This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name， origin， quality evaluation， harvesting， processing and other aspects of Picrorhizae Rhizoma by referring to the medical books， prescription books， and other documents of the past dynasties， combined with relevant modern research materials， in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. The research results indicate that Picrorhizae Rhizoma was first recorded in New Revised Materia Medica from the Tang dynasty. Throughout history， Huhuanglian has been used as its official name， and there are also aliases such as Gehu Luze， Jiahuanglian and Hulian. The main source of past dynasties is the the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurrooa and P. scrophulariiflora. In ancient times， Picrorhizae Rhizoma was mainly imported by foreign traders via Guangzhou and other regions， and also produced in China， mainly in Xizang. In ancient times， it was harvested and dried in early August of the lunar calendar， while in modern times， it is mostly harvested from July to September， with the best quality being those with thick and crispy rhizomes without impurities， and bitter taste. Throughout history， Picrorhizae Rhizoma was collected， washed， sliced， and dried before being used as a raw material for medicine， it has a bitter and cold taste， mainly used to treat bone steaming， hot flashes， infantile chancre fever， and dysentery. There is no significant difference in taste and efficacy between ancient and modern times. Based on the research results， it is recommended that the rhizomes of P. scrophulariiflora in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia， or the rhizomes of P. kurrooa， can be used in famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb， which can be processed according to the processing requirements marked by the original formula. For those without clear processing requirements， the dried raw products are used as medicine.

Objective: To investigate the value of the Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) in predicting hypertension risk, so as to provide a tool for the early assessment of hypertension risk. Methods: Health examination individuals aged ≥18 years were selected from four medical institutes in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province in 2022. Data on basic information, lifestyle, disease history, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood biochemical indicators were collected through questionnaire surveys and physical examinations. CVAI was calculated to assess levels of visceral fat accumulation, divided by quartiles into Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups. The relationship between CVAI and hypertension was analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model, and their dose-response relationship was examined using a restricted cubic spline model. The value of CVAI in predicting hypertension risk was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: A total of 23 791 individuals were enrolled, with a median age of 68.00 (interquartile range, 14.00) years. Among them, 10 178 (42.78%) were males and 13 613 (57.22%) were females. The median CVAI was 111.40 (interquartile range, 48.23). Hypertension was identified in 15 563 cases, with a prevalence of 65.42%. After adjusting for lifestyle, disease history, and blood biochemical indicators, the multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that hypertension risk in the CVAI Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were 2.012 (95%CI: 1.865-2.170), 3.059 (95%CI: 2.826-3.311), and 5.099 (95%CI: 4.672-5.565) times that of the Q1 group, respectively. The restricted cubic spline model revealed a non-linear relationship between CVAI and hypertension risk (Pnon linearity<0.05). Hypertension risk increased more rapidly when the CVAI was ≥81.03. The area under the ROC curve for CVAI in predicting hypertension risk was 0.691, with an optimal cutoff value of 106.01, which falls within the Q2 group. Conclusions There was a nonlinear dose-response relationship between CVAI and hypertension. CVAI can predict the risk of hypertension, and 106.01 can serve as an early warning threshold for risk screening.

Objective:To investigate the optimal timing of oral propranolol treatment for proliferative infantile hemangiomas (IH) .Methods:A bidirectional cohort study was conducted. Infants with proliferative IH receiving oral propranolol treatment were collected from the Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University between June 2015 and May 2019, and their general information and IH-related clinical data were analyzed. The primary outcome was the satisfactory regression rate of IH during 6-12 months of continuous oral propranolol treatment; secondary outcomes included the time to achieve satisfactory regression, incidence of adverse reactions, incidence of IH ulceration, and IH recurrence rate. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors influencing the satisfactory regression of IH after propranolol treatment, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to determine the optimal age for initiating propranolol therapy.Results:A total of 122 IH infants were enrolled in the study, including 32 males (26.2%) and 90 females (73.8%), with ages ( M[ Q1, Q3]) of 8.6 [6.3, 12.3] weeks. IH was located on the head and face in 56 cases (45.9%). There were 57 cases (46.7%) of localized IH, 53 (43.4%) of segmental IH, and 86 (70.5%) of mixed-type IH. Ulceration occurred in 17 cases (13.9%). After 6 months of propranolol treatment, 8 patients (6.6%) experienced treatment failure, and 12 (9.8%) experienced relapse within 6 months after discontinuation of propranolol. During 6 months of oral propranolol treatment, 56 infants (45.9%) experienced mild to moderate adverse reactions, with no drug-related deaths observed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the age at initiation of propranolol treatment was an independent factor influencing satisfactory regression of IH ( OR = 0.879, 95% CI: 0.808 - 0.957). ROC curve analysis revealed that the optimal age for starting propranolol therapy was 9.9 weeks, with a sensitivity of 75.7% and a specificity of 61.5%. Infants aged ≤ 9.9 weeks (73 cases) had a significantly higher satisfactory regression rate (72.6% [53/73]) compared with those aged > 9.9 weeks (49 cases, 34.7% [17/49]; χ2 = 17.23, P < 0.001) ; the time to achieve satisfactory regression of IH was significantly shorter in the infants aged ≤ 9.9 weeks ( M[ Q1, Q3]: 46.0 [38.5, 48.0] weeks) than in those aged > 9.9 weeks (57.0 [40.0, 73.5] weeks; Z = -2.01, P = 0.045) . Conclusion:For IH infants requiring systemic therapy, initiation of oral propranolol before the age of 10 weeks appeared to improve the satisfactory regression rate of IH.

Objective:To investigate the optimal timing of oral propranolol treatment for proliferative infantile hemangiomas (IH) .Methods:A bidirectional cohort study was conducted. Infants with proliferative IH receiving oral propranolol treatment were collected from the Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University between June 2015 and May 2019, and their general information and IH-related clinical data were analyzed. The primary outcome was the satisfactory regression rate of IH during 6-12 months of continuous oral propranolol treatment; secondary outcomes included the time to achieve satisfactory regression, incidence of adverse reactions, incidence of IH ulceration, and IH recurrence rate. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors influencing the satisfactory regression of IH after propranolol treatment, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to determine the optimal age for initiating propranolol therapy.Results:A total of 122 IH infants were enrolled in the study, including 32 males (26.2%) and 90 females (73.8%), with ages ( M[ Q1, Q3]) of 8.6 [6.3, 12.3] weeks. IH was located on the head and face in 56 cases (45.9%). There were 57 cases (46.7%) of localized IH, 53 (43.4%) of segmental IH, and 86 (70.5%) of mixed-type IH. Ulceration occurred in 17 cases (13.9%). After 6 months of propranolol treatment, 8 patients (6.6%) experienced treatment failure, and 12 (9.8%) experienced relapse within 6 months after discontinuation of propranolol. During 6 months of oral propranolol treatment, 56 infants (45.9%) experienced mild to moderate adverse reactions, with no drug-related deaths observed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the age at initiation of propranolol treatment was an independent factor influencing satisfactory regression of IH ( OR = 0.879, 95% CI: 0.808 - 0.957). ROC curve analysis revealed that the optimal age for starting propranolol therapy was 9.9 weeks, with a sensitivity of 75.7% and a specificity of 61.5%. Infants aged ≤ 9.9 weeks (73 cases) had a significantly higher satisfactory regression rate (72.6% [53/73]) compared with those aged > 9.9 weeks (49 cases, 34.7% [17/49]; χ2 = 17.23, P < 0.001) ; the time to achieve satisfactory regression of IH was significantly shorter in the infants aged ≤ 9.9 weeks ( M[ Q1, Q3]: 46.0 [38.5, 48.0] weeks) than in those aged > 9.9 weeks (57.0 [40.0, 73.5] weeks; Z = -2.01, P = 0.045) . Conclusion:For IH infants requiring systemic therapy, initiation of oral propranolol before the age of 10 weeks appeared to improve the satisfactory regression rate of IH.

Objective:To determine the contents of quercetin, kaempferol, total flavonoids and extracts in 52 samples of Lysimachiae Herba collected from different origins; To analyze the quality differences of Lysimachiae Herba among different producing areas. Methods:The quercetin and kaempferol contents of the Lysimachiae Herba from Guizhou Province, Sichuan Province and Chongqing were determined by HPLC, and the total flavonoids were determined by Symergy HTX microplate reader. Results:The total content of quercetin and kaempferol in 52 samples was among 0.146 2-2.517 0 mg/g, with an average content of 0.872 6 mg/g, among which the average content of Sichuan was 1.073 2 mg/g, that of Guizhou was 0.705 4 mg/g, and that of Chongqing was 0.865 1 mg/g. Among them, 20 samples reached the standard of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The average content of the samples that met the standard was 1.439 7 mg/g. The compliance rate of samples collected in Guizhou, Sichuan and Chongqing reached 12.5%, 62.5%, and 38.8% respectively. The total flavonoid content of 52 samples was among 0.994 2- 3.866 4 mg/g, and 52 samples were in conformity with the ethanol hot extract standard of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Conclusions:The total contents of quercetin and kaempferol from different sources in Sichuan, Guizhou and Chongqing are quite different, and the total contents of quercetin and kaempferol collected from the same district and county are also quite different, and the compliance rate is low. There are great differences in total flavonoids in different producing areas and different populations of Lysimachiae Herba samples collected in the field.

Background: Co-infections of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and the Haemophilus parasuis (HPS) are severe in Chinese pigs, but the immune response genes against co-infected with 2 pathogens in the lungs have not been reported. Objectives: To understand the effect of PRRSV and/or HPS infection on the genes expression associated with lung immune function. Methods: The expression of the immune-related genes was analyzed using RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected and identified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting assays. Results: All experimental pigs showed clinical symptoms and lung lesions. RNA-seq analysis showed that 922 DEGs in co-challenged pigs were more than in the HPS group (709 DEGs) and the PRRSV group (676 DEGs). Eleven DEGs validated by qRT-PCR were consistent with the RNA sequencing results. Eleven common Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways related to infection and immune were found in single-infected and co-challenged pigs, including autophagy, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and antigen processing and presentation, involving different DEGs. A model of immune response to infection with PRRSV and HPS was predicted among the DEGs in the co-challenged pigs. Dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1) and interleukin-21 (IL21) were detected by IHC and western blot and showed significant differences between the co-challenged pigs and the controls. Conclusions These findings elucidated the transcriptome changes in the lungs after PRRSV and/or HPS infections, providing ideas for further study to inhibit ROS production and promote pulmonary fibrosis caused by co-challenging with PRRSV and HPS.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between lateral hypothalamus and melatonin-induced reduction of wakefulness in rats and the receptor mechanism.Methods:Forty clean-grade adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250-300 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), melatonin group (group M), melatonin type-1/2 receptor (MT 1R) antagonist luzindole plus melatonin group (group L+ M), and melatonin type-2 receptor (MT 2R) antagonist 4P-PDOT plus melatonin group (P+ M group). In group C, 0.5 μl of 0.9% NaCl solution was microinjected into the lateral hypothalamus.In group M, 1 μmol/L melatonin 0.5 μl was microinjected into the lateral hypothalamus.In group L+ M, 1 μmol/L MT 1/2R and 1 μmol/L melatonin (0.5 μl in total) was microinjected into the lateral hypothalamus.The microinjection time was from 19: 30 to 20: 00.The changes in sleep-wake duration and the oscillating energy in different frequency bands of electroencephalogram were detected by using electroencephalogram and electromyogram recording technology. Results:Compared with group C, the percentage of wakefulness time was significantly decreased, the percentage of non-rapid eye movement sleep and rapid eye movement sleep time was increased, the energy for delta oscillation was increased, the energy for theta oscillation was decreased, and no significant change was found in the energy for alpha oscillation in M and P+ M groups ( P<0.01), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group L+ M ( P>0.05). Compared with group M, the percentage of wakefulness time was significantly increased, the percentage of non-rapid eye movement sleep and rapid eye movement sleep time was decreased, the energy for delta oscillation was decreased, and the energy for theta oscillation was increased in group L+ M ( P<0.01), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group P+ M ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The lateral hypothalamus may be involved in melatonin-induced reduction of wakefulness in rats, and the mechanism may be related to activating MT 1R in the lateral hypothalamus.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of propofol on excitability of pyramidal neurons in orbitofrontal cortex of mice and the underlying ion channel mechanism.Methods:Brain slices of 400 μm thickness from healthy male C57 mice (aged 8-12 weeks)were prepared.This experiment was performed in two parts.Part Ⅰ The brain slices were divided into 2 groups ( n=7 each) based on the random number table method: control group (C group) and propofol group (P group). Cells were perfused with vehicle in group C and with 10 μmol/L propofol in group P. Part Ⅱ The brain slices were divided into 5 groups ( n=8 each) using the random number table method: propofol group (P group), hyperpolarization-activated non-selective cation channel antagonist ZD7288 plus propofol group (Z + P group), inward rectifier potassium channel antagonist topiramate plus propofol group(T + P group), transient activation of voltage-gated potassium channel antagonist 4-aminopyridine (4AP) plus propofol group (A + P group), and delayed activation of voltage-gated potassium channel antagonist tetraethylammonium (TEA) plus propofol group (TEA + P group). Cells were perfused with 10 μmol/L propofol for 2 min in P group, with 5 μmol/L ZD7288 and 10 μmol/L melatonin for 2 min in Z+ P group, with 5 μmol/L topiramate and 10 μmol/L propofol for 2 min in T + P group, with 10 μ mol/L 4-aminopyridine and 10 μmol/L propofol for 2 min in A+ P group, and with 10 μmol/L TEA and 10 μmol/L propofol for 2 min in TEA+ P group.The whole-cell currents, membrane potential and discharge frequency of pyramidal neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp. Results:Part Ⅰ Compared with C group, whole-cell currents were significantly increased, and the membrane potential and discharge frequency were decreased in P group ( P<0.01). Part Ⅱ Compared with P group, no significant change was found in the whole-cell currents, membrane potentials and discharge frequency in Z+ P group, T+ P group and A+ P group ( P>0.05), and the whole-cell currents were significantly decreased, and the membrane potentials and discharge frequency were increased in TEA+ P group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Propofol can inhibit the excitability of pyramidal neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex, and the mechanism is related to activating delayed activation of voltage-gated potassium channels in mice.

Clinical teaching round is one of main teaching methods during standardized training for residents. However, the particularity of standardized resident training in clinical anesthesia determines that it is difficult to apply the teaching round model of other disciplines. In this study, seven core contents of Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) were modified after considering the characteristics of anesthesia specialty and applied to the teaching rounds of standardized training for residents of anesthesia , thus promoting the standardization and improving the quality of anesthesia teaching rounds.

Objective To evaluate the effects of melatonin on the excitability of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and the role of melatonin receptor 1 (MT1 R)-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway.Methods Brains were obtained from male SpragueDawley rats between 14 and 21 days after birth.The brain slices of 350-μm thick were prepared and placed in artificial cerebrospinal fluid.The brain slices were divided into 5 groups (n =6 each) using a random number table method:control group (C group),melatonin group (M group),MT1/2R antagonist luzindole plus melatonin group (L+M group),MT2R antagonist 4P-PDOT plus melatonin group (P+M group) and PKA inhibitor Rp-cAMPS plus melatonin group (R+M group).Cells were perfused for 2 min with artificial cerebrospinal fluid in group C.Cells were perfused for 2 min with 1 μmol/L melatonin in group M.Cells were perfused for 2 min with the mixture of 1 μmol/L MT1/2R antagonist luzindole and 1 μmol/L melatonin in group L+M.Cells were perfused for 2 min with the mixture of 1 μmol/L MT2R antagonist 4P-PDOT and 1 μmol/L melatonin in group P+M.In group R+M,1 mmol/L PKA inhibitor Rp-cAMPS was continuously added to the pipette solution,and cells were perfused for 2 min with 1 μmol/L melatonin.The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record the membrane potential and clamp current of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex.Results Compared with group C,the clamp current was significantly increased,and the membrane potential was decreased in group M (P＜0.05).Compared with group M,the clamp current was significantly decreased,and the membrane potential was increased in L + M and R + M groups (P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the clamp current or membrane potential in group P+M (P＞0.05).Conclusion Melatonin inhibits the excitability of pyramidal neutrons in the prefrontal cortex,and the mechanism is related to activating MT1 R-cAMP-PKA signaling pathway.