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:Trigeminal neuralgia(TN)is a severe chronic neuropathic pain that mainly affects the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve with limited treating efficacy.There are numerous treatments for TN,but currently the main clinical approach is to suppress pain by carbamazepine(CBZ).Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)is closely related to chronic pain.This study aims to determine the effects of CBZ treatment on BDNF expression in both the trigeminal ganglion(TG)and serum of TN via a chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve(ION-CCI)rat model. Methods:The ION-CCI models were established in male Sprague-Dawley rats and were randomly divided into a sham group,a TN group,a TN+low-dose CBZ treatment group(TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group),a TN+medium-dose CBZ treatment group(TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group),and a TN+high-dose CBZ treatment group(TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group).The mechanical pain threshold in each group of rats was measured regularly before and after surgery.The expressions of BDNF and tyrosine kinase receptor B(TrkB)mRNA in TGs of rats in different groups were determined by real-time PCR,and the expression of BDNF protein on neurons in TGs was observed by immunofluorescence.Western Blotting was used to detect the protein expression of BDNF,TrkB,extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK),and phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases(p-ERK)in TGs of rats in different groups.The expression of BDNF in the serum of rats in different groups was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results:The results of mechanical pain sensitivity showed that there was no significant difference in the mechanical pain threshold in the right facial sensory area of the experimental rats in each group before surgery(all P>0.05).From the 3rd day after operation,the mechanical pain threshold of rats in the TN group was significantly lower than that in the sham group(all P<0.01),and the mechanical pain threshold of rats in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 CBZ mg/kg group was higher than that in the TN group(all P<0.05).The BDNF and TrkB mRNA and protein expressions in TGs of rats in the TN group were higher than those in the sham group(all P<0.05),and those in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were lower than the TN group(all P<0.05).The p-ERK levels in TG of rats in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were significantly decreased compared with the TN group(all P<0.05).The BDNF and neuron-specific nuclear protein(NeuN)were mainly co-expressed in neuron of TGs in the TN group and they were significantly higher than those in the sham group(all P<0.05).The co-labeled expressions of BDNF and NeuN in TGs of the TN+ 80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were lower than those in the TN group(all P<0.05).The results of ELISA showed that the level of BDNF in the serum of the TN group was significantly higher than that in the sham group(P<0.05).The levels of BDNF in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were lower than those in the TN group(all P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the BDNF level in serum was negatively correlated with mechanical pain threshold(r=-0.650,P<0.01). Conclusion:CBZ treatment can inhibit the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the TGs of TN rats,reduce the level of BDNF in serum of TN rats and the phosphorylation of ERK signaling pathway,so as to inhibit TN.The serum level of BDNF can be considered as an indicator for the diagnosis and prognosis of TN.

BACKGROUND:Among the pathogenic factors of cervical spondylosis,herniation of the intervertebral disc,dislocation of the facet joint and the stenosis of the intervertebral foramen are important factors leading to symptoms in patients.Moreover,inappropriate manipulation may aggravate the possibility of cervical disc rupture,leading to exacerbation of symptoms in patients. OBJECTIVE:To compare the effect between sagittal cervical manipulation and traditional cervical rotation manipulation on the area of the intervertebral disc,facet joint and intervertebral foramen at the operative segment by the finite element analysis. METHODS:The neck CT data of a male volunteer with a normal neck were selected and imported into Mimics 17.0 three-dimensional reconstruction software.Geo-magic Studio 12.0,Solidworks 2017 and Ansys Workbench 17.0 software were used for the construction of the finite element model of cervical vertebrae(C3-6)including intervertebral disc and articular cartilage.The lower end plate of the C5 vertebral body was fixed.A uniformly distributed vertical downward 50 N load was applied on the upper surface of the upper vertebral body(C3).The stress,deformation and deformation direction of the C4-5 intervertebral disc,joint capsule stress,the displacement of facet joints and the area of bilateral intervertebral foramen were compared between sagittal cervical manipulation and traditional rotation reduction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When using the rotation technique,the maximum normal equivalent stress(von Mises stress)of the C4-5 disc was 8.06 MPa;the total deformation was 1.05 mm,and the fiber ring expanded to the left and outside.When using the sagittal tip lifting technique,the maximum normal equivalent stress(von Mises stress)of the C4-5 disc was 2.60 MPa;the total deformation was 0.90 mm,and the fiber ring expanded to the left and back.Compared with the rotation technique,the pressure of the cervical manipulation technique on the disc was less(about 32.3%of the rotation technique),and the deformation degree of the disc was also light(about 85.7%of the rotation technique).(2)When the rotation technique was used,the maximum stresses of the left and right articular capsule ligaments were 0.37 MPa and 1.69 MPa,respectively.The overall displacement of the facet joint was 2.21 mm.The area of the right intervertebral foramen decreased by about 3.8%and the area of the left intervertebral foramen increased by about 0.9%.When the sagittal end lifting manipulation was performed,the maximum stresses of the left and right articular capsule ligaments were 0.27 MPa and 1.70 MPa,respectively;the overall displacement of the facet joint was 1.63 mm;the area of the right intervertebral foramen increased by about 2.6%,and the area of the left intervertebral foramen decreased by about 0.9%.Compared with rotation manipulation,sagittal end lifting manipulation had fewer changes in the displacement of facet joint,joint capsule stress and intervertebral foramen area,so it was safer to operate.(3)In conclusion,compared with cervical rotation manipulation,sagittal end lifting manipulation has fewer changes in facet joint displacement,intervertebral disc stress/deformation degree,joint capsule stress,and foraminal area.In clinical practice,more appropriate manipulation should be selected based on biomechanical results after an accurate assessment of patients'conditions.

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P＜0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59％(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49％(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35％(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.

Objective To observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription on Keap1Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in rats with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis(CNP);To explore its mechanism for the treatment of CNP.Methods CNP rat model was prepared using castration combined with estrogen induction method.Totally 48 SD rats were divided into blank group,model group,celecoxib group and Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription group according to the random number table method,with 12 rats in each group.In the celecoxib group,celecoxib suspension was instilled 0.035 g/kg,and in the Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription group,Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription water decoction was instilled 8.64 g/kg,and the blank group and the model group were instilled with equal volume of normal saline for 28 days.Mechanical pain threshold in rats was measured using Von Frey fiber optic pain gauge,HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in prostate tissue and pathological scoring,the content of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in prostate tissue were detected by chemical fluorescence method and the glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)activity and malondialdehyde(MDA)content in prostate tissue were detected by colorimetric method,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Kelch like ECH related protein 1(Keap1),nuclear factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2),and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)protein in prostate tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,rats in the model group had significantly lower mechanical pain threshold and significantly decreased prostate index(P<0.01);the size of the glandular cavity in prostate tissue varied,with the disappearance of secretions in the cavity,interstitial looseness and edema,a large amount of fibrous tissue hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration,and a significant increase in pathological scores(P<0.01);the contents of ROS and MDA in prostate tissue significantly increased,the activity of GSH-Px significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression of Keap1 and Nrf2 proteins significantly decreased,and the expression of HO-1 protein significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the mechanical pain threshold of the rats in the Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription group was significantly higher(P<0.01);there was mild damage to prostate tissue,with a small amount of fibrous hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration,and a significant decrease in pathological scores(P<0.01,P<0.05);the contents of ROS and MDA in prostate tissue significantly decreased,and the GSH-Px activity significantly increased(P<0.01),the Keap1 and Nrf2 protein expressions significantly increased and HO-1 protein expression significantly decreased in prostate tissue(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Yiqi Huoxue Tuodu Prescription can effectively improve the histopathological morphology and increase the pain threshold of the prostate gland in CNP rats,and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and reduction of oxidative stress damage in prostate tissue of rats.

Objective:To analyze the clinical features of postpartum hepatitis flares in pregnant women with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted. Patients who met the enrollment criteria were included. Liver function and HBV virology tests were collected from pregnant women with chronic HBV infection at delivery, 6, 24, 36, and 48 weeks after delivery through the hospital information and test system. Additionally, antiviral therapy types and drug withdrawal times were collected. Statistical analysis was performed on all the resulting data.Results:A total of 533 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were included, with all patients aged (29.5±3.7) years old. A total of 408 cases received antiviral drugs during pregnancy to interrupt mother-to-child transmission. There was no significant difference in the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT, z ?=?-1.981, P ?=?0.048), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, z ?=?-3.956, P ?

Objective To evaluate the effect of water exchange method versus conventional methods including air insufflation and carbon dioxide insufflation method for the quality of colonoscopy.Methods We searched related randomized controlled trials published up to October 2022 from PubMed,Web of Science,the Cochrane Library,SinoMed databases,CNKI,Wanfang data.Two reviewers independently searched the literatures based on standards to extract the data and evaluate the quality.Meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.4.1.Results 23 studies involving 10654 patients were included.Although cecal intubation time was prolonged in water exchange(MD=1.81,95％CI:1.28～2.35,P=0.000),but water exchange had higher adenoma detection rate(ADR)(O(R)=1.40,95％CI:1.26～1.55,P=0.000),cecal intubation rate(O(R)=1.62,95％CI:1.24～2.10,P=0.000)and scores of bowel preparation quality(MD=0.61,95％CI:0.42～0.79,P=0.000)compared with conventional colonoscopy.In addition,WE had significantly lower pain sores(MD=-1.07,95％CI:-1.39～-0.76,P=0.000),number of abdominal compression(O(R)=0.42,95％CI:0.29～0.60,P=0.000)and number of position change(O(R)=0.59,95％CI:0.42～0.82,P=0.002)than conventional colonoscopy.Conclusion Although water exchange colonoscopy prolongs cecal intubation time,but it can significantly increase ADR,cecal intubation rate and scores of bowel preparation quality.Beyond that,water exchange reduces patient pain,the proportion of abdominal compression and position change.Water exchange is a better choice for high-quality colonoscopy.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for postoperative pulmonary embolism in patients with spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage,and construct and verify the nomogram model.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 558 patients admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and the Three Gorges Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing University.And 393 of them who hospitalized from January 2015 to January 2021 were assigned into a modeling group,and the other 165 patients from February 2021 to January 2023 into a validation group.Univariate and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses were used to screen out the risk factors associated with pulmonary embolism after spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage surgery.Then a nomogram model was build based on these factors and verified.Results Based on age,blood loss,Glasgow coma scale(GCS)score,surgical treatments,levels of fibrin degradation products,D-dimer and hemoglobin,plasma osmolality,and deep vein thrombosis,a risk model of pulmonary embolism was built.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis showed the model had good discriminability for the presence of pulmonary embolism,and the area under the curve(AUC)value was 0.908.Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-fit test indicated that the model had a good fit to the verification set(Chi-square=14.805,df=8,P=0.063),the correction curve was close to the ideal curve,and the prediction probability of the model was close to the actual occurrence probability,suggesting the model having good accuracy.Decision curve analysis revealed that the established nomogram model can get benefits under a large range of threshold probabilities.Conclusion We develop a prediction model for postoperative pulmonary embolism in patients with spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage after surgical treatment,which shows good prediction performance in both the training and validation groups,and can be used for accurate,prompt and quick identification for the occurrence of pulmonary embolism in clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of whole exome sequencing (WES), as a molecular diagnosis technique, for adult patients with genetic diseases.Methods:The present retrospective analysis included 445 adult patients (ages 18-80 years) with suspected genetic diseases who underwent whole exome sequencing (WES) from August 2021 to December 2022. The pathogenicity classification of each variant was assessed in accordance with the recommendations developed by the American Society of Medical Genetics and Genomics.Results:The overall positive rate of WES among adult patients with suspected genetic diseases was 28.08% (125/445). The highest positive rate was observed in the age group of 41-50 years (34.33%, 23/67). Among the diagnosed genetic diseases, those affecting the cardiovascular system (63.16%, 84/133), nervous system (18.05%, 24/133), and endocrine system (13.53%, 18/133) ranked as the top three. The most common genetic diseases identified through WES in adult patients were hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (18.80%, 25/133), dilated cardiomyopathy (16.54%, 22/133), Marfan syndrome (15.04%, 20/133), epilepsy (9.02%, 12/133), and familial hypercholesterolemia (4.51%, 6/133). The main causative genes identified included FBN1 (14.29%, 19/133), MYBPC3 (9.02%, 12/133), MYH7 (9.02%, 12/133), LDLR (3.76%, 5/133), TTN (3.76%, 5/133), and TNNI3 (3.01%, 4/133).Conclusion:Applying the WES technique in clinical practice can improve the diagnostic rate of adult genetic diseases, especially in adult patients with suspected genetic conditions involving the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and endocrine system.

Humans ; Mpox (monkeypox) ; China