ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Anmeidan （AMD） on protein expression of the ephrin type-A receptor 4 （EphA4）/ephrinA3 signaling pathway and synaptic structural function in an aged sleep deprivation model. MethodsSeventy-two 18-month-old aged mice were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， AMD high-， medium-， and low-dose groups （26.26， 13.13， 6.565 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively）， and a melatonin group （1.3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， with 12 mice in each group. Cognitive function was assessed using the novel object recognition test. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe cell number and morphology in hippocampal tissues， and Nissl staining was performed to examine cellular structure and quantify Nissl bodies. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe synaptic ultrastructure， with emphasis on changes in synaptic morphology and structure. Western blot was employed to detect the expression levels of EphA4， ephrinA3， brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）， glutamate aspartate transporter （GLAST）， glutamate transporter-1 （GLT-1）， growth-associated protein 43 （GAP43）， postsynaptic density protein 95 （PSD95）， and synaptophysin （SYN） in hippocampal tissues. Immunofluorescence double labeling was performed to co-stain EphA4 and ephrinA3 with glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） and neuronal nuclei antigen （NeuN）， respectively， to observe the colocalization of target proteins with neurons and astrocytes. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group exhibited increased exploration time of familiar objects （P<0.01）， while exploration time of novel objects and the recognition index were decreased （P<0.01）. The number of neurons in the CA1， CA3， and dentate gyrus （DG） regions of the hippocampus was reduced， Nissl bodies were decreased， and synaptic structures were damaged. Protein expression levels of BDNF， GLAST， GLT-1， GAP43， PSD95， and SYN in hippocampal tissues were decreased， whereas the expression levels of EphA4， ephrinA3， and GFAP were increased. Compared with the model group， the AMD low-， medium-， and high-dose groups and the melatonin group showed increased exploration time of novel objects and higher novel object recognition indices （P<0.01）， along with significantly reduced exploration time of familiar objects （P<0.01）. Neuronal damage in the CA1 and DG regions was ameliorated， the number of Nissl bodies in the CA1 region was increased， and organelle and synaptic structural damage was alleviated. Protein expression levels of BDNF， GLAST， GLT-1， GAP43， PSD95， and SYN were increased， and protein expression levels of EphA4， ephrinA3， and GFAP were decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionAMD can regulate protein expression of the EphA4/ephrinA3 signaling pathway in an aged sleep deprivation model， enhance synaptic protein expression， and improve neuronal synaptic damage.

Objective:To study the effects of manual inspection and special equipment inspection for light guiding components of hard endoscope after cleaning and disinfection,so as to provide scientific data and evidence for the application of special inspection equipment of hard endoscope in Central Sterile Supply Department(CSSD).Methods:A total of 100 hard endoscopes after cleaning and disinfection,which were in CSSD of the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital during July and August 2024,were selected.Each light guiding components of hard endoscope was respectively inspected by manual method and special functional detector for endoscope(inspection method with equipment).The positive rates of fog,stains and glass shards,and overall failure rate of light guiding components of hard endoscope,as well as the difference with the effect of clinical use,between two kinds of inspection methods were compared.Results:In 100 hard endoscopes,the inspection method with equipment found 2 cases were overall failure,which fog,strains and glass shards were respectively 2,0 and 0.The overall failure rate,and the positive rates of fog,stains and glass shards of the inspection method with equipment were respectively 2%,2%,0 and 0,which all lower than overall failure rate(23%),and the positive rates of fog(17%),stains(2%)and glass shards(4%)of manual inspection.There was significant difference in overall failure rate and positive rat of fog between the two kinds of inspection methods(x2=18.286,11.399,P＜0.05).The overall failure rate that was reflected by clinical users was 3%,which was significant lower than 23%of manual inspection,and the difference of that between two methods was significant(x2=15.959,P＜0.05).Conclusion:The inspection for light guiding components of hard endoscopes after cleaning and disinfection can be carried out by manual inspection and special inspection equipment,and results of special inspection equipment is getting closer the usage effect of clinical users.It has a series of advantages include being intuitive,easy use,high accuracy,convenient observation,and archivable.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Chaihu and Longgu Mulitang （CLMT） on hippocampal neural damage in the mouse model of depression via the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase （ERK）/cAMP-response element-binding protein （CREB） signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-eight male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into normal control， model， low/medium/high-dose （2.89， 5.78， and 11.56 g·kg^-1， respectively） CLMT， and paroxetine （10 mg·kg^-1） groups. A depression model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS） combined with social isolation. Behavioral tests were carried out to evaluate depressive-like behaviors. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining were performed to assess hippocampal morphology and neuronal damage. Immunofluorescence was employed to detect glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 （Iba1）. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of ERK and CREB. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of ERK/CREB pathway proteins and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） in the hippocampal tissue. Molecular Operating Environment （MOE） software was used for molecular docking to evaluate the interactions between CLMT components and target proteins. ResultsCompared with the normal control group， the model group showed decreased sucrose preference （P0.01）， increased tail-suspension immobility time （P0.01）， decreased activity in the central region of the open field test （P0.01）， and decreased activity in the middle and open-arm region of the elevated plus maze test （P0.01）. The hippocampal area in the model group showed wrinkled cells and a reduction in the number of cells， neurons with reduced sizes and Nissl bodies， enhanced fluorescence intensity of GFAP and Iba1 （P0.01）， and down-regulated expression of phosphorylated （p）-ERK， p-CREB， and BDNF （P0.05， P0.01） and mRNA levels of ERK and CREB （P0.01）. Compared with the model group， the CLMT group showed increased body weight （P0.05， P0.01）， restored cell morphology， with only a small number of ruptured cells， normal neuronal structure and morphology with obvious nuclei and abundant Nissl bodies， weakened fluorescence intensity of GFAP and Iba1 （P0.05， P0.01）， up-regulated mRNA levels of ERK and CREB （P0.05， P0.01） and protein levels of phosphorylated （p）-ERK， p-CREB， and BDNF in the hippocampal tissue （P0.05， P0.01）. The results of molecular docking indicated that nine active ingredients in CLMT had good binding affinity with ERK and CREB. ConclusionCLMT may ameliorate the hippocampal nerve injury in the mouse model of depression by regulating the ERK/CREB pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Anmeidan （AMD） on neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of sleep-deprived rats. MethodsSD rats were randomly divided into four groups （n = 10 per group）： control group， model group， AMD group， and melatonin group. A sleep deprivation model was established using the modified multiple platform water environment method. The AMD group received AMD at a dose of 18.18 g·kg^-1·d^-1， the melatonin group received melatonin at 100 mg·kg^-1·d^-1， and the control and model groups were given an equal volume of pure water. All treatments were administered by gavage for four weeks. Spontaneous activity was assessed using an animal behavior video system. Serum levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Hippocampal pyramidal neuron morphology was examined using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and ultrastructural changes of hippocampal neurons were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） and nerve growth factor （NGF） in the hippocampus. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the expression of nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）， phosphorylated NF-κB （p-NF-κB）， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， and Caspase-1 proteins. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group showed a significant increase in activity duration and frequency （P<0.01）， increased hippocampal pyramidal cell structural damage and decreased cell count， aggravated hippocampal ultrastructural damage， mitochondrial cristae disruption， and exacerbated vacuolization. The expression of p-NF-κB p65， NLRP3， and Caspase-1 proteins was upregulated， serum IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α levels were significantly elevated （P<0.01）， and the fluorescence intensity of BDNF and NGF proteins was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the AMD group showed a significant reduction in activity duration and frequency （P<0.01）， increased hippocampal pyramidal cell count with reduced structural damage， alleviated hippocampal ultrastructural damage， significantly downregulated p-NF-κB p65， NLRP3， and Caspase-1 protein expression （P<0.01）， decreased serum IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α levels （P<0.01）， and significantly increased the fluorescence intensity of BDNF and NGF proteins （P<0.01）. ConclusionAnmeidan alleviates hippocampal neuronal damage in sleep-deprived rats， potentially by downregulating the NLRP3 signaling pathway， reducing inflammatory cytokine release， and increasing neurotrophic factor levels.

Objective:To study the effects of manual inspection and special equipment inspection for light guiding components of hard endoscope after cleaning and disinfection,so as to provide scientific data and evidence for the application of special inspection equipment of hard endoscope in Central Sterile Supply Department(CSSD).Methods:A total of 100 hard endoscopes after cleaning and disinfection,which were in CSSD of the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital during July and August 2024,were selected.Each light guiding components of hard endoscope was respectively inspected by manual method and special functional detector for endoscope(inspection method with equipment).The positive rates of fog,stains and glass shards,and overall failure rate of light guiding components of hard endoscope,as well as the difference with the effect of clinical use,between two kinds of inspection methods were compared.Results:In 100 hard endoscopes,the inspection method with equipment found 2 cases were overall failure,which fog,strains and glass shards were respectively 2,0 and 0.The overall failure rate,and the positive rates of fog,stains and glass shards of the inspection method with equipment were respectively 2%,2%,0 and 0,which all lower than overall failure rate(23%),and the positive rates of fog(17%),stains(2%)and glass shards(4%)of manual inspection.There was significant difference in overall failure rate and positive rat of fog between the two kinds of inspection methods(x2=18.286,11.399,P＜0.05).The overall failure rate that was reflected by clinical users was 3%,which was significant lower than 23%of manual inspection,and the difference of that between two methods was significant(x2=15.959,P＜0.05).Conclusion:The inspection for light guiding components of hard endoscopes after cleaning and disinfection can be carried out by manual inspection and special inspection equipment,and results of special inspection equipment is getting closer the usage effect of clinical users.It has a series of advantages include being intuitive,easy use,high accuracy,convenient observation,and archivable.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of the classic famous prescription Anmeidan （AMD） developed in the Qing Dynasty in regulating the hepatic neurotransmitters and circadian rhythm in the rat model of insomnia via the orexin-1 receptor （OX1R）/phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase Cβ-1 （PLCβ-1）/protein kinase Cα （PKCα）/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2） signaling pathway. MethodSixty SPF-grade SD rats were randomized into blank， model， suvorexant （30 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （4.55， 9.09， 18.09 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively） AMD groups， with 10 rats in each group. The rats in other groups except the blank group were modeled by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine （PCPA） and administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage， and the blank group received an equal volume of normal saline. The general condition， body mass， and 24 h autonomic activity of each group were observed. The pathological changes of the liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin（HE）staining and Masson staining. The expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid （GABA）， 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）， epinephrine （EPI）， norepinephrine （NE）， and acetylcholine （ACh） in the liver tissue was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The glutamate （Glu） expression in the liver tissue was detected by the biochemical method. The mRNA levels of biological clock genes Per1， Per2， Cry1， Cry2， Bmal1， and Bmal2 in the liver were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR）. The protein and mRNA levels of factors in the OX1R/PLCβ-1/PKCα/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in the liver were determined by Western blot and Real-time PCR， respectively. ResultCompared with the blank group， the modeling decreased the body mass （P<0.05， P<0.01） and caused mania and disturbed resting rhythms （P<0.01）， hepatic muscle fiber fracture， and edema with inflammatory cell infiltration. In addition， the modeling decreased the GABA， 5-HT， EPI， NE， and ACh content， increased Glu content （P<0.01）， down-regulated the mRNA levels of Per1， Per2， Cry1， and Cry2 （P<0.01）， up-regulated the mRNA levels of Bmal1 and Bmal2 （P<0.01）， and promoted the expression of OX1R， PLCβ-1， PKCα， and ERK1/2 at both protein and mRNA levels （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， suvorexant and AMD increased the body mass （P<0.05， P<0.01）， alleviated the mania， and increased the resting time and frequency （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the medications elevated the levels of GABA， 5-HT， EPI， NE， and ACh， lowered the Glu level， up-regulated the mRNA levels of Per1， Per2， Cry1， and Cry2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， down-regulated the mRNA levels of Bmal1 and Bmal2， and inhibited the expression of OX1R， PLCβ-1， PKCα， and ERK1/2 at both mRNA and protein levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionAMD can regulate hepatic neurotransmitters and improve circadian rhythm in insomniac rats by inhibiting the OX1R/PLCβ-1/PKCα/ERK1/2 signaling pathway， and high-dose AMD demonstrated the strongest effect.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Anmeidan （AMD） on cognitive function， cytochrome C （Cyt C） signaling pathway protein expression， and apoptosis in a geriatric sleep deprivation model. MethodSixty aged C57 mice were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， AMD high， medium， and low dose （26.26， 13.13， 6.565 g·kg^-1·d^-1） groups， and a melatonin group （1.3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， with 10 mice in each group. Continuous sleep deprivation was performed for 4 weeks using a homemade sleep deprivation box. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze， and morphological changes in pyramidal cells in the CA1 area of the hippocampus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Nissl staining. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the mitochondrial morphology and structure of hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect Cyt C， cysteine-aspartate protease-3 （Caspase-3）， cysteine-aspartate protease-9 （Caspase-9）， brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）， mitochondrial transcription factor A （TFAM）， and voltage-dependent anion channel 1 （VDAC1） protein expression. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect protein expression levels of Cyt C， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9， and immunofluorescence was used to detect the protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed prolonged platform latency （P<0.01）， reduced number of platform crossings， and reduced time and distance in the target quadrant （P<0.01）. The mitochondrial structure was damaged， with disappearance or breakage of cristae， and increased swelling and deformation. The protein expression levels of Cyt C， Caspase-3， Caspase-9， Bax， and VDAC1 were significantly increased （P<0.01）， while BDNF， TFAM， and Bcl-2 protein expression levels were decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the AMD high， medium， and low dose groups improved spatial exploration and navigation abilities in geriatric sleep-deprived mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）， alleviated mitochondrial damage， and increased the number of Nissl bodies. Additionally， the expression levels of Cyt C， Caspase-3， Caspase-9， Bax， and VDAC1 proteins were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the expression levels of BDNF， TFAM， and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionAMD improved the cognitive function of geriatric sleep-deprived mice， and its effect may be related to the reduction of apoptosis mediated by the Cyt C signaling pathway.

Objective To evaluate the effects and the possible mechanisms based on the synaptic plasticity regulated by the orexin signalling pathway of the classic Qing Dynasty prescription AnMeidan(AMD),whose"Raw and cooked jujube kernel"used and without the prescription on learning and memory in a rat model of insomnia.Methods The insomnia model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)into rats,and AMD was administered by gavage and a decoction of the formula was disassembled.Observing 24 h autonomous activity using the EthoVision XT animal motion trajectory tracking system,Morris water maze was used to evaluate the learning and memory ability;hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Nissl staining were used to observe the neuronal changes in rat hippocampal CA1 area;Golgi staining and immunohistochemistry(IHC)were used to observe the neuronal dendritic changes in rat hippocampal CA1 area,and the changes in synaptic plasticity proteins,synaptophysin(SYN),microtubule-associated protein 2(MAP-2),glial fibrillary acidic protein43(GFAP-43);Western blotting and Reverse transcription-qPCR(RT-qPCR)were used to detect hippocampal orexin A(OXA)/phosphatidylinositol-specific phosphodiesterase Cβ1(PLCβ-1)/protein kinase Cα(PKCα)/extracellular signalling-regulated kinase(ERK1/2)signalling pathway protein and gene expression.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed prolonged upper platform latency,decreased number of crossing stations,decreased distance travelled by periplatform range I activity,the frequency and duration of mania increase,while the frequency and duration of stillness decrease(P<0.01),damaged muscle fibres in the CA1 region of the hippocampus,uneven staining of the nuclei,decreased and disorganized Nyctal microsomes,reduced dendritic spine length and number(P<0.05),and faded staining and decreased expression of SYN,MAP-2,and GFAP-43(P<0.01),hippocampal OXA protein and gene expression increased(P<0.01),and PLCβ-1,PKCα,ERK1/2 protein and gene expression decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Suvorexant and AMD,AMD desiccated,and cooked jujube seed increased the static frequency、number of times they traversed the station,the distance travelled in the first quadrant and the range of periportal activities,and the time of periportal range I activities(P<0.05,P<0.01);hippocampal muscle fibres were more neatly arranged,the number of Nissin bodies increased,and dendritic spine lengths and numbers were increased(P<0.05),and the SYN,MAP-2,and GFAP-43 expression was elevated(P<0.05,P<0.01),OXA expression was decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05),and PLCβ-1,PKCα,ERK1/2 expression was elevated(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the AMD group,both AMD de-raw and ripe date palm kernel groups could increase the number of times and distances they traversed the stations(P<0.05,P<0.01),decrease the length and number of dendritic spines(P<0.05),decrease the expression of SYN,MAP-2,GFAP-43,and OXA proteins in hippocampal CA1 region(P<0.01),and elevate the PLCβ-1,PKCα,and ERK1/2 expression(P<0.05).Conclusion AMD can regulate the synaptic plasticity of hippocampus in insomniac rats through regulating the OXA/PLCβ-1/PKCα/ERK1/2 signalling pathway to improve the learning memory,the effect of"raw and cooked jujube kernel"used together was better than that of"raw and cooked jujube kernel"used separately.

Objective To evaluate the effects and the possible mechanisms based on the synaptic plasticity regulated by the orexin signalling pathway of the classic Qing Dynasty prescription AnMeidan(AMD),whose"Raw and cooked jujube kernel"used and without the prescription on learning and memory in a rat model of insomnia.Methods The insomnia model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)into rats,and AMD was administered by gavage and a decoction of the formula was disassembled.Observing 24 h autonomous activity using the EthoVision XT animal motion trajectory tracking system,Morris water maze was used to evaluate the learning and memory ability;hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Nissl staining were used to observe the neuronal changes in rat hippocampal CA1 area;Golgi staining and immunohistochemistry(IHC)were used to observe the neuronal dendritic changes in rat hippocampal CA1 area,and the changes in synaptic plasticity proteins,synaptophysin(SYN),microtubule-associated protein 2(MAP-2),glial fibrillary acidic protein43(GFAP-43);Western blotting and Reverse transcription-qPCR(RT-qPCR)were used to detect hippocampal orexin A(OXA)/phosphatidylinositol-specific phosphodiesterase Cβ1(PLCβ-1)/protein kinase Cα(PKCα)/extracellular signalling-regulated kinase(ERK1/2)signalling pathway protein and gene expression.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed prolonged upper platform latency,decreased number of crossing stations,decreased distance travelled by periplatform range I activity,the frequency and duration of mania increase,while the frequency and duration of stillness decrease(P<0.01),damaged muscle fibres in the CA1 region of the hippocampus,uneven staining of the nuclei,decreased and disorganized Nyctal microsomes,reduced dendritic spine length and number(P<0.05),and faded staining and decreased expression of SYN,MAP-2,and GFAP-43(P<0.01),hippocampal OXA protein and gene expression increased(P<0.01),and PLCβ-1,PKCα,ERK1/2 protein and gene expression decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Suvorexant and AMD,AMD desiccated,and cooked jujube seed increased the static frequency、number of times they traversed the station,the distance travelled in the first quadrant and the range of periportal activities,and the time of periportal range I activities(P<0.05,P<0.01);hippocampal muscle fibres were more neatly arranged,the number of Nissin bodies increased,and dendritic spine lengths and numbers were increased(P<0.05),and the SYN,MAP-2,and GFAP-43 expression was elevated(P<0.05,P<0.01),OXA expression was decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05),and PLCβ-1,PKCα,ERK1/2 expression was elevated(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the AMD group,both AMD de-raw and ripe date palm kernel groups could increase the number of times and distances they traversed the stations(P<0.05,P<0.01),decrease the length and number of dendritic spines(P<0.05),decrease the expression of SYN,MAP-2,GFAP-43,and OXA proteins in hippocampal CA1 region(P<0.01),and elevate the PLCβ-1,PKCα,and ERK1/2 expression(P<0.05).Conclusion AMD can regulate the synaptic plasticity of hippocampus in insomniac rats through regulating the OXA/PLCβ-1/PKCα/ERK1/2 signalling pathway to improve the learning memory,the effect of"raw and cooked jujube kernel"used together was better than that of"raw and cooked jujube kernel"used separately.

As a basic source for the theoretical system of traditonal Chinese medicine （TCM）， the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》） made the point of “treatment with combination of diverse methods and prescriptions”，which is one of the characteristics of TCM in treating diseases. This paper discussed the therapeutic idea of “diverse methods and prescriptions” from five dimensions， including time， population， regions， diseases， and treatments， and proposed that “combined treatment” is an effective measure to embody the idea of “diverse methods and prescriptions”. That is to say， by taking the combination of the concept of holism and syndrome differentiation and treatment as the starting point， combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies， and treating both internal and external diseases through multiple ways and methods， the goal to treat the disease at the root， and keep yin at peace and yang compact can be achieved. Finally， it is suggested to guide the clinical practice with “treatment with combination of diverse methods and prescriptions”， providing new ideas for clinical diagnosis and treatment.