A kidney protection nanoparticle based on Alpinia oxyphylla fructus polysaccharide by modulating macrophage polarization.

The use of natural polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicine as carrier materials has great potentiality in drug delivery. Nootkatone (NKT) demonstrated good pharmacological activity in treating kidney injury, but its solubility and bioavailability are not very good which may affect the effectiveness of its therapeutic effect. Alpinia oxyphylla fructus polysaccharide (AOP), as a plant polysaccharide, has multiple pharmacological activities and may help to provide synergy for NKT.

Analysis of influencing factors of residual dizziness after repositioning of horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Background: Horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(HSC-BPPV) is the second most common type of BPPV. It is difficult to diagnose and treat, which has a serious impact on the prognosis of patients.

Objectives: To study the clinical features of HSC-BPPV and the influencing factors of residual dizziness (RD).

Maize smart-canopy architecture enhances yield at high densities.

Increasing planting density is a key strategy for enhancing maize yields. An ideotype for dense planting requires a 'smart canopy' with leaf angles at different canopy layers differentially optimized to maximize light interception and photosynthesis, among other features. Here we identified leaf angle architecture of smart canopy 1 (lac1), a natural mutant with upright upper leaves, less erect middle leaves and relatively flat lower leaves.

Trimethylamine-N-oxide: a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in ischemic stroke.

Ischemic stroke is by far the most common cerebrovascular disease and a major burden to the global economy and public health. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a small molecule compound produced by the metabolism of intestinal microorganisms, is reportedly associated with the risk of stroke, as well as the severity and prognosis of stroke; however, this conclusion remains contentious. This article reviews the production of TMAO, TMAO's relationship with different etiological types of ischemic stroke, and the possibility of reducing TMAO levels to improve the prognosis of ischemic stroke.

Protective role of exogenous nitric oxide against oxidative-stress induced by salt stress in barley (Hordeum vulgare).

To probe into the potential of relieving the oxidative damage of salt stress, we investigated the protective role of nitric oxide on barley under salt stress. Salt stress resulted in increased ion leakage, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in barley leaves. Simultaneous treatments of barley leaves with 50 microM sodium nitroprusside, a nitric oxide donor, alleviated the damage of salt stress, reflected by decreased ion leakage, and malendialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl, and hydrogen peroxide content in barley leaves.