Modeling and Testing of a Composite Steel-Concrete Joint for Hybrid Girder Bridges.

A hybrid girder bridge adopts a steel segment at the mid-span of the main span of a continuous concrete girder bridge. The critical point of the hybrid solution is the transition zone, connecting the steel and concrete segments of the beam. Although many girder tests revealing the structural behavior of hybrid girders have been conducted by previous studies, few specimens took the full section of a steel-concrete joint due to the large size of prototype hybrid bridges. In this study, a static load test on a composite segment to bridge the joint between the concrete and steel parts of a hybrid bridge with full section was conducted. A finite element model replicating the tested specimen results was established through Abaqus, while parametric studies were also conducted. The test and numerical results revealed that the concrete filling in the composite solution prevented the steel flange from extensive buckling, which significantly improved the load-carrying capacity of the steel-concrete joint. Meanwhile, strengthening the interaction between the steel and concrete helps to prevent the interlayer slip and simultaneously contributes to a higher flexural stiffness. These results are an important basis for establishing a rational design scheme for the steel-concrete joint of hybrid girder bridges.

Identification of sepsis-associated encephalopathy risk factors in elderly patients: a retrospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a severe complication of sepsis that affects upwards of half of all sepsis patients. Few studies have examined the etiology and risk factors of SAE among elderly patients. This study was designed to explore the epidemiology of SAE and the risk factors associated with its development in elderly populations. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of elderly sepsis patients admitted to our intensive care unit between January 2017 and January 2022. We then compared non-SAE and SAE groups concerning baseline clinicopathological findings, underlying diseases, infection site, disease type, disease severity, biochemical findings, and 28-day mortality. We further stratified patients in the SAE group based on whether or not they survived for 28 days, and we compared the above data between these groups. RESULTS: Of the 222 elderly sepsis patients, 132 (59.46%) had SAE. SAE patients were found to be significantly older than non-SAE patients. Both age and blood sodium concentrations were found to be associated with SAE risk, while elderly sepsis patients without underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a relatively higher risk of developing SAE. The SAE group also had a significantly higher rate of 28-day mortality, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were a risk factor associated with 28-day mortality. DISCUSSION: Among elderly sepsis patients, SAE risk increases with advancing age, higher blood sodium concentrations, and without underlying COPD. SAE incidence is associated with a poorer prognosis, and SOFA scores are independent predictors of increased mortality among elderly SAE patients.

Spatial Differences of Ecological Well-Being Performance in the Poyang Lake Area at the Local Level.

Maintaining low ecological consumption and high well-being while making economic progress and thus achieving sustainable development is a significant issue facing the world today. Ecological well-being performance (EWP) is one indicator that tracks this progress. Although EWP has been typically assessed at the national, provincial and urban levels, investigations into EWP units in the Great Lakes region are lacking. This study applied the two-stage super-efficiency slack-based measure (Super-NSBM) model and DEA window analysis to evaluate the EWP and sub-stage efficiency in the Poyang Lake (largest freshwater lake in China) area and analyzed its spatial differences at the local level. Redundancy analysis was conducted to explore the EWP improvement paths of different counties in the Poyang Lake region and Dagum's Gini coefficient was applied to clarify the policy priorities of coordinated regional development. Results showed that the EWP of the Poyang Lake area presents an improving trend from 2007 to 2019, although the overall level is still low. The Poyang Lake area mainly faces the incongruity of ecological and economic development, which is the main reason for the low overall level of EWP. Excessive resource input and severe environmental pollution are common in most counties, but the focus of measures to improve EWP differs from county to county. The expansion of spatial differences in eco-economic efficiency leads to the spatial differences of EWP in the Poyang Lake area being still apparent at the local level. Reducing inter-basin disparities while alerting the widening of intra-basin differences is the policy focus for the future coordinated development of the Poyang Lake area.

Research on Spatial Differences and Driving Effects of Ecological Well-Being Performance in China.

The essential requirement of sustainable development is to maximize economic prosperity and well-being while remaining within natural boundaries. This study focused on three aspects. First, a unique ecological well-being performance (EWP) evaluation model was developed by combining subjective and objective well-being indicators to assess China's EWP from 2006 to 2018. Second, the evolution of spatial differences in China's EWP was examined using the Dagum Gini coefficient and four spatial polarization indicators, from the perspective of eight economic regions. Third, we used the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method to decompose the driving factors of China's EWP into four effects: economic, technical, objective well-being, and subjective well-being. Effective ways to promote the coordinated and sustainable enhancement of EWP in China were determined. The results showed that the overall level of EWP in China decreased from 2006 to 2018. The growth rate of China's residents' happiness index was not only slightly slower than the growth rate of the human development index but also significantly slower than the ecological footprint index per capita. The spatial differences of EWP in China were found to be expanding. Inter-regional differences were found to be the primary source of spatial differences in China's EWP. Meanwhile, the capacity for sustainable development among provinces was further stretched, and, thus, the spatial polarization of China's EWP tended to deepen. The importance of economic growth in boosting EWP cannot be overstated. China must actively encourage scientific and technological innovation, transition to a green development model, and raise human well-being in tandem with economic development. This study contributes to a scientific foundation and is a valuable reference for long-term and coordinated regional development in China and other emerging countries.

Constructing and Validating a Prognosis Predictive Nomogram for Cancer-Specific Survival in Rectal Cancer Patients Receiving Preoperative Radiotherapy.

Background A predictive tool is required to identify the cancer-specific survival in rectal cancer (RC) patients who have opted to receive preoperative radiotherapy.Methods A database containing the data on RC patients' records of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) receiving surgery during 2000-2014 was selected. All patients received neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NR). The correlation of clinicopathological parameters was analyzed using the Chi-square test and the survival risk factors were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards analysis (univariate and multivariate). Finally, the nomogram was developed and validated to visually represent an accurate prediction of the probability of 3- and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) based on the screened variables of the cohort.Results 11,499 rectal cancer patients were included in our cohort. Patients' records were randomly allocated to either the development or validation cohorts based on an equal ratio (1:1). Performing the multivariate Cox regression analysis incorporating these variables in the development cohort determined 11 independent prognostic factors. Statistically significant differences were recorded among subgroups using log-rank tests, which confirmed the appropriateness and acceptability of factor stratifications. Then, the nomogram was constructed and its concordance index (C-index) values in the development cohort (0.720) and validation cohort (0.717) were evaluated to be higher (P<0.05) than those of the AJCC stage (0.631 and 0.633 respectively). Also, the 3-year AUC values of this nomogram were higher than those of the AJCC stage in both the development cohort (0.746 vs. 0.631) and the validation cohort (0.745 vs. 0.640). Using DCA curves, the predictive potential of the currently developed nomogram outperformed the conventional AJCC staging system.Conclusion The nomogram model might be a more reliable tool to predict prognosis accurately in rectal cancer patients receiving preoperative radiotherapy.

Study on Regional Differences and Convergence of Green Development Efficiency of the Chemical Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt Based on Grey Water Footprint.

Grey water footprint is included in the green development efficiency evaluation index system of the chemical industry. From 2002 to 2016, the super efficiency Slack Based Measure (SBM) model was used to measure the green development efficiency of the chemical industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Dagum Gini coefficient and its decomposition method were used to decompose the regional differences of green development efficiency of the chemical industry in the Economic Belt, and the coefficient of variation method and panel data regression model were used to test the convergence characteristics. The following results were obtained. (1) The total grey water footprint of the chemical industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt showed a fluctuating downward trend from 2002 to 2016. (2) The green development efficiency of the chemical industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt was significantly improved, and the spatial differentiation law of gradient decline in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Economic Belt was shown. (3) The regional difference of green development efficiency of the chemical industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt initially showed an expanding trend and then a narrowing trend. Regional differences in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River increased while those in the middle reaches first increased and then decreased, whereas those in the lower reaches decreased significantly. The variance in green development efficiency of the chemical industry is the main cause of regional differences. (4) From 2012 to 2016, the Yangtze River Economic Belt had obvious convergence in its whole region, middle reaches, and lower reaches and an inconspicuous convergence in the upstream area. Regional difference of green development efficiency of the chemical industry in the Economic Belt was the combined effect of the results of environmental regulation, industrial structure, foreign investment intensity, and scientific and technological advancements. Our results have high theoretical reference values and practical guiding significance for implementing the green efficiency promotion strategy of the chemical industry in Yangtze River Economic Belt by region and classification.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for COVID-19: Case Report of Nine Patients.

Covid-19, Coronavirus disease 2019; ARDS, Acute respiratory distress syndrome; ECMO, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; WHO, World Health Organization; ICUs, Intensive care units. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a fatal comorbidity of critically ill patients with COVID-19, who often end up on respiratory support. However, the safety and effectiveness of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in the treatment of COVID-19 remains to be elucidated at present. Here, we report on nine patients who received ECMO due to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in Wuhan, China. Our initial experiences suggest that carefully selecting patients, as well as management by a well-trained team, are critical to implementing ECMO in patients with COVID-19. More randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to evaluate the usefulness of ECMO in patients with COVID-19.

Research on Spatial Unbalance and Influencing Factors of Ecological Well-Being Performance in China.

Ecological well-being performance (EWP) is central to achieving coordinated and sustainable economic and social development and environmental protection. This study constructed an evaluation index system of EWP, measured the EWP of 30 Chinese provinces or cities from 1997 to 2018 using the super-efficiency slack-based model (Super-SBM), and analyzed the spatial and temporal evolutionary characteristics of EWP. Under the division of four regions and eight regions, the Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition is applied to analyze the regional differences and sources of differences in EWP in China. Then, the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model analyzes the factors influencing EWP. Results show that the inter-provincial differences in EWP in China are significant, with the eastern region having significantly higher EWP than the western, central, and northeastern regions. From 1997 to 2018, the overall spatial differences in EWP in China decreased. The four regions and eight regions show that reducing inter-regional differences is the key to mitigating regional unbalance in China. Urbanization significantly enhances EWP in China and the degree of openness and industrial structure has a significant heterogeneous effect on EWP. Therefore, future policy formulation should focus on transforming the economic development model, promoting coordinated regional development, and exploring the optimal ways to improve EWP according to local conditions. This study aims to provide a scientific basis and reference for promoting sustainable regional economic and social development and improving the imbalance.

Administration Timing and Efficacy of Tocilizumab in Patients With COVID-19 and Elevated IL-6.

BACKGROUND: Tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antibody, has previously been used for treating patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but there is a lack of data regarding the administration timing of TCZ. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the timing and efficacy of TCZ in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Laboratory-confirmed patients with COVID-19 with an elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) level (>10 pg/ml) were offered TCZ intravenously for compassionate use. Clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, and chest imaging before and after the administration of TCZ were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 58 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria and with no compliance to the exclusion criteria were included. Of these 58 patients, 39 patients received TCZ treatment, and 19 patients who declined TCZ treatment were used as the control cohort. In the TCZ-treatment group, 6 patients (15.4%) were in mild condition, 16 (41.0%) were in severe condition, and 17 (43.6%) were in critical condition. After TCZ treatment, the condition of 27 patients (69.2%) improved and 12 (30.8%) died. Compared with the improvement group, patients in the death group had higher baseline levels of IL-6 (P = 0.0191) and procalcitonin (PCT) (P = 0.0003) and lower lymphocyte percentage (LYM) (P = 0.0059). Patients receiving TCZ treatment had better prognoses than those without TCZ treatment (P = 0.0273). Furthermore, patients with a baseline IL-6 level of ≥100 pg/ml in the TCZ-treatment group had poorer clinical outcomes than those with an IL-6 level of <100 pg/ml (P = 0.0051). CONCLUSION: The administration of TCZ in an early stage of cytokine storm (IL-6 level < 100 pg/ml) may effectively improve the clinical prognosis of patients with COVID-19 by blocking the IL-6 signal pathway.

Clinical features and efficacy of antiviral drug, Arbidol in 220 nonemergency COVID-19 patients from East-West-Lake Shelter Hospital in Wuhan: a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe the features of 220 nonemergency (mild or common type) COVID-19 patients from a shelter hospital, as well as evaluate the efficiency of antiviral drug, Arbidol in their disease progressions. METHODS: Basic clinical characteristics were described and the efficacy of Arbidol was evaluated based on gender, age, maximum body temperature of the patients. RESULTS: Basically, males had a higher risk of fever and more onset symptoms than females. Arbidol could accelerate fever recovery and viral clearance in respiratory specimens, particularly in males. Arbidol also contributed to shorter hospital stay without obvious adverse reactions. CONCLUSIONS: In the retrospective COVID-19 cohort, gender was one of the important factors affecting patient's conditions. Arbidol showed several beneficial effects in these patients, especially in males. This study brought more researches enlightenment in understanding the emerging infectious disease.

Publisher Correction: Orexin signaling modulates synchronized excitation in the sublaterodorsal tegmental nucleus to stabilize REM sleep.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Orexin signaling modulates synchronized excitation in the sublaterodorsal tegmental nucleus to stabilize REM sleep.

The relationship between orexin/hypocretin and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep remains elusive. Here, we find that a proportion of orexin neurons project to the sublaterodorsal tegmental nucleus (SLD) and exhibit REM sleep-related activation. In SLD, orexin directly excites orexin receptor-positive neurons (occupying ~3/4 of total-population) and increases gap junction conductance among neurons. Their interaction spreads the orexin-elicited partial-excitation to activate SLD network globally. Besides, the activated SLD network exhibits increased probability of synchronized firings. This synchronized excitation promotes the correspondence between SLD and its downstream target to enhance SLD output. Using optogenetics and fiber-photometry, we consequently find that orexin-enhanced SLD output prolongs REM sleep episodes through consolidating brain state activation/muscle tone inhibition. After chemogenetic silencing of SLD orexin signaling, a ~17% reduction of REM sleep amounts and disruptions of REM sleep muscle atonia are observed. These findings reveal a stabilization role of orexin in REM sleep.

Circadian locomotor output cycles kaput accelerates atherosclerotic plaque formation by upregulating plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression.

To explore the association between clock circadian regulator circadian locomotor output cycles kaput gene (CLOCK) and the forming of atherosclerotic plaques and its underlying mechanisms, mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) and atherosclerosis (AS) mouse model were recruited for our study. The apoE gene knockout mouse was used as the model of AS and we accelerated the formation of unstable plaques through the combination of carotid artery ligation and high-fat (HF) diet administration (0.2% cholesterol, 20% fat). The mRNA and protein expressions of CLOCK in peripheral blood monouclear cells of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients or mouse AS model were detected by qPCR, western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. The number of adherent cells and atherosclerotic plaques was counted to assess the effects of CLOCK on the progression of ACS, and adherence-associated genes, such as vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL-2), and CCL-5. The results showed that CLOCK expression was significantly increased in both ACS patients and AS mouse model. The levels of CLOCK, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), perilipin 2 (ADFP), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), as well as the number of atherosclerotic plaques were elevated in the AS mouse model, as compared with the control group. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that CLOCK bound directly to the promoter of PAI-1 gene and CLOCK could positively regulate the expressions of LIF, ICAM-1, ADFP, NF-κB, and PAI-1. Reduction of CLOCK expression would decrease the expressions of VCAM-1, CCL-2, and CCL-5, and the number of adherent cells and atherosclerotic plaques, but these effects were neutralized when PAI-1 was simultaneously overexpressed in either mouse model or MAECs. Our results demonstrate that CLOCK overexpression triggers the formation of atherosclerotic plaques by directly upregulating PAI-1 expression.

NF-κB-Induced MicroRNA-211 Inhibits Interleukin-10 in Macrophages of Rats with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The present study addressed the potential involvement of microRNAs in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-related inflammation and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS: ARDS rat model was established by lipopolysaccharide, with compromised gas exchange capacity and lung edema. The inflammatory cells from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were profiled with automatic blood cell analyzer. The relative fluorescence intensity of BALF-derived macrophages was analyzed by flow cytometry. The relative microRNA expression was determined using microarray and Taqman assay. The secretory interleukin (IL)-10 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the regulatory effects of miR-211 and NF-κB on IL-10 and miR-211 expressions, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was conducted to detect the direct binding of NK-κB on miR-211 promoter. The protein level was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: The provoked acute inflammation was characterized with increased total cells, macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes. The relative expression of miR-211 was aberrantly up-regulated in BALF-derived macrophages from ARDS rats, which was accompanied with reduction of secretory IL-10. We further demonstrated that miR-211 inhibited IL-10 expression by binding to its 3'-UTR. The expression of miR-211 was modulated by NF-κB. CONCLUSION: Here we elucidated a crucial role of NF-κB/miR-211/IL-10 signaling axis in ARDS-related inflammation.

Ferulic Acid Improves Functional Recovery after Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Rats by Inducing Hypoxia to Inhibit microRNA-590 and Elevate Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expressions.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the leading cause of paralysis, disability and even death in severe cases, and neural stem cells (NSCs) transplant has been employed for repairing SCI. Ferulic acid (FA) is able to promote neurogenesis in various stem cell therapies. We aimed to investigate the effect of FA on NSC transplant therapy, and the underlying mechanism, in improving functional recovery in SCI rat model. A rat model of SCI was established, which then received transplant of NSCs with or without FA pre-treatment. Functional recovery of the SCI rats was then evaluated, in terms of spinal cord water content, myeloperoxidase activity and behavioral assessments. Effect of FA in inducing hypoxia in NSCs was also assessed, followed by identifying the hypoxic regulated microRNA and the subsequent target gene. Transplant of FA pre-treated NSCs improved functional recovery of SCI rats to a more significant extent than NSCs without FA pre-treatment. The beneficial effects of FA in repairing SCI was mediated by inducing hypoxia in NSCs, which in turn inhibited microRNA-590 to elevate vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Our findings support the clinical potential of FA in improving efficacy of NSC transplant therapy for treatment of SCI.

[The correlation between procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and severity scores in patients with sepsis and their value in assessment of prognosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and to investigate the value in assessment of PCT and CRP in prognosis in patients with sepsis. METHODS: Clinical data of patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University from January 2011 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. 201 sepsis patients who received PCT and CRP tests, and evaluation of APACHE II score and SOFA score were enrolled. The values of PCT, CRP, APACHE II score and SOFA score between survivals (n = 136) and non-survivals (n = 65) were compared. The values of PCT and CRP among groups with different APACHE II scores and SOFA scores were compared. The relationships between PCT, CRP and APACHE II score and SOFA score were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess the prognostic value of PCT and CRP for prognosis of patients with sepsis. RESULTS: Compared with survival group, the values of PCT [µg/L: 11.03 (19.17) vs. 1.39 (2.61), Z = -4.572, P < 0.001], APACHE II score (19.16±5.32 vs. 10.01±3.88, t = -13.807, P < 0.001) and SOFA score (9.66±4.28 vs. 4.27±3.19, t = -9.993, P < 0.001) in non-survival group were significantly increased, but the value of CRP was not significantly different between non-survival group and survival group [mg/L: 75.22 (110.94) vs. 56.93 (100.75), Z = -0.731, P = 0.665]. The values of PCT were significantly correlated with APACHE II score and SOFA score (r1 = 0.373, r2 = 0.392, both P < 0.001), but the values of CRP were not significantly correlated with APACHE II score and SOFA score (r1 = -0.073, P1 = 0.411; r2 = -0.106, P2 = 0.282). The values of PCT rose significantly as the APACHE II score and SOFA score became higher, but the value of CRP was not significantly increased. When APACHE II score was 0-10, 11-20, and > 20, the value of PCT was 1.45 (2.62), 1.96 (9.04), and 7.41 (28.9) µg/L, respectively, and the value of CRP was 57.50 (83.40), 59.00 (119.70), and 77.60 (120.00) mg/L, respectively. When SOFA score was 0-5, 6-10, and > 10, the value of PCT was respectively 1.43 (3.09), 3.41 (9.75), and 5.43 (29.60) µg/L, and the value of CRP was 49.30 (86.20), 76.00 (108.70), and 75.60 (118.10) mg/L, respectively. There was significant difference in PCT between any two groups with different APACHE II and SOFA scores (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), but no significant differences in CRP were found. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of PCT for prognosis was significantly greater than that of CRP [0.872 (95% confidence interval 0.811-0.943) vs. 0.512 (95% confidence interval 0.427-0.612), P < 0.001]. When the cut-off value of PCT was 3.36 µg/L, the sensitivity was 66.8%, and the specificity was 45.4%. When the cut-off value of CRP was 44.50 mg/L, the sensitivity was 82.2%, and the specificity was 80.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with CRP, PCT was more significantly correlated with APACHE II score and SOFA score. PCT can be a better indicator for evaluation of degree of severity, and also prognosis in sepsis patients.

Diamagnetic response of exciton complexes in semiconductor quantum dots.

We report measurements of diamagnetic shifts for different exciton complexes confined in small InAs quantum dots. The measured diamagnetic responses are sensitive to the number of carriers in the exciton complexes, with systematic differences between neutral excitons, biexcitons, and trions. Theoretical calculations suggest that such systematic differences arise from very different extents of electron and hole wave functions confined in small quantum dots. The measured magnetic response of Coulomb energies is found to vary with the cube of the wave function extent, and can be a sensitive probe to the electron-hole wave function asymmetry.

Effects of baicalein on beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35)-induced amnesia in mice.

Baicalein may act on the benzodiazepine binding sites to exert an anxiolytic-like effect in mice. Since many benzodiazepine drugs have amnesic side-effect and baicalein can protect cultured cortical neurons from beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35)-induced toxicity, this study examined the amnesic effect of baicalein and its effects on beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35) (3 nmol/mouse, i.c.v.)-induced amnesia in mice. Using the step-through passive avoidance test, the results showed that baicalein (10-100 mg/kg, i.p.), unlike the benzodiazepine drug chlordiazepoxide (10 mg/kg, i.p.), had no significant amnesic effect. Baicalein (10-50 mg/kg, i.p.) also had no facilitating effect on the learning and memory. However, one dosage pretreatment, but not post-treatment, of baicalein (5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35)-induced amnesia. Interestingly, post-treatment for 7 or 13 days of baicalein (10-15 mg/kg/day, i.p.), like melatonin (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.), also attenuated beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35)-induced amnesia. Therefore, this study demonstrated that baicalein has protective effect on beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35)-induced amnesia.