Alcohol Activates TGF-Beta but Inhibits BMP Receptor-Mediated Smad Signaling and Smad4 Binding to Hepcidin Promoter in the Liver

Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, is activated by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Mice pair-fed with regular and ethanol-containing L. De Carli diets were employed to study the effect of alcohol on BMP signaling and hepcidin transcription in the liver. Alcohol induced steatosis and TGF-beta expression. Liver BMP2, but not BMP4 or BMP6, expression was significantly elevated. Despite increased BMP expression, the BMP receptor, and transcription factors, Smad1 and Smad5, were not activated. In contrast, alcohol stimulated Smad2 phosphorylation. However, Smad4 DNA-binding activity and the binding of Smad4 to hepcidin promoter were attenuated. In summary, alcohol stimulates TGF-beta and BMP2 expression, and Smad2 phosphorylation but inhibits BMP receptor, and Smad1 and Smad5 activation. Smad signaling pathway in the liver may therefore be involved in the regulation of hepcidin transcription and iron metabolism by alcohol. These findings may help to further understand the mechanisms of alcohol and iron-induced liver injury

The East Asiatic region of crop plant diversity

Crop plant diversity of E Asiatic region (China, Japan and Korea Peninsula) is extremely interesting because of the region's high level of plant diversity resources and long history of cultivation and domestication, while an inventory of crop plant diversity in this area is still not fully recorded. Crop diversity protects food consumption, especially in poor households within developing nations. This review aims to provide an inventory and a summary of the crop plants in this area, in order to further understand the importance of crop plant diversity and its conservation. In total 175 families, 640 genera and 1484 species were recorded in this paper based on extensive literature reviews and own field work

anewspeciesofmongolarachnidaefromtheyixianformationofwesternliaoningchina

Mongolarachnidae are large netted spiders, living in tropical and subtropical regions. The earliest fossil record is Nephila jurassica, which was discovered from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation in Daohugou, Ningcheng City, Inner Mongolia of China. The type specimen of N. jurassicais female was the largest fossil spider known in 2011. In 2013, Selden et al. found a male specimen of N. jurassica at the same locality and erected a new genus Mongolarachne and family Mongolarachnidae based on the morphologies both male and female specimens of N. jurassica. This paper describes a new large female fossil spider from Dawangzhangzi, Lingyuan City, Liaoning Province of China. This new material represents a new species of Mongolarachne, which is important for understanding the geographic and geological period distribution of this clade

Aerodynamic Drag Analysis of 3-DOF Flex-Gimbal GyroWheel System in the Sense of Ground Test

GyroWheel is an innovative device that combines the actuating capabilities of a control moment gyro with the rate sensing capabilities of a tuned rotor gyro by using a spinning flex-gimbal system. However, in the process of the ground test, the existence of aerodynamic disturbance is inevitable, which hinders the improvement of the specification performance and control accuracy. A vacuum tank test is a possible candidate but is sometimes unrealistic due to the substantial increase in costs and complexity involved. In this paper, the aerodynamic drag problem with respect to the 3-DOF flex-gimbal GyroWheel system is investigated by simulation analysis and experimental verification. Concretely, the angular momentum envelope property of the spinning rotor system is studied and its integral dynamical model is deduced based on the physical configuration of the GyroWheel system with an appropriately defined coordinate system. In the sequel, the fluid numerical model is established and the model geometries are checked with FLUENT software. According to the diversity and time-varying properties of the rotor motions in three-dimensions, the airflow field around the GyroWheel rotor is analyzed by simulation with respect to its varying angular velocity and tilt angle. The IPC-based experimental platform is introduced, and the properties of aerodynamic drag in the ground test condition are obtained through comparing the simulation with experimental results

anewspeciesofmongolarachnidaefromtheyixianformationofwesternliaoningchina

Mongolarachnidae are large netted spiders,living in tropical and subtropical regions.The earliest fossil record is Nephila jurassica,which was discovered from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation in Daohugou,Ningcheng City,Inner Mongolia of China.The type specimen of N.jurassicais female was the largest fossil spider known in 2011.In 2013,Selden et al.found a male specimen of N.jurassica at the same locality and erected a new genus Mongolarachne and family Mongolarachnidae based of the morphologies both male and female specimens of N.jurassica.This paper describes a new large female fossil spider from Dawangzhangzi,Lingyuan City,Liaoning Province of China.This new material represents a new species of Mongolarachne,which is important for understanding the geographic and geological period distribution of this clade

Research into an Efficient Energy Equalizer for Lithium-Ion Battery Packs

An efficient multi-mode energy equalizer for lithium-ion battery packs is proposed and energy balance strategies are studied in this paper. The energy balance strategies include the selection of the controlled object in the battery’s different working states and the current form of the controlled object. During the energy balancing process, the strongest single cell or the weakest single cell is selected as the controlled object according to the different working states of the battery, and the balanced current of the controlled object is continuous. Therefore, the energy equalizer proposed in this paper has a fast balancing speed, an improved balancing effect, and an excellent balancing reliability. According to the energy equalizer, the relevant experimental platform was built, and balance experiments in the battery’s different working states using a battery pack composed of four serially-connected lithium iron phosphate batteries were completed. Finally, the experimental results proved the effectiveness of the energy equalizer

anewspeciesofmongolarachnidaefromtheyixianformationofwesternliaoningchina

Mongolarachnidae are large netted spiders,living in tropical and subtropical regions.The earliest fossil record is Nephila jurassica,which was discovered from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation in Daohugou,Ningcheng City,Inner Mongolia of China.The type specimen of N.jurassicais female was the largest fossil spider known in 2011.In 2013,Selden et al.found a male specimen of N.jurassica at the same locality and erected a new genus Mongolarachne and family Mongolarachnidae based of the morphologies both male and female specimens of N.jurassica.This paper describes a new large female fossil spider from Dawangzhangzi,Lingyuan City,Liaoning Province of China.This new material represents a new species of Mongolarachne,which is important for understanding the geographic and geological period distribution of this clade

Longipteryx chaoyangensis Zhang et al. 2001

<i>Longipteryx chaoyangensis</i> Zhang <i>et al.</i>, 2001 <p> <b>Emended diagnosis.</b> rostrum approximately 60% of the skull length; dentition restricted to premaxilla and the rostral-most portion of dentary; large, recurved and labiolingually compressed teeth with crenulations developed along the caudal margins; middle cervical vertebrate heterocoelous; distal region of sternum with developed carina and lateral processes; coracoids with nearly straight lateral margin; second phalanx of minor digit reduced to a small triangle; pubis curved and with perpendicular pubic-foot; tarsometatarsus fused proximally, metatarsal IV surpasses the distal end of metatarsal III; ratio of tibiotarsus length to tarsometatarsus length approximate 1.6; trochleae of metatarsals I-IV almost on the same level; tibiotarsus shorter than humerus and ulna (modified from Zhang <i>et al.</i> 2001 & O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2011).</p> <p> <b>Holotype.</b> <i>Longipteryx chaoyangensis</i> Zhang <i>et al.</i>, 2001 (IVPP-V12325, Fig. 1).</p> <p> <b>Referred specimen.</b> DNHM-D2889, a nearly complete and articulated adult individual preserved in tuff with feather impressions around the neck, forelimbs and hindlimbs (Fig. 2, 3; Table 1). The specimen is deposited at the Dalian Natural History Museum, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China.</p> <p> <b>Locality and Horizon of the referred specimen.</b> Yuanjiawa fossil locality, Dapingfang town, Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province, China; Yixian Formation, Lower Cretaceous (Swisher <i>et al.</i> 2002; Liu <i>et al.</i> 2011).</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> The skull is preserved in right lateral view (Fig. 4). The cranial portion is crushed and preserved disarticulated, so it is hard to describe the precise anatomical characteristics. The premaxilla is relatively straight, and the dorsal and ventral margins are parallel along the whole length. The tip is sharp and smooth, not hook shaped as that of <i>Boluochia zhengi</i> Zhou, 1995. The premaxilla bears 4 teeth (Fig. 5). The teeth are exposed mostly in labial view. The first tooth is very small. The second is larger than the first but smaller than the third and the fourth teeth. The first two teeth are similar in outline. Both basal parts of them are not as expanded as those of the third and the fourth teeth. All teeth are labiolingually compressed and slightly recurved caudally from a distinct concavity close to the apex. Their anterior margins are smooth and clean, but their caudal margins are relatively expanded labiolingually and very special structures can be observed on the caudal margins. The structures are different from serrations developed on the teeth of small theropods. At least two lines of serrations can be observed on the caudal margins of the second and fourth teeth, whereas, serrations on theropod teeth are regularly arranged in one line on the caudal margin. The serrations on premaxillary teeth 2 and 4 of DNHM-D2889 have no uniform outlines. Some are semicircular and some are like oval or obtusangular in lateral profile. These structures have not been recognized previously within Mesozoic birds and are totally different from the serrations or any other reported tooth ornamentations in non-avian dinosaurs, so, we term them crenulations. The articulations to the premaxilla and the nasal are obscure due to the poor preservation.</p> <p>The mandibular bones remain unfused. The dentary expands caudoventrally so the ventral margin is relatively concave. The dentary is about 60% of the skull in length. Mandibular fenestrae are absent, but a lateral groove is present along the middle shaft of the right dentary.There are at least 3 teeth preserved at the rostral-most portion of the dentary. The first tooth is mostly overlapped by the third premaxillary tooth. Very faint crenulations are present on the exposed caudal margin. The second and third teeth are exposed in lingual view. Both of them are smaller than those of the premaxilla. Their exposures of these teeth prohibit examining their caudal margins so the presence or absence of crenulations on their caudal margins cannot be confirmed.</p> <p> There are at least seven cervical vertebrae preserved, including the atlas and the axis. It is hard to determine the exact count and morphology of the cervical vertebrae due to poor preservation, however the third cervical is the longest of these. All preserved cervical vertebrae are concave laterally. The thoracic vertebrae are crushed and preserved dis-articulated, therefore their number and morphology cannot be determined with certainty. There are at least ten thoracic vertebrae preserved, that is those bearing ribs anterior to the synsacrum. The synsacrum is composed of at least six vertebrae as indicated by the preserved transverse processes. The distal part of the synsacrum appears to be dorsoventraly compressed and the transverse processes of the fused sacral vertebrae enlarge caudally. There are at least five free caudal vertebrae preserved indicated by their preserved transverse processes. The last two are smaller than the anterior caudals. The pygostyle, preserved in ventral view, is robust and completely synostosed. The ventrolateral processes are prominent. Considering the distal end of the pygostyle is worn off and the preserved length is approximately the same as that of the tarsometatarsus, it is consistent with other longipterygids, which typically possess a proportionately large pygostyle (O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2011).</p> <p> The furcula is Y-shaped. Its rami are flattened and robust, and diverge at an angle of 60°, which is wider than that of <i>L. chaoyangensis</i> (50°) (Zhang <i>et al.</i> 2001). The hypocleidum is relatively slim and long, and is nearly equal to the rami in length. The right scapula is preserved nearly completely, and only is missing the distal end. The scapular blade is straight and tapers towards the caudal end. The left scapula is covered caudally by the furcula and some thoracic ribs. The left coracoid is preserved completely and strut-like. Its lateral margin is straight and its length approximately 2.4 times its width. The sternum is broken and partly covered by the left humerus and thoracic ribs. It is hard to determine the detailed morphology, but the lateral trabecula is present on the left side, and is the same shape as that of <i>L. chaoyangensis</i>, but very different from that of <i>Longirostravis hani</i> Hou <i>et al.</i>, 2004, which lateral sternal processes end in a unique three-branched, “moose-horn”- like expansion (Hou <i>et al.</i> 2004).</p> <p>Elements length Skull length 70 Dentary length 42 Coracoid length 24 Coracoid width 11 Scapular length 28* Humerus length 40 Ulna length 42 Radius length 40 Alular metacarpal length 5 Alular phalanx I length 9 Alular claw length 8 Major metacarpal length 17 Major digit phalanx I length 12 Major digit phalanx II length 11 Major digit claw length 7 Minor metacarpal length 23 Femur length 31 Tibiotarsus length 38 Fibula length 15# Tarsometatarsus length 24 Metatarsal I</p> <p>Phalanx 1 7 Phalanx 2 6 Metatarsal II</p> <p>Phalanx 1 4 Phalanx 2 6 Phalanx 3 7 Metatarsal III</p> <p>Phalanx 1 5 Phalanx 2 4 Phalanx 3 7 Phalanx 4 7 Metatarsal IV</p> <p>Phalanx 1 5 Phalanx 2 4 Phalanx 3 4 Phalanx 4 6 Phalanx 5 9</p> <p>Notes: * represents incomplete element; # represents estimated length.</p> <p>The humerus is sigmoid, and its length approximately equal to that of the ulna and the radius. The deltopectoral crest is prominent and ends at the one fourth of the humerus length. The proximal two thirds of the ulna is relatively straight and the distal one third is slightly bowed. The radius is straight and slim, and is about 70% of the ulnar width in diameter. The left ulnare is preserved in dorsal view, and is trapezoid-shaped. The alular metacarpal is very short, and is about 30% of the length of the major metacarpal. The major metacarpal is straight and robust. The minor metacarpal is tightly attached to the major metacarpal but is longer than it and projects distally of it. The alular digit is composed of two phalanges. The first phalanx is straight and slim, about the same length of the first phalanx of the major digit. The second phalanx of the alular digit is relatively short and has indications of a horny sheath preserved. The major digit is composed of three phalanges. The first phalanx is longer than the second, and the former is about 1.3 times of the latter in diameter. The third phalanx is smaller than the first two phalanges, and also has indications of a horny sheath preserved. Only the first phalanx of the minor digit is preserved, and is the smallest of all the manual digit phalanges (Fig. 6, 7).</p> <p> The pelvic girdle is poorly preserved, only the left ischium and the left pubis are partly preserved in lateral view. The ischium is relatively complete and strap-like. The iliac peduncle is approximately the same width as the pubic peduncle, not like the condition in <i>Rapaxavis pani</i> Morschhauser <i>et al.</i>, 2009, which iliac peduncle is narrow and longer than the broad pubic peduncle (Morschhauser <i>et al.</i> 2009; O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2011). A dorsal process is prominent near the proximal end, which is wider than both the iliac peduncle and the pubic peduncle. Only the proximal portion of the left pubis is preserved; it is relatively straight and expanded at the proximal end.</p> <p> The femur is longer than the tarsometatarsus but much shorter than the tibiotarsus. However, the femur length is almost equal to that of the tibiotarsus in the holotype of <i>L. chaoyangensis</i>. The femoral shaft is relatively straight. The lateral condyle is not prominent and only slightly expanded at the distal end. The tibiotarsus is long and relatively straight. The proximal part of right fibula is preserved, and is short and slim. The distal tarsals seem fused with metatarsals II–IV. The trochleae for the pedal digits are almost on the same plane. All digits possess sharp and strongly curved claws. The claws are almost the same both in shape and in size. The hallux is reversed. The first phalanx of the hallux, the third and the fourth phalanx of the third digit and the third phalanx of the fourth digit are sub-equal in length and longer than the rest (Fig. 8).</p> <p> <b>Discussion.</b> DNHM-D2889 possesses several enantiornithine synapomorphies, such as the Y-shaped furcular, the distal tarsals fused with metatarsals II-IV, but metatarsals II-IV unfused along their lengths, and the minor metacarpal longer than the major metacarpal. Furthermore, the elongate rostrum, about 60% of the total skull length, the dentition restricted to the premaxilla and the rostral-most portion of the dentary, the coracoid with a nearly straight lateral margin, and the pygostyle longer than the tarsometatarsus, place it firmly within Longipterygidae (O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2009; 2011).</p> <p> Longipterygidae includes six genera and six species to date. They are distinguishable both in morphology and in size (Tab. 2). <i>Boluochia zhengi</i> Zhou, 1995 originally was named by Zhou Zhonghe in 1995 and then was promoted to be a higher level taxon (Boluochiaformes, Boluochidae) (Zhou & Zhang 2006). Recent studies show that <i>Boluochia zhengi</i> belongs to Longipterygidae and it is closely related to <i>L. chaoyangensis</i> (O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2010). Both the original and the revised diagnosis of <i>B. zhengi</i> has features that show that it is a small enantiornithine: tip of premaxilla hook shaped; metatarsal IV longer than II and III and laterally deflected along the distal one-fifth of the tarsometatarsus; pygostyle 20% longer than tarsometatarsus; metatarsals II-III subequal in length (Zhou & Zhang 2006; O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2010). The premaxilla of DNHM-D2889 is preserved completely and with teeth arranged along its ventral margin, but differs from <i>B. zhengi</i> with its tip is relatively tapered and smooth, and its metatarsal II is much shorter than metatarsal III in length. <i>Longirostravis hani</i> is also much smaller than DNHM-D2889 and its teeth are much more closely spaced and smaller than those of DNHM-D2889 (see Hou <i>et al.</i> 2004). <i>Shanweiniao cooperorum</i> O’Connor <i>et al.</i>, 2009 is much smaller than DNHM-D2889 and its second phalanx of manual major digit reduced and wedge-shaped, very different from that of DNHM-D2889. Especially, <i>S. cooperorum</i> has an elongate tail composed of at least four closely aligned rectrices (O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2009). <i>Rapaxavis pani</i> is much smaller than DNHM-D2889 and its manual digits are much more reduced than those of</p> <p> DNHM-D2889 (see Morschhauser <i>et al.</i> 2009; O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2011). <i>Shengjingornis yangi</i> Li <i>et al.</i>, 2012 is similar to DNHM-D 2889 in size, but its manual digits are also much more reduced than those of DNHM-D2889 and the ratio of the intermembral index (humerus+ulna/femur+tibiotarsus) (1.0) is lower than that of DNHM- D2889 (1.2) (see Li <i>et al.</i> 2012). Li <i>et al.</i> (2010) reported a Longipterygidae bird, named <i>Camptodontus yangi</i>, which preserved a longitudinal groove in the anterolateral facet of each premaxillary tooth crown. However, the specimen is incomplete and preserved disarticulated, the diagnosis was obscure and no detailed dentation photographs were provided. Based on the descriptions and comparisons (see Li <i>et al.</i> 2010), it is probably a synonym of <i>Longipteryx chaoyangensis</i>, so, the validity and anatomical characteristics of <i>Camptodontus yangi</i> will need to be re-examined. <i>Longipteryx chaoyangensis</i> is the type species of Longipterygidae. It shows close similarities with DNHM-D2889, such as the heterocoelous middle cervical vertebrate, the metatarsal IV longer than the other metatarsals, and the tibiotarsus shorter than the humerus and the ulna (see Zhang <i>et al.</i> 2001). There are also some minor differences between them, such as the ratio of the intermembral index, ratio of femur to tibiotarsus, ratio of femur to humerus and the interclavicular angle (Tab. 3). These differences can be attributed to ontogenetic variation since the holotype of <i>L. chaoyangensis</i> is not an adult individual. Moreover, we observed that the tooth crenulations we found in DNH-D2889 are present in the holotype of <i>L. chaoyangensis</i> (IVPP-V12325) when we re-examined it (Fig. 9). They are not as prominent and developed as those of DNHM-D2889. Perhaps they were damaged during the preservation of that fossil or during its preparation, or, perhaps the tooth crenulations are not as developed as those of DNHM-D2889 because IVPP-V12325 is not an adult individual. Determining the intraspecific variation in development and morphology of tooth crenulations among different individuals awaits recovery of further specimens. The use of theropod tooth morphology for taxonomic purposes has been examined by a number of workers (Currie <i>et al.</i> 1990; Rauhut & Werner 1995; Sankey <i>et al.</i> 2002). Currie <i>et al.</i> (1990) have shown that theropod tooth morphology (including tooth serrations) is reliable for diagnosing taxa to familial, and in some cases to higher taxonomic levels. Up to date, the crenulations only have been recognized in DNHM-D2889 and IVPP-V12325 among enantiornithines or even within Aves. Based on the anatomical characteristics and comparisons with other longipterygids, we consider DNHM-D2889 as new material of <i>L. chaoyangensis</i>.</p> <p> To date, the only way to infer the trophic habit of enantiornithines from the Jehol Group is through their cranial or dental morphology (O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2013). Longipterygids constitute a distinct clade within enantiornithines because they have a unique long rostrum, dentition restricted to the premaxilla and rostral-most portion of the dentary, and relatively long forelimbs. They are interpreted as having fed on fish, worms or bivalves (Zhang <i>et al.</i> 2001; Hou <i>et al.</i> 2004; Morschhauser <i>et al.</i> 2009; O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2009; Li <i>et al.</i> 2013). DNHM-D2889 preserves crenulations on the caudal margins of its premaxillary teeth and probably on the dentary teeth. This form of tooth ornamentation has neither been observed among birds, nor among non-avian dinosaurs. We consider the crenulations as true structures because they are only present on the caudal margins of these teeth. If they were formed by glue or sediments, they would probably also present on the anterior margins of premaxillary teeth. They are not an artefact of preparation because they are prominently arranged in two lines along the caudal margin, and their surfaces are smooth, which may be interpreted as worn facets. Moreover, very faint crenulations also can be observed in the holotype of <i>L. chaoyangensis</i>, on the caudal margins of premaxillary teeth (IVPP-V12325). These tooth crenulations are not the first ornament found on teeth within Aves, since longitudinal grooves on the lingual surface of premaxillary teeth have been observed in <i>Sulcavis geeorum</i> O’Connor <i>et al.</i>, 2013 (O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2013). The diversity of dental shapes may reflect differences in food items between taxa (O’Connor <i>et al.</i> 2013). The large, recurved, and labiolingually compressed teeth with crenulations and recurved sharp manual and pedal claws suggest that <i>Longipteryx chaoyangensis</i> probably occupied more extensive trophic niches than previously thought. They could probably prey on not only fish but also some small terrestrial vertebrates. This feeding habit further expanded their food chain and their living space. This unique dental specialization not only expands the diversity of dental morphologies among Mesozoic birds, but also explained why longipterygids were the most diversified enantiornithines.</p>Published as part of <i>Wang, Xuri, Zhao, Bo, Shen, Caizhi, Liu, Sizhao, Gao, Chunling, Cheng, Xiaodong & Zhang, Fengjiao, 2015, New material of Longipteryx (Aves: Enantiornithes) from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of China with the first recognized avian tooth crenulations, pp. 565-578 in Zootaxa 3941 (4)</i> on pages 566-576, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3941.4.5, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/239486">http://zenodo.org/record/239486</a&gt

Diversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by Shui people in Southwest China

Abstract Background The Shui are a small Chinese sociolinguistic group living in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, south of Guizhou Province. The Shui people have accumulated and developed rich traditional medicinal knowledge, which has played a significant role in their healthcare. Traditional ethnic herbal medicines, like Shui ethnomedicine, have become an important resource of rural development in Guizhou Province. However, not much research has been conducted to document the medicinal plants traditionally used by the Shui people. This study’s aims are (1) to record the current use of medicinal plants in Sandu County and associated traditional knowledge, including the medicinal plant species used and the types of diseases treated by local healers and any unique aspects of their preparations; (2) to analyze the most important medicinal plant species using relative frequency of citation (RFC); and (3) to provide useful information and data for possible future development and application of ethnomedicine and promote the conservation and preservation of Shui traditional medicinal knowledge. Methods Field surveys were conducted between July 2015 and August 2022 in Sandu County. A total of 15 local healers as key informants were interviewed. An additional 132 informants from villages and local markets were also interviewed through semistructured interviews and focal group discussions. Local Shui healers were followed during their collection of medicinal plants in the fields and recorded the medicinal plants’ names, uses, and parts used. An ANOVA was used to evaluate the number of medicinal plants recognized by local healers across age-groups and townships, and relative frequencies of citation values were determined for the recorded medicinal plants. Results In this study, data collected from 15 Shui healers and 132 other informants were analyzed. The healers used fresh or dried parts of 505 plant species as medicine to treat a wide range of conditions and diseases. These plants belong to 405 genera from 156 families, with Fabaceae being the highest represented plant family. The Jiuqian township had the highest distribution of per capita healers (pch); only one local healer was in Zhonghe. Of the 15 local healers, only two were younger than 40 years of age. There is a major concern that traditional medicinal knowledge may be lost if there are not sufficient trainees or suitable successors. Among the common medicinal plants, most are herbaceous and the Shui typically use the whole plant in their medicines. There are 85 different recorded diseases treated by Shui medicinal plants, and among them, rheumatism and bone fractures have the largest number of species used. Three medicinal plant species, Isodon amethystoides, Asarum insigne, and Acorus tatarinowii, are the most commonly used ethnomedicines by the Shui people. Conclusion This study demonstrated that Shui people have extensive knowledge of a diverse range of medicinal plants, many of which had not been systematically recorded before the current study. Further research on the chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Shui medicinal plants will be useful for developing functional foods or pharmaceutical products, particularly those of Isodon amethystoides, Asarum insigne, and Acorus tatarinowii. Additionally, as a result of rapid economic growth, fewer young people in Shui communities pursue traditional medicinal studies. Only 15 traditional Shui healers remain in the county, and only two of them are below the age of 40 years. Therefore, to conserve Shui’s traditional medicinal knowledge, initiatives and policies are required to regenerate, strengthen, and promote Shui medicinal knowledge