• A simultaneous microwave/ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction method was established for the first time. • Simultaneous microwave/ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic process can improve antioxidant capacity of juice by-product extract. • Simultaneous microwave/ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic process can increase the extraction efficiency of antioxidant ingredients. • <b>Nitraria tangutorun</b> Bobr. juice by-products extract exhibited excellent cell protection effect from oxidative injury.<br>By-products originating from food processing are a considerable disposal problem for the food industry. Because of the absence of specifically effective processing technology, huge quantities of by-products are often abandoned as rubbish and prone to microbial spoilage. Given this, a simultaneous microwave/ultrasonic assisted enzymatic extraction (SMU-AEE) method was established for the first time, and performed for antioxidant ingredients extraction from <b>Nitraria tangutorum</b> juice by-products (NJB) in the present study. Its experimental conditions were optimized by single factor test and response surface methodology (RSM), and gave the corresponding response values for antioxidant capacity of NJB extract (NJBE) of 219.73 ± 7.03 mg TE/g, which was 27.62%-190.23% higher than those obtained by traditional extraction methods. Chemical composition assay suggested that the increasing of antioxidant capacity of NJBE by SMU-AEE was because of the improvement of extraction efficiency of antioxidant ingredients from NJB, including phenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Furthermore, oxidative injury protection ability assay showed that NJBE was good at protecting cells from UVB-oxidative phototoxicity and doxorubicin-oxidative cardiotoxicity, and its protecting ability surpasses or approaches to that of grape seed extract (GSE, the positive control drug), indicating its good potential to be a natural antioxidant in food and pharmaceutical industries.
A core goal of inclusive education worldwide is to maximize the learning potential of students with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream educational settings. However, little research attention has been paid to SEN children's social and emotional gains from inclusive education compared to their academic performance. This study included social, emotional, and academic variables in a single research design, not only to test their relationships but also to explore the predictive roles of social and emotional factors in academic performance for SEN students. Participants were 515 SEN students in grades 1-6 in mainstream primary schools in Hong Kong. The results showed that the social and emotional competences of children with SEN were significant predictors of their academic performance (p < 0.001), with emotional competence having the larger impact. Although SEN students' relationships with peers and teachers were not found to be direct significant predictors of academic performance as reported in previous studies; they positively and significantly predicted emotional and social competences of SEN students (p < 0.001). Implications for establishing a caring campus, as well as developing educational interventions which will increase SEN students' positive emotional experiences and foster and maintain their adaptive social and emotional competences are discussed.
Emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O) contribute to global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion. Anthropogenic N₂O emissions predominately result from the addition of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers to terrestrial ecosystems. Usually, an exponential increase in N₂O emissions occurs as N addition rates increase to exceed plant demands. However, most evidence to date is from temperate areas, with little information available for alpine ecosystems. Here we examined the changes in N₂O flux under eight N addition levels and the mechanisms regulating these changes in a Tibetan alpine steppe. Our results showed that N₂O emission rate increased linearly with increasing N additions. Even when soil N availability exceeded plant N uptake, no sharp N₂O emissions were observed. The likely explanation was that decreased soil temperature limited the growth of nitrification-related microorganisms, mainly ammonia-oxidizing archaea, which further attenuated the positive response of N₂O emissions to excess N supply. These findings suggest that the N-induced changes in soil temperature regulate the growth of nitrifying microorganisms and the subsequent N₂O fluxes in this alpine steppe, and the exponential N₂O emission-N rate relationship observed in warm regions may not be simply extrapolated to alpine ecosystems.<br>N₂O emission exhibited a linear, rather than an exponential, response to increasing N additionsN₂O flux was explained by the changes in AOA along this N addition gradientDecreased soil temperature limited the growth of AOA, weakening the positive response of N₂O flux to excess N supplies
The Rgyud bzhi, the classical Tibetan medical text and teaching manual for Tibetan medicine, was compiled by G.yu thog Yon tan mgon po in the twelfth century. Since the composition of the Rgyud bzhi, numerous commentaries on the text have been produced in Tibetan. This thesis considers the sources that the author drew upon in writing this work. While previous Western scholarship has only been able to recognize the influence of Indian medical texts on the Rgyud bzhi, this thesis introduces several works that were either composed or written in Tibetan prior to the translation of the main Indian medical work that influenced Tibetan medicine, the As[dotbelow]t[dotbelow]an gahr[dotbelow]dayasam[dotbelow]hit a, and which can be shown to have directly influenced major sections of the Rgyud bzhi . This thesis also points to numerous places in the work that were likely to have been the original composition of G.yu thog Yon tan mgon po. It demonstrates the multiply sources upon which the author drew and shows his creative process in synthesizing various threads of Asian medicine. It also identifies three works that G.yu thog wrote prior to the Rgyud bzhi, which served as drafts for the eventual magnum opus . The thesis begins with a survey of past research in both Tibetan and Western languages on the origins of the Rgyud bzhi . Then it moves in chapter one to provide a general overview of the early introduction of medical traditions from a variety of places and lineages into Tibet in the seventh to ninth centuries. It introduces several very important early medical texts that contributed to the formation of the Rgyud bzhi. They are Byang khog dmar byang gsal ba'i sgron me, Bi ji'i po ti kha ser, and Sman dpyad zla ba'i rgyal po . These texts appear to pre-date the Tibetan translation of As[dotbelow]t[dotbelow] an gahr[dotbelow]dayasam[dotbelow]hita and might even have been composed as early as during the Tibetan Empire. It also discusses the translation and transmission of As[dotbelow]t[dotbelow] an gahr[dotbelow]dayasam[dotbelow]hita in Tibet in the eleventh century, and provides an overview of its relationship to the Rgyud bzhi . Finally it provides a detailed history of what we know about the authorship and subsequent transmission of the Rgyud bzhi itself. This includes a study of the life of G.yu thog Yon tan mgon po, and in particular, three of his early works that I argue served as drafts or earlier versions of parts of the Rgyud bzhi . Chapter two offers a survey of the principal sources for each chapter of the Rgyud bzhi . I do this by comparing the content and structure of the text with the Indian work As[dotbelow]t[dotbelow] an gahr[dotbelow]dayasam[dotbelow]hita as well as with what I am calling "pre- As[dotbelow]t[dotbelow] an ga medical works," and the early G.yu thog drafts. A comparative analysis of these works with the Rgyud bzhi is presented in detail in the chapter. Chapter three provides a translation of two sections in the abdominal wounds chapter of the Rgyud bzhi . The chapter compares the abdominal wounds sections of the Rgyud bzhi with the corresponding section in the Byang khog dmar byang gsal ba'i sgron me, Bi ji'i po ti kha ser, and the early G.yu thog works. The last chapter provides the conclusion of the entire thesis, which speculates upon what this exercise has taught us about the history of medicine in Tibet and the formation of the Rgyud bzhi . This dissertation shows that the Rgyud bzhi had many sources and demonstrates in detail how diverse early sources contributed to the creation of the Rgyud bzhi, sources that no scholar to date has identified with precision. In addition, this thesis questions the more basic assumption that the Rgyud bzhi has always been the "root" and only main text of Tibetan medicine. It shows that there were several early works that were important during the time of G.yu thog Yon tan mgon po, and it also identifies his own influential works that functioned as draft versions of the Rgyud bzhi.
<i>Gentiana straminea</i> is the famous Tibetan folk medicine thought to cure various diseases. Historically, the Qinghai-Tibetan region has been considered as the geo-authentic production area of “Mahua Jiao,” where large quantities of the medicine are grown. However, there is still little known about the phytochemical constituent spatial variation of this species. In order to find the differences between the main phytochemical constituents of <i>G. straminea</i> and to provide comprehensive information for quality evaluation, four main bioactive compounds (loganic acid, swertiamarin, gentiopicroside and sweroside) were analysed in 26 populations grown in areas with elevations ranging from 2320 to 4720 m across the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The results showed that the four phytochemical constitutes’ concentrations varied greatly in the spatial profiling of the Qinghai-Tibetan region. Throughout the range of distribution of this species, no altitudinal, latitudinal or longitudinal trends have proven to be significant in any of the four constitutes’ concentrations or their summation. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering analysis and statistical tests showed that four populations (Liu0609-18, Liu0609-15, Liu2006-13-9 and Liu0609-22) had total constitute contents that were higher than other populations. The spatial profiling of the four phytochemical constituents suggests that the geo-authentic producing area of this species exists at a few regions within the Qinghai province, which could be attributed to specific environmental or genetic factors.
Objective: To establish an HPLC-ELSD fingerprint of the whole herbs of Morina nepalensis and perform the correlation analysis of chemical components of the herb and nitric oxide (NO) production inhibition.; Method: HPLC-ELSD assay was performed to evaluate 10 batches of M. nepalensis herbs. The chromatographic conditions were as following: Eclipse XDB C18 column (4.6 mm x 150 mm, 5 microm), water (A) and acetonitrile (B) as a gradient mobile phases, flow rate 1.0 mL x min(-1), and column temperature at 35 degress C. Evaporative light-detection conditions: atomization temperature at 104 degrees C, the flow rate of N2 2.8 L x min(-1) and 10 microL sample injection. Chromatographic fingerprint was developed, and the inhibition activity of production of NO in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages was also analyzed. The similarity and correlation analysis between the HPLC-ELSD fingerprints and NO production inhibition were carried out by PLS method.; Result: The common mode for M. nepalensis herb fingerprint was established, including 15 common characteristic peaks. Among them, 7 peaks were positively correlated with the NO production inhibition. According to the assessment on the similarity of 10 batches of samples, a similarity of over 0.90 were shown in HPLC-ELSD fingerprint and all samples were separated into two groups.; Conclusion: This method can be used to assess the quality of M. nepalensis, which provides a reliable method for scientific assessment and quality control.;
Alpine shrubland ecosystems in the Three Rivers Source Region (TRSR) store substantial soil organic carbon (SOC), but the storage, patterns and control of SOC in those ecosystems have rarely been investigated. In this study, using data from 66 soil profiles surveyed from 22 sites between 2011 and 2013, we estimated the storage and patterns of SOC, and their relationships with climatic factors, elevation, ground cover and slope. Our results showed that SOC storage in the top 100 cm across the TRSR shrubland was 0.68 ± 0.38 Pg C, with an average SOC density (soil carbon storage per area) of 26.21 ± 14.58 kg m−2. Spatially, SOC density increased with longitude and latitude. Vertically, SOC in the topsoil at 30 cm and 50 cm accounted for 56% and 75%, respectively, of the total at 100 cm. SOC density showed a decreasing trend with increasing elevation, but it was greater in regions of higher ground cover. The density had no relationship with either mean annual precipitation or slope. Increasing mean annual temperature had positive effects on SOC density, which is inconsistent with the global trend. With increasing soil depth, however, the effects of temperature on SOC density were not significant. Therefore, in a global warming scenario, increasing temperature gives shrubland considerable C sink potential on the topsoil, and the regions of C sequestration differ as a result of uneven increases in temperature. Hence, further monitoring of dynamic changes is necessary to provide a more accurate assessment of potential C sequestration in TRSR shrubland.<br>• Storage and patterns of SOC were investigated in the TRSR shrubland. • SOC has no relationship with both precipitation and slope. • SOC was decreasing with elevation, but larger with both ground cover and temperature.
OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Tibetan Madicine Wangla.METHOD: Sepearing the chemical constituents by means of chromatography and identifying their structures on the basis of MS and NMR spectra and TLC with authentic samples.
RESULT: Eight compounds were isolated as 4-[(4-hydroxyphenyl) methoxy]benzenemethanol(I), 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl methane(II), 4,4'-dihydroxydibenzyl ether(III), gastrodin(IV), 4-hydroxy benzenemethanol(V), 4-hydroxybenz aldehyde(VI), beta-sitosterol(VII) and beta-daucosterol(VIII).
CONCLUSION: All the compounds were obtained from genus Coeloglassum for the first time. The compound I is a new natural product.
Recent studies on chemical constituents of Dali and their pharmacological activities were reviewed. Dali, a Tibetan medicine, consists of two Tibetan plants: Rhododendron anthopogoniodes Maxim. and R. primulaeflorum Bur. et Franch. Dali mainly contains essential oils, flavonoids and triterpenoids. The pharmacological activities of Dali are widely proved in eliminating phlegm, relieve cough and anti-asthmatic activities. As a clinical drug, it is also used for treatment of chronic bronchitis and coronary artery disease.
Graphical abstract Highlights • The anti-hyperuricemia effects and active components of the traditional Tibetan medicine formula TFTS were investigated. • Total 106 compontents were identified or characterized in TFTS by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. • It was summarized the diagnostic ion and neutral loss patterns of MS/MS cracking of tannic compounds. Abstract TongFengTangSan (TFTS), a traditional Tibetan medicine comprising of Tinospora sinensis (TS), Terminalia chebula Retz (TC) and Trogopterori faeces (TF), is used to treat joint diseases like gout, gout arthritis, swelling, pain etc. Despite the significant therapeutic effects of TFTS, its pharmacological components have not been analyzed so far. Therefore, the chemical composition of the effective part of TFTS was analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). The results show that the ethanol extract (EE) of TFTS was more effective in reducing the serum uric acid (SUA) and XOD (Serum and Liver) levels in a hyperuricemic rats model compared to the TFTS raw powder (RP). UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS identified a total of 106 compounds in the positive and negative ion mode, of which 87 were from TC, 13 from TS and 6 from TF. In addition, 106 compounds contained 57 tannins, 6 triterpenoids, 10 alkaloids, 7 flavonoids, 22 organic acids and 4 phenylpropanoids. The preliminary results indicate that the EE of TFTS includes the active anti hyperuricemic substances. The present study first investigated the efficacy and the active components of TFTS in hyperuricemic treatment, and further summarized the diagnostic ion and neutral loss patterns of MS/MS cracking of tannic compounds. These findings lay the foundation for the further study and clinical application of TFTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Four common traditional tibetan medicine prescription preparations "Anzhijinghuasan, Dangzuo, Renqingchangjue and Rannasangpei" in tibetan areas were selected as study objects in the present study. The purpose was to try to establish a kind of wet digestion and flow injection-hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-HAAS) associated analysis method for the content determinations of lead and arsenic in traditional tibetan medicine under optimized digestion and measurement conditions and determine their contents accurately. Under these optimum operating conditions, experimental results were as follows. The detection limits for lead and arsenic were 0.067 and 0.012 µg · mL(-1) respectively. The quantification limits for lead and arsenic were 0.22 and 0.041 µg · mL(-1) respectively. The linear ranges for lead and arsenic were 25-1,600 ng · mL(-1) (r = 0.9995) and 12.5-800 ng · mL(-1) (r = 0.9994) respectively. The degrees of precision(RSD) for lead and arsenic were 2.0% and 3.2% respectively. The recovery rates for lead and arsenic were 98.00%-99.98% and 96.67%-99.87% respectively. The content determination results of lead and arsenic in four traditional tibetan medicine prescription preparations were as fol- lows. The contents of lead and arsenic in Anzhijinghuasan are 0.63-0.67 µg · g(-1) and 0.32-0.33 µg · g(-1) in Anzhijinghua- san, 42.92-43.36 µg · g(-1) and 24.67-25.87 µg · g(-1) in Dangzuo, 1,611. 39-1,631.36 µg · g(-1) and 926.76-956.52 µg- g(-1) in Renqing Changjue, and 1,102.28-1,119.127 µg-g(-1) and 509.96-516.87 µg · g(-1) in Rannasangpei, respectively. This study established a method for content determination of lead and arsenic in traditional tibetan medicine, and determined the content levels of lead and arsenic in four tibetan medicine-prescription preparations accurately. In addition, these results also provide the basis for the safe and effective use of those medicines in clinic.
OBJECTIVE: To study the heat processing technics of Nanhanshuishi.METHOD: To find the best processing technic, the single factor experiments and orthogonal experiments were designed basing on the processing technics summarized by consulting documents, scriptures and investigating some Tibetan hospitals, meanwhile, the content of Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in the processed Nanhanshuishi in single factor experiments and orthogonal experiments were detected.
RESULT: The best processing technic of Nanhanshuishi was as follows: Nanhanshuishi was crashed to 10-20 mm in diameter, the ratio of the weight of Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix and potassium nitrate was 1: 2, and the boiling time was 3 h.
CONCLUSION: The work in this article provided a basic processing technic data for clarifying the mechanism of processing and establishing the perfect processing technics of Nanhanshuishi.
Zuotai (gTso thal) is a typical representative of Tibetan medicines containing heavy metals, but there is still lack of modem safety evaluation data so far. In this study, acute toxicity test, sub-acute toxicity test, one-time administration mercury distribution experiment, long-term mercury accumulative toxicity experiment and preliminary study on clinical safety of Compound Dangzuo were conducted in the hope of obtain the medicinal safety data of Zuotai. In the acute toxicity test, half of KM mice given the lethal dose of Zuotai were not died or poisoned, and LD50 was not found. The maximum tolerated dose of Zuotai was 80 g x kg(-1). In the subacute toxicity test, Zuotai could reduce ALT, AST, Crea levels in serums under low dose (13.34 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and medium dose (53.36 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), with significant difference under low dose, and increase the levels of ALT, AST, MDA, Crea in serums under high dose (2 000 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)); besides, the levels of BUN and GSH in serums reduced with the increase in dose of Zuotai, indicating a significant dose-effect relationship. In the one-time administration distribution experiment, the content of mercury in rat kidney, liver and lung increased after the one-time administration with Zuotai, with a significant dose-dependent relationship in kidney. In the long-term mercury accumulative toxicity experiment, KM mice were administered with equivalent doses of Zuotai for 4.5 months and then stopped drug administration for 1.5 months. Since the 2.5th month, they showed significant mercury accumulation in kidney, which gradually reduced after drug withdrawal, without significant change in mercury content in liver, spleen and brain and ALT, AST, TBIL, BUN and Crea in serum. At the 4.5th month after drug administration, KM mice showed slight structural changes in kidney, liver and spleen tissues, and gradually recovered to normal after drug withdrawal. Besides, no significant difference in weight gain was found between the Zuotai group and the control group. According to the findings of the clinical safety study of Dangzuo, after subjects administered Dangzuo under clinical dose for one month, their serum biochemical indicators, blood routine indicators and urine routine indicators showed no significant adverse change. This study proved that traditional Tibetan medicine Zuotai was slightly toxic, with a better safety in clinical combined administration and no adverse effects on bodies under the clinical dose and clinical medication cycle. However, long-term high-dose administration of Zuotai may have a certain effect on kidney.;
The objective of the present study is to research the herb of Swertia mussotii Franch and its different extracts by tristep infrared spectroscopy. The main constitute of Swertia mussotii Franch-gentiamarin, which is also the higher content constitute, was selected as the control components to analyze the infrared spectroscopy and second derivative infrared spectroscopy of different extracts of Swertia mussotii Franch, at the same time, the different concentration of ethanol extracts were also analyzed by two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS). The results indicated that the intensity of 1 611 and 1 075 cm(-1) of gentiamarin, which are its two main absorptions in the infrared spectra, has the positive correlation with the content change in different extracts. The infrared spectroscopy of extracts are similar if the polarity of extract solvents is close; with the decreases in solution polarity, the intensity of 2 853, 1 733, 1 464, 1 277 and 1 161 cm(-1) in infrared spectroscopy of different extracts is increased, the content of esters and the extraction percentage terpenoid compounds are also increased; the different concentration of ethanol extracts has obviously difference when they are analyzed by two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS). The positive correlation between the intensity of absorptions and the content of the gentiamarin indicates that the infrared spectroscopy can reflect the content change in constitute; the similar and the change trend of the different concentrations of ethanol extract infrared spectroscopy approve the scientificalness of decoction of traditional medicine; infrared spectroscopy that used in the research can be used as an accurate, rapid and effective method in the pharmacological activity tests of transitional herbal Swertia mussotii F. and it's different extracts, even in the research on the tibetan medicine.
In clinical practice at Tibetan area of China, Traditional Tibetan Medicine formula Wuwei-Ganlu-Yaoyu-Keli (WGYK) is commonly added in warm water of bath therapy to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, its mechanism of action is not well interpreted yet. In this paper, we first verify WGYK's anti-RA effect by an animal experiment. Then, based on gene expression data from microarray experiments, we apply approaches of network pharmacology to further reveal the mechanism of action for WGYK to treat RA by analyzing protein-protein interactions and pathways. This study may facilitate our understanding of anti-RA effect of WGYK from perspective of network pharmacology.
In clinical practice at Tibetan area of China, Traditional Tibetan Medicine formula Wuwei-Ganlu-Yaoyu-Keli (WGYK) is commonly added in warm water of bath therapy to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, its mechanism of action is not well interpreted yet. In this paper, we first verify WGYK's anti-RA effect by an animal experiment. Then, based on gene expression data from microarray experiments, we apply approaches of network pharmacology to further reveal the mechanism of action for WGYK to treat RA by analyzing protein-protein interactions and pathways. This study may facilitate our understanding of anti-RA effect of WGYK from perspective of network pharmacology.
Finalist - 2014 IndieFab Book AwardsThe Internal Foundation of Tai Chi Chuan Tai chi chuan is an internal martial art that uses soft/round movements to redirect an opponent's incoming force. Qigong exercises are an internal method of increasing and circulating your body's energy (qi). This book teaches tai chi qigong exercises that are useful for improving your tai chi skills and overall health. If you already know a tai chi form, here are a few ways you will use tai chi qigong to reach new levels of skill and ability: - To feel qi- To regulate body, breathing, and intention- To learn how to use intention to lead qi- To learn how to circulate qi- To learn how to expand qi- To learn how to use qi to energize muscles- To accelerate the health benefits of tai chi If you don't know tai chi, but want to benefit from qigong exercises, here are a few ways tai chi qigong can help you: - The exercises are short and easy to learn- They help reduce stress- They loosen muscles and joints- They stimulate qi flow- They can help develop a strong immune system- They sharpen concentration- They build a deeper awareness of breath and body coordination
P. t.1061 preserved at the Manuscripts Department of the Bibiothèque Nationle de France, is a Dunhuang Tibetan veterinary medical manuscript that focuses on the surgical therapy of equine rhinopathy. The method of blowing a small quantity of ammonium chloride through a bamboo tube to treat horse nasal sinus diseases was described in the original scroll; if not effective, burn with a proper cauterization apparatus; if still ineffective, prick with a fine bloodletting needle; if still not effective, operate frontal trephination. The frontal trephination documented in P. t.1061 is by far the earliest record in Tibetan language of relative operation so far discovered.
Using paradigms from game theory, researchers have reported abnormal decision-making in social context in patients with schizophrenia. However, less is known about the underpinnings of the impairment. This study aimed to test whether theory of mind (ToM) deficits and/or neurocognitive dysfunctions mediate impaired social decision-making in patients with schizophrenia.
Collaborating Authors: Bee Gunn, Wayne Law, George Yatskievych, Wu Sugong, Fang Zhendong, Ma Jian, Wang Yuhua, Andrew Willson, Peng Shengjing, Zhang Chuanling, Sun Hongyan, Meng Zhengui, Liu Lin, Senam Dorji, Ana, Liqing Wangcuo, Sila Cili, Adu, Naji, Amu, Sila Cimu, Sila Lamu, Lurong Pingding, Zhima Yongzong, Loangbao, Bianma Cimu, Gerong Cili, Wang Kai, Sila Pingchu, Axima, and Benjamin Staver. Tibetan land use near Khawa Karpo, Northwest Yunnan, China, incorporates indigenous forest management, gathering, pastoralism, and agriculture. With field-based GIS, repeat photography, and Participatory Rural Appraisal we quantitatively compare land use between higher and lower villages, and between villages with and without roads. Households in higher elevation (>3,000 meters) villages cultivate more farmland (z = −5.387, P ≤ 0.001), a greater diversity of major crops (z = −5.760, P < 0.001), a higher percentage of traditional crops, and fewer cash crops (z = −2.430, P = 0.015) than those in lower elevation villages (<2,500 meters). Villages with roads grow significantly more cash crops (z = −6.794, P ≤ 0.001). Both lower villages and villages with roads travel farther to access common property resources. Historical analyses indicate agricultural intensification in valleys, an increase in houses, new crop introduction, hillside aforestation, cessation of hunting, glacial retreat, and timber-line advance within the past century. We suggest that Tibetan land use reveals trade-offs between high, remote villages and lower villages near roads. Higher villages offer abundant land and access to natural resources but short growing seasons and little market access; in contrast, lower villages have road and market access, an extended growing season, and modern technology, but limited access to land and many other natural resources.
Background: The stems of Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr commonly named "Kuan-Jin-Teng" in Chinese, have been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis as a Tibetan medicine.Purpose: The effects of the EtOAc fraction of ethanolic extract from the stems of T. sinensis (KJT) on the pro-inflammatory cytokines and MAPK pathway were studied in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model.Study Design: Anti-arthritic activity of KJT was investigated in CIA model.Methods: The chemical constituents of KJT were analyzed by LC-MS and HPLC. The CIA model was established with injecting the bovine CII emulsified in Freund's adjuvant in Wistar rats. Several doses of KJT (50.0, 100.0 and 200.0 mg/kg) were administrated via oral gavage to CIA rats daily for 4 weeks. The anti-arthritic activity of KJT was investigated by clinical arthritis scoring, paw swelling inspection and hyperalgesia measurement, as well as radiological and histological analysis in CIA rats. The impacts of KJT on the activation of MAPK pathway, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-17) in ankle joints, serum, and spleen in CIA rats were examined by western blot, immunohistochemical staining, ELISA, and quantitative real-time PCR respectively. Lastly, the effects of KJT on production of the nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as the regulation of the phosphorylation of p38 and Erk were detected in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells.Results: KJT significantly alleviated the paw swelling, hyperalgesia and arthritic severity, and reduced the synovial tissue proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the CIA rats. Moreover, KJT suppressed the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-17 in ankle joints, serum, and spleen and reversed the up-regulation of the phosphorylation of p38 and Erk in CIA rats. KJT was also demonstrated to inhibit the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), and phosphorylation of p38 and Erk in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.Conclusion: These results suggest the mechanisms of KJT performing its anti-arthritis effect may be attributed to inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and down-regulating the MAPK signaling pathway.
Jiuzhaigou National Park (JNP) is a site of global conservation significance. Conservation policies in JNP include the implementation of two national reforestation programs to increase forest cover and the exclusion of local land-use. We use archaeological excavation, ethnographic interviews, remote sensing and vegetation surveys to examine the implications of these policies for non-forest, montane meadows. We find that Amdo Tibetan people cultivated the valley for >2,000 years, creating and maintaining meadows through land clearing, burning and grazing. Meadows served as sites for gathering plants and mushrooms and over 40 % of contemporary species are ethnobotanically useful. Remote sensing analyses indicate a substantial (69.6 %) decline in meadow area between 1974 and 2004. Respondents report a loss of their “true history” and connections to the past associated with loss of meadows. Conservation policies intended to preserve biodiversity are unintentionally contributing to the loss of these ecologically and culturally significant meadow habitats.
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