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Aspongopus chinensis Dallas is used as a traditional Chinese medicine as well as an edible insect. Although its anti-tumor effects have been observed, the anti-tumor active component(s) in the hemolymph of A. chinensis remains unknown. In this study, a combination usage of ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, FPLC and RP-HPLC to separate and purify active peptides was performed based on the proliferation of the human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cell line treated with candidates. One peptide (MW = 2853.3 Da) was isolated from the hemolymph of A. chinensis. A total of 24 amino acid residues were continuously determined for the active peptide: N′-ECGYCAEKGIRCDDIHCCTGLKKK-C′. In conclusion, a peptide that can inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells in the hemolymph of A. chinensis was purified in this study, which is homologous to members of the spider toxin protein family. These results should facilitate further works for this peptide, such as the cloning of genes, expression in vitro by prokaryotic or eukaryotic systems, more specific tests of anti-tumor activity, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fresh metal-organic framework (MOF) based on the Zn ions as the metal ions has been prepared via the solvothermal method, and its chemical formula is [Zn(byia)(DMF)]·1.5DMF·7H2O (1, byia = 5-(benzimidazol-2-yl) isophthalic acid). It is worth noting that the compound 1 has excellent water stability (which can be maintained in the water for at least a month). Most fascinating, in water, the compound 1 exhibits the strong blue luminescence, which can only be selectively quenched via the contaminant of the Cr2O72– ion. The selective luminescence quenching with low limits of detection and high values of Ksv proved its better sensing property, which can be compared with the contemporary materials. To development new strategy for the sepsis treatment, the biological activity and mechanism of the compound was explored. Firstly, the ELIA detection was performed in this experiment to assess the inhibition of compound against inflammatory factor storm during sepsis. Then, the inflammatory response in the immune cells was assessed by real time RT-PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal consumption in China has been almost equal to the consumption of all other countries since 2011, and influenced not only global climate change but also domestic air pollution control, energy production and consumption revolution. Coal consumption is closely related to China's whole economy, and its cap control should be based on comprehensive understanding of different economic agents' interactions. Therefore, this study uses the input-output model to identify key relationships to be adjusted which have their significant direct and indirect effects on coal consumption. We find that fixed capital formation in construction having a significant indirect impact on coal consumption in all main coal-intensive sectors, and most of the important production relationships in a sector involve inputs of basic raw materials or fuel, such as building materials in construction. From the perspective of fine structure adjustment to control coal effectively, some non-basic inputs need massive restrictions, such as substantially reducing pesticide and fertilizer application in agriculture, and construction expansion should be limited to a rational growth through reducing short-lived buildings, constraining low-level redundant construction of roads and buildings, and minimizing the vacancy rate and incremental construction area. Moreover, export of coke, chemicals, and chemical products should be discouraged from the perspective of coal control, and urban households should consume daily chemical and pharmaceutical products more rationally. • Paths to structural adjustment for coal control were identified. • Investment in construction has significant impacts. • Structure could be adjusted by phasing out backward production capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Juglone is a natural pigment, which has a cytotoxic effect against tumor cells. However, its cytotoxicity to human breast cancer cells (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 [MCF7]) has not been demonstrated. Objective: The objective was to observe the effect of Juglone on the protein expression of caspase-3, 9 in the apoptosis of Human Breast Cancer Cells (MCF7) and apoptosis-related protein, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and investigate in the inhibitory effect of MCF7. Materials and Methods: Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium experiment was performed for the detection of the cell growth inhibition effect of MCF7. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. Western Blot was used to detect the protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase. The messenger RNA (mRNA) was tested using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Juglone inhibited the growth of MCF7 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and promotes the apoptosis of MCF7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with control group, the Juglone group raised the expression of Bax protein (*P < 0.05), and the protein expression of Bcl-2 was decreased (*P < 0.05). The expression of caspase-3 protein was not changed, and the caspase-9 was significantly elevated in the high concentration of Juglone. Cleaved caspase-3, -9 protein was significantly raised (*P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 in MCF7 cells of Juglone group were significantly increased compared with control, while the expression of Bcl-2 was suppressed obviously. Conclusion: Juglone inhibited the growth of MCF7 cells and promotes the apoptosis of MCF7 cells. Its mechanism in promoting MCF7 cell apoptosis may be related to the decrease of the expression of the mitochondrial pathway-associated apoptosis factor Bcl-2, increase of the protein expression of Bax, and mitochondrial pathway downstream caspase-3, 9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]