Multi-omics analyses provide insights into the evolutionary history and the synthesis of medicinal components of the Chinese wingnut

Chinese wingnut(Pterocarya stenoptera)is a medicinally and economically important tree species within the family Juglandaceae.However,the lack of high-quality reference genome has hindered its in-depth research.In this study,we successfully assembled its chromosome-level genome and performed multiomics analyses to address its evolutionary history and synthesis of medicinal components.A thorough examination of genomes has uncovered a significant expansion in the Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain gene family among the winged group in Juglandaceae.This notable increase may be attributed to their frequent exposure to flood-prone environments.After further differentiation between Chinese wingnut and Cyclocarya paliurus,significant positive selection occurred on the genes of NADH dehydrogenase related to mitochondrial aerobic respiration in Chinese wingnut,enhancing its ability to cope with waterlogging stress.Comparative genomic analysis revealed Chinese wingnut evolved more unique genes related to arginine synthesis,potentially endowing it with a higher capacity to purify nutrient-rich water bodies.Expansion of terpene synthase families enables the production of increased quantities of terpenoid volatiles,potentially serving as an evolved defense mechanism against herbivorous insects.Through combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis,we identified the candidate genes involved in the synthesis of terpenoid volatiles.Our study offers essential genetic resources for Chinese wingnut,unveiling its evolutionary history and identifying key genes linked to the production of terpenoid volatiles.

An Interview with Peter Deadman—Acupuncture Pioneer and Founder of The Journal of Chinese Medicine

This interview was conducted on August 21st, 2022 by Charles Buck and Ioannis Solos. Peter Deadman has worked in the field of health promotion for 50 years. He co-founded Infinity Foods(an organic and natural foods workers co-op) in 1971, followed by the Brighton Natural Health Centre-a charity dedicated to teaching ways to improve personal, community and planetary health and wellbeing. He qualified as an acupuncturist in 1978 and in Chinese herbal medicine in 1990. He founded The Journal of Chinese Medicine(UK) in 1979(Fig. 1), and co-authored A Manual of Acupuncture(published in 1998). He is the author of Live Well Live Long: Teachings from the Chinese Nourishment of Life Tradition. He has taught Chinese medicine and health promotion internationally for decades and is a dedicated practitioner and teacher of Qi Gong(气功).

Exploring Phonetic Differences and Cross-Linguistic Influences: A Comparative Study of English and Mandarin Chinese Pronunciation Patterns

Exploring the differences in phonemes and cross-linguistic influences, particularly by comparing the pronunciation patterns of English and Mandarin, is crucial for language learners. Such comparative studies can help learners better understand and overcome the pronunciation difficulties encountered during second language acquisition. English and Mandarin have significant differences in their vowel and consonant systems, tones, intonation, and syllable structures. A deep understanding of these differences allows learners to engage in targeted pronunciation training, reducing accent interference. This research provides guidance for improving language teaching methods, enabling teachers to design more effective pronunciation strategies and exercises based on the students’ native language backgrounds, thus enhancing learning outcomes. Additionally, cross-linguistic studies aid in improving speech recognition and conversion technologies, achieving higher accuracy and naturalness in multilingual speech processing systems. From a cultural exchange perspective, understanding and respecting the phonetic characteristics of different languages help to enhance the effectiveness and mutual understanding in cross-cultural communication. The comparative study of English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns not only provides a theoretical foundation for language education and technological applications but also promotes effective communication in multilingual environments. This thesis uses a comparative research method to elucidate the study of English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns. It begins with an analysis of the characteristics and similarities of the pronunciation patterns in both languages. The thesis then examines the differences between English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns through four aspects: the number and complexity of vowel phonemes, types and distribution of consonant phonemes, tones and stress, and intonation and phonetic phenomena. Finally, based on the comparative analysis of the differences, the thesis offers targeted policy recommendations for learning English and Mandarin.

Integration of network pharmacology and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells experimental research to reveal the molecular mechanisms for Hai Honghua medicinal liquor against osteoporosis

Background:Hai Honghua medicinal liquor(HHML)formula has been used in clinical practice for a long time,mainly for the treatment of freshly closed fractures,to promote osteogenesis,to increase bone mass,and thus to promote fracture healing.However,the underlying mechanisms of HHML in the treatment of osteoporosis(OP)are still unclear.Methods:Firstly,Traditional Chinese Medicines Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine were used to screen the targets of the active compounds of HHML.At the same time,OP targets were identified through GeneCards,Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man,DisGeNET,Therapeutic Target Database,Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and Human Phenotype Ontology databases.Next,protein-protein interaction and pathway networks were constructed for compound-disease common targets,and core targets and compounds were screened for molecular docking.Furthermore,rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were extracted as model cells,and the osteogenic effects of HHML were verified via in vitro experiments.Results:Total of 343 common targets of HHML-OP and the top 10 target proteins in the protein-protein interaction network are TP53,AKT1,STAT3,HSP90AA1,ESR1,TNF,IL6,MAPK1,MAPK3 and MAPK8.Enrichment analysis yielded that the key molecular pathway was the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Molecular docking analysis showed that baicalein,erysodienone and naringenin docked with the target proteins AKT1,STAT3 and TP53,respectively,with low binding energy and high affinity.In addition,In vitro experiments demonstrated that HHML promoted the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells;compared with the control group,HHML-treated cells showed enhanced alkaline phosphatase staining,promoted the expression of OCN,RUNX2,BSP,and COL1 mRNAs as well as the expression of PI3K and AKT phosphorylated proteins.Secondly,the expression of target proteins revealed that HHML promoted the phosphorylation of STAT3 protein and inhibited the expression of P53.Conclusions:Our study investigated that HHML treatment with OP promotes bone formation possibly through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and may involve STAT3 and TP53 target interactions.

In Silico Screening of Potential Inhibitors against dPLA2 from Named Chinese Herbs for Identification of Compounds with Antivenom Effects Due to Deinagkistrodon acutus Snake Bites

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is the key enzyme to the venom from Deinagkistrodon acutus which is one of the highly venomous snakes in China. In addition to being a catalyst for the hydrolysis of phospholipases A2 from snake venom, its well known that it possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as myotoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and hemolytic, anticoagulant and antiplatelet activities. However, snakebites are not efficiently treated by conventional serum therapy. Acute wounds can still cause poisoning and death. In order to find effective inhibitors of Deinagkistrodon venom acid phospholipase A2 (dPLA2), we obtained 385 compounds in 9 Chinese herbs from the TCMSP. These compounds were further performed to virtual screen using in silico tools like ADMET analysis, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. After Pharmacokinetics analysis, we found 7 candidate compounds. Besides, analysis of small molecule interactions with dPLA2 confirmed that the amino acid residues HIS47 and GLY29 are key targets. Because they bind not only to the natural substrate phosphatidylcholine and compounds known for having inhibitory functions, but also for combining with potential antidote molecules in Chinese herbal medicine. This study is the first to report experience with virtual screening for possible inhibitor of dPLA2, such as the interaction spatial structure, binding energy and binding interaction analysis, these experiences not only provide reference for further experimental research, but also have a guideline for the study of drug molecular mechanism of action.

An Exploration of How Practitioners Make Meaning in a Chinese Medicine Consultation and Treatment

In Chinese medicine, practitioners assess patients’ complaints, analyze their underlying problems, identify causes and come to a diagnosis, which then directs treatment. What is not obvious and not recorded in a consultation is the clinical reasoning process that practitioners use. The research filmed three practitioners in the UK while they conducted a consultation and treatment on new patients. The practitioners and researchers viewed the films and used them as aide-memoirs while the reasoning process throughout was discussed. In order to determine the pattern, practitioners used the four examinations to gather information from the patient in an iterative process;their aesthetic reasoning was highly developed. Through triangulation they checked the information they received against a detailed understanding of the qi-dynamic. They used highly analytical strategies of forward(inductive) and backward(deductive) reasoning against the prototypes of the signs and symptoms that indicate a specific Zheng. This was achieved through an abductive process that linked description with explanation and causal factors with pathological mechanisms. The feedback loop with the patient continued through the consultation and into the treatment. A process of translation and interpretation was needed to turn the patient’s story into the practitioner’s story of qi-dynamics that then directed the treatment. Awareness of our clinical reasoning process will mitigate against biases, improve our diagnoses and treatment choices and support the training of students.

The Transmission,Establishment and Cross-cultural Integration of Chinese Medicine in the Mainstream Healthcare,through the Eyes of a Generation of Visionaries and Pioneers

It has historically been very difficult to trace the history of the westward transmission of Chinese medicine through the accounts of its protagonists. Many of the early scholars such as Jack Worsley, Dick Van Buren, and Joe Goodman were reluctant to divulge information about the source of their knowledge, or their professional qualifications. Others, such as John Shen and Hong Yuan-bain were early 20th century immigrants who transmitted highly personalized versions of acupuncture and Chinese medicine to select disciples. Eventually, a new class of scholars appeared, including names such as Ted Kaptchuk, Peter Deadman, Nigel Wiseman, William Morris, Peter Eckman, John Mc Donald, Charles Buck, and the late Giovanni Maciocia who looked for answers back in China, developed translation methodologies and terminology, compiled the main textbooks currently in use at TCM colleges, overcame enormous scholastic adversity, developed courses and pursued the regulation and accreditation of TCM in various countries. This special issue synopsizes the path towards the global acculturation of TCM over the last 50 years, the main protagonists, the enormous accomplishments they have achieved for the profession, their philosophy, their clinical perspectives and visions for the future.

Pioneering role of machine learning in unveiling intensive care unitacquired weakness

In the research published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases,Wang and Long conducted a quantitative analysis to delineate the risk factors for intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)utilizing advanced machine learning methodologies.The study employed a multilayer perceptron neural network to accurately predict the incidence of ICU-AW,focusing on critical variables such as ICU stay duration and mechanical ventilation.This research marks a significant advancement in applying machine learning to clinical diagnostics,offering a new paradigm for predictive medicine in critical care.It underscores the importance of integrating artificial intelligence technologies in clinical practice to enhance patient management strategies and calls for interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation in healthcare.

Effect of Chuanzhifang component (ZGC) on macrophage inflammatory injury based on whole gene expression profile

Objective: The effect of Chuanzhi Fang (ZGC) on the whole genome expression profile of RAW264.7 cells activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was analyzed, and to explore the possible mechanism of action and core target of this formula on macrophage inflammatory injury at the overall level. Methods: A model of LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells was constructed, and the effect of ZGC intervention on the genome-wide expression of inflammatory macrophages 3was examined by gene microarray technology, GO/KEGG enrichment analysis was performed for significantly differentially expressed genes among each group. Results: The results of genome-wide expression profiling microarray analysis showed that the ZGC intervention group upregulated the expression of 5 genes including C4bp and inhibited the expression of 22 genes including Mgat3, Psma6, and Siglecg relative to the LPS model group. KEGG signaling pathway analysis results showed that ZGC mainly acted through cytokine receptor interaction and the C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway. Conclusion: ZGC can interfere with the abnormal expression of 27 genes in inflammatory macrophages, and the related genes may exert corresponding anti-inflammatory effects by affecting cytokine receptor interactions, C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway, and TLR4/ NF-κB signaling pathway.

Rikkunshito increases peripheral incretin-hormone levels in humans and rats

BACKGROUND It was reported that rikkunshito(TJ-43)improved the cisplatin-induced decreases in the active form of ghrelin in plasma;however,other effects on gastrointestinal hormones have not been investigated.AIM To investigate the effects of TJ-43 on peripheral levels of incretin hormones,including gastric inhibitory polypeptide(GIP)and glucagon-like polypeptide-1(GLP-1),in humans and rats.METHODS Patients were divided into two groups,namely patients who received TJ-43 immediately following surgery[TJ-43(+)group]and those who received TJ-43 on postoperative day 21[TJ-43(-)group],and the plasma levels of active GIP and active GLP-1 were assessed.In animal experiments,rats were treated with TJ-43[rat(r)TJ-43(+)group]or without[rTJ-43(−)group]by gavage for 4 wk,and the plasma active GIP and active GLP-1 levels were measured.The expression of incretin hormones in the gastrointestinal tract and insulin in the pancreas were investigated by immunohistochemistry.Furthermore,the cyclic adenosine monophosphate activities were assessed in pancreatic tissues from rats treated with or without TJ-43 in vivo,and the blood glucose levels and plasma insulin levels were measured in rats treated with or without TJ-43 in oral glucose tolerance tests.RESULTS In humans,the active incretin hormone levels increased,and values were significantly greater in the TJ-43(+)group compared those in the TJ-43(-)group.In rats,the plasma active incretin levels significantly increased in the rTJ-43(+)group compared with those in the rTJ-43(-)group.GIP and GLP-1 expressions were enhanced by TJ-43 treatment.Moreover,plasma insulin levels increased and blood glucose levels were blunted in the rTJ-43(+)group.CONCLUSION The results show that TJ-43 may be beneficial for patients who undergo pancreatic surgery.

The Research on Cross-Cultural Critical Thinking in English Teaching: A Pedagogical Paradigm Within the Ideological and Political Course Framework

The conflation of linguistic competencies with ideological and political educational paradigms presents unique opportunities and challenges for English language teaching(ELT)in our increasingly interconnected world.This research seeks to address the role of cross-cultural critical thinking within the landscape of English pedagogy,framed by the imperatives of ideological and political education.Employing a multi-method approach,including thematic content analysis and action research,the study proposes a pedagogical model designed to integrate transcultural discourse and ideologically reflective practices into the conventional ELT curriculum.This paper argues for a reimagined approach to teaching English that encourages students to engage with diverse cultural perspectives and develop a nuanced understanding of global issues.

Reform and Development of English Teaching in Colleges and Universities with the Integration of ChatGPT Technology

As an artificial intelligence-powered language generation model based on natural language processing,ChatGPT,like other artificial intelligence technologies,possesses super real-time dialogue capabilities and is considered an innovative and intelligent auxiliary teaching tool in the field of language learning.This article first analyzes the current state of development of artificial intelligence technologies such as ChatGPT.Secondly,it examines the challenges encountered in the reform and development of English teaching in colleges and universities in China.Lastly,it summarizes the applications and recommendations for using ChatGPT technology in college-level English teaching.

The Essence and Implementation of Ideological and Political Education within College English Curricula: A Grounded Theory Analysis

This study adopts the grounded theory approach to critically examine the essence and implementation of Ideological and Political Education(IPE)within college English curricula at Chinese Universities.We analyzed a corpus of 80 award-winning lesson plans from the“Teaching Star Competition”held by the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press to establish specific constituents that comprise IPE and identify the instructional methodologies incorporated in the teaching process.The research shows that IPE strategically merges language proficiency training with civic education,aiming to cultivate a strong national identity,solid cultural pride,and global competencies.To be more detailed,the core categories of IPE encapsulate critical thinking,professional ethics,and cross-cultural communication skills,which are based on the innovative use of technological resources and adaptive pedagogical strategies.IPE has also elaborated on the comprehensive assessment mechanisms to measure cognitive and affective outcomes,making it a multidimensional activity.Following a three-stage coding process,this study aims to contribute to this discussion regarding ideological and political education integrated into Chinese higher education institutions.The finding and conclusion in this study drawn for future curriculum developments and reformulation of educational policy suggest ways IPE could better serve in fostering well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to national and global contexts.

Anti-Mycobacterial Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts Used in the Treatment of Tuberculosis by Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Uganda

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health challenge and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. TB is preventable and curable. However, treatment of tuberculosis has continued to be difficult as a result of rapid increase of multidrug and extensively drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Medicinal plants have for centuries been traditionally used in treatment of tuberculosis and similar ailments. They possess antimicrobial properties which render them a new hope as a source of novel bioactive leads in the development of antimycobacterial agents. In this study, 2 plant species commonly used traditionally in Uganda for treatment of tuberculosis, Zanthoxylum leprieurii and Rubia cordifolia were screened for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains;pan sensitive MTB H37Rv, Rifampicin resistant TMC 331 strain and two wild strains (one rifampicin resistant and another one rifampicin susceptible). Antimycobacterial activity of aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic plant extracts was determined using Resazurin Microtiter Assay (REMA). Both plant extracts exhibited significant in vitro antimycobacterial activity against all strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of methanolic crude extracts of both plants ranged from 23.4 μg/mL to 187.5 μg/mL. Comparatively, methanol extracts of both plants possessed superior antimycobacterial activity against all Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Our findings indicated that both plants exhibited activity against susceptible and resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While antimycobacterial activity of Z. leprieurii confirms results from previous studies, activity of the extracts of R. cordifolia is reported for the first time in East Africa. Further studies aimed at determining the effects of combination of these plant extracts and standard anti-TB drugs should be carried out.

Structure-based multi-ligand molecular modeling to predict the synergistic effects of limonin and obacunone from Simiao pill against nitric oxide synthase 3 associated with hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia(HUA)mainly occurs because of purine metabolism disorders.We recently proposed that limonin from Simiao pill may have therapeutic effects on nitric oxide synthase 3(NOS3)that is related to HUA.Concurrently,our previous work employed a new method,structure-based multi-ligand molecular modeling,to identify potential agents from a herbal formula that may produce synergistic effects and may have the potential to develop combination drugs.Therefore,we employed multi-ligand modeling to seek compounds with potential synergistic effects with limonin against NOS3.We obtained 403 multi-ligand docking results between 403 compounds and the limonin-NOS3 complex(average affinity–8.297 kcal/mol).Then we selected the top 10 highest binding affinity compounds for virtual pharmacokinetic and toxicity screening and we found that only obacunone passed all filters.We further subjected obacunone,bound to limonin and NOS3,to molecular dynamics simulations.We found that the NOS3-limonin-obacunone complex was more stable than the NOS3-limonin complex,based on the root mean square deviation of backbone Cαatoms and root mean square fluctuation,which suggests that synergistic effects may exist between limonin and obacunone.Further cell and animal experimental research is required to verify our results.

Clinical efficacy of external treatment with Zi Cao Yang He Tang combined with hormone therapy for granulomatous mastitis and its effect on cellular pyroptosis proteins

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of external application of Zi Cao Yang He Tang combined with dexamethasone ointment in the treatment of granulomatous lobular mastitis in the mass stage and the effect on cellular pyroptosis-related proteins.Methods:Forty patients with granulomatous lobular mastitis were randomly divided into 20 cases in the observation group and 20 cases in the control group.Both groups were given dexamethasone ointment for treatment,and the observation group was treated with external application of Zi Cao Yang He Tang on the basis of the control group.Breast lump vol-ume changes,breast pain and pus symptoms,pathology and histology and immunohistochemistry,cellular death-related indicators expression were compared between the two groups.Results:After treatment,the difference in mass volume of the observation group was significantly greater than that of the control group(16.7±21.5 in the control group and 32.9±27.4 in the experimental group)and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05);the objective remission rate of the patients in the observation group(ORR=85%)was significantly higher than that of the treatment group(ORR=50%,P<0.05).In terms of pus formation rate and pain level,the breast pain score of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group after two weeks or three weeks of treatment(P<0.05);the pus formation rate of the observation group was 30%,and the pus formation rate of the control group was 20%,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The immunohistochemical expression levels of caspase-1 and GSDMD in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);and in terms of the expression of cellular pyroptosis-related indexes,the expression of GSDMD,cas-pase-1,and NLRP3 in the observation group was significantly lower compared with that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The efficacy of external application of Zi Cao Yang He Tang combined with dexamethasone ointment in treating granulomatous lobular mastitis in the mass stage is remarkable,which can effectively reduce breast pain,reduce the size of the mass,de-crease the expression of cellular pyroptosisrelated indexes,and have a good anti-inflammatory effect.

Current Status of Research on Treatment of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head with Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Perspective of Security-based Chinese Medicine

The publication of"Evidence-based Chinese Medicine"and the establishment of the Chinese Traditional Medicine Evidence-based Medicine Center mark that evidentiary-based Chinese medicine has stood in front of all Chinese medicine practices in the form of new disciplines,greatly promoting the modernization of Chinese medicine.It will always give Chinese medicine a powerful impetus to the world.Femoral head necrosis is the dominant disease in the treatment of TCM.Chinese medicine practices should seize the optionality to active learn the content of evidentiary-based Chinese medicine and apply it to clinical and scientific research practice.This article review the development status of femoral head necrosis treatment by TCM medicine from the perspective of event-based Chinese medicine.It provides a reference for the event-based development of Chinese medicine in the treatment of femoral head necrosis,and continues to develop advantages and make up for the shortcomings.

Treatment of diabetic foot ulcer with medicinal leech therapy and honey curcumin dressing: a case report

Background:Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)are common in patients with diabetes.The mortality rate of DFUs is ranked the highest after cancer.With advancements in modern medicine,leech therapy,a traditional treatment method for chronic wounds in Iranian medicine,has proven effective in relieving venous congestion.Herein,we aimed to observe the curative effects of leech therapy in combination with honey and curcumin dressing in a 77-year-old patient with a diabetic foot ulcer(UFC).Methods:Two medium-sized medicinal leeches were placed surrounding a grade 2 wound,based on Wagner’s classification system,located on the right first toe.The patient reported a visual analogue scale(VAS)score of 8.After leech therapy,the wound was covered with honey and curcumin,followed by oral administration of ciprofloxacin for 10 days.Results:Pain increased immediately after leech therapy(VAS:9-10)but decreased significantly(VAS:6)2 days after the therapy.At the end of the 2nd day,pain completely disappeared.After 3 weeks,there was no wound on the toe.After 12 weeks,there were no traces of the wound.Conclusion:Leech therapy in combination with honey and curcumin dressing is effective against disease progression in patients with DFUs.

On the Application of Task-based Language Teaching Approach to English Phonetic Teaching

Task-based language teaching approach(TBLTA), which lays stress on "learning by doing", gained increasing popularity in English teaching in recent years. The design of phonetic teaching calls for more emphasis from English educators since it is one of the basic rounds of English teaching. This paper made a trial on the utilization of TBLTA in the English phonetic teaching context and designed a TBLTA model for English phonetic teaching based on discussions about model and merits of TBLTA.

English Phonetics Problems under the Chinese Mother-tongue and Dialect Cultures and its Countermeasures

Many people do believe that the pronunciation just related to the phonetic transcription, if we can master it, then we have good pronunciation. However, during the process of language study, we can found that the phonetics is affected by many factors. The consonants problems or vowels problems or during the process of learning, their phonetics is also affected by their mother tongue and local dialect.