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.

Research on the Path of Further Deepening the Reform and Internationalization of English Education in the Hainan Free Trade Zone

With the establishment of the Hainan Free Trade Zone(FTZ),the internationalization of English education has become a key element of the region’s educational reform efforts.As globalization intensifies,fostering an internationalized English education system is crucial for improving the competitiveness and global positioning of the Hainan FTZ.This study explores the multiple pathways and strategies for promoting the internationalization of English education in the Hainan FTZ,focusing on aspects such as policy support,curriculum reform,teacher training,international collaboration,and the effective allocation of educational resources.By examining the current state of English education in the region,identifying key challenges,and drawing insights from successful domestic and international cases-particularly from free trade zones elsewhere-this paper offers actionable recommendations.These suggestions aim to enhance the region’s educational outcomes,thereby bolstering the Hainan FTZ’s broader objectives of economic growth and enhanced global connectivity.The proposed strategies also seek to elevate the international stature of the Hainan FTZ as a regional hub for talent development,international exchange,and soft power enhancement.

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.

Canadian English and its phonetic features

British English and American English are regarded as the two major varieties of English in the world, and Canadian English is often treated as a variation of American English. The paper aims to identify the major phonetic features of Canadian English by addressing its differences from British and American English based on a historical, demographical, and regional and dialectal analysis. Canadian English is a cultural phenomenon that has evolved on the basis of British English and under the heavy influence of American English. As a distinctive variety of English, Canadian English possesses its phonetic uniqueness. And in the context of globalization, Canadian English will remain subject to Americanization.

Stylistic features of cell-phone short messages in English and their translation

Cell-phone short messages in English possess special styles. Some are in a literary style, and others in a non-literary one. In the present paper, the stylistic features of English short messages are illustrated by applying the stylistic theory and employing the ＂Model of Analyzing Textual Function＂. The features of the two styles of messages are described and analyzed from the perspectives of their pronunciation, graphology, vocabulary, grammar, discourse, rhetoric, etc., and the stylistic features serve as the basis for discussing the translation principles and methods of English short messages.

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.

Antibacterial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L.alone and in combination with cefuroxime against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Objective:To determine the antimicrobial activity of rosemary(Rosmarinus of ficinalis L.) and to investigate the synergistic effects of this extract combined with ceforuxime against methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA).Methods:The inhibitory and bactericidal activities of rosemary ethanol extract,alone and in combination with cefuroxime,were studied.Results:The minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs) of the ethanol extract of rosemary were in the range of 0.39-3.13 mg/mL.The minimum bactericidal concentrations(MBCs) were usually equal to or double that MICs.The antimicrobial activity of combinations of the ethanol extract of rosemary and cefuroxime indicated their synergistic effects against all MRSAs.Conclusions:The present work clearly demonstrates that rosemary has a key role in the elevation of susceptibility toβ-lactams.

Protective effects of Ligustrazine,Kakonein and Panax Notoginsenoside on the small intestine and immune organs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND:Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is characterized by fatal pathogenic conditions and a high mortality.It is important to study SAP complicated with multiple organ injury.In this study we compared the protective effects of three traditional Chinese medicines (Ligustrazine,Kakonein and Panax Notoginsenoside) on the small intestine and immune organs (thymus,spleen and lymph nodes) of rats with SAP and explored their mechanism of action.METHODS:One hundred forty-four rats with SAP were randomly divided into model control,Ligustrazine-treated,Kakonein-treated,and Panax Notoginsenoside-treated groups (n=36 per group).Another 36 normal rats comprised the sham-operated group.According to the different time points after operation,the experimental rats in each group were subdivided into 3-,6-and 12-hour subgroups (n=12).At various time points after operation,the mortality rate of rats and pathological changes in the small intestine and immune organs were recorded and the serum amylase levels were measured.RESULTS:Compared to the model control groups,the mortality rates in all treated groups declined and the pathological changes in the small intestine and immune tissues were relieved to different degrees.The serum amylase levels in the three treated groups were significantly lower than those in the model control group at 12 hours.The pathological severity scores for the small intestinal mucosa,thymus and spleen (at 3 and 12 hours) in the Ligustrazine-treated group,for the thymus (at 3 and 12 hours) and spleen (at 3 and 6 hours) in the Kakonein-treated group,and for the thymus (at 3 hours)and spleen (at 3 hours) in the Panax Notoginsenoside-treated group were significantly lower than those in the model control group.The pathological severity scores of the small intestinal mucosa (at 6 and 12 hours) and thymus (at 6 hours) in the Ligustrazine-treated group were significantly lower than those in the Kakonein-and Panax Notoginsenoside-treated groups.CONCLUSIONS:All the three traditional Chinese drugs significantly alleviated the pathological changes in the small intestine and immune organs of SAP rats.Ligustrazine was the most effective one among them.

One Day I Wrote Her Name upon the Strand及其汉译中指示语的语用分析

通过对比分析E.Spencer的名诗One Day I Wrote Her Name upon the Strand及其汉译中指示语的不同使用,分析了英汉指示语的语用差异,指出了英汉指示语使用的三种情况:对应现象、非对应现象和空缺现象。

Honey:its medicinal property and antibacterial activity

Indeed,medicinal importance of honey has been documented in the world's oldest medical literatures,and since the ancient times,it has been known to possess antimicrobial property as well as wound-healing activity.The healing property of honey is due to the fact that it offers antibacterial activity,maintains a moist wound condition,and its high viscosity helps to provide a protective barrier to prevent infection.Its immunomodulatory property is relevant to wound repair too.The antimicrobial activity in most honeys is due to the enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide.However,another kind of honey,called non-peroxide honey(viz.,manuka honey),displays significant antibacterial effects even when the hydrogen peroxide activity is blocked.Its mechanism may be related to the low pH level of honey and its high sugar content(high osmolality) that is enough to hinder the growth of microbes.The medical grade honeys have potent in vitro bactericidal activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing several life-threatening infections to humans. But,there is a large variation in the antimicrobial activity of some natural honeys,which is due to spatial and temporal variation in sources of nectar.Thus,identification and characterization of the active principle(s) may provide valuable information on the quality and possible therapeutic potential of honeys(against several health disorders of humans),and hence we discussed the medicinal property of honeys with emphasis on their antibacterial activities.

Compound Danshen tablets downregulate amyloid protein precursor mRNA expression in a transgenic cell model of Alzheimer's disease Effects and a comparison with donepezil

After gene mutation, the pcDNA3.1/APP595/596 plasmid was transfected into HEK293 cells to establish a cell model of Alzheimer＇s disease. The cell model was treated with donepezil or compound Danshen tablets after culture for 72 hours. Reverse transcription-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of amyloid protein precursor decreased in all groups following culture for 24 hours, and that there was no significant difference in the amount of decrease between donepezil and compound Danshen tablets. Our results suggest that compound Danshen tablets can reduce expression of the mRNA for amyloid protein precursor in a transgenic cell model of Alzheimer＇s disease, with similar effects to donepezil.

Antibacterial activities of some plant extracts alone and in combination with different antimicrobials against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains

Objective:To evaluate the possible in vitro interaction between ethanolic extracts of Rhus coriaria[R.coriaria)(seed),Sacropoterium spinosum(S.spinosum)(seed),Rosa damascena(R. damascene)(flower) and certain known antimicrobial drugs including oxytetracycline HCl, penicillin C,cephalexin,sulfadimethoxine as sodium,and enr of loxacin.This synergy study was carried out against 3 clinical strains of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa).Methods:Evaluation of synergy interaction between plant extracts and antimicrobial agents was carried out using microdilution method.Results:The results of this study showed that there is a decrease in the MIC in case of combination of ethanolic plant extracts and test antimicrobial agents.The most interesting result was that the combination between R. coriaria and these antibiotics,showed a high decrease in minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC), and a strong bactericidal activity against these strains.Conclusions:These results may indicate that combinations between R.coriaria extract and these antibiotics could be useful in fighting emerging drug-resistance P.aeruginosa,which may due to that R.coriaria extract contain natural inhibitors working by different mechanisms or inhibiting efflux pumps.Now we have experiments underway leading to the identification of the active molecules present in R.coriaria.Further,in vivo experiments are needed to confirm pseudomonal protection.

Influence of Tanshinone lla on heat shock protein 70,Bcl-2 and Bax expression in rats with spinal ischemia/reperfusion injury

Tanshinone lla is an effective monomer component of Danshen, which is a traditional Chinese medicine for activating blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis. Tanshinone Ila can effectively improve brain tissue ischemia/hypoxia injury. The present study established a rat model of spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury and intraperitoneally injected Tanshinone lla, 0.5 hour prior to model establishment. Results showed that Tanshinone Ila promoted heat shock protein 70 and Bcl-2 protein expression, but inhibited Bax protein expression in the injured spinal cord after ischemia/reperfusion injury. Furthermore, Nissl staining indicated a reduction in nerve cell apoptosis and fewer pathological lesions in the presence of Tanshinone Ila, compared with positive control Danshen injection.

Protective effects of medical ozone combined with traditional Chinese medicine against chemically-induced hepatic injury in dogs

AIM： To investigate the protective effect of medical ozone （O3） combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） Yigan Fuzheng Paidu Capsules （YC） against carbon tetrachloride （CCh）-induced hepatic injury in dogs. METHODS： Thirty healthy dogs were divided randomly into five groups （n = 6 in each group）, namely control, oleanolic acid tablet （OAT）, O3, YC and O3 ＋ YC, given either no particular pre-treatment, oral OAT, medical ozone rectal insulfflation every other day, oral YC, or oral YC plus medical ozone rectal insulfflation every other day, respectively, for 30 consecutive days. After pre-treatment, acute hepatic injury was induced in all dogs with a single-dose intraperitoneal injection of CCh. General condition and survival time were recorded. The biochemical and hematological indexes of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, aspartate aminotransferase/ alanine aminotransferase （AST/ALT）, serum total bUirubin （TBIL）, prothrombin time （PT）, blood ammonia （AMMO）, and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） were measured after CCh injection. Hepatic pathological changes were also observed.RESULTS： Compared to the other four groups, the changes of group O3 ＋ YC dogs＇ general conditions （motoricity, mental state, eating, urination and defecation） could be better controlled. In group O3 ＋ YC the survival rates were higher （P 〈 0.05 vs group control）. AST/ALT values were kept within a normal level in group O3 ＋ YC. Hepatic histopathology showed that hepatic injury in group O3 ＋ YC was less serious than those in the other four groups.CONCLUSION： Medical ozone combined with TCM YC could exert a protective effect on acute liver injury induced by CCI4,

Study on Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome with Infertility by Combined Therapy of Chinese Herbal Medicine and Compound Cyproterone Acetate

Objective: To evaluate the effect of combined therapy of Chinese herbal medicine and compound cyproterone acetate (CPA) in treating non-obesity polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and to explore its mechanism in improving withdrawal ovulation. Methods: Eighty-six patients of non-obesity P-COS, typed as Shen-deficiency with blood stasis Syndrome or Shen-deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness Syndrome by Syndrome Differentiation in traditional Chines medicine, were randomly divided into three groups: (1) The TCM group (n = 26) was treated with Chinese drugs for 6 menstrual cycles; (2) The western medicine (WM) group (n=30) was treated with 1 tablet of CPA for 21 days, with the treatment beginning from the 5th day of menstruation. The treatment was given for 3 menstrual cycles by repetitious medication, which stopped and restarted on the 5th day of withdrawal bleeding. Then the ovulation promoting therapy was applied by using clomifene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin (CC/hCG) for 3 menstrual cycles; (3) The TCM-WM group (n=30) was treated with the medications used for the above two groups. The menstrual cycle, the volume and duration of the menstruation, as well as the improvement of acne and pilosis [Ferriman-Gallway (F-G) scoring] were observed after 3 cycles ended. Moreover, condition of ovulation was monitored by B-ultrasonography at the 4th- 6th cycle and status of pregnancy was observed. Results: Compared with before treatment, the blood level of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) in all 3 groups after treatment significantly decreased (P<0. 05), with its ratio to follicle-stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) recovered to normal, but without markedly change in levels of FSH, estradiol (E2) and prolactin (PRL). The menstrual cycle in most patients got regular and acne significantly alleviated (P<0. 05), and the improvement of infrequent menstruation and acne was better in the WM group and the TCM-WM group than that in the TCM group, but pilosis showed no significant improvement in all three groups. The periodical ovulation rate in the TCM-WM group (73. 1%) and the WM group (68. 3%) was significantly higher than that in the TCM group (40%). The pregnancy rate in the TCM-WM group (53. 8%) was significantly higher than that in the other two groups (26.1% and 25% respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusion: Using combined therapy of TCM and composite CPA followed by o-vulation promoting agents of TCM and WM to treat patients of non-obesity PCOS could relieve the clinical symptoms, improve the abnormal blood level of sex hormones and significantly elevate the pregnancy rate.

Analysis of fibronectin, fibronectin receptor and interleukin 1 in patients with cirrhosis treated by Yanggan Jieyu decoction

AIM To investigate the adjusting effects of the Yanggan Jieyu (YGJY, nourishing the liver and alleviate mental depression) decoction on the plasma concentration of fibronectin (FN), fibronectin receptor (FNR), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF α) and the activity of interleukin 1 (IL 1) in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS Thirty four cases of cirrhosis (in decompensation) were divided into YGJY decotion treated group and control group treated by routine method. FN, FNR and TNF α were measured with ELESA and expressed as mg/L (FN, FNR) and ng/L (TNF α), and IL 1 was measured by mice thymocyte proliferation using β scintillation counter and expressed as cpm. RESULTS In YGJY decoction treated group, before treatment, FN was 247 9±97 2, FNR 5 6±2 7, TNF α 83 9±7 1 and IL 1 was 2760 8±813 6, and after treatment. FN was 298 3±93 2 ( P <0 01), FNR 4 3±2 3 ( P <0 05, TNF α 93 6±12 0 ( P <0 05) and IL 1 was 1922 3±847 0 ( P <0 05). The FN and TNF α plasma level after treatment increased remarkably, while FNR and IL 1 decreased obviously. In the control group before treatment, FN was 248 8±101 9, FNR 5 5±1 9, TNF α 126 1±48 1 and IL 1 was 2540 6±603 2, and after treatment was 241 6±77 1 ( P >0 05), FNR 5 4±1 2 ( P >0 05), TNF α 100 6±15 5 ( P >0 05) and IL 1 was 2360 6±860 0 ( P >0 05), the plasma levels of FN, TNF α, FNR and IL 1 did not change signifiantly. CONCLUSION YGJY decoction could prevent the process of the hepatic fibrosis by readjusting the plasma levels of FN, FNR, TNF α and IL 1 mediating acivities in cirrhosis, which is of clinical significance.