A Novel Synthetic Analog of 5, 8-Disubstituted Quinazolines Blocks Mitosis and Induces Apoptosis of Tumor Cells by Inhibiting Microtubule Polymerization

Many mitosis inhibitors are powerful anticancer drugs. Tremendous efforts have been made to identify new anti-mitosis compounds for developing more effective and less toxic anti-cancer drugs. We have identified LJK-11, a synthetic analog of 5, 8-disubstituted quinazolines, as a novel mitotic blocker. LJK-11 inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of many different types of tumor cells. It prevented mitotic spindle formation and arrested cells at early phase of mitosis. Detailed in vitro analysis demonstrated that LJK-11 inhibited microtubule polymerization. In addition, LJK-11 had synergistic effect with another microtubule inhibitor colchicine on blocking mitosis, but not with vinblastine or nocodazole. Therefore, LJK-11 represents a novel anti-microtubule structure. Understanding the function and mechanism of LJK-11 will help us to better understand the action of anti-microtubule agents and to design better anti-cancer drugs

Dermatophagoides farinae microRNAs released to external environments via exosomes regulate inflammation-related gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells

BackgroundDermatophagoides farinae (DFA) is an important species of house dust mites (HDMs) that causes allergic diseases. Previous studies have focused on allergens with protein components to explain the allergic effect of HDMs; however, there is little knowledge on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the allergic effect of HDMs. This study aimed to unravel the new mechanism of dust mite sensitization from the perspective of cross-species transport of extracellular vesicles-encapsulated miRNAs from HDMs.MethodsSmall RNA (sRNA) sequencing was performed to detect miRNAs expression profiles from DFA, DFA-derived exosomes and DFA culture supernatants. A quantitative fluorescent real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was used to detect miRNAs expression in dust specimens. BEAS-2B cells endocytosed exosomes were modeled in vitro to detect miRNAs from DFA and the expression of related inflammatory factors. Representative dfa-miR-276-3p and dfa-novel-miR2 were transfected into BEAS-2B cells, and then differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by RNA sequencing. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) terms enrichment analyses were performed on the first 300 nodes of DEGs.ResultssRNA sequencing identified 42 conserved miRNAs and 66 novel miRNAs in DFA, DFA-derived exosomes, and DFA culture supernatants. A homology analysis was performed on the top 18 conserved miRNAs with high expression levels. The presence of dust mites and miRNAs from HDMs in living environment were also validated. Following uptake of DFA-derived exosomes by BEAS-2B cells, exosomes transported miRNAs from DFA to target cells and produced pro-inflammatory effects in corresponding cells. RNA sequencing identified DEGs in dfa-miR-276-3p and dfa-novel-miR2 transfected BEAS-2B cells. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed the role of exosomes with cross-species transporting of DFA miRNAs in inflammatory signaling pathways, such as JAK-STAT signaling pathway, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and IL-6-mediated signaling pathway.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate the miRNAs expression profiles in DFA for the first time. The DFA miRNAs are delivered into living environments via exosomes, and engulfed by human bronchial epithelial cells, and cross-species regulation may contribute to inflammation-related processes

Investigations on corrosion and mechanical properties of a 20-year-old ground anchor exhumed at a power station site

This paper presents the observed findings and laboratory test results of an anchor exhumed from Manwan hydropower station, China which was installed 20 years ago. The prestressed cables are 25.6 m long with a working load of 1000 kN. It consists of eight strands, and each strand consists of seven wires. The anchor was installed using the ‘single protection’ technique (i.e., the steel strands without greased sheath and was backfilled directly with cement mortar). The anchor was unearthed by excavating a 1.5 m  1.7 m tunnel. Visual inspection shows that the steel strands in the free and fixed lengths are basically stainless except for a few places where the grout failed to cover the anchor completely, thereby allowing direct contact of the strands with air. The magnitude of rebound of the tendon during the advancement of the tunnel face was simultaneously measured indicating a gradual release of bonding force, which was up to 62 % of the prestressed load. This shows that the existence of the bonding force is provided by the bonding between the strand and the grout, while this bonding does not exist in the ‘double protection’ system. The results of the mechanical test confirm that the tensile strengths in all the 33 steel wires exceed the requirement as specified by current Chinese Standard (NBS 1985). The concentrations of various chemicals also satisfy the requirements as specified by CSBTS (1999). The results of the X-ray Diffraction test show that the stains taken from the surface of the strand are composed of FeO and FeOOH, both being oxide products of iron. This shows that exposure of the material to air is an important condition to initiate corrosion. By following ASTM test procedure (ASTM International 1999), the average corrosion rate is found to be between 3-6  10-4 mm/year. This investigation generally supports the use of unprotected steel strands in rock anchor.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Research Progress in Ordered Nanomaterials via Magnetic Field Induced Preparation

Ordered nanomaterials are widely concerned for their excellent performance in mechanics, electricity, optics and magnetism. Magnetic field induced self-assembly is widely used for the preparation of ordered nanomaterials, which has the advantages of indirect contact with the reaction system, controllable adjustment of magnetic field. By using this preparation method, it can realize the alignment of nanomaterials without affecting the comprehensive performance of each component in the system. In this paper, we reviewed magnetic field induced self-assembly of metal nanomaterials, oxide nanomaterials and nanocomposites. We also looked forward to the future research direction

Research progress of preservative coating of natural polymer materials

The planting area and output of fruits and vegetables in China are the first in the world. However, due to the imperfection of storage and transportation fresh-keeping technology, the annual loss of fruits and vegetables in China is serious. Rational use of fresh-keeping coating is of great significance for improving the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Natural polymer preservative coating is widely concerned in the field of fruits and vegetables due to its wide sources, degradability, low price and good film-forming ability. In this paper, the types of natural polymer preservative coating were reviewed, and its application in the freshkeeping of fruits and vegetables was summarized and prospected, so as to provide Reference for further research