Horizontal Spatial Metaphor Representation of Social Status in Chinese Culture.

The mapping relationship between social status and horizontal space (left/right) in Chinese culture has a long history. In order to explore the representation pattern of horizontal spatial metaphor of social status in Chinese culture, this study introduced two direct measurements, implicit relational assessment procedure (IRAP) paradigm, and spatial placement task to evaluate the mapping of social status to horizontal space. A total of 144 Chinese undergraduates participated in the research, wherein they were asked to place certain words indicating social status in either left or right box before or after the IRAP computer test.

eNOS rs2070744 polymorphism might influence predisposition to hemorrhagic cerebral vascular diseases in East Asians: A meta-analysis.

Introduction: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphisms might influence predisposition to hemorrhagic cerebral vascular diseases, but the results of already published studies regarding relationship between eNOS polymorphisms and hemorrhagic cerebral vascular diseases were still controversial.

Methods: The authors performed this meta-analysis to estimate relationship between eNOS polymorphisms and hemorrhagic cerebral vascular diseases in a larger pooled population by combing the results of already published related studies. The authors searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI for already published studies.

Measurement of the Vertical Spatial Metaphor of Power Concepts Using the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure.

This experimental study explored the use of the implicit relational assessment procedure (IRAP) for understanding the vertical spatial metaphor of power. In the classic IRAP procedure, we formed four sets of stimuli based on the relationship between power words (powerful and powerless words) and vertical position on a computer screen (upper or lower) that were either pro-metaphor (i.e.

Matrine improves cognitive impairment and modulates the balance of Th17/Treg cytokines in a rat model of Aβ1-42-induced Alzheimer's disease.

Matrine (MAT) has been reported for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. However, little is known about its effects on Th17/Treg cytokines and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we injected Aβ 1-42 to the hippocampus of the rat to induce AD.

Anti-hypertensive and renoprotective effects of berberine in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of berberine on renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as its effects on blood pressure and renal damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Methods: Berberine was administrated to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR rats) between 3 and 20 weeks of age. Blood pressure was monitored in 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 16- and 20-week-old SHR rats and age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY rats).