cellular ATP production, leading to a significant increase of AMP/ATP ratio, a strong trigger of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in prostate cancer PC-3 cells. In parallel with increased LC-3B biosynthesis and p62 protein reduction, the classical sign of autophagy induction, AMPK was activated after inhibition of GSK-3β activity. Further analysis revealed that Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) but not Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ) is involved in AMPK activation and autophagy induction triggered by GSK-3β inhibition. Meanwhile, GSK-3β inhibition promoted LKB1 translocation from nuclear to cytoplasmic compartment and enhanced LKB1 interaction with its regulatory partners Mouse protein-25 (MO25) and STE20-related adaptor (STRAD). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our data suggest that GSK-3β plays an important role in controlling autophagy induction by modulating the activation of LKB1-AMPK pathway after serum deprivation. Prostate 76:172–183, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Circulating Cell Free DNA as the Diagnostic Marker for Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract: Background Quantitative analyses of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are potential methods for the detection of ovarian cancer. Many studies have evaluated these approaches, but the results were too inconsistent to be conclusive. This study is the first to systematically evaluate the accuracy of circulating cfDNA for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer by conducting meta-analysis.

Roles of nucleolin. Focus on cancer and anti-cancer therapy

Abstract: Nucleolin, a multifunctional protein distributed in the nucleolus, participates in many modulations including rDNA transcription, RNA metabolism, and ribosome assembly. Nucleolin is also found in the cytoplasm and on the cell membrane, and surface nucleolin can bind to various ligands to affect many physiological functions. The expression and localization of nucleolin is often abnormal in cancers, as the differential distribution of nucleolin in cancer can influence the carcinogenesis, proliferation, survival, and metastasis of cancer cells, leading to the cancer progression. Thus, nucleolin may be a novel and promising target for anti-cancer treatment. Here, we describe how nucleolin act functions in cancer development and describe nucleolin-dependent anti-cancer therapies.