[Analysis of the principles of Tibetan medicine processing].

Tibetan medicine processing ensures the safety of clinical application of Tibetan medicine. It is of great significance to analyze the principles of Tibetan medicine processing in the development, inheritance, and innovation of Tibetan medicine. However, due to the late start of modern Tibetan medicine research and the disciplinary division, the current research on Tibetan medicine processing focuses on the exploration and collation of traditional techniques and the analysis of the processing mechanism of Tibetan medicine through chemical and pharmacological research, but its principles and traditional theories have been rarely reported. In view of this, after analyzing the concept, essence, theories, purposes, and functions of Tibetan medicine processing through the integration of Tibetan medicine, Tibetan pharmacology, and clinical research of Tibetan medicine, this study proposed that the essence of Tibetan medicine processing was to change the "five sources" composition of medicinal materials through physical, chemical, and biological means, or the comprehensive means, and the theoretical principle of Tibetan medicine processing was to change or transform the positive and adverse effects or the obvious and recessive effects by altering the "five sources" composition of the drug to maximize the positive effect and minimize the adverse effect and the damage to the body, thereby achieving the purposes of toxicity reduction, efficacy enhancement, and drug property harmonization represented by sharpening, softening, nourishing, and reasonable compatibility. This study is expected to provide references for the construction of the theoretical system of Tibetan medicine processing, the inheritance of processing techniques, and innovative research.

Residue and distribution of drip irrigation and spray application of two diamide pesticides in corn and dietary risk assessment for different consumer groups.

BACKGROUND: As the use of diamide insecticides on corn continues to increase, there is growing concern about their residue levels on corn and dietary risks to populations. In this study, the distribution, dispersion and transfer efficiency of two diamide insecticides (tetrachlorantraniliprole (TCAP) and cyantraniliprole (CNAP)) in different parts of corn and soil were investigated in a 1-year field trial in Guangzhou and Lanzhou using two different application methods - spray and drip irrigation, respectively - and the dietary risk of the insecticides to different consumer populations was assessed under the two application methods. RESULTS: The results showed that drip irrigation had a longer persistence period than spraying, and there was a hysteresis in the absorption distribution of the agent in different parts of corn, which was gradually transferred to the leaves after absorption from the roots. The average TE1 (transfer efficiency) and TE2 were 0.230-0.261 and 1.749-1.851 for TCAP and 0.168-0.187 and 2.363-2.815 for CNAP, respectively. At corn harvest, both TCAP and CNAP were below detectable levels in soil and corn. For different consumer populations, hazard quotients ranged from 0.001 to 0.066 for TCAP and from 0.003 to 0.568 for CNAP - both well below 100%. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that TCAP and CNAP applied by spray or drip irrigation are safe for long-term risk of human intake and also provides guidance for the use of both insecticides in agricultural production to control corn pests, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Examination of acephate absorption, transport, and accumulation in maize after root irrigation for Spodoptera frugiperda control.

Since the invasion of the fall armyworm moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) in China in January 2019, damage to maize crops has gradually intensified, and chemical control has become the main control measure. This study aimed to examine methods of effective pest control while monitoring the environmental impact of pesticide use. The effectiveness of S. frugiperda pest control by foliar spraying and root irrigation of maize plants with acephate was determined, and the absorption, distribution, and dissipation of acephate and methamidophos by maize were studied. Field trials showed that acephate treatment at 6000 g a.i. ha-1 was the most effective for controlling S. frugiperda. Acephate and methamidophos were absorbed from the roots, transported upward, and concentrated in the leaves, particularly new leaves. The terminal residues of acephate and methamidophos in maize grains were below detectable levels at 60 days after treatment. The results demonstrate that acephate treatment via root irrigation can more effectively control the infestation of S. frugiperda in maize than acephate treatment via foliar spraying. The translocation and distribution of acephate and methamidophos by root irrigation were more uniform, and the holding efficiency was higher than those in foliar spraying, suggesting an extended period of control efficacy. This pest control method could be utilized to reduce pesticide residues while safely and efficiently controlling S. frugiperda infestation.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of the prickly blue poppy Meconopsis horridula Hook. f. & Thomson (Ranunculales: Papaveraceae).

The prickly blue poppy (Meconopsis horridula Hook. f. & Thomson) is a traditional Tibetan medicinal herb with high values. In this study, its chloroplast genome was determined to be 153,761 bp in length with an A + T-biased base composition, and comprises a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (26,030 bp), separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region (83,803 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (17,898 bp). A total of 113 gene species were annotated, with 20 of them being completely or partially duplicated and 18 of them harboring one or two introns. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that M. horridula is closely related to Meconopsis racemosa Maxim.

Molecular Phylogeography and Evolutionary History of the Endemic Species Corydalis hendersonii (Papaveraceae) on the Tibetan Plateau Inferred From Chloroplast DNA and ITS Sequence Variation.

In response to past climatic changes, the species with different habits or adaptive traits likely have experienced very different evolutionary histories, especially for species that restricted to high mountain areas. In order to trace how Quaternary climatic oscillations affected range distributions and intraspecific divergence of such alpine plants on the Tibetan Plateau, here, we investigated maternally inherited chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers and biparentally inherited nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA variations and aimed to explore the phylogeographic history of the endemic alpine species Corydalis hendersonii Hemsl. (Papaveraceae). We sequenced four cpDNA fragments (trnS-trnG, trnT-trnL, atpH-atpI, and psbE-petL) and also the nuclear (ITS) region in 368 individuals from 30 populations across the species' range. The network and phylogenetic analysis based on cpDNA variations identified 15 chlorotypes that cluster into three distinct clades. However, our nuclear DNA results demonstrated that there were four genetic/geographical groups within C. hendersonii. Some common and highly divergent cpDNA and ITS haplotypes were distributed in the populations of central and northeastern Tibetan Plateau, and the highest nucleotide diversity and genetic differentiation were detected in the central region. Demographic tests further indicated that the populations of southwestern and western Tibet may have experienced recent range expansion, which most likely occurred during the last glacial maximum (LGM) and continued its expansion after the beginning of the Holocene. These two different groups of this species may have derived from potential refugia that existed in the central and/or northeastern regions of Tibet during recent interglacial periods. In addition, our AMOVA analyses detected high genetic differentiation along with the whole sampling range. Also, distinct phylogeographic structures were detected among populations of C. hendersonii based on both of cpDNA and ITS variation. These findings shed new light on the importance of climatic oscillations during Quaternary and complex local topography as causes of intraspecific diversification and demographic changes within cold-tolerant herbs in the Tibetan Plateau biodiversity hotspot.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of the Musk Larkspur Delphinium brunonianum (Ranunculales: Ranunculaceae).

Musk Larkspur (Delphinium brunonianum) is a perennial herb of the family Ranunculace with medicinal values. In this study, the chloroplast (cp) genome of this herb was determined to be 153,926 bp long with an A + T-biased base composition, and comprises a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (26,559 bp), separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region (84,512 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (16,296 bp). A total of 112 gene species were annotated with 19 of them being completely or partially duplicated. Eighteen gene species harbor one or two introns. Phylogenetic analysis challenged the monophyly of the subfamily Ranunculoideae.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of the Tangut monkshood Aconitum tanguticum (Ranunculales: Ranunculaceae).

The Tangut monkshood (Aconitum tanguticum) is a perennial herb with high medicinal values. Here, its chloroplast genome was assembled from Illumina sequencing reads. The circular genome is 157,114 bp long with an A + T-biased nucleotide composition, and comprises a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (26,255 bp), separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region (87,559 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (17,045 bp). It encodes a total of 112 gene species, with 19 of them being completely or partially duplicated and 18 of them harboring one or two introns. Phylogenetic analysis recovered two major clades of the genus Aconitum.

Amelioration of dry eye syndrome in db/db mice with diabetes mellitus by treatment with Tibetan Medicine Formula Jikan Mingmu Drops.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Jikan Mingmu Drops (JMD), a traditional Tibetan medicine containing six herbs, has been used to treat dry eye syndrome (DES) in individuals with diabetes mellitus. AIM OF STUDY: However, the activity of JMD ameliorates DES with diabetes mellitus has not been previously examined. The aim of the study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of JMD on db/db mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The main chemical constituents of JMD were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. DES was then induced in db/db mice by applying 0.2% benzalkonium chloride to the ocular surface for 7 days. Eye drops containing JMD (0.25, 0.5, or 1 g/mL) or vehicle subsequently were administered three times daily for another 7 days, and the therapeutic effects were evaluated by phenol red thread tear and sodium fluorescein tests. Conjunctival specimens were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and periodic acid-Schiff staining to examine pathological changes and number of goblet cells. ELISA was performed to assess the levels of various inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: JMD contains hydroxysafflor yellow A, magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride, berberine hydrochloride, gallic acid, ellagic acid, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, camphor, isoborneol, borneol, trans-cinnamic acid, and muscone. JMD treatment significantly increased the tear volume, decreased the corneal fluorescein staining score, restored the morphology and structure of conjunctival epithelial cells, and markedly downregulated the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17α, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the conjunctiva. Further data showed that these protective effects were accompanied by inhibition of inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Amelioration of DES in db/db mice with diabetes mellitus by treatment with Tibetan medicine formula JMD maybe related to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Impatiens alpicola (Balsaminaceae: Impatiens), a rare and endemic Chinese flowering plant.

Impatiens alpicola is a newly recorded rare and endemic flowering plant in China, which has been regarded as threatened due to its narrow distribution and human activity. In this study, its complete chloroplast genome was assembled from the whole genome Illumina sequencing data. The circular genome was 151,366 bp long, containing a large single copy (LSC) region of 82,245 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,705 bp, which were separated by a pair of 25,708 bp inverted repeat (IR) regions. It encoded a total of 128 genes, including 76 protein-coding genes, 44 tRNA genes and eight rRNA genes. The most of gene species occurred as a single copy, while 18 gene species occurred in double copies. The overall A + T content was 63.1%, while the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC and IR regions were 65.4, 70.6, and 56.9%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that I. alpicola was relatively close to another species (I. piufanensis) belonging to the same genus.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Asparagus filicinus (Asparagaceae: Asparagoideae: Asparagus), a traditional Tibetan medicinal plant.

Asparagus filicinus is a traditional medicinal plant with the treatment of pneumonia and cancer, which has been classified as threatened due to habitat destruction and over-harvesting. In this study, its complete chloroplast genome was assembled from the whole genome Illumina sequencing data. The circular genome was 156,674 bp long, containing a large single copy (LSC) region of 85,003 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,663 bp, which were separated by a pair of 26,504 bp inverted repeat (IR) regions. It encoded a total of 126 genes, including 72 protein-coding genes, 46 tRNA genes and eight rRNA genes. The most of gene species occurred as a single copy, while 17 gene species occurred in double copies. The overall A + T content was 62.4%, while the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC and IR regions were 64.5, 68.4 and 57.1%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that A. filicinus was relatively close to two species belonging to the subgenus Asparagus.

Effect of Matrine on HPAC cell migration by down-regulating the expression of MT1-MMP via Wnt signaling.

AIM: This study sought to explore the exact mechanism of Matrine inhibited migration and invasion of human pancreatic cancer cells. METHODS: HPAC or Capan-1 cells were cultured in completed RPMI-1640 medium, contained with 50 µg/ml Matrine or 0.05 µg/ml docetaxel, respectively. Cell viability was evaluated by spectrophotometric analysis using MTT assay. Wound healing assay and transwell approach were used to detect the effects of Matrine on HPAC cell migration and invasion. Western Blot and RT-PCR were performed to detect the expressions of MT1-MMP, Wnt and ß-Catenin. CHIP assay was used to detect whether the MT1-MMP transcription activity correlated with Wnt signaling pathway. RESULTS: MTT results indicated that cell proliferration was inhibited by Matrine at a range of concentrations, especially at high dose. We further found that Matrine treatment significantly induced cell migration and invasion decreased. Interestingly, the expression of MT1-MMP decreased evidently upon Matrine treatment, paralleled with the expressions of Wnt and ß-Catenin detected by Western Blot and RT-PCR assay. Further analysis of MT1-MMP transcription activity revealed that Matrine reduced the expression of MT1-MMP mediated by Wnt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Matrine play a vital role in inhibiting HPAC cellular migration and invasion through down-regulating the expression of MT1-MMP via Wnt signaling pathway.

The expression of AEG-1 and Cyclin D1 in human bladder urothelial carcinoma and their clinicopathological significance.

OBJECTIVE: Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) and Cyclin D1 is associated with tumorigenesis and progression. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of AEG-1 and Cyclin D1 in human bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) and explore their clinical and pathological significance. METHODS: The expression of AEG-1 and Cyclin D1 protein were detected in 85 cases of human BUC and 16 cases of tumor-adjacent tissues by the immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The positive expression level of AEG-1 was 61.2% in human BUC which was higher than that in tumor-adjacent tissues (18.8%), P=0.002. The high expression of AEG-1 protein was correlated with the recurrence group (P=0.004). The positive rate of AEG-1 protein in superficial carcinoma group was lower than that of invasive cancer group (P=0.014). The positive expression level of Cyclin D1 was 56.5% in BUC, which was higher than that in tumor-adjacent tissues (12.5%). P=0.001. The high expression of Cyclin D1 protein was correlated with the recurrence group (P=0.024). The positive rate of Cyclin D1 protein in low grade group was lower than that of high grade group (P=0.001). The positive rate of Cyclin D1 protein in superficial carcinoma group was lower than that of invasive carcinoma group, (P=0.012). AEG-1 protein was positively correlated with Cyclin D1 protein (r=0.567, P<0.001). The log-rank test statistical analysis suggested that patients with higher AEG-1 or Cyclin D1 expression had shorter overall survival time, while patients with lower AEG-1 or Cyclin D1 expression had better survival. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of AEG-1 and Cyclin D1 are markedly correlated with TNM stage and recurrence of BUC. Cyclin D1 are markedly correlated with grade of BUC. Detection of AEG-1 and Cyclin D1 may be helpful to evaluate prognosis and infiltrative capability of BUC.

Reducing high maternal mortality rates in western China: a novel approach.

Among the Millennium Development Goals, maternal mortality reduction has proven especially difficult to achieve. Unlike many countries, China is on track to meeting these goals on a national level, through a programme of institutionalizing deliveries. Nonetheless, in rural, disadvantaged, and ethnically diverse areas of western China, maternal mortality rates remain high. To reduce maternal mortality in western China, we developed and implemented a three-level approach as part of a collaboration between a regional university, a non-profit organization, and local health authorities. Through formative research, we identified seven barriers to hospital delivery in a rural Tibetan county of Qinghai Province: (1) difficulty in travel to hospitals; (2) hospitals lack accommodation for accompanying families; (3) the cost of hospital delivery; (4) language and cultural barriers; (5) little confidence in western medicine; (6) discrepancy in views of childbirth; and (7) few trained community birth attendants. We implemented a three-level intervention: (a) an innovative Tibetan birth centre, (b) a community midwife programme, and (c) peer education of women. The programme appears to be reaching a broad cross-section of rural women. Multilevel, locally-tailored approaches may be essential to reduce maternal mortality in rural areas of western China and other countries with substantial regional, socioeconomic, and ethnic diversity.

[Exploring application of data mining technology in researching composition rules of Tibetan medical formulas].

There are thousands of medicinal formulas in the ancient Tibetan medical texts. Researching the composition rules of Tibetan medical formulas is a very important step in the study and practice of Tibetan medicine. In order to explore the composition rules of Tibetan medical formulas this article draws on the research methods utilized in related fields of traditional Chinese medicine adapted to the unique characteristics of Tibetan medicine. This is the first time the utilization of data mining methods has been proposed for the research of Tibetan medical formulas. It is believed that data mining techniques can aid researchers in discovering the composition rules of Tibetan medical formulas in accordance with Tibetan medical theory.