Epimedin B exhibits pigmentation by increasing tyrosinase family proteins expression,activity,and stability

Epimedin B(EB)is one of the main flavonoid ingredients present in Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.,a traditional herb widely used in China.Our previous study showed that EB was a stronger inducer of melanogenesis and an activator of tyrosinase(TYR).However,the role of EB in melanogenesis and the mechanism underlying the regulation remain unclear.Herein,as an extension to our previous investigation,we provide comprehensive evidence of EB-induced pigmentation in vivo and in vitro and elucidate the melanogenesis mechanism by assessing its effects on the TYR family of proteins(TYRs)in terms of expression,activity,and stability.The results showed that EB increased TYRs expression through microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-mediated p-Akt(referred to as protein kinase B(PKB))/glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β)/β-catenin,p-p70 S6 kinase cascades,and protein 38(p38)/mitogen-activated protein(MAP)kinase(MAPK)and extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)/MAPK pathways,after which EB increased the number of melanosomes and promoted their maturation for melanogenesis in melanoma cells and human primary melanocytes/skin tissues.Furthermore,EB exerted repigmentation by stimulating TYR activity in hydroquinone-and N-phenylthiourea-induced TYR inhibitive models,including melanoma cells,zebrafish,and mice.Finally,EB ameliorated monobenzone-induced depigmentation in vitro and in vivo through the enhancement of TYRs stability by inhibiting TYR misfolding,TYR-related protein 1 formation,and retention in the endoplasmic reticulum and then by downregulating the ubiquitination and proteolysis processes.These data conclude that EB can target TYRs and alter their expression,activity,and stability,thus stimulating their pigmentation function,which might provide a novel rational strategy for hypopigmentation treatment in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia:A Brief Historical Overview of Education and Research

The education and research of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in Malaysia started coincidentally circa Malaysia’s independence movement.Before the independence,much of the development focused on establishing treatment centers and Chinese medical halls to provide TCM treatment.Periodicals and journals advocating TCM and its advancement were published between the 1940s and 1960s,but many did not survive after a few issues.The challenge posed by the Immigration Ordinance 1952 further united TCM practitioners and TCM associations to establish the Chinese Medical Institute of Malaya.The trend gained momentum,and many educational institutes were set up in each of Malaysia.From the 1970s,Malaysia started hosting regional and international TCM conferences.In 2000,TCM education in Malaysia had finally gained recognition from the government.ATCM program standard was thus released by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency(MQA).To date,there are seven private higher education institutions which offer TCM programs based on the MQA standards and have established international collaborations with other universities.It is projected that Malaysia’s TCM education and research will grow further as a result of China’s Belt and Road initiative.

Impact of Sharp Fluctuations of Live Pig Prices on Financial Capacity of Pig Breeding Enterprises : An Analysis Based on the Data of Listed Enterprises from 2018 to 2021

Based on the general equilibrium theory of microeconomics,this study first analyzed the causes of sharp fluctuations in live pig prices,and then explored the financial capabilities of enterprises during the sharp fluctuations of live pig prices by using the financial data of 4 typical top listed enterprises from 2018 to 2021.By comparing the changes in the capabilities of enterprises,the impact of price on the financial capability of enterprises and differences were identified.The research results showed that the price of live pigs played a decisive role in enterprise profits,and there were huge differences in the fluctuation period.In the sharp increase period of price,price temptation is easy to cause enterprises to over-invest,resulting in excessive growth of enterprise assets,and increasing the business risk of enterprises.Based on the above conclusions,some policy suggestions were put forward to promote the stable development of industry from the three levels of enterprises,industries and government departments.

Research on the Achievement Motivation of the University Student Village Officials in the Suburbs of Beijing

[Objective] The aim was to explore the achievement motivation of the university student village officials in the suburbs of Beijing.[Method] The research made an investigation on 429 university student village officials in the suburbs of Beijing by the Achievements Motive Scale(AMS).[Result] The achievement motivation of these student village officials was not on a high level,but they tended to pursue the success motivation rather than the motivation to avoid failures obviously.There was a significant difference in the achievement motivation between different genders,majors and jobs.The males' motivation for success was higher than the females'.The motivation of avoiding failures among officials in Humanities was higher than in Science and in Fine Art.And the university student village officials in professional and technical posts or in business posts rated the motivation to avoid failures more important than in basic management posts.But achievement motivations in different urban-rural areas,educational levels,political backgrounds,whether student leaders or not,and durations were no definite differences.Besides,it had a significant effect on these student village officials' achievement motivation whether advices and suggestions were accepted;if yes,the motivation was higher.[Conclusion] This study had provided stability and development for building rural talent groups.

Dynamic Engaging Characteristics of Wet Clutch in Automatic Transmission

Wet clutch is an important shifting component in automatic transmission,and its properties will affect the gear shift performance. By comparing the calculated and test results,the static friction torque model was proved to be capable of describing the real pressure and torque only in the situation of high-energy engagement.Therefore,a dynamic torque model was proposed on basis of hydrodynamic properties between friction surfaces, in which the clutch engagement was divided into three phases for hydrodynamic lubrication, mixed lubrication, and mechanical contact. The proposed dynamic torque model was validated by comparing the calculated and test results. The effects of temperature,pressure,and pressure changing rate of automatic transmission fluid( ATF) on the clutch torque were analyzed. Based on these results,the clutchto-clutch torque control during shifting in automatic transmission was optimized,and as a result,the shifting comfort was significantly improved since the problems such as the fluctuation and sudden drop of the engine rotating speed during shifting were eliminated.

The Li Lineage of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Professor Li Ding(李鼎)is the founder and tenured professor,doctoral supervisor at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,a Representative Inheritor for China Intangible Cultural Heritage-Acupuncture and Moxibustion.It is well known that Chinese medicine is rooted in Chinese culture and history.The inheritance of Chinese medicine cannot be separated from the inheritance of Chinese culture and history.Professor Li Ding’s path of Chinese medicine inheritance perfectly reflects the above-mentioned laws and is worthy of further exploration and research.The full text of this article is divided into three parts and will be published one after another.The first part“The Lineage of Gu Yi Tang”brings us Li’s family historical stories;the second part“The Lineage of Chinese Studies”introduces professor Li’s Chinese culture studies;and the third part“The Lineage of Dao Sheng Tang”discusses professor Li's inheritance of Chinese medicine.This article will bring our readers a rich and colorful Chinese scroll painting,which not only focuses on Chinese Medicine,acupuncture but also touches ancient Chinese history culture,Daoism,and even more.

Making Sense of an Ancient Discipline in a Modern Time:How Tai Chi(太极)Practice Benefits the Body-Mind

Tai chi(太极)is an ancient Chinese traditional martial art that,today,is also practiced as a graceful and multifaceted form of exercise.It involves a series of movements performed in a slow,focused manner accompanied by deep breathing and expanded awareness of the body,mind,and surrounding environment.There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice has value in treating or preventing many health problems and you can get started even if you are not in top shape or the best of health.This paper is a review of the research that has been conducted internationally on the health-enhancing aspects of Tai Chi practice over the past few years.It is not possible to cover all areas of research in one paper;therefore,three important areas are chosen and discussed,namely,improving balance,strengthening the bones,reducing pain and the rest will be referred to in a future article.

Survey of the History and Applications of Saffron

Fan Hong Hua(番红花saffron)is a natural product that has long been used in food and dye industries and fortreating various disorders.Saffron has a long history of applications in traditional Chinese medicine,following its introduction to China in 1979.According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine,saffron is sweet,slightly cold in nature and enters heart and liver meridians.Moreover,this spice can invigorate blood circulation,eliminate blood stasis,cool blood and eliminate heat toxins.Saffron has been used to treat asthma,phlegm,insomnia,Alzheimer’s disease,depression,fright,shock,hemoptysis,heartburn,and pain.Among the almost 70 bioactive ingredients of saffron,major constituents of this herb include safranal,crocin,and crocetin,which are responsible for the unique taste and color of saffron.These ingredients have been investigated using modern pharmaceutical research methods as potential therapeutics to treat disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,cardiovascular diseases,cancer,digestive system disorders,ocular issues,and COVID-19 infections.However,focus and emphasis on understanding the pharmacological effects of saffron in treating diseases are required.This article briefly reviews the history,cultivation processes,different qualities properties,and traditional and modern applications of this unique herb.

Expression Regulation of Starch and Storage Protein Synthesis Related Genes in Rice Grains

Starch and the storage proteins are the main nutritious substances in crop grains,and their composition and content in grains play a decisive role in the grain quality of rice and other staple food crops.This review has mainly summarized the new advances in the expression regulation of starch and storage protein synthesis related genes in rice grains.Moreover,the challenges of the starch and storage protein synthesis substances in rice genetic improvement were also discussed.This review will provide important information for genetic improvement of grain quality in rice and,potentially,other staple cereals.

Mindfulness-Based Communication: Reflections on the Role of Taiji Practice in Enhancing Intercultural Competence

Taijiquan(太极拳)is a discipline that influences the practitioners’body-mind and could lead them to a healthier state.In this article,the intercultural aspects of Taiji practice are explored,specific characteristics that practitioners could develop through the continued practice of Taijiquan.These qualities are studied through the lens of Taijiquan Classics,a collection of ancient theoretical and philosophical texts that is the foundation for Taijiquan theory and practice,in the framework of the science of intercultural communication.Our purpose is to explore yet another less-known benefit of Taijiquan practice besides its many,already well-known ones.We argue that Taijiquan has the potential to develop qualities and attributes associated with intercultural competence.

The Introduction and Localisation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia

This thesis discusses how traditional Chinese medicine was introduced to Malaysia.History records show that traditional Chinese medicine was first introduced to Malaysia in the year 1405 while 1796 saw the establishment of Malaysia's first Chinese medicine shop.With the popularization of Chinese medicine,Chinese medicine education and organizations were established.Traditional Chinese Medicine has gradually been recognized by the Malaysian government due to the efforts of the practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine.In 2004,the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Department was established at the prestigious National Cancer Institute to improve quality of life as well as provide opportunities for cure to cancer patients.

The Li Lineage of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine cannot be separated from Chinese culture and history.Professor Li Ding's path floridly embodies that,and so is worthy not just of admiration,but also of studious exploration.Aside from still,after well over half a century there,serving as a doctoral supervisor professor at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(SHUTCM),and being one of the university's founders,he continues to contribute long after having been formally declared“A representative inheritor for China intangible cultural heritage-Acupuncture and Moxibustion.”This is the second article in a three-part series on Professo r.Li Ding.The first part focuses on“The Lineage of Gu Yi Tang,”and that storied our family history we will continue discussing now,with this second installment:"The Lineage of Chinese Studies,"which introduces professor Li's Chinese cultural studies.The forthcoming third part:“The Lineage of Dao Sheng Tang”will discuss professor Li's inheritance of Chinese medicine specifically.These three articles will bring our readers a rich and colorful Chinese scroll painting,which not only focus on acupuncture and general Chinese medicine,but also touch ancient Chinese history,culture,Taoism,and even more.

Historical Evolution of Traditional Medicine in Japan

Traditional Japanese Medicine originated from traditional Chinese medicine and was first introduced to Japan directly from the mainland of China or the Korean Peninsula.After its dissemination,integration,adaption,and development in Japan for generations,it had evolved into Kampo medicine with Japanese characteristics and taken a leading role in Japanese medical practice.In history,there appeared successively schools such as Followers of Later Developments in Medicine,Followers of Classic Methods,Integrated School,and School of Textual Research.Alter Meiji Restoration,Kampo medicine experienced a tremendous impact by western medicine.However after World War II,with unremitting endeavors from learned scholars,traditional Japanese medicinje was revived again.

Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Challenge to Clinical Science and Health Policy

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been improving human health for millennia.And for that,it has gradually gained the attention of the global scientific community.TCM clinical research progresses,but slowly.I see it as being held back by perverse incentive structures in science and regulatory politics.

Discover and Unfold the Mystery of Chinese Medicine

This article shares my experience and journey in Chinese Medicine where I started back in 2014 in Malaysia for my bachelor's degree,and subsequently led me in continuing my postgraduate studies in Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia:A Brief Historical Overview of the Associations

The increasing number of TCM practitioners and herbal suppliers,both of which accelerated by the formation of various TCM institutions,substantiated the creation of regional traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)associations in post-World War II Malaya.In response to the restrictions and levies imposed by the British colonial government,these regional associations united and formed a national organisation now known as the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Medicine Dealers Association of Malaya(FCPMDAM).The current designated TCM practitioner body,the Malaysian Chinese Medical Association(MCMA)were also originally established to nurture local talents in the face of import restrictions.Owing to difference with MCMA,a separate association named the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Associations of Malaysia(FCPAAM)was setup in 2003 to absorb self-studied and patrimonial-educated TCM practitioners.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia: A Brief Historical Overview of the Institutions

Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)in British Malaya developed concurrently with the influx of Chinese immigrants.To cater for tins growing community,Chinese medical halls which sell Chinese herbs were established in major townships.Consultation and various TCM treatments were also offered by contract TCM practitioners in some of these medical halls.As the needs for TCM services continued to grow,dedicated TCM institutions were set up subsequently.The establishment of these institutions marked the beginning of professional TCM services in the history of Malaysia.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia: A Brief Historical Overview of Laws and Regulations

Although traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been a part of the Malaya and the Malaysia people’s method of maintaining health and well-being for many centuries,it was never been enrolled in the public health-care system.However,the rising cost of Western drugs and the increasing number of people frequenting TCM has driven the government to search for cheaper options and to look into its safe practice.In 1992,the government mandated all TCM herbal products to be registered with the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau.All TCM products sold in Malaysia are now Good Manufacturing Practice certified.The government has also established a Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division within the Ministry of Health.Between 2008 and 2014,a traditional and complementary medicine unit was set up in major hospitals in all states.TCM is one of the main services offered by the unit.In 2016,the government enacted the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act to regulate the TCM practice.Subsequently,a 10-vear blueprint has been drawn to support the development of all traditional and complementary medicines in Malaysia.This article aims to provide a brief overview on the regulatory development of TCM in Malaysia.

Realization Path of High-quality Development of Dairy Industry in Henan Province in the New Period

On the basis of objectively understanding the reality and existing problems of dairy industry development in Henan, according to the new development concept and the goal of high-quality development of animal husbandry, combined with the reality of Henan Province, this paper puts forward the realization path from the aspects of establishing new development concept, paying attention to innovation drive, perfecting support system, improving organization degree and strengthening policy support, which provides a useful reference for the high-quality development of dairy industry in Henan Province.

Shared Wisdom about Health Preservation in Traditional Maltese and Chinese Proverbs

Introduction Health preservation plays a vital role in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),and it is dealt with several times in the TCM classic Huang Di Nei Jing(《黄帝内经》Huangdi’s Internal Classic)compiled thousands of years ago.For example,the chapter Discourse on the True Qi Endowed by Heaven in High Antiquity contains the following description:The sages in ancient times who knew the tenets for cultivating health followed the rules of yin and yang and adjusted the ways to cultivate health.