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The aims of this study were to clarify the regeneration characteristics and dominant factors affecting the regeneration of three natural Juniperus forests in the Three-River Headwater Region of Qinghai Province, and thus to provide a reference for the protection and management of natural forests. We evaluated the natural regeneration levels of Juniperus forests, and the effects of stand factors and soil factors on natural regeneration. The results showed that three natural Juniperus forests were poorly regenerated, with insufficient regeneration potential. The average regeneration density of J. tibetica forest, J. przewalskii forest and J. convallium forest was 332, 279 and 202 ind·hm -2 , respectively. The height range of regenerate individuals was concentrated in 1-3 m. Only a few seedlings (12 ind·hm -2 ) were found under the J. tibetica forest, and no seedlings were found under the J. convallium and J. przewalskii forests. The regeneration density of J. tibetica forest was significantly positively correlated with stand density, soil organic matter and available phosphorus, and negatively correlated with shrub coverage. The regeneration density of J. convallium forest was significantly negatively correlated with herb coverage, human disturbance degree, woodland slope and soil total nitrogen, and positively correlated with soil water content. The regeneration density of J. przewalskii forest was significantly positively correlated with stand density, soil available potassium and available phosphorus, but negatively correlated with herb coverage. Results of multiple regression analysis showed that the regeneration of J. tibetica forest was mainly affected by understory shrub coverage and soil available phosphorus, that of J. convallium forest was mainly affected by understory herb coverage, soil total nitrogen and human disturbance, and that of J. przewalskii forest was mainly affected by understory herb coverage and soil available potassium. It was necessary to strengthen forest enclosure, management and protection, rationally regu-late the coverage of understory vegetation, increase soil fertility and improve biotope in the forest, which would promote the protection and natural regeneration of natural Juniperus forests in the Three-River Headwater Region.

In desert habitats, sand burial is an important factor affecting germination of plant seeds and seedling growth. Xanthium spinosum has strong adaptability in arid desert areas, and is a common malignant invasive plant in Xinjiang, China. The effects of different sand burial depths on seed germination, seedling emergence, growth and biomass allocation were studied to provide a scientific basis for further control of X. spinosum. Six sand burial depths (1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9 cm) were established to explore the response of X. spinosum seed germination and seedling growth to sand burial. The first emergence time, peak emergence time, emergence rate, seedling growth height, biomass and biomass distribution of X. spinosum seeds was significantly different at sand burial depths (P < 0.05). The X. spinosum seeds had the highest emergence rate (71.5%) at 1 cm sand burial and the maximum seedling height (7.1 cm). As sand burial depth increased, the emergence rate and seedling height gradually decreased. Emergence rate (12.25%) and seedling height (2.9 cm) were lowest at 9 cm sand burial. The root length at 9 cm depth (13.6 cm) was significantly higher than that at other sand depths (P < 0.05). The sand burial depth affected the biomass accumulation and distribution of X. spinosum. As sand burial depth increased, the root biomass and rhizome ratio increased, and the most deeply buried seedlings allocated more biomass for root growth. The optimal sand burial depth for seed germination and seedling growth of X. spinosum was 1-3 cm, and high burial depth (5-9 cm) was not conducive to the germination and growth of X. spinosum seedlings. For prevention and control of X. spinosum, we suggest deeply ploughing crops before sowing to ensure X. spinosum seeds are ploughed into a deep soil layer., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

From "arrival of qi produces curative effect", it is considered that arrival of qi , qi reaching and acupuncture sensation cannot contain the effect attribute, location attribute and performance attribute of acupuncture at the same time, so it is necessary to find a more suitable standard to measure the arrival of qi and clinical curative effect. Inspired by "the arrival of qi should be reaction of spirit, and reaction of spirit produces curative effect", the authors propose to use the term "reaction of spirit" to summarize the numerous external manifestations of arrival of qi , and to coordinate the attributes of arrival of qi , qi reaching and acupuncture sensation. Academician SHI Xue-min guides the clinical treatment with "reaction of spirit produces curative effect", attaches importance to the spirit treatment to improve the clinical curative effect, and evaluates whether acupuncture is successful or not with "reaction of spirit".

Abstract: Chronic arsenism usually occurs after a long-term unawareness of arsenic exposure from environment, occupation, food, and water. We here reported 3 cases with diffused arsenic keratosis and skin cancers derived from long-term arsenic medication ingestion. In these cases, hyperkeratotic skin lesions were initially found on palms and soles, slowly progressed to every part of the skin and lasted maximally for over 30 years. Skin cancers were diagnosed and removed intermittently within decades, but with no malignancies in other organs. Oral retinoids combing with topical 5- fluorouracil and photodynamic treatment yielded a desirable outcome., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden or rapid decline in the filtration function of the kidneys which is marked by increased serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen., Aim: To examine the value of alprostadil-assisted continuous venous-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) in the treatment of severe AKI in severely ill patients., Methods: This was a retrospective study and the inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Age of patients (≥ 18 years); (2) Admission to intensive care unit due to non-renal primary disease, APACHE II score (≥ 18 points); (3) The diagnostic criteria of AKI guidelines were formulated with reference to the Global Organization for the Improvement of Prognosis in Kidney Diseases, with AKI grades of II-III; (4) All patients were treated with CVVH; and (5) Complete basic data were obtained for all patients., Results: The clinical effect of alprostadil administered in the treatment group was better than that observed in the control group ( P < 0.05). The urine output of patients in the alprostadil group returned to normal time (9.1 ± 2.0 d) and was lower than that in the control group (10.6 ± 2.5 d), the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05); adverse reactions occurred in the alprostadil group compared with the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Alprostadil-assisted CVVH in the treatment of severely ill patients with AKI can effectively improve the renal resistance index and partial pressure of urine oxygen, and has a positive effect on improving renal function., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (©The Author(s) 2021. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

The pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy is tightly associated with activation of intracellular hypertrophic signalling pathways, which leads to the synthesis of various proteins. Tripartite motif 10 (TRIM10) is an E3 ligase with important functions in protein quality control. However, its role in cardiac hypertrophy was unclear. In this study, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and TRIM10-knockout mice were subjected to phenylephrine (PE) stimulation or transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce cardiac hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Trim10 expression was significantly increased in hypertrophied murine hearts and PE-stimulated NRCMs. Knockdown of TRIM10 in NRCMs alleviated PE-induced changes in the size of cardiomyocytes and hypertrophy gene expression, whereas TRIM10 overexpression aggravated these changes. These results were further verified in TRIM10-knockout mice. Mechanistically, we found that TRIM10 knockout or knockdown decreased AKT phosphorylation. Furthermore, we found that TRIM10 knockout or knockdown increased ubiquitination of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which negatively regulated AKT activation. The results of this study reveal the involvement of TRIM10 in pathological cardiac hypertrophy, which may occur by prompting of PTEN ubiquitination and subsequent activation of AKT signalling. Therefore, TRIM10 may be a promising target for treatment of cardiac hypertrophy., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Inflammation plays a critical role in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Chemokine receptor CXCR2 mediates inflammatory cell chemotaxis in several diseases. However, the role of CXCR2 in AAA and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we found that the CXCR2 expressions in AAA tissues from human and angiotensin II (Ang II)-infused apolipoprotein E knockout (Apo E -/- ) mice were significantly increased. The pharmacological inhibition of CXCR2 (SB265610) markedly reduced Ang II-induced AAA formation. Furthermore, SB265610 treatment significantly reduced collagen deposition, elastin degradation, the metal matrix metalloprotease expression and accumulation of macrophage cells. In conclusion, these results showed CXCR2 plays a pathogenic role in AAA formation. Inhibition of CXCR2 pathway may represent a novel therapeutic approach to treat AAA.

Low-molecular mass protein 7 (LMP7) is a proteolytic subunit of the immunoproteasome that is involved in regulating inflammatory responses. However, the role of LMP7 in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains unknown. In this study, ApoE knockout (KO) or LMP7/ApoE double KO (dKO) mice were infused with angiotensin II (Ang II, 1000 ng/kg per minute) for up to 28 d. We found that LMP7 expression was significantly upregulated in AAA tissues from ApoE KO mice and human patients. Moreover, Ang II infusion markedly increased the incidence and severity of AAA in ApoE KO mice, which was considerably reduced in LMP7/ApoE dKO mice. Histological alterations, including aortic wall thickening, collagen deposition, elastin fragmentation, and vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis in AAA tissue of ApoE KO mice, were also significantly attenuated in LMP7/ApoE dKO mice. Interestingly, LMP7/ApoE dKO mice showed a marked reduction of infiltration of CD3 + T cells, especially CD4 + T cells in AAA tissues compared with ApoE KO mice. Moreover, ablation of LMP7 substantially inhibited the differentiation of CD4 + T cells into Th1 and Th17 cells by reducing the activation of multiple transcriptional factors. We also investigated the effects of an LMP7-specific inhibitor PR-957 (also known as ONX 0914) on AAA formation in ApoE KO mice. PR-957 treatment could reduce the AAA incidence and severity. In conclusion, our results provide, to our knowledge, novel evidence that ablation or pharmacological inhibition of LMP7 attenuates Ang II-induced AAA formation, and LMP7 might be a novel therapeutic target for treating AAA in humans., (Copyright © 2019 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.)

Rationale: Sustained cardiac hypertrophy often leads to heart failure (HF). Understanding the regulation of cardiomyocyte growth is crucial for the treatment of adverse ventricular remodeling and HF. Cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) is an anaphase-promoting complex activator that is essential for cell division and tumorigenesis, but the role of CDC20 in cardiac hypertrophy is unknown. We aimed to test whether CDC20 participates in the regulation of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and investigate the underlying mechanism in vitro and in vivo . Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were administered a recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (rAAV9) vector expressing CDC20 or a siRNA targeting CDC20 and their respective controls by tail intravenous injection. Results: Microarray analysis showed that CDC20 was significantly upregulated in the heart after angiotensin II infusion. Knockdown of CDC20 in cardiomyocytes and in the heart reduced cardiac hypertrophy upon agonist stimulation or transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Conversely, enforced expression of CDC20 in cardiomyocytes and in the heart aggravated the hypertrophic response. Furthermore, we found that CDC20 directly targeted LC3, a key regulator of autophagy, and promoted LC3 ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome, which inhibited autophagy leading to hypertrophy. Moreover, knockdown of LC3 or inhibition of autophagy attenuated Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy after deletion of CDC20 in vitro . Conclusions: Our study reveals a novel cardiac hypertrophy regulatory mechanism that involves CDC20, LC3 and autophagy, and suggests that CDC20 could be a new therapeutic target for patients with hypertrophic heart diseases., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

Objective: The mechanism of Schisandrin B on the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in asthmatic rats was explored., Methods: SD rats were divided into three groups: control (group 1), model (group 2) and model + Schisandrin B (group 3). miR-150 and lncRNA BCYRN1 levels were measured by qRT-PCR. The combination of BCYRN1 and miR-150 was detected by RNA pull down. ASMCs' viability/proliferation/migration were examined by WST-1 assay and 24-well Transwell system., Results: Schisandrin B up-regulated miR-150 expression and down-regulated BCYRN1 expression in sensitized rats. Schisandrin B reversed the expression of miR-150 and BCYRN1 in MV-treated ASMCs. In addition, Schisandrin B inhibited the viability, proliferation and migration of MV-induced ASMCs. We also found miR-150 inhibited BCYRN1 expression which was proved by experiments using ASMCs transfected with miR-150 inhibitor., Conclusion: Schisandrin B increased miR-150 expression and decreased BCYRN1, and BCYRN1 expression was inhibited by miR-150, which indicated that Schisandrin B could regulate BCYRN1 through miR-150., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The vasovagal reflex syndrome (VVRS) is common in the patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, prediction and prevention of the risk for the VVRS have not been completely fulfilled. This study was conducted to develop a Risk Prediction Score Model to identify the determinants of VVRS in a large Chinese population cohort receiving PCI., Methods: From the hospital electronic medical database, we identified 3550 patients who received PCI (78.0% males, mean age 60 years) in Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 1, 2000 to August 30, 2016. The multivariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed., Results: The adverse events of VVRS in the patients were significantly increased after PCI procedure than before the operation (all P < 0.001). The rate of VVRS [95% confidence interval (CI)] in patients receiving PCI was 4.5% (4.1%-5.6%). Compared to the patients suffering no VVRS, incidence of VVRS involved the following factors, namely female gender, primary PCI, hypertension, over two stents implantation in the left anterior descending (LAD), and the femoral puncture site. The multivariate analysis suggested that they were independent risk factors for predicting the incidence of VVRS (all P < 0.001). We developed a risk prediction score model for VVRS. ROC analysis showed that the risk prediction score model was effectively predictive of the incidence of VVRS in patients receiving PCI (c-statistic 0.76, 95% CI: 0.72-0.79, P < 0.001). There were decreased events of VVRS in the patients receiving PCI whose diastolic blood pressure dropped by more than 30 mmHg and heart rate reduced by 10 times per minute (AUC: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.81-0.87, P < 0.001)., Conclusion: The risk prediction score is quite efficient in predicting the incidence of VVRS in patients receiving PCI. In which, the following factors may be involved, the femoral puncture site, female gender, hypertension, primary PCI, and over 2 stents implanted in LAD.

Objective To investigated the changes of angiopoietin-like protein 2(Angptl2) in patients with arteriosclerotic occlusion (ASO). Methods A total of 140 subjects including 75 ASO patients (ASO group) and 65 healthy subjects (control group) were enrolled in this study. Angptl2 and adiponectin were evaluated by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Biochemical data and high sensitive C reactive protein were measured and recorded as well. Results Compared to the control group,the ASO group presented with significantly higher level of plasma Angptl2 [(13.55±9.17) μg/L vs. (9.04±4.79) μg/L,P=0.010]. Plasma Angptl2 level of critical limb ischemia subjects was significantly higher than that of intermittent claudication subjects [(17.01±10.20)μg/L vs. (10.53±6.97) μg/L,P=0.003]. The best diagnostic cutoff value of Angptl2 was 13.67 μg/L,with a sensitivity of 60.34% and a specificity of 81.25%. In addition,type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with ASO exhibited significantly higher serum Angptl2 levels [(18.67±9.84)μg/L] than those without ASO [(13.01±3.47) μg/L] (P=0.021). In ASO group,serum Angptl2 levels were negatively correlated with ankle brachial index (r=-0.244,P=0.035). Conclusion The plasma level of Angptl2 increases in ASO patients. Its level is remarkably increased when the disease progressions to critical limb ischemia. Angptl2 can be a potential biological marker of disease progression.

Objective To investigate the role of proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) in inflammatory response in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation induced by angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ). Methods Ang Ⅱ-induced ApoE -/- mice AAA models were established. Forty male ApoE -/- mice (8-10-week-old) were randomly and equally divided into four groups:Sham group,BTZ group,Ang Ⅱ group,and Ang Ⅱ+BTZ group.HE staining,immunohistochemical staining,and flow cytometry were used to analyze the inflammatory response. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Western blotting was used to analyze the activation of nuclear factor κB signaling (NF-κB). Results The mean maximum suprarenal aortic diameter (Dmax) of Sham group,BTZ group,Ang Ⅱ group,and Ang Ⅱ+BTZ group were (1.00±0.01),(0.99±0.01),(1.50±0.13),and (1.20±0.04)mm,respectively (F=8.959,P=0.000). The Dmax of Ang Ⅱ group was significantly larger than those of Sham group (P=0.000) and Ang Ⅱ+BTZ group (P=0.015). The incidence of AAA in Ang Ⅱ group,Ang Ⅱ+BTZ group,and Sham group were 60%,17%,and 0,respectively. HE staining revealed that the abdominal aortic wall thickening was more severe in Ang Ⅱ group than in Sham group and Ang Ⅱ+BTZ group,similar with the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the CD3 + T lymphocyte count was significantly higher in Ang Ⅱ group than in Sham group (107.9±15.9 vs. 0,P=0.000) and Ang Ⅱ+BTZ group (107.9±15.9 vs. 0.8±0.5,P=0.000). Flow cytometry also demonstrated that the proportion of the CD3 + T lymphocytes of the Ang Ⅱ group [(13.50±0.69)%] was significantly higher than that in the Ang Ⅱ+BTZ group [(10.40±0.78)%] at week 1 (t=3.009,P=0.040),and the proportion of the CD3 + T lymphocytes of the Ang Ⅱ group [(22.70±0.93)%] was significantly higher than that in the Ang Ⅱ+BTZ group [(15.10±0.97)%] at week 4 (t=5.654,P=0.005). The qPCR analysis showed that the mRNA expression of ICAM-1 was significantly up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group than in Sham group (1.93±0.54 vs. 1.00±0.15,P=0.011) and Ang Ⅱ+BTZ group (1.93±0.54 vs. 0.83±0.08,P=0.009). Western blot analysis showed a lower phosphorylation level of inhibitor of NF-κB in the Ang Ⅱ group compared with the Sham group or Ang Ⅱ+BTZ group,accompanied with an increased phosphorylation level of p65. Conclusion Proteasome inhibitor BTZ can attenuate AAA formation partially by regulating T lymphocytes infiltration through regulating the mRNA expression of ICAM-1 regulated by the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

In an soil column experiment with Zhengdan 958 (a summer maize cultivar planted widely in China), treatments of three water levels,severe water stress W 1 which the soil moisture kept (35±5)% of the field capacity, mild water stress W 2 which was (55±5)%,normal water W 3 which was (75±5)%, and four levels of controlled release urea fertilizer (N 0 , N 1 was 150 kg N·hm -2 ,N 2 was 225 kg N·hm -2 and N 3 was 300 kg N·hm -2 ) were included to study the interactive effects of water and controlled release urea on yield and leaf senescence characteristics of summer maize. The results showed that the coupling of water and controlled release urea had significant effects on increasing yield, delaying the senescence and keeping the high efficiency of the functional leaves. Under the same nitrogen condition, yield, LAI, chlorophyll content and the activities of SOD, POD, CAT and soluble protein content in summer maize ear leaf were significantly increased with more water supplying, and the content of MDA decreased significantly. Under the condition of the same moisture, these indicators were also significantly increased with the increasing nitrogen application and MDA content was reduced significantly. However, these indicators (except MDA) of W 3 N 3 , W 3 N 2 and W 2 N 3 treatments were maintained at a higher level and the MDA content was lo-wer compared with other treatments despite the fact that there were no significant difference among these three treatments, which indicated that the interactive effects of water and controlled release urea had an important role in maintaining the function of ear leaf, delaying the leaf senescence, and was beneficial to the photosynthates production and obtaining higher yield of summer maize. Integrating the yield, LAI, chlorophyll content, various protective enzymes activity, MDA and soluble protein content, controlled release urea application rate of 225 kg N·hm -2 was the best treatment as the soil moisture content was (75±5)% of field capacity. Continuous increase in the nitrogen application could not enhance the activities of protective enzymes, oppositely, it could cause the decline of protective enzymes activities and the increase of MDA content rapidly and speed up plants translation to senescence, which was not conductive to the efficient use of nitrogen. We suggested that coupling controlled release urea application rate of 300 kg N·hm -2 with soil moisture content of (55±5)% of field capacity was optimum.

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) played important roles in several biological processes through regulating the expression of protein. However, the function of lncRNA BCYRN1 in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) has not been reported., Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into control and asthma groups and the ovalbumin (OVA) model was constructed. The expression of BCYRN1 and transient receptor potential 1 (TRPC1) were detected in the ASMCs separated from these rats. Then 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (WST-1) assay, Roche real-time cell analyzer (RTCA) DP assay and Transwell cell migration assay were performed to detect the effect of BCYRN1 on the viability/proliferation and migration of ASMCs. RNA pull-down assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were used to identify and verify the binding between BCYRN1 and TRPC1. Inspiratory resistance and expiratory resistance were measured in OVA challenged rats with BCYRN1 knockdown., Results: We foundthe high expression of BCYRN1 and TRPC1 in asthma groups and ASMCs treated with PDGF-BB. Overexpression of BCYRN1 greatly promoted the proliferation and migration of ASMCs. In addition,TRPC1 overexpression reversed the function of si-BCYRN1 indecreasing the viability/proliferation and migration of ASMCs treated with PDGF-BB. BCYRN1 could up-regulate the protein level of TRPC1 through increasing the stability of TRPC1. Finally, we found that BCYRN1 knockdown reduced the inspiratory resistance and expiratory resistance in OVA challenged rats., Conclusion: Our study indicated that BCYRN1 promotedthe proliferation and migration of rat ASMCs in asthma via upregulating the expression of TRPC1.

Objective: To investigate the changes and value of plasma angiopoietin-related growth factor (AGF) in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)., Methods: Serum AGF level was analyzed in 50 AAA patients and in 56 healthy subjects. AGF and adiponectin were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Routine testing of blood biochemistry and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were performed., Results: The plasma AGF level was significantly higher in AAA patients than in the controls [(87.91±96.87) μg/L vs. (56.89±41.32) μg/L, P=0.040],while serum adiponectin level showed no significant difference between these two groups. The plasma AGF level in patients with an AAA>5 cm and those with AAA between 3 cm and 5 cm were (96.08±68.61) μg/L and (75.27±46.05) μg/L., Conclusions: Plasma AGF is highly expressed in AAA patients. Higher serum AGF level is associates with larger AAA. Thus, AGF may be a potential serum biomarker for AAA.

Background: Baicalein, a specific lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitor, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the functional role of baicalein in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension and cardiac remodeling remains unclear. Here we investigated the effect of baicalein on cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and the underlying mechanism., Methods: Wild-type (WT) mice were injected with Ang II (1,200ng/kg/min) alone or together with 12/15-LOX inhibitor baicalein (25mg/kg) for 14 days. Histological examinations were performed on heart sections with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, wheat germ agglutinin staining, and immunohistochemistry. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of cytokines and protein levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis respectively., Results: Ang II infusion significantly increased blood pressure but decreased cardiac contractile function reflected by fractional shortening% and ejection fraction% compared with saline-treated mice. Moreover, Ang II infusion resulted in marked cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, promoted accumulation of macrophages and T cells, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and malondialdehyde (MDA) production. However, these actions were markedly reversed by administration of baicalein in mice. Mechanistically, the protective effects of baicalein were associated with the inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress, and multiple signaling pathways (AKT/mTOR, ERK1/2, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and calcineurin) in the Ang II-treated mice., Conclusions: This study demonstrates that baicalein can significantly ameliorate Ang II-induced hypertension and cardiac remodeling, and may be a novel therapeutic drug for prevention of hypertensive heart diseases., (© American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2014. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Juglans cathayensis is an endangered plant species and listed as a class II protected species of the national government of China. In order to grasp the current state of J. cathayensis populations and predict the population dynamics in the future, a large-sample investigation was conducted in the sample plots along different altitude gradients in four valleys in J. cathayensis conservation area. According to the diameter at breast height (DBH) class of the trees, the age class structures of the populations were analyzed, and static life tables for J. cathayensis populations in different habitats along the altitude gradient was constructed by smoothing out technique, and comparative fluctuations cycles of the populations in different habitats were carried out by spectral analysis. The results showed that DBH decreased gradually with the increasing altitude. The population was composed of 19 age classes in the low-altitude habitat (1241 - 1380 m) with the maximum DBH of 91.7 cm, 18 age classes in the middle-altitude habitat (1381 - 1490 m) with the maximum DBH of 82.8 cm, and 13 age classes in the high-altitude habitat (1491 - 1670 m) with the maximum DBH of 58.9 cm. Life expectancies of J. cathayensis populations were fluctuant for the same age class at different altitudes and for different age classes at the same altitude. In the three altitude-different habitats, the survival curves of the populations trended toward Deevey- II type and the age structures of the populations were expanding. The curves of mortality showed three peaks, and the mortality rates of 9 age classes at 1241 - 1380 m and 1491 - 1670 m above sea levels were the highest, being 55.9% and 89.8%, respectively, and the mortality rate of 12 age classes at 1381 - 1490 m above sea level was the highest (79.4%). The population dynamics was significantly affected by the fundamental wave of biological characteristic throughout the life cycle of J. cathayensis population, and small cycles of multi-harmonic superposition with large cycles were presented. J. cathayensis is a long lifespan tree and a major dominant species in this conservation area. The natural regeneration of its current populations is good. If not strong anthropogenic disturbances or severe natural disasters, J. cathayensis would maintain the dominant position in the community.

Background: Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac remodeling with the underlying mechanisms involving inflammation and fibrosis has been well documented. Cytosolic adaptor caspase recruitment domain 9 (CARD9) has been implicated in the innate immune response. We aimed to examine the role of CARD9 in inflammation and cardiac fibrosis induced by Ang II., Methods: Two-month-old CARD9-deficient (CARD9(-/-)) and wild-type (WT) male mice were infused with Ang II (1,500 ng/kg/min) or saline for 7 days. Heart sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome and examined by immunohistochemistry; and activity and protein levels were measured in macrophages obtained from mice., Results: WT mice with Ang II infusion showed a marked increase in CARD9(+) macrophages in the heart, but CARD9(-/-) mice showed significantly suppressed macrophage infiltration and expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Importantly, Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis (extracellular matrix and collagen I deposition) was diminished in CARD9(-/-) hearts, as was the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and level of myofibroblasts positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Furthermore, Ang II activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in WT macrophages was reduced in CARD9(-/-) macrophages., Conclusion: CARD9 plays an important role in regulating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in response to elevated Ang II.

A simple and highly efficient three-component reaction of the readily available alpha-cinnamoyl ketene-S,S-acetals 1 with oxalyl chloride has been developed and the corresponding gamma-alkylidenebutenolides 2 were obtained stereospecifically in excellent yields under very mild conditions. On the basis of this reaction, a series of highly functionalized bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes 3 were constructed in good to high yields in an atom-economic manner with good diastereoselectivity via a BF3.OEt2-mediated novel tandem double cyclization of gamma-alkylidenebutenolides 2 under very mild conditions.

Objective: To study the anti-mutation action of acupuncture and moxibustion., Methods: Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, group 1 (normal control group), group 2 (positive control group), group 3 (prevention group I), group 4 (prevention group II ), group 5 (treatment group I) and group 6 (treatment group II). The mice in the group 2-6 were treated by cyclophosphamide (ip, 50 mg/kg body weight), and in the 3'-6 groups were given acupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and moxibustion at "Guanyuan" (CV 4). At the end of experiment, all the mice were decapitated and chromosome aberration rate and sister chromatid exchange rate of bone marrow cells were investigated., Results: The chromosome aberration rate and the sister chromatid exchange rate of bone marrow cells in the positive control group increased significantly as compared with the normal control group, while they decreased significantly in the group 3, 4, 5, 6 as compared with the positive control group (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion have anti-mutation action, inhibiting the increase of chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchange of bone marrow cells in mice induced by cyclophosphamide.