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Using data for 25,780 species categorized on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, we present an assessment of the status of the world’s vertebrates. One-fifth of species are classified as Threatened, and we show that this figure is increasing: On average, 52 species of mammals, birds, and amphibians move one category closer to extinction each year. However, this overall pattern conceals the impact of conservation successes, and we show that the rate of deterioration would have been at least one-fifth again as much in the absence of these. Nonetheless, current conservation efforts remain insufficient to offset the main drivers of biodiversity loss in these groups: agricultural expansion, logging, overexploitation, and invasive alien species.Though the threat of extinction is increasing, overall declines would have been worse in the absence of conservation. Though the threat of extinction is increasing, overall declines would have been worse in the absence of conservation.

Nitraria tangutorum Bor., having edible berries, is valued for reputed health benefits in Qinghai-Tibet plateau. The phytochemical research on the fruit juice of N. tangutorum led to the isolation of twenty-six compounds including five new compounds, tangutorids A-D (1, 2, 3a, and 3b), and (3E,5E)-7-O-β-glucosyl-4-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)hepta-3,5-dienoic acid (15). The structures of these compounds were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. Tangutorids A-F were the first examples of glucose-derived β-carbolines from natural products. The biogenetic pathways of 1-8 were proposed to involve Pictet-Spengler reactions and described starting from the co-isolated tryptophan (10) and corresponding aldehydes. All isolates were evaluated for their antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Compounds 21, 22, and 24 showed antioxidant activity with SC50 values ranging from 12.2±1.9 to 30.4±2.7μg/mL, and compound 1 showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory effect with IC50 value of 63.3±4.6μg/mL.

Asterothamnus centrali-asiaticus, a kind of characteristic shrub abundant in grassland and desert areas, has been used as forage fodder for camels and goats in Central Asia, and this plant also plays a critical role in the maintenance of desert grassland ecosystems as a result of its tolerance to poor soils and sand burial. However, its chemical composition has been rarely reported. In this study, phytochemical investigation of this pasturage was performed and three new triterpenoid saponins (1-3) were isolated together with nine known triterpenoid saponins (4-12) using preparative two-dimensional reversed-phase liquid chromatography/hydrophilic interaction chromatography (2D RPLC/HILIC). Their structures were elucidated via diverse spectroscopic analyses, including infrared (IR) spectrometry, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS), and one-dimensional (1D) and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). All isolated triterpenoid saponins (1-12) were reported from this genus for the first time, and they were further evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four cancer cell lines (A549, HepG2, MGC-803, and MFC), which indicated that compound 11 showed potent cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cell line, with an IC50 value of 6.85 μg/mL.

<p>This issue of the journal <em>Materials for Historical Research on Kanlho</em> (Kan lho'i lo rgyus dpyad gzhi'i yig rigs) provides short histories for over 80 Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu Province, China. (Ben Deitle 2009-07-15)</p>

OBJECTIVE: To study the material composition of Tibetan medicine "Brag-zhun", and to provide the basis for interpretation of its source and reference for the establishment of quality standards.METHODS: Pharmacognosy routine method was used in macroscopic and microscopic identifications, inductively coupled plasma spectrometry was carried out to determine 26 kinds of mineral elements,and X-ray diffraction analysis was used for the crystalline phase detection of Brag-zhun. The content of calcium,organic matter, humic acid and fulvic acid was determined according to GB/T 14610-2008, "technical specification for soil analysis" , GB/T 11957-2001 and capacity titration, respectively. Moisture, ash content, acid insoluble ash content and water soluble extract were determined with reference to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 edition). RESULTS: Animal feces were commonly found in Brag-zhun, the main crystal phase was SiO2, 26 kinds of mineral elements content in total was about 3%, 13 batches of medicinal materials in organic matter content was 29.03%-71.79%. Humic acid content was 28.37%-58.51%; fulvic acid content was 19.69%-41.43%; moisture was 5.2% -11.7%; total ash content was 17.82%-64.39%; acid insoluble ash content was 2.10%-39.09%; and water soluble extract was 28.39%-57.40%. CONCLUSION: The traditional record of Brag-zhun from molten juice is lack of scientific basis. The mineral elements in Brag-zhun exist in amorphous. Brag-zhun contains a lot of organic matter including humic acid and fulvic acid, and inorganic matter mainly comes from sediment. The organic matter in rock has gone through a long geological evolution.

INTRODUCTION:Given the known link between asthma and stress as well as the link between mindfulness and stress, we explore the possible association between trait mindfulness and asthma-related diagnosis and symptoms with a cross-sectional study. METHOD: In 2014, we surveyed a sample of college students in their freshman year, from a public university in Shanghai, China. We used three multilevel logistic regressions to estimate the association between trait mindfulness (measured by Mindful Awareness Attention Scale, MAAS) and self-report of ever having an asthma diagnosis, ever having had persistent dry cough, and ever having had wheezing symptoms. Age, gender, household registration status, and the frequency of smog in the respondent's hometown were used as control variables in the study. The home province of the student was used as the cluster variable in the multilevel models. RESULTS: Among the 1392 students in the analysis sample (mean age = 18.3), 47 (3.4%) self-reported an asthma diagnosis, 251 (18.1%) reported having had persistent dry cough, and 100 (7.2%) reported having had wheezing symptoms. A one-unit increase in MAAS is negatively associated with having a self-reported asthma diagnosis (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.662, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.452, 0.969, p = 0.034), having had persistent dry cough (OR: 0.658, 95% CI: 0.545, 0.795, p < 0.001), and wheezing (OR = 0.747, 95% CI: 0.569, 0.981, p = 0.036). DISCUSSION: This is the first study to suggest a link between trait mindfulness and asthma. Our finding provides evidence that people with higher level of mindfulness are less likely to have had an asthma diagnosis and less likely to have the symptoms of persistent dry cough and wheezing.

INTRODUCTION:To better understand the documented link between mindfulness and longevity, we examine the association between mindfulness and conscious avoidance of secondhand smoke (SHS), as well as the association between mindfulness and physical activity. METHOD: In Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) we surveyed a convenience sample of 1516 college freshmen. We measured mindfulness, weekly physical activity, and conscious avoidance of secondhand smoke, along with demographic and behavioral covariates. We used a multilevel logistic regression to test the association between mindfulness and conscious avoidance of secondhand smoke, and used a Tobit regression model to test the association between mindfulness and metabolic equivalent hours per week. In both models the home province of the student respondent was used as the cluster variable, and demographic and behavioral covariates, such as age, gender, smoking history, household registration status (urban vs. rural), the perceived smog frequency in their home towns, and the asthma diagnosis. RESULTS: The logistic regression of consciously avoiding SHS shows that a higher level of mindfulness was associated with an increase in the odds ratio of conscious SHS avoidance (logged odds: 0.22, standard error: 0.07, p < 0.01). The Tobit regression shows that a higher level of mindfulness was associated with more metabolic equivalent hours per week (Tobit coefficient: 4.09, standard error: 1.13, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: This study is an innovative attempt to study the behavioral issue of secondhand smoke from the perspective of the potential victim, rather than the active smoker. The observed associational patterns here are consistent with previous findings that mindfulness is associated with healthier behaviors in obesity prevention and substance use. Research designs with interventions are needed to test the causal link between mindfulness and these healthy behaviors.

A new isocoumarin, along with 10 known compounds, was isolated from the aerial parts of Aconitum gymnandrum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Among the known compounds, compound 11 was obtained as a natural product for the first time, which was previously reported as a synthetic product. In addition, compounds 1-5, 7 and 9 were tested for their cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines. The results showed that compounds 3, 4 and 7 displayed cytotoxicity against lung cancer A549 and gastric cancer MGC80, respectively, whereas 5 and 9 showed selective cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2.

A new isocoumarin, along with 10 known compounds, was isolated from the aerial parts of Aconitum gymnandrum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Among the known compounds, compound 11 was obtained as a natural product for the first time, which was previously reported as a synthetic product. In addition, compounds 1-5, 7 and 9 were tested for their cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines. The results showed that compounds 3, 4 and 7 displayed cytotoxicity against lung cancer A549 and gastric cancer MGC80, respectively, whereas 5 and 9 showed selective cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2.

Phytochemical investigation on <b>Asterothamnus centrali-asiaticus</b> afforded four new sesquiterpenes, asterothamnones A-D (<b>1</b>-<b>4</b>), and three new benzofuran derivatives (<b>5</b>-<b>7</b>) together with ten known compounds (<b>8</b>-<b>17</b>). Their structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR and X-ray diffraction analyses. Compounds <b>1</b>-<b>4</b> were verified to be unusual eudesmane sesquiterpenes possessing 4,6-dien-3-one or 1,4,6-triene-3-one conjugated system. The absolute configurations of compounds <b>1</b>-<b>8</b> were established by means of calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Furthermore, all isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic and anti-oxidant activities. Results showed that <b>10</b>, <b>12</b> and, <b>14</b> exhibited cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cancer cells and <b>14</b> displayed cytotoxicity against MGC-803 cancer cells. Compounds <b>10</b> and <b>17</b> showed anti-oxidant effect.<br><br>Display Omitted

The article discusses the renovations that are carried out for historic courtyards in Lhasa in Tibet, China to preserve the city's cultural symbols and discusses how these courtyards showcase the lives of their residents and the history of the region. Topics include the challenges that residents of these ancient courtyards in Lhasa face when it comes to renovating them, and information on how Tibetan medicine serves the people of the region.

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of a Tibetan medicine Meconopsis quintuplinervia.METHOD: Column chromatographic techniques were applied to isolate constituents. A combination of IR, MS and NMR spectroscopy was used to identify structures of constituents. RESULT: Twelve compounds were isolated from the ethanolic extract and their structures were elucidated as quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (I), quercetin 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->6)-glucopyranoside (II), kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (III), isorhamnetin 3-0-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (IV), caffeic acid (V), protocatechuic acid (VI), p-hydroxycinnamic (VII), 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl )-ethyl-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (VIII), p-hydroxybenzoyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (IX), 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(Z)-p-coumaric acid (X), 5, 7-dihydroxy-4H-4-chromenone (XI), daucosterol (XII). CONCLUSION: Ten compounds were isolated from this genus for the first time except for XI and XII.

A new xanthone glycoside ( 1 ) has been isolated from Swertia franchetiana together with five known xanthone glycosides. Their structures were elucidated as 7- O -[&beta;- d -xylopyranosyl-(1&rarr;2)-&beta;- d -xylopyranosyl]-1,7,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone ( 1 ), 7- O -[&alpha;- l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1&rarr;2)-&beta;- d -xylopyranosyl]-1,7,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone ( 2 ), 8- O- &beta;- d -glucopyranosyl-1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone ( 3 ), 1- O- &beta;- d -glucopyranosyl-1-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyxanthone ( 4 ), 1- O -[&beta;- d -xylopyranosyl-(1&rarr;6)-&beta;- d -glucopyranosyl]-1-hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethoxyxanthone ( 5 ) and 1- O -[&beta;- d -xylopyranosyl-(1&rarr;6)-&beta;- d -glucopyranosyl]-1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone ( 6 ) on the basis of spectroscopic evidence.

Background: The link between trait mindfulness and several dimensions of aggression (verbal, anger and hostility) has been documented, while the link between physical aggression and trait mindfulness remains less clear. Method: We used two datasets: one United States sample from 300 freshmen males from Clemson University, South Carolina and a Chinese sample of 1516 freshmen students from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Multiple regressions were conducted to examine the association between mindfulness (measured by Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS)) and each of the four subscales of aggression. Results: Among the Clemson sample (N = 286), the mindfulness scale had a significant negative association with each of the four subscales of aggression: Hostility: β = −0.62, p < 0.001; Verbal: β = −0.37, p < 0.001; Physical: β = −0.29, p < 0.001; Anger: β = −0.44, p < 0.001. Among the Shanghai male subsample, the mindfulness scale had a significant negative association with each of the four subscales of aggression: Hostility: β = −0.57, p < 0.001; Verbal: β = −0.37, p < 0.001; Physical: β = −0.35, p < 0.001; Anger: β = −0.58, p < 0.001. Among the Shanghai female subsample (N = 512), the mindfulness scale had a significant negative association with each of the four subscales of aggression: Hostility: β = −0.62, p < 0.001; Verbal: β = −0.41, p < 0.001; Physical: β = −0.52, p < 0.001; and Anger: β = −0.64, p < 0.001. Discussion: Our study documents the negative association between mindfulness and physical aggression in two non-clinical samples. Future studies could explore whether mindfulness training lowers physical aggression among younger adults.

Inclusion complexation between veronicafolin, 3,5,4′-trihydroxy-6,7,3′-trimethoxyflavone, and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was investigated by using ¹H NMR, IR, X-ray diffraction, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis in the solid state. The elemental analysis showed that the complex (1:1) of flavonol-β-CD·20H₂O with C 39.58% and H 5.75% has been formed. The phase solubility profile of the favonol by UV-Vis in solution in the presence of hydroxypfropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) was classified as A<sub>L</sub>-type, indicating the formation of 1:1 inclusion complex. And the calibration equation <i>y</i>=24148<i>x</i>+0.0075 (<i>r</i>=0.9999) and phase-solubility diagram y=0.4738x-2.0×10<sup>-7</sup> (r=0.9490) were obtained. Stability constant K<sub>s</sub> was calculated from the phase solubility diagram (K<sub>s</sub>=4.5×10⁶). Solubility of the veronicafolin was enhanced in the presence of HP-β-CD.

A phytochemical investigation of <b>Lagotis brevituba</b> led to the isolation of 16 compounds, including five phenylpropanoids (<b>1</b>-<b>5</b>), eight flavonoids (<b>6</b>-<b>13</b>), one iridoid (<b>14</b>), one phenolic compound (<b>15</b>) and one triterpene (<b>16</b>). The structures of these compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods and a comparison of their data with those reported in the literature. This is the first report of compounds <b>1</b>, <b>2</b>, <b>7</b>-<b>13</b> and <b>15</b> from the genus <b>Lagotis</b>. The chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds has also been summarized.<br>• A phytochemical investigation of <b>Lagotis brevituba</b> led to the isolation of 16 compounds, including five phenylpropanoids (<b>1</b>-<b>5</b>), eight flavonoids (<b>6</b>-<b>13</b>), one iridoid (<b>14</b>), one phenolic (<b>15</b>) and one triterpene (<b>16</b>). • This is the first report of compounds <b>1</b>, <b>2</b>, <b>7</b>-<b>13</b> and <b>15</b> from the genus <b>Lagotis.</b>

<b>OBJECTIVES: </b> To better understand the occurrence of Crohn's disease in mainland China and to give an updated overview of the current status of the disease.<br><b>METHODS: </b> We previously performed a computer-based literature search using 50 years of records from the Chinese Database of Biology and Medicine (1979 to 2002), combined with a manual year-by-year search of the literature from 1950 to 1978. Using a similar method, descriptive epidemiological data of the last 5 years (2003 to September 2007) were collected, pooled with our previous data and re-analyzed.<br><b>RESULTS: </b> In total, 3618 cases of Crohn's disease since 1950 have been reported from 29 provinces and cities in mainland China, comprising 2112 male and 1506 female patients, with a male predominance of 1.40:1. More than 75 percent of the patients were aged from 20 to 50 years old, with a mean age of 36.9 ± 4.4 (1- 84) years. The extrapolated disease incidence and prevalence rates are 0.848/10⁵ and 2.29/10⁵ person/year, respectively.<br><b>CONCLUSION: </b> The incidence and prevalence rates of Crohn's disease have been increasing rapidly, and the disease is no longer uncommon in China, but these rates are still lower than those in developed countries and other Asian countries. An underestimation may occur because patients who were misdiagnosed or did not seek medical advice could not be included in the study. A future population-based survey is warranted.

INTRODUCTION: This paper assesses both patients' perspectives on the differences in primary care quality between traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) hospitals and western medicine (WM) hospitals and the efficacy of the government's investment in these two Prefecture-level primary care structures in Tibet.METHOD: A validated Tibetan version of the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT-T) was used to collect data on 692 patients aged over 18 years old, who reported the sampling site was their regular source of health care. T-tests were performed to compare the separate and total primary care attributes between WM hospitals and TTM hospitals. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of the health care setting with primary care attributes while controlling for socio-demographic, health service use and health status characteristics. RESULTS: Compared to WM hospitals, the results showed that TTM hospitals had patients who were older (15.8 % versus 8.4 % over 60 years); with lower education levels (66.0 % versus 35.8 % with below junior high school ) and income levels (46.9 % versus 26.5 % with annual household income below 30,000RMB); more likely to be married (79.2 % versus 60.5 %); made less frequent health care visits; and had higher self-rated health status. Overall, patients assessed the primary care performance in TTM hospitals significantly higher (80.0) than WM hospitals (74.63). There were no differences in health care assessment by patient gender, age, income, education, marital status and occupation. CONCLUSIONS: TTM patients reported better primary care experiences than patients using WM hospitals, which validated the government's investment in traditional Tibetan medicine.

INTRODUCTION: This paper assesses both patients' perspectives on the differences in primary care quality between traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) hospitals and western medicine (WM) hospitals and the efficacy of the government's investment in these two Prefecture-level primary care structures in Tibet. METHOD: A validated Tibetan version of the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT-T) was used to collect data on 692 patients aged over 18 years old, who reported the sampling site was their regular source of health care. T-tests were performed to compare the separate and total primary care attributes between WM hospitals and TTM hospitals. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of the health care setting with primary care attributes while controlling for socio-demographic, health service use and health status characteristics. RESULTS: Compared to WM hospitals, the results showed that TTM hospitals had patients who were older (15.8 % versus 8.4 % over 60 years); with lower education levels (66.0 % versus 35.8 % with below junior high school ) and income levels (46.9 % versus 26.5 % with annual household income below 30,000RMB); more likely to be married (79.2 % versus 60.5 %); made less frequent health care visits; and had higher self-rated health status. Overall, patients assessed the primary care performance in TTM hospitals significantly higher (80.0) than WM hospitals (74.63). There were no differences in health care assessment by patient gender, age, income, education, marital status and occupation. CONCLUSIONS: TTM patients reported better primary care experiences than patients using WM hospitals, which validated the government's investment in traditional Tibetan medicine.

Introduction This paper assesses both patients’ perspectives on the differences in primary care quality between traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) hospitals and western medicine (WM) hospitals and the efficacy of the government’s investment in these two Prefecture-level primary care structures in Tibet. Method A validated Tibetan version of the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT-T) was used to collect data on 692 patients aged over 18 years old, who reported the sampling site was their regular source of health care. T-tests were performed to compare the separate and total primary care attributes between WM hospitals and TTM hospitals. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of the health care setting with primary care attributes while controlling for socio-demographic, health service use and health status characteristics. Results Compared to WM hospitals, the results showed that TTM hospitals had patients who were older (15.8 % versus 8.4 % over 60 years); with lower education levels (66.0 % versus 35.8 % with below junior high school ) and income levels (46.9 % versus 26.5 % with annual household income below 30,000RMB); more likely to be married (79.2 % versus 60.5 %); made less frequent health care visits; and had higher self-rated health status. Overall, patients assessed the primary care performance in TTM hospitals significantly higher (80.0) than WM hospitals (74.63). There were no differences in health care assessment by patient gender, age, income, education, marital status and occupation. Conclusions TTM patients reported better primary care experiences than patients using WM hospitals, which validated the government’s investment in traditional Tibetan medicine.

Amyloid-beta peptide is central to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, because it is neurotoxic—directly by inducing oxidant stress, and indirectly by activating microglia. A specific cell-surface acceptor site that could focus its effects on target cells has been postulated but not identified. Here we present evidence that the 'receptor for advanced glycation end products' (RAGE) is such a receptor, and that it mediates effects of the peptide on neurons and microglia. Increased expression of RAGE in Alzheimer's disease brain indicates that it is relevant to the pathogenesis of neuronal dysfunction and death.

The laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to perform a qualitative elementary analysis on four precious Tibetan medicines, i. e. Renqing Mangjue, Renqing Changjue, 25-herb coral pills and 25-herb pearl pills. The specific spectra of the four Tibetan medicines were established. In the experiment, Nd: YAG and 1 064 nm-baseband pulse laser were adopted to collect the spectra. A laser beam focused on the surface of the samples to generate plasma. Its spectral signal was detected by using spectrograph. Based on the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) database, LIBS spectral lines were indentified. The four Tibetan medicines mainly included Ca, Na, K, Mg and other elements and C-N molecular band. Specifically, Fe was detected in Renqing Changjue and 25-herb pearl pills; heavy mental elements Hg and Cu were shown in Renqing Mangjue and Renqing Changjue; Ag was found in Renqing Changjue. The results demonstrated that LIBS is a reliable and rapid multi-element analysis on the four Tibetan medicines. With Real-time, rapid and nondestructive advantages, LIBS has a wide application prospect in the element analysis on ethnic medicines.;

OBJECTIVE: Herein, the synthesis, component, microstructure and pharmacological and toxicology researches of the Synthetic Mercury Sulfide (S-HgS) a kind of common drug in Chinese, Mongolia, Tibetan medicine, and Indian medicine system were summarized. The similar cognition about mercury toxicity & pharmacological action from some Asian regions was analyzed, and it can supply some useful direction for the traditional Asian medicine system.METHOD: Recent literatures both domestic and abroad were summarized and analyzed. RESULT: S-HgS is the basis of Vermilion, Mongolia-Vermilion, Zuotai, and Ras-sindoor. Athough the processes of synthesis are very different, but the microstructure and pharmacological & toxicology of S-HgS is similar. CONCLUSION: S-HgS has a far-ranging application,and unique curative effect. New technology such as nanotechnology can be used for improving the advancement of traditional Asian medicine.

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