Interest in the dynamics of soil respiration(R_(S))in subalpine forest ecosystems is increasing due to their high soil carbon density and potential sensitivity to environmental changes.However,as a principal silvicult...Interest in the dynamics of soil respiration(R_(S))in subalpine forest ecosystems is increasing due to their high soil carbon density and potential sensitivity to environmental changes.However,as a principal silvicultural practice,the long-term impacts of thinning on R_(S) and its heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration components(R_(h) and Ra,respectively)in subalpine plantations are poorly understood,espe-cially in winter.A 3-year field observation was carried out with consideration of winter CO_(2) efflux in middle-aged sub-alpine spruce plantations in northwestern China.A trench-ing method was used to explore the long-term impacts of thinning on Rs,Rn and R_(a).Seventeen years after thinning,mean annual Rs,Rn and R_(a) increased,while the contribu-tion of R_(h) to R_(s) decreased with thinning intensity.Thinning significantly decreased winter R,because of the reduction in R_(n) but had no significant effect on Ra.The temperature sensitivity(Q_(10))of R_(h) and R_(a) also increased with thinning intensity,with lower Q_(10) values for R_(h)(2.1-2.6)than for Ra(2.4-2.8).The results revealed the explanatory variables and pathways related to R_(n) and R_(a) dynamics.Thinning increased soil moisture and nitrate nitrogen(NO_(3)^(-)-N),and the enhanced nitrogen and water availability promoted R_(h) and R_(a) by improving fine root biomass and microbial activity.Our results highlight the positive roles of NO_(3)^(-)-N in stimulating R_(s) components following long-term thinning.Therefore,applications of nitrogen fertilizer are not recommended while thinning subalpine spruce plantations from the perspective of reducing soil CO_(2) emissions.The increased Q_(10) values of R_(s) components indicate that a large increase in soil CO_(2) emissions would be expected following thinning because of more pronounced climate warming in alpineregions.展开更多
Amyloid 13-peptide, a major component of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease, has been implicated in neuronal cell death and cognitive impairment. Recently, studies have shown that the pathogenesis of cerebral isch...Amyloid 13-peptide, a major component of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease, has been implicated in neuronal cell death and cognitive impairment. Recently, studies have shown that the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia is closely linked with Alzheimer's disease. In this study, a rat model of global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was established via occlusion of four arteries; meanwhile, fibrillar amyloid [3-peptide was injected into the rat lateral ventricle. The Morris water maze test and histological staining revealed that administration of amyloid 13-peptide could further aggravate impairments to learning and memory and neuronal cell death in the hippocampus of rats subjected to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Western blot showed that phosphorylation of tau protein and the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 313 were significantly stronger in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury rats subjected to amyloid [3-peptide administration than those undergo- ing cerebral ischemia-repetfusion or amyloid 13-peptide administration alone. Conversely, the activ- ity of protein phosphatase 2A was remarkably reduced in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury following amyloid 13-peptide administration. These findings suggest that amyloid 13-peptide can potentiate tau phosphorylation induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and thereby aggravate cognitive impairment.展开更多
Transient brain ischemia has been shown to induce hyperphosphorylation of the micro- tubule-associated protein tau. To further determine the mechanisms underlying these processes, we investigated the interaction betwe...Transient brain ischemia has been shown to induce hyperphosphorylation of the micro- tubule-associated protein tau. To further determine the mechanisms underlying these processes, we investigated the interaction between tau, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-313 and protein phos- phatase 2A. The results confirmed that tau protein was dephosphorylated during brain ischemia; in addition, the activity of GSK-3β was increased and the activity of protein phosphatase 2A was de- creased. After reperfusion, tau protein was hyperphosphorylated, the activity of GSK-3β was de- creased and the activity of protein phosphatase 2A remained low. Importantly, the interaction of tau with GSK-3β and protein phosphatase 2A was altered during ischemia and reperfusion. Lithium chloride could affect tau phosphorylation by regulating the interaction of tau with GSK-3β and pro- tein phosphatase 2A, and improve learning and memory ability of rats after transient brain ischemia. The present study demonstrated that it was the interaction of tau with GSK-3β and protein phos- phatase 2A, rather than their individual activities, that dominates the phosphorylation of tau in tran- sient brain ischemia. Hyperphosphorylated tau protein may play an important role in the evolution of brain injury in ischemic stroke. The neuroprotective effects of lithium chloride partly depend on the inhibition of tau phosphorylation during transient brain ischemia.展开更多
Arrhythmias are very common in the healthy populations as well as patients with cardiovascular diseases.Among them,atrial fibrillation(AF)and malignant ventricular arrhythmias are usually associated with some clinical...Arrhythmias are very common in the healthy populations as well as patients with cardiovascular diseases.Among them,atrial fibrillation(AF)and malignant ventricular arrhythmias are usually associated with some clinical events.Early diagnosis of arrhythmias,particularly AF and ventricular arrhythmias,is very important for the treatment and prognosis of patients.Holter is a gold standard commonly recommended for noninvasive detection of paroxysmal arrhythmia.However,it has some shortcomings such as fixed detection timings,delayed report and inability of remote real-time detection.To deal with such problems,we designed and applied a new wearable 72-hour triple-lead H3-electrocardiogram(ECG)device with a remote cloud-based ECG platform and an expertsupporting system.In this study,31 patients were recruited and 24-hour synchronous ECG data by H3-ECG and Holter were recorded.In the H3-ECG group,ECG signals were transmitted using remote real-time modes,and confirmed reports were made by doctors in the remote expert-supporting system,while the traditional modes and detection systems were used in the Holter group.The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in 24-hour total heart rate(HR),averaged HR,maximum HR,minimum HR,premature atrial complexes(PACs)and premature ventricular complexes(PVCs)(P>0.05).The sensitivity and specificity of capture and remote automatic cardiac events detection of PACs,PVCs,and AF by H3-ECG were 93%and 99%,98%and 99%,94%and 98%,respectively.Therefore,the long-term limb triple-lead H3-ECG device can be utilized for domiciliary ECG self-monitoring and remote management of patients with common arrhythmia under medical supervision.展开更多
The experimental model of traumatic brain injury was established in Sprague-Dawley rats according to Feeney's free falling method. The brains were harvested at 2, 6 and 24 hours, and at 3 and 5 days after injury. Cha...The experimental model of traumatic brain injury was established in Sprague-Dawley rats according to Feeney's free falling method. The brains were harvested at 2, 6 and 24 hours, and at 3 and 5 days after injury. Changes in brain water content were determined using the wet and dry weights. Our results showed that water content of tissue significantly increased after traumatic brain injury, and reached minimum at 24 hours. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed pathological impairment of brain tissue at each time point after injury, particularly at 3 days, with nerve cell edema, degenera- tion, and necrosis observed, and the apoptotic rate significantly increased. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis revealed that the expression of occludin at the injured site gradually de- creased as injury time advanced and reached a minimum at 3 days after injury; the expression of connexin 43 gradually increased as injury time advanced and reached a peak at 24 hours after in-jury. The experimental findings indicate that changes in occludin and connexin 43 expression were consistent with the development of brain edema, and may reflect the pathogenesis of brain injury.展开更多
Background/purpose:The present meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of group reminiscence on depression in elderly patients.Methods:Published and unpublished randomised controlled trials that asse...Background/purpose:The present meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of group reminiscence on depression in elderly patients.Methods:Published and unpublished randomised controlled trials that assessed the effects of group reminiscence on depression in elderly patients were systematically reviewed using multiple electronic databases.Relative risks for dichotomous data and weighted mean differences for continuous data were calculated with 95%confidence intervals.Results:Ten trials were evaluated.Group reminiscence provided significantly greater relief of depressive symptoms than did the control intervention immediately after and 3 months after the intervention(p<0.00001).However,this advantage disappeared 6 months after the intervention(p?0.14).Group reminiscence significantly improved self-esteem and life satisfaction(p<0.01).Conclusion:Group reminiscence was associated with short-term depression relief among elderly patients with depression and effectively improved self-esteem and life satisfaction.Higher-quality large-scale randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the effects of ulinastatin on immune function, oxidative stress and related factors in patients with acute pancreatitis. Methods: 120 patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to digestive de...Objective: To investigate the effects of ulinastatin on immune function, oxidative stress and related factors in patients with acute pancreatitis. Methods: 120 patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to digestive department of our hospital from May 2016 to May 2018 were randomly divided into control group and observation group, 60 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were given routine treatment, while patients in the observation group were given ulinastatin on the basis of the treatment of patients in the control group. The levels of Kim-1, Cys C, BUN, IgA, IgM, IgG, SOD, NO, TAC, PCT and CRP of patients in the two groups were detected and compared before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, the serum levels of Kim-1, Cys C, BUN, NO, PCT and CRP of patients in the control group and the observation group decreased significantly and the serum levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, SOD and TAC increased significantly. The change trend of these indexes in the serum of patients in the observation group was more obvious than those of patients in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Ulinastatin in the treatment of acute pancreatitis can significantly alleviate kidney injury, enhance immune function and antioxidant capacity of patients, alleviate inflammation.展开更多
Derived from neural stem cells(NSCs)and progenitor cells originated from the neuroectoderm,the nervous system presents an unprecedented degree of cellular diversity,interwoven to ensure correct connections for propaga...Derived from neural stem cells(NSCs)and progenitor cells originated from the neuroectoderm,the nervous system presents an unprecedented degree of cellular diversity,interwoven to ensure correct connections for propagating information and responding to environ-mental cues.NSCs and progenitor cells must integrate cell-intrinsic programs and environmental cues to achieve production of appropriate types of neurons and glia at appropriate times and places during develop-ment.These developmental dynamics are reflected in changes in gene expression,which is regulated by transcription factors and at the epigenetic level.From early commitment of neural lineage to functional plas-ticity in terminal differentiated neurons,epigenetic regulation is involved in every step of neural develop-ment.Here we focus on the recent advance in our un-derstanding of epigenetic regulation on orderly genera-tion of diverse neural cell types in the mammalian nervous system,an important aspect of neural devel-opment and regenerative medicine.展开更多
Dear Editor,The mammalian cerebral cortex,responsible for all higherorder brain functions,is organized into six layers of neurons that form distinct projections and connections within and outside the cortex.During cor...Dear Editor,The mammalian cerebral cortex,responsible for all higherorder brain functions,is organized into six layers of neurons that form distinct projections and connections within and outside the cortex.During cortical development,neural progenitor cells(NPCs)in the proliferative ventricular zone(VZ)and subventricular zone(SVZ)of the dorsal telencephalon produce projection neurons that migrate toward the pial surface to form the cortical plate(CP).展开更多
Willed-movement training has been demonstrated to be a promising approach to increase motor per- formance and neural plasticity in ischemic rats. However, little is known regarding the molecular signals that are in- v...Willed-movement training has been demonstrated to be a promising approach to increase motor per- formance and neural plasticity in ischemic rats. However, little is known regarding the molecular signals that are in- volved in neural plasticity following willed-movement training. To investigate the potential signals related to neural plasticity following willed-movement training, littermate rats were randomly assigned into three groups: middle cerebral artery occlusion, environmental modification, and willed-movement training. The infarct volume was measured 18 d after occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and im- munofluorescence staining were used to detect the changes in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mRNA and protein, respectively. A chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to investigate whether STAT3 bound to plasticity-related genes, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synaptophysin, and protein in- teracting with C kinase 1 (PICK1). In this study, we demonstrated that STAT3 mRNA and protein were markedly increased following 15-d willed-movement training in the ischemic hemispheres of the treated rats. STAT3 bound to BDNF, PICK1, and synaptophysin promoters in the neocortical cells of rats. These data suggest that the increased STAT3 levels after willed-movement training might play critical roles in the neural plasticity by directly regulating plasticity-related genes.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.41701296 and 42277481)the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province (GrantNo.22JR5RA058)the Youth Science and Technology Fund Program of Gansu Province (Grant No.22JR5RA087).
文摘Interest in the dynamics of soil respiration(R_(S))in subalpine forest ecosystems is increasing due to their high soil carbon density and potential sensitivity to environmental changes.However,as a principal silvicultural practice,the long-term impacts of thinning on R_(S) and its heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration components(R_(h) and Ra,respectively)in subalpine plantations are poorly understood,espe-cially in winter.A 3-year field observation was carried out with consideration of winter CO_(2) efflux in middle-aged sub-alpine spruce plantations in northwestern China.A trench-ing method was used to explore the long-term impacts of thinning on Rs,Rn and R_(a).Seventeen years after thinning,mean annual Rs,Rn and R_(a) increased,while the contribu-tion of R_(h) to R_(s) decreased with thinning intensity.Thinning significantly decreased winter R,because of the reduction in R_(n) but had no significant effect on Ra.The temperature sensitivity(Q_(10))of R_(h) and R_(a) also increased with thinning intensity,with lower Q_(10) values for R_(h)(2.1-2.6)than for Ra(2.4-2.8).The results revealed the explanatory variables and pathways related to R_(n) and R_(a) dynamics.Thinning increased soil moisture and nitrate nitrogen(NO_(3)^(-)-N),and the enhanced nitrogen and water availability promoted R_(h) and R_(a) by improving fine root biomass and microbial activity.Our results highlight the positive roles of NO_(3)^(-)-N in stimulating R_(s) components following long-term thinning.Therefore,applications of nitrogen fertilizer are not recommended while thinning subalpine spruce plantations from the perspective of reducing soil CO_(2) emissions.The increased Q_(10) values of R_(s) components indicate that a large increase in soil CO_(2) emissions would be expected following thinning because of more pronounced climate warming in alpineregions.
基金supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China("863"Program),No.2012AA020905the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81171143 and30971011+1 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)/Research Grants Council(RGC) Joint Research Scheme,No.81161160570TsinghuaYue-Yuen Medical Sciences Fund
文摘Amyloid 13-peptide, a major component of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease, has been implicated in neuronal cell death and cognitive impairment. Recently, studies have shown that the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia is closely linked with Alzheimer's disease. In this study, a rat model of global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was established via occlusion of four arteries; meanwhile, fibrillar amyloid [3-peptide was injected into the rat lateral ventricle. The Morris water maze test and histological staining revealed that administration of amyloid 13-peptide could further aggravate impairments to learning and memory and neuronal cell death in the hippocampus of rats subjected to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Western blot showed that phosphorylation of tau protein and the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 313 were significantly stronger in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury rats subjected to amyloid [3-peptide administration than those undergo- ing cerebral ischemia-repetfusion or amyloid 13-peptide administration alone. Conversely, the activ- ity of protein phosphatase 2A was remarkably reduced in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury following amyloid 13-peptide administration. These findings suggest that amyloid 13-peptide can potentiate tau phosphorylation induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and thereby aggravate cognitive impairment.
基金supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(863 Program),No.2012AA020905the Biological Industry Development Funds of Shenzhen,No.JC201005260093A+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China/Research Grants Council Joint Research Scheme,No.81161160570the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81171143the Tsinghua-Yue-Yuen Medical Sciences Fund
文摘Transient brain ischemia has been shown to induce hyperphosphorylation of the micro- tubule-associated protein tau. To further determine the mechanisms underlying these processes, we investigated the interaction between tau, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-313 and protein phos- phatase 2A. The results confirmed that tau protein was dephosphorylated during brain ischemia; in addition, the activity of GSK-3β was increased and the activity of protein phosphatase 2A was de- creased. After reperfusion, tau protein was hyperphosphorylated, the activity of GSK-3β was de- creased and the activity of protein phosphatase 2A remained low. Importantly, the interaction of tau with GSK-3β and protein phosphatase 2A was altered during ischemia and reperfusion. Lithium chloride could affect tau phosphorylation by regulating the interaction of tau with GSK-3β and pro- tein phosphatase 2A, and improve learning and memory ability of rats after transient brain ischemia. The present study demonstrated that it was the interaction of tau with GSK-3β and protein phos- phatase 2A, rather than their individual activities, that dominates the phosphorylation of tau in tran- sient brain ischemia. Hyperphosphorylated tau protein may play an important role in the evolution of brain injury in ischemic stroke. The neuroprotective effects of lithium chloride partly depend on the inhibition of tau phosphorylation during transient brain ischemia.
基金This research was funded by the Key Research and Development Plan of Jiangsu Province under grant BE2017735.Q.S.conceived the study and wrote the manuscript.Q.S.,C.C.,H.G.X.W.collected,analyzed,and interpreted the data.H.G.and X.W.contributed substantially to the development of ECG signal conversion Matlab software and remote automatic detection algorithm.J.L.,M.C.and C.L.revised the manuscript,evaluated and supervised the study.
文摘Arrhythmias are very common in the healthy populations as well as patients with cardiovascular diseases.Among them,atrial fibrillation(AF)and malignant ventricular arrhythmias are usually associated with some clinical events.Early diagnosis of arrhythmias,particularly AF and ventricular arrhythmias,is very important for the treatment and prognosis of patients.Holter is a gold standard commonly recommended for noninvasive detection of paroxysmal arrhythmia.However,it has some shortcomings such as fixed detection timings,delayed report and inability of remote real-time detection.To deal with such problems,we designed and applied a new wearable 72-hour triple-lead H3-electrocardiogram(ECG)device with a remote cloud-based ECG platform and an expertsupporting system.In this study,31 patients were recruited and 24-hour synchronous ECG data by H3-ECG and Holter were recorded.In the H3-ECG group,ECG signals were transmitted using remote real-time modes,and confirmed reports were made by doctors in the remote expert-supporting system,while the traditional modes and detection systems were used in the Holter group.The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in 24-hour total heart rate(HR),averaged HR,maximum HR,minimum HR,premature atrial complexes(PACs)and premature ventricular complexes(PVCs)(P>0.05).The sensitivity and specificity of capture and remote automatic cardiac events detection of PACs,PVCs,and AF by H3-ECG were 93%and 99%,98%and 99%,94%and 98%,respectively.Therefore,the long-term limb triple-lead H3-ECG device can be utilized for domiciliary ECG self-monitoring and remote management of patients with common arrhythmia under medical supervision.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.10151600101000002
文摘The experimental model of traumatic brain injury was established in Sprague-Dawley rats according to Feeney's free falling method. The brains were harvested at 2, 6 and 24 hours, and at 3 and 5 days after injury. Changes in brain water content were determined using the wet and dry weights. Our results showed that water content of tissue significantly increased after traumatic brain injury, and reached minimum at 24 hours. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed pathological impairment of brain tissue at each time point after injury, particularly at 3 days, with nerve cell edema, degenera- tion, and necrosis observed, and the apoptotic rate significantly increased. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis revealed that the expression of occludin at the injured site gradually de- creased as injury time advanced and reached a minimum at 3 days after injury; the expression of connexin 43 gradually increased as injury time advanced and reached a peak at 24 hours after in-jury. The experimental findings indicate that changes in occludin and connexin 43 expression were consistent with the development of brain edema, and may reflect the pathogenesis of brain injury.
文摘Background/purpose:The present meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of group reminiscence on depression in elderly patients.Methods:Published and unpublished randomised controlled trials that assessed the effects of group reminiscence on depression in elderly patients were systematically reviewed using multiple electronic databases.Relative risks for dichotomous data and weighted mean differences for continuous data were calculated with 95%confidence intervals.Results:Ten trials were evaluated.Group reminiscence provided significantly greater relief of depressive symptoms than did the control intervention immediately after and 3 months after the intervention(p<0.00001).However,this advantage disappeared 6 months after the intervention(p?0.14).Group reminiscence significantly improved self-esteem and life satisfaction(p<0.01).Conclusion:Group reminiscence was associated with short-term depression relief among elderly patients with depression and effectively improved self-esteem and life satisfaction.Higher-quality large-scale randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
文摘Objective: To investigate the effects of ulinastatin on immune function, oxidative stress and related factors in patients with acute pancreatitis. Methods: 120 patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to digestive department of our hospital from May 2016 to May 2018 were randomly divided into control group and observation group, 60 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were given routine treatment, while patients in the observation group were given ulinastatin on the basis of the treatment of patients in the control group. The levels of Kim-1, Cys C, BUN, IgA, IgM, IgG, SOD, NO, TAC, PCT and CRP of patients in the two groups were detected and compared before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, the serum levels of Kim-1, Cys C, BUN, NO, PCT and CRP of patients in the control group and the observation group decreased significantly and the serum levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, SOD and TAC increased significantly. The change trend of these indexes in the serum of patients in the observation group was more obvious than those of patients in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Ulinastatin in the treatment of acute pancreatitis can significantly alleviate kidney injury, enhance immune function and antioxidant capacity of patients, alleviate inflammation.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.2012CB966701)the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China.
文摘Derived from neural stem cells(NSCs)and progenitor cells originated from the neuroectoderm,the nervous system presents an unprecedented degree of cellular diversity,interwoven to ensure correct connections for propagating information and responding to environ-mental cues.NSCs and progenitor cells must integrate cell-intrinsic programs and environmental cues to achieve production of appropriate types of neurons and glia at appropriate times and places during develop-ment.These developmental dynamics are reflected in changes in gene expression,which is regulated by transcription factors and at the epigenetic level.From early commitment of neural lineage to functional plas-ticity in terminal differentiated neurons,epigenetic regulation is involved in every step of neural develop-ment.Here we focus on the recent advance in our un-derstanding of epigenetic regulation on orderly genera-tion of diverse neural cell types in the mammalian nervous system,an important aspect of neural devel-opment and regenerative medicine.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31371093 and 31671068)the Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, and Tongji Hospital and School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, China
文摘Dear Editor,The mammalian cerebral cortex,responsible for all higherorder brain functions,is organized into six layers of neurons that form distinct projections and connections within and outside the cortex.During cortical development,neural progenitor cells(NPCs)in the proliferative ventricular zone(VZ)and subventricular zone(SVZ)of the dorsal telencephalon produce projection neurons that migrate toward the pial surface to form the cortical plate(CP).
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.30973167,81472160,and 81173595)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Nos.2011M501301 and 2012T50711)the China-Japan Friendship Hospital Youth Science and Technology Excellence Project(No.2014-QNYC-A-04)
文摘Willed-movement training has been demonstrated to be a promising approach to increase motor per- formance and neural plasticity in ischemic rats. However, little is known regarding the molecular signals that are in- volved in neural plasticity following willed-movement training. To investigate the potential signals related to neural plasticity following willed-movement training, littermate rats were randomly assigned into three groups: middle cerebral artery occlusion, environmental modification, and willed-movement training. The infarct volume was measured 18 d after occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and im- munofluorescence staining were used to detect the changes in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mRNA and protein, respectively. A chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to investigate whether STAT3 bound to plasticity-related genes, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synaptophysin, and protein in- teracting with C kinase 1 (PICK1). In this study, we demonstrated that STAT3 mRNA and protein were markedly increased following 15-d willed-movement training in the ischemic hemispheres of the treated rats. STAT3 bound to BDNF, PICK1, and synaptophysin promoters in the neocortical cells of rats. These data suggest that the increased STAT3 levels after willed-movement training might play critical roles in the neural plasticity by directly regulating plasticity-related genes.