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While adiponectin (APN) was known to significantly abolish the diabetic endothelial inflammatory response, the specific mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Aortic vascular tissues from mice fed normal and high-fat diets (HFD) were analyzed by transcriptome analysis. GO functional annotation showed that APN inhibited vascular endothelial inflammation in an APPL1-dependent manner. We confirmed that activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a key role in APN-mediated anti-inflammation. Mechanistically, APN promoted APPL1/reptin complex formation and β-catenin nuclear translocation. Simultaneously, we identified APN promoted the expression of CD44 by activating TCF/LEF in an APPL1-mediated manner. Clinically, the serum levels of APN and CD44 were decreased in diabetes; the levels of these two proteins were positively correlated. Functionally, treatment with CD44 C-terminal polypeptides protected diabetes-induced vascular endothelial inflammation in vivo. Collectively, we provided a roadmap for APN-inhibited vascular inflammatory effects and CD44 might represent potential targets against the diabetic endothelial inflammatory effect.

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-tag-10.1177_17562848221075131 for Long-term effect of moxibustion on irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: a randomized clinical trial by Chunhui Bao, Luyi Wu, Yin Shi, Zheng Shi, Xiaoming Jin, Jiacheng Shen, Jing Li, Zhihai Hu, Jianhua Chen, Xiaoqing Zeng, Wei Zhang, Zhe Ma, Zhijun Weng, Jinmei Li, Huirong Liu and Huangan Wu in Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-tag-10.1177_17562848221075131 for Long-term effect of moxibustion on irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: a randomized clinical trial by Chunhui Bao, Luyi Wu, Yin Shi, Zheng Shi, Xiaoming Jin, Jiacheng Shen, Jing Li, Zhihai Hu, Jianhua Chen, Xiaoqing Zeng, Wei Zhang, Zhe Ma, Zhijun Weng, Jinmei Li, Huirong Liu and Huangan Wu in Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology

During the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak in China (from January 24 to March 11, 2020), our center performed 16 organ transplants (10 kidney, 4 liver, and 2 lung transplants) harvested from deceased donors. Regarding the strategies to prevent infections of SARS-CoV-2, we implemented specific measures for the donor and recipient management, as well as prevention of hospital-acquired infections. All 16 organ recipients had a favorable outcome without SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our approaches aiming to interrupt the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within the transplantation wards were successful, and allowed us to maintain the transplantation program for deceased liver, kidney, and lung organ recipients.

This paper employs the survey data of CHFS (2013) to investigate the impact of housing investment on household stock market participation and portfolio choice. The results show that larger housing investment encourages the household participation in the stock market, but reduces the proportion of their stockholding. The above conclusion remains true even when the endogeneity problem is controlled with risk attitude classification, Heckman model test and subsample regression. This study shows that the growth in the housing market will not lead to stock market development because of lack of household financial literacy and the low expected yield on stock market., Comment: 26 pages, 4 figures

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that microRNA- (miR-) mediated posttranscriptional regulation plays an important role in autophagy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a disease that is difficult to manage clinically because of the associated chronic recurrent nonspecific inflammation. Research indicates that microRNAs regulate autophagy via different pathways, playing an important role in the IBD process and providing a new perspective for IBD research. Related studies have shown that miR-142-3p, miR-320, miR-192, and miR-122 target NOD2, an IBD-relevant autophagy gene, to modulate autophagy in IBD. miR-142-3p, miR-93, miR-106B, miR-30C, miR-130a, miR-346, and miR-20a regulate autophagy by targeting ATG16L1 through several different pathways. miR-196 can downregulate IRGM and suppress autophagy by inhibiting the accumulation of LC3II. During the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, miR-665, miR-375, and miR-150 modulate autophagy by regulating the unfolded protein response, which may play an important role in IBD intestinal fibrosis. Regarding autophagy-related pathways, miR-146b, miR-221-5p, miR-132, miR-223, miR-155, and miR-21 regulate NF-κB or mTOR signaling to induce or inhibit autophagy in intestinal cells by releasing anti- or proinflammatory factors, respectively.

High titer of β1-adrenoreceptor autoantibodies (β1-AA) has been reported to appear in heart failure patients. It induces sustained β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR) activation which leads to heart failure (HF), but the mechanism is as yet unclear. In order to investigate the mechanisms causing β1-AR non-desensitization, we studied the beating frequency of the neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) under different conditions (an injection of isoprenaline (ISO) for one group and β1-AA for the other) and established three dynamic models in order to best describe the true relationships shown in medical experiments; one model used a control group of healthy rats; then in HF rats one focused on conformation changes in β1-AR; the other examined interaction between β1-AR and β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR). Comparing the experimental data and corresponding Akaike information criterion (AIC) values, we concluded that the interaction model was the most likely mechanism. We used mathematical methods to explore the mechanism for the development of heart failure and to find potential targets for prevention and treatment. The aim of the paper was to provide a strong theoretical basis for the clinical development of personalized treatment programs. We also carried out sensitivity analysis of the initial concentration β1-AA and found that they had a noticeable effect on the fitting results.

To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the colon, spinal cord, and hypothalamus of rats with chronic visceral hypersensitivity.A rat model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity was generated according to the internationally accepted method of colorectal balloon dilatation. In the 7(th) week after the procedure, rats were randomly divided into a model group (MG), electroacupuncture group (EA), and sham electroacupuncture group (S-EA). After treatment, the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score was used to assess the behavioral response of visceral hyperalgesia. Immunohistochemistry (EnVision method), ELISA, and fluorescence quantitative PCR methods were applied to detect the expression of CRH protein and mRNA in the colon, spinal cord, and hypothalamus.The sensitivity of the rats to the colorectal distension stimulus applied at different strengths (20-80 mmHg) increased with increasing stimulus strength, resulting in increasing AWR scores in each group. Compared with NG, the AWR score of MG was significantly increased (P0.01). After conducting EA, the AWR scores of the rats were decreased compared with MG rats. The relative expression of CRH mRNA in the colon, spinal cord, and hypothalamus of MG rats was significantly increased compared with NG rats (P0.01). CRH mRNA in the colon and spinal cord of EA and S-EA rats was decreased to varying degrees (P0.05) compared with normal rats (NG). However, the decrease in EA compared with MG rats was statistically significant (P0.01). The average optical density of CRH expression in the colon of the MG rats was significantly enhanced compared with NG (P0.05), while the average optical density of CRH expression in the EA and S-EA rats was significantly decreased compared with MG rats (P0.01, P0.05, respectively). Compared with MG rats, the CRH concentration in the spinal cord of EA rats was significantly reduced (P0.01), but there was no significant change in S-EA rats (P0.05).Electroacupuncture at the Shangjuxu acupoint was able to significantly reduce the visceral hypersensitivity in rats, and regulated the expression of CRH protein and mRNA in the colon, spinal cord and hypothalamus at different levels, playing a therapeutic role in this model of irritable bowel syndrome.

It is currently accepted that the neural transduction pathways of gastrointestinal (GI) visceral pain include the peripheral and central pathways. Existing research on the neurological mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of GI visceral pain has primarily been concerned with the regulation of relevant transduction pathways. The generation of pain involves a series of processes, including energy transduction of stimulatory signals in the sensory nerve endings (signal transduction), subsequent conduction in primary afferent nerve fibers of dorsal root ganglia, and transmission to spinal dorsal horn neurons, the ascending transmission of sensory signals in the central nervous system, and the processing of sensory signals in the cerebral cortex. Numerous peripheral neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and cytokines participate in the analgesic process of EA in visceral pain. Although EA has excellent efficacy in the treatment of GI visceral pain, the pathogenesis of the disease and the analgesic mechanism of the treatment have not been elucidated. In recent years, research has examined the pathogenesis of GI visceral pain and its influencing factors and has explored the neural transduction pathways of this disease.

Suspended moxibustion can decrease the expression of prokineticin 1 and its receptor in colonic tissue from rats modeling chronic visceral hyperalgesia. This study aimed to verify if rat spinal cord prokineticin 1 and its receptor contribute to the analgesic effect of suspended moxibustion in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome where rats display chronic visceral hypersensitivity. Results showed that suspended moxibustion at Tianshu (ST25) point significantly decreased visceral sensitivity to colorectal distention in a chronic visceral hyperalgesia rat model; also protein and mRNA expression of prokineticin 1 and prokineticin receptor 1 in the spinal cord of rats was significantly decreased. Experimental findings indicate that prokineticin 1 and prokineticin receptor 1 are involved in the analgesia using suspended moxibustion in rats with chronic visceral hyperalgesia.

This study deals with the effect of moxibustion on carbonyl stress and the expression of p19ARF and p53 mRNA in livers of subacute aging rats. The SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, model group, moxibustion group, and Vit E group. Subacute aging rats were prepared with continuous high-dose intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (D-gal). The moxibustion group received moxibustion at acupoint Shenshu (BL-23). Protein carbonyl content in livers was determined by biochemical chromatometry; p19ARF and p53 mRNA expressions were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The results showed that compared with the normal group, protein carbonyl content, p19ARF, and p53 mRNA expressions were significantly higher in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, protein carbonyl content, p19ARF, and p53 mRNA expressions were significantly lower in the moxibustion group and Vit E group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that moxibustion at acupoint BL-23 reduced the protein carbonyl content, as well as the expression of p19ARF and p53 mRNA in livers of D-galactose-induced aging rats.

Objective To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture on matrix metalloproteinase in degenerated cervical intervertebral disc rats.

Objective To investigate the effect of moxibustion on telomerase activity and genes expression in tissues of senescent rats.

Objective To observe the therapeutic effects and action mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of intestinal fibrosis in ulcerative colitis.Methods Tianshu (ST25) and Qihai (CV6) were the main acupoint; other points were used according to syndrome differentiation. Sixty-five patients were randomized into two groups: Group A in which 32 cases were treated by herbpartitioned moxibustion and group B in which 33 cases were treated by bran-partitioned moxibustion. The therapeutic effects and TGF-β1, I and III collagen expressions were measured before and after treatment.Results In group A, 17 cases were cured, 12 cases improved and 3 failed; in group B, 11 cases were cured, 16 cases improved and 6 cases failed. I, III collagen expressions were obviously inhibited in the two groups, in group A in particular.Conclusion In the prevention and treatment of intestinal fibrosis, moxibustion may reduce the expression of TGF-β1, and hence to block or inhibit the synthesis of I, III collagens, and improve the structure and function.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have shown that phytoestrogen α-zearalanol can protect cardiovascular system from hyperhomocysteinemia and ameliorate the level of plasma total homocysteine; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. The aim of this research is to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms involved in ameliorating the level of plasma homocysteine by α-zearalanol. By the successfully established diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia rat models, we found that, after α-zearalanol treatment, the activity of cystathionine β-synthase, the key enzyme in homocysteine metabolism, was significantly elevated and level of nitrative stress in liver was significantly reduced. In correlation with this, results also showed a decreased nitration level of cystathionine β-synthase in liver. Together data implied that alleviation of plasma homocysteine level by phytoestrogen α-zearalanol might be related to the reduction of cystathionine β-synthase nitration.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder that causes recurrent abdominal (visceral) pain. Epidemiological data show that the incidence rate of IBS is as high as 25%. Most of the medications may lead to tolerance, addiction and toxic side effects. Moxibustion is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine and has been used to treat IBS-like abdominal pain for several thousand years in China. As a mild treatment, moxibustion has been widely applied in clinical treatment of visceral pain in IBS. In recent years, it has played an irreplaceable role in alternative medicine. Extensive clinical studies have demonstrated that moxibustion for treatment of visceral pain is simple, convenient, and inexpensive, and it is being accepted by an increasing number of patients. There have not been many studies investigating the analgesic mechanisms of moxibustion. Studies exploring the analgesic mechanisms have mainly focused on visceral hypersensitivity, brain-gut axis neuroendocrine system, and immune system. This paper reviews the latest developments in moxibustion use for treatment of visceral pain in IBS from these perspectives. It also evaluates potential problems in relevant studies on the mechanisms of moxibustion therapy to promote the application of moxibustion in the treatment of IBS.

In an increasingly globalized world, emphasis on attracting investment, talent and tourists has resulted in similar iconic urban landscapes in cities. This has increased concerns on the reduction or complete loss of local identity along urban waterfronts. This study aimed to develop a set of design guidelines that contribute to the establishment of local identity on urban waterfronts. The research focused on the history and current status of urban waterfront development, globalization impacts on urban landscape, notions of place identity and place making. It defined local identity as one type of place identity and explored the key aspects that foster local identity in waterfront development. A case study was conducted by analyzing these key aspects in a successful waterfront development. From a synthesis of the findings, a set of design guidelines was developed and then tested on an unsuccessful project; recommendations for future improvement were based on the developed guidelines.

Background. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are recurrent and refractory which include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Clinical researches about acupuncture and moxibustion treatments for IBD are increasing, while systematic reviews about their efficacy remains in a shortage. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion for IBD. Methods. Seven significant databases both in and abroad were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared acupuncture and moxibustion as the main intervention to pharmacotherapy in treating IBD. A meta-analysis was performed. Results. A total of 43 RCTs were included. Among the 43 included trials, 10 trials compared oral sulphasalazine (SASP) with acupuncture and/or moxibustion treatments. A meta-analysis of the 10 trials indicated that acupuncture and moxibustion therapy was superior to oral SASP. Conclusion. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy demonstrates better efficacy than oral SASP in treating IBD. However, given the limitations of this systematic review and the included literature, definitive conclusions regarding the exact efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for IBD cannot be drawn. Extant RCTs still cannot provide sufficient evidence and multicentre, double-blind RCTs with large sample sizes are needed to provide higher-quality evidence.

In order to analyze the value of the commercial navigation through the Arctic sea routes, this paper summarizes the chal- lenges of the utilizing the Arctic sea routes through various analytical modes, including institutional analysis and cost benefit analysis of the traditional sea routes and the Arctic sea routes. The paper proposes that the 'One Belt One Road' Strategy should develops and utilize the Arctic sea routes. These sea routes could extend the connections of the Silk Road Economic Belt and become an expansion for the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road as an important part of China's foreign trade network. Therefore, the strategic value of the Arctic sea routes should be prioritized as a key part of the 'One Belt One Road' initiative.

The plantations of korean pine (Pinus koraensis) and scots pine (Pinus sylvesris var. mongolica) are mainly pure stands. Fires are gradually causing problems in these plantations and being paid much more attention recently. Study on the influence of fire on trees and the adaptation to fire, therefore, is of great important to probe the fire ecological properties and the protection ways of these two species. The results are as follows: Both of the species are easily damaged by fire, but korean pine is more susceptible. In the same fire, korean pine is damaged more seriously than scots pine although they have the same size. Young individuals have low fire resistant capacity and can be damaged seriously, and older ones have strong fire resistance and can be damaged lightly. Up—hill fire makes a serious damage to the trees distributed in up—slopes with the reason of higher fire intensity. Down—hill fire makes a serious damage to the trees distributed in down—slopcs with the reason of higher fire severity. The larger deocambium area in the tree bark is, the earlier tree growth after fire is. During the early growth stage, the damaged tree bark will spill over much resin. The height of running resin is higher than that of dead cambium. Damaged trees sprout and grow more slowly and the length of leaves are shorter than these normal trees. The chiorophyll content of serious damaged trees is much higher than that of normal trees. The chiorophyll content of dying trees is 64.29% higher than that of the contrast ones. Cell membrance penetrability of damaged trees is also higher than that of normal trees.

Declined vasorelaxation function in aging resistance arteries is responsible for aging related multiple organ dysfunctions. The aim of the present study is to explore the role of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) in aging resistance arterial vasorelaxation dysfunction and the possible mechanism. In the present

Objective Choosing chronic heart failure rats as starting point, to observe whether Autoantibodies against β 3 -adrenoceptor (β 3 AA) can reduce the susceptibility to myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury of heart failure rats, then to study whether β 3 AA have cardio protective effect to the heart failure rats. Methods β 3 AA was produced through actively immunised method; The level of β 3 AA in the sera was detected by ELISA, β 3 AA positive/negative IgG were purified by Mab Trap Kit (Amersham, USA), BCA Protein Assay kit (Pierce, USA) was used for protein quantitation, the purities of extractions were assessed by conventional SDS-PAGE; Aortic banding surgery was used to prepare the heart failure model, Ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min, then loose the ligature for reperfusion 3 h to make the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, TTC coloration is used to detect the myocardial infarct sise, caspase 3 ability assay and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling were used to detect the apoptosis. Results After β 3 AA was administrated to the rats, the myocardial infarct size induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury was smaller than that in the control group (48.81±6.45% vs 60.25±2.52%, p 3 AA positive group than in β 3 AA negative group (24.33±1.82% vs 31.24±1.31%, p 3 AA negative group, the caspase-3 activity in myocardiocytes was also lower in β 3 AA positive group (1941±150.0 vs 1485±89.39, p Conclusion β 3 AA can decrease the myocardial infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury in heart failure rats, so β 3 AA reduce the susceptibility to myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury of heart failure rats.