Two new sesterterpenoids from Atractylodes japonica Koidz. ex Kitam.

Two new sesterterpenoids, atractylodes japonica terpenoid acid I (1) and atractylodes japonica terpenoid aldehyde I (2), were isolated from the rhizomes of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. ex Kitam together with ten known compounds (3-12). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic analysis (1D/2D NMR, HRESIMS and IR).

Two new diarylheptanoids from the green walnut husks of Maxim.

Chemical investigation on the 95% ethanol extract of green walnut husks of Maxim. led to the isolation of two new diarylheptanoid compounds, including Juglanin K () and Myricananin I (), together with ten known compounds (). Their structures were elucidated by extensive analyses of comprehensive spectroscopic methods.

Drought stress delays photosynthetic induction and accelerates photoinhibition under short-term fluctuating light in tomato.

Fluctuating light (FL) and drought stress usually occur concomitantly. However, whether drought stress affects photosynthetic performance under FL remains unknown. Here, we measured gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and P700 redox state under FL in drought-stressed tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings.

Direct physical contact between intercalated cells in the distal convoluted tubule and the afferent arteriole in mouse kidneys.

Recent physiological studies in the kidney proposed the existence of a secondary feedback mechanism termed 'crosstalk' localized after the macula densa. This newly discovered crosstalk contact between the nephron tubule and its own afferent arteriole may potentially revolutionize our understanding of renal vascular resistance and electrolyte regulation. However, the nature of such a crosstalk mechanism is still debated due to a lack of direct and comprehensive morphological evidence.

A novel specific application of pyruvate protects the mouse retina against white light damage: differential stabilization of HIF-1α and HIF-2α.

Purpose: To mimic hypoxia preconditioning by a novel specific pyruvate treatment and to study its retinal protection against white light damage.

Methods: Six-to-eight-week-old BALB/c mice were exposed to strong white light calculated to produce photoreceptor degeneration. Some were given injections of pyruvate in a preordained protocol because evidence exists that proves pyruvate can affect the concentration of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF).