Study on mechanism of macro failure and micro fracture of local nearly horizontal stratum in super-large section and deep buried tunnel

Li, Shu-cai,Wang, Jian-hua,Chen, Wei-zhong,Li, Li-ping,Zhang, Qian-qing,He, Peng Techno-Press 2016 Geomechanics & engineering Vol.11 No.2

The stability of surrounding rock will be poor when the tunnel is excavated through nearly horizontal stratum. In this paper, the instability mechanism of local nearly horizontal stratum in super-large section and deep buried tunnel is revealed by the analysis of the macro failure and micro fracture. A structural model is proposed to explain the mechanics of surrounding rock collapse under the action of stress redistribution and shed light on the macroscopic analytical approach of the stability of surrounding rock. Then, some highly effective formulas applied in the tunnel engineering are developed according to the theory of mixed-mode micro fracture. And well-documented field case is made to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed analytical methods of mixed-mode fracture. Meanwhile, in order to make the more accurate judgment about yield failure of rock mass, a series of comprehensive failure criteria are formed. In addition, the relationship between the nonlinear failure criterion and $K_I$ and $K_{II}$ of micro fracture is established to make the surrounding rock failure criterion more comprehensive and accurate. Further, the influence of the parameters related to the tension-shear mixed-mode fracture and compression-shear mixed-mode fracture on the propagation of rock crack is analyzed. Results show that ${\sigma}_3$ changes linearly with the change of ${\sigma}_1$. And the change rate is related to ${\beta}$, angle between the cracks and ${\sigma}_1$. The proposed simple analytical approach is economical and efficient, and suitable for the analysis of local nearly horizontal stratum in super-large section and deep buried tunnel.

Knockdown of GCF2/LRRFIP1 by RNAi Causes Cell Growth Inhibition and Increased Apoptosis in Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells

Li, Jing-Ping,Cao, Nai-Xia,Jiang, Ri-Ting,He, Shao-Jian,Huang, Tian-Ming,Wu, Bo,Chen, De-Feng,Ma, Ping,Chen, Li,Zhou, Su-Fang,Xie, Xiao-Xun,Luo, Guo-Rong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.6

Background: GC-binding factor 2 (GCF2) is a transcriptional regulator that represses transcriptional activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by binding to a specific GC-rich sequence in the EGFR gene promoter. In addition to this function, GCF2 has also been identified as a tumor-associated antigen and regarded as a potentially valuable serum biomarker for early human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis. GCF2 is high expressed in most HCC tissues and cell lines including HepG2. This study focused on the influence of GCF2 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Materials and Methods: GCF2 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in HepG2 cells was detected with reverse transcription (RT) PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to knock down GCF2 mRNA and protein expression. Afterwards, cell viability was analyzed with a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and cell apoptosis and caspase 3 activity by flow cytometry and with a Caspase 3 Activity Kit, respectively. Results: Specific down-regulation of GCF2 expression caused cell growth inhibition, and increased apoptosis and caspase 3 activity in HepG2 cells. Conclusions: These primary results suggest that GCF2 may influence cell proliferation and apoptosis in HepG2 cells, and also provides a molecular basis for further investigation into the possible mechanism at proliferation and apoptosis in HCC.

A UPLC/MS-based metabolomics investigation of the protective effect of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rg2 in mice with Alzheimer's disease

Li, Naijing,Liu, Ying,Li, Wei,Zhou, Ling,Li, Qing,Wang, Xueqing,He, Ping The Korean Society of Ginseng 2016 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.40 No.1

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive brain disease, for which there is no effective drug therapy at present. Ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1) and G-Rg2 have been reported to alleviate memory deterioration. However, the mechanism of their anti-AD effect has not yet been clearly elucidated. Methods: Ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem MS (UPLC/MS)-based metabolomics was used to identify metabolites that are differentially expressed in the brains of AD mice with or without ginsenoside treatment. The cognitive function of mice and pathological changes in the brain were also assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: The impaired cognitive function and increased hippocampal $A{\beta}$ deposition in AD mice were ameliorated by G-Rg1 and G-Rg2. In addition, a total of 11 potential biomarkers that are associated with the metabolism of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), hypoxanthine, and sphingolipids were identified in the brains of AD mice and their levels were partly restored after treatment with G-Rg1 and G-Rg2. G-Rg1 and G-Rg2 treatment influenced the levels of hypoxanthine, dihydrosphingosine, hexadecasphinganine, LPC C 16:0, and LPC C 18:0 in AD mice. Additionally, G-Rg1 treatment also influenced the levels of phytosphingosine, LPC C 13:0, LPC C 15:0, LPC C 18:1, and LPC C 18:3 in AD mice. Conclusion: These results indicate that the improvements in cognitive function and morphological changes produced by G-Rg1 and G-Rg2 treatment are caused by regulation of related brain metabolic pathways. This will extend our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the effects of G-Rg1 and G-Rg2 on AD.

Red, green, and blue fluorescent folate-receptor-targeting carbon dots for cervical cancer cellular and tissue imaging

Li, Shihao,Jiang, Jie,Yan, Yinan,Wang, Ping,Huang, Gang,Kim, Nam hoon,Lee, Joong Hee,He, Dannong Elsevier 2018 Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for Vol.93 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Folate receptor targeted photo-luminescent quantum carbon dots (Fr-CDs) were successfully prepared from folic acid and phenylenediamine isomers through hydrothermal approaches. Fr-CDs were spherical particles smaller than 10 nm, and emit stable green, blue and red luminescence under ultraviolet region excitation (λex = 365 nm) with maximum emissive lengths at 530, 429, and 612 nm. And the corresponding photoluminescence quantum yield as 15.4%, 12.6% and 16.2% respectively. Up-converted photoluminescent properties in near infrared 800 nm spectral region located in green, blue and yellow region. In-vitro studies showed Fr-CDs had almost none cytotoxicity (cell viability over 80%) and high affinitive to the Hela celline highly-expressed-folate-receptor membranes, and lighted on cytoplasm as the fluorescent marker. It displayed long luminescent-stability with PL intensity above 90% in ultraviolet illuminant exposure over 24 h. In in-vivo studies, Fr-CDs were internalized and accumulated in targeted cancer tissues of cervical carcinoma and the emitting fluorescence maintains over 30 min.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Multicolor carbon dots was prepared from folic acid and phenylenediamin isomers. </LI> <LI> These carbon dots exhibit targeting abilities with high affinity to ovarian cancer cells and tissues. </LI> <LI> Ultra-violet and near-infrared light excited photo-luminescent spectrums were investigated, and related quantum yield was calculated. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>FA-doped CDs can effectively target ovarian cancer cells and aggregate in ovarian tumor tissue in a short 15 min.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Preparation and In Vitro Release of Ramose Chitosan-Based-5-Fluorouracil Microspheres

Li, He-Ping,Li, Hui,Wang, Zhou-Dong,Zhang, Juan-Juan,Deng, Man-Feng,Chen, San-Long Korean Chemical Society 2013 대한화학회지 Vol.57 No.1

In order to construct a controlled release system of drugs and to reduce toxic side effects of 5-fluorouracil, the novel ramose chitosan-based-5-fluorouracil microspheres (CS-FU-MS) were prepared. Firstly, using chitosan (CS) as carriers and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a model drug, ramose chitosan-based-5-fluorouracil (CS-FU) was efciently synthesized by chemical crosslinking method through microwave irradiation, drug loading was 10.6%; Secondly, CS-FU-MS were prepared by CS-FU self-assembled under the dialysis conditions and the free 5-FU was encapsulated further at the same time. The size dispersivity of particles is uniform, and the average diameter of the CS-FU-MS was $4{\mu}m$. The drug encapsulation efficiency was 76.1%, and the drug loading was increased to 26.22%. CS-FU-MS maintain the zero-order release time in PBS (pH = 7.4) and HCl/KCl (pH = 1.2) dialysis medium was 40h and 34h respectively, and the cumulative release were 58.89% and 79.33% in 182 h. The results showed that CS-FU-MS have excellent sustained release properties.

Synthesis and Characterization of Lactobionic Acid Grafted Phenylalanyl-Glycyl-Chitosan

Li, He-Ping,Li, Shan,Wang, Zhou-Dong,Qin, Long Korean Chemical Society 2011 대한화학회지 Vol.55 No.6

In order to enhance the target action of chitosan-based drug, this paper firstly prepared phenylalanyl-glycylchitosan (Phe-Gly-CS) by grafting the key intermediate, bromoacetyl-phenylalanine (BA-Phe) onto chitosan. Then the target sugar molecule, lactobionic acid (LA), was grafted to Phe-Gly-CS and the topic compound lactobionic acid grafted phenylalanyl-glycyl-chitosan (Phe-Gly-CS-LA) was finally obtained in a yield of 78.8%. The product were characterized by FTIR, MS and 1H NMR. The preparing condition of BA-Phe was optimized as follows: the best pH was 10-11, the optimum temperature was $-4^{\circ}C$, the reaction time was 1.5 h.

A UPLC/MS-based metabolomics investigation of the protective effect of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rg2 in mice with Alzheimer’s disease

Naijing Li,Ying Liu,Wei Li,Ling Zhou,Qing Li,Xueqing Wang,Ping He 고려인삼학회 2016 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.40 No.1

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive brain disease, for which there is no effective drug therapy at present. Ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1) and G-Rg2 have been reported to alleviate memory deterioration. However, the mechanism of their anti-AD effect has not yet been clearly elucidated. Methods: Ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem MS (UPLC/MS)-based metabolomics was used to identify metabolites that are differentially expressed in the brains of AD mice with or without ginsenoside treatment. The cognitive function of mice and pathological changes in the brain were also assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: The impaired cognitive function and increased hippocampal Ab deposition in AD mice were ameliorated by G-Rg1 and G-Rg2. In addition, a total of 11 potential biomarkers that are associated with the metabolism of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), hypoxanthine, and sphingolipids were identified in the brains of AD mice and their levels were partly restored after treatment with G-Rg1 and G-Rg2. G-Rg1 and G-Rg2 treatment influenced the levels of hypoxanthine, dihydrosphingosine, hexadecasphinganine, LPC C 16:0, and LPC C 18:0 in AD mice. Additionally, G-Rg1 treatment also influenced the levels of phytosphingosine, LPC C 13:0, LPC C 15:0, LPC C 18:1, and LPC C 18:3 in AD mice. Conclusion: These results indicate that the improvements in cognitive function and morphological changes produced by G-Rg1 and G-Rg2 treatment are caused by regulation of related brain metabolic pathways. This will extend our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the effects of G-Rg1 and G-Rg2 on AD.

Sclareol Protects Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Lung Cell Injury via Inhibiting Alpha-Hemolysin Expression

( Ouyang Ping ),( Sun Mao ),( He Xuewen ),( Wang Kaiyu ),( Yin Zhongqiong ),( Fu Hualin ),( Li Yinglun ),( Geng Yi ),( Shu Gang ),( He Changliang ),( Liang Xiaoxia ),( Lai Weiming ),( Li Lixia ),( Zou 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2017 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.27 No.1

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common gram-positive bacterium that causes serious infections in humans and animals. With the continuous emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, antibiotics have limited efficacy in treating MRSA infections. Accordingly, novel agents that act on new targets are desperately needed to combat these infections. S. aureus alpha-hemolysin plays an indispensable role in its pathogenicity. In this study, we demonstrate that sclareol, a fragrant chemical compound found in clary sage, can prominently decrease alpha-hemolysin secretion in S. aureus strain USA300 at sub-inhibitory concentrations. Hemolysis assays, western-blotting, and RT-PCR were used to detect the production of alpha-hemolysin in the culture supernatant. When USA300 was co-cultured with A549 epithelial cells, sclareol could protect the A549 cells at a final concentration of 8 μg/ml. The protective capability of sclareol against the USA300-mediated injury of A549 cells was further shown by cytotoxicity assays and live/dead analysis. In conclusion, sclareol was shown to inhibit the production of S. aureus alpha-hemolysin. Sclareol has potential for development as a new agent to treat S. aureus infections.

Isolation of Chemical Constituents from the Aerial Parts of Verbascum thapsus and Their Antiangiogenic and Antiproliferative Activities

Yan-Li Zhao,Yong-Ping Yang,Si-Feng Wang,Yang Li,Qiu-Xia He,Ke-Chun Liu,Xiao-Li Li 대한약학회 2011 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.34 No.5

Phytochemical investigation of Verbascum thapsus led to the isolation and identification of one new iridoid compound named verbathasin A, along with ten known compounds. The structure and relative stereochemistry of verbathasin A were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data. All the isolates except 10-deoxyeucommiol and ajugol were tested for antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activities, and compounds luteolin and 3-O-fucopyranosylsaikogenin F showed promising antiproliferative activities, with an obvious effect of inducing apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells.

HMGB1 Promotes the Synthesis of Pro-IL-1β and Pro-IL-18 by Activation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB Through Receptors for Advanced Glycation End-products in Macrophages

He, Qiang,You, Hong,Li, Xin-Min,Liu, Tian-Hui,Wang, Ping,Wang, Bao-En Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.4

The high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein and NALP3 inflammasome have been identified to play important roles in inflammation and cancer pathogenesis, but the relationships between the two and cancer remain unclear. The current study investigated the relationship between HMGB1 and the NALP3 inflammasome in THP-1 macrophages. HMGB1 was found unable to activate the NALP3 inflammasome and failed to induce the release of the IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-18 in THP-1 macrophages. HMGB1 was also found significantly enhanced the activity of ATP to induce IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-18 by the induction of increased expression of pro-IL-$1{\beta}$ and pro-IL-18. This process was dependent on activation of RAGE, MAPK p38 and NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that HMGB1 promotes the synthesis of pro-IL-$1{\beta}$ and pro-IL-18 in THP-1 macrophages by the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$ through RAGE. HMGB1 likely plays an important role in the first step of the release of the IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-18, preparing for other cytokines to induce excessive release of IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-18 which promote inflammation and cancer progression.