ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of jujuboside A （JuA） on the learning and memory abilities and histopathological changes in the rat model of vascular cognitive impairment （VCI） and explore the potential mechanisms by which JuA treats VCI. MethodsA total of 50 male SPF-grade SD rats were randomized into a sham operation group （n=10）， a blank control group （n=10）， and a modeling group （n=30）. The rats in the modeling group underwent bilateral carotid artery ligation （2-VO） for the modeling of VCI. After stabilization， the VCI rats were randomized into model， JuA （20 mg·kg^-¹）， and donepezil （0.45 mg·kg^-¹） groups. After 4 weeks of gavage， the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests were conducted to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of rats. Nissl staining was employed to evaluate the morphology and number of hippocampal neurons. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β）， cAMP response element-binding protein （CREB）， B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， and protein kinase B （Akt） in the hippocampal tissue. Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of GSK-3β， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， Bcl-2， PI3K， p-PI3K， Akt， and p-Akt in the hippocampal tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the model group exhibited declines in the learning and memory abilities （P<0.01）， neuronal damage and decreased neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region （P<0.01）， up-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β （P<0.01）， and down-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， CREB， and Bcl-2， as well as the protein levels of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， and Bcl-2 （P<0.01）. In comparison to the model group， both the JuA and donepezil groups demonstrated improvements in the learning and memory abilities （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with reduced neuronal damage and increased neurons （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In addition， the two groups showed down-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β （P<0.01） and up-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， CREB， and Bcl-2 and the protein levels of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， and Bcl-2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. There were no statistically significant differences between the blank control and sham operation groups in terms of the learning and memory abilities， neuron count， and mRNA and protein levels of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway-related factors. ConclusionJuA can ameliorate the cognitive impairment in the rat model of VCI by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway， reducing the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons， and alleviating the hippocampal neuronal damage.

Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue.Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells.These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.

Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue.Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells.These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.

Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue.Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells.These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.

Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue.Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells.These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.

Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue.Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells.These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has recently been proposed as a key player in the representation of itch stimuli. However, to date, little is known about the contribution of specific ACC interneuron populations to itch processing. Using c-Fos immunolabeling and in vivo Ca²⁺ imaging, we reported that both histamine and chloroquine stimuli-induced acute itch caused a marked enhancement of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing interneuron activity in the ACC. Behavioral data indicated that optogenetic and chemogenetic activation of these neurons reduced scratching responses related to histaminergic and non-histaminergic acute itch. Similar neural activity and modulatory role of these neurons were seen in mice with chronic itch induced by contact dermatitis. Together, this study highlights the importance of ACC VIP⁺ neurons in modulating itch-related affect and behavior, which may help us to develop novel mechanism-based strategies to treat refractory chronic itch in the clinic.
Animals ; Pruritus/physiopathology* ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/metabolism* ; Interneurons/metabolism* ; Gyrus Cinguli/metabolism* ; Mice ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Histamine ; Chloroquine ; Optogenetics ; Mice, Transgenic

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcome of biplanar botulinum toxin type A injection in alleviating platysmal bands.Methods:From November 2022 to May 2023, the clinical data of patients with platysmal bands treated by botulinum toxin type A injection in Department of Face and Neck Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Department of Plastic Surgery, Chengdu Badachu Cosmetic Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The platysmal bands were marked, while patients were grinning, before injection. Using a 13 mm 30 G needle, 20 U/ml botulinum toxin was injected into the muscle layer along the bands from the clavicle direction. The dose was 1 U at a single point every 1.5 cm. Using a 3 mm 30 G needle, 10 U/ml botulinum toxin was injected into the deep surface of dermis along the bands with a single point dose of 0.5 U. Effects were evaluated by overall subjective satisfaction of patients, which were categorized into 4 grades: very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, very dissatisfied. In addition, accessment by a third-party physician with global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) (1-5 points, the lower the score, the more significant the improvement is) and Geister platysmal band scale (0-4 points, the higher the score, the more severe the platysmal band is). Normal distribution data was represented by Mean±SD.Results:A total of 19 patients were included, including 3 males and 16 females, with the average age of 36.1 years. After a mean follow-up of 1.3 months (1-5 months), the overall subjective satisfaction was 100%(19/19). The GAIS score of third-party physicians was 1.12±0.33. 100%(19/19) of patients received a rating over moderate improvement(significant improvement in 17 cases and moderate improvement in 2 cases). The Geister platysmal band score decreased from preoperative 3.65 ± 0.33 to postoperative 0.76 ± 0.44. No serious complications were found except 5 cases of local congestion and 2 cases of injection pain, which were relieved in 1 week and 3 hours respectively. 2 cases felt mild neck weakness, but neck activity was not affected. The adverse symptoms all completely resolved spontaneously within 4 weeks. All patients have no mouth deviation, difficulty speaking, facial paralysis, allergies, or other noticeable complications.Conclusion:The injection of botulinum toxin type A in dual-plane of platysmal intramuscular layer and deep intradermal layer can effectively alleviate platysmal bands and achieve neck rejuvenation.

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcome of biplanar botulinum toxin type A injection in alleviating platysmal bands.Methods:From November 2022 to May 2023, the clinical data of patients with platysmal bands treated by botulinum toxin type A injection in Department of Face and Neck Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Department of Plastic Surgery, Chengdu Badachu Cosmetic Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The platysmal bands were marked, while patients were grinning, before injection. Using a 13 mm 30 G needle, 20 U/ml botulinum toxin was injected into the muscle layer along the bands from the clavicle direction. The dose was 1 U at a single point every 1.5 cm. Using a 3 mm 30 G needle, 10 U/ml botulinum toxin was injected into the deep surface of dermis along the bands with a single point dose of 0.5 U. Effects were evaluated by overall subjective satisfaction of patients, which were categorized into 4 grades: very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, very dissatisfied. In addition, accessment by a third-party physician with global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) (1-5 points, the lower the score, the more significant the improvement is) and Geister platysmal band scale (0-4 points, the higher the score, the more severe the platysmal band is). Normal distribution data was represented by Mean±SD.Results:A total of 19 patients were included, including 3 males and 16 females, with the average age of 36.1 years. After a mean follow-up of 1.3 months (1-5 months), the overall subjective satisfaction was 100%(19/19). The GAIS score of third-party physicians was 1.12±0.33. 100%(19/19) of patients received a rating over moderate improvement(significant improvement in 17 cases and moderate improvement in 2 cases). The Geister platysmal band score decreased from preoperative 3.65 ± 0.33 to postoperative 0.76 ± 0.44. No serious complications were found except 5 cases of local congestion and 2 cases of injection pain, which were relieved in 1 week and 3 hours respectively. 2 cases felt mild neck weakness, but neck activity was not affected. The adverse symptoms all completely resolved spontaneously within 4 weeks. All patients have no mouth deviation, difficulty speaking, facial paralysis, allergies, or other noticeable complications.Conclusion:The injection of botulinum toxin type A in dual-plane of platysmal intramuscular layer and deep intradermal layer can effectively alleviate platysmal bands and achieve neck rejuvenation.

Objective:To explore the application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in patients with pulmonary infection after failure of empirical treatment.Methods:From September 2021 to November 2023, a total of 64 patients with pulmonary infection who failed to receive empirical treatment in the Ninth People′s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients were collected for traditional etiological detection and mNGS detection in alveolar lavage fluid, and the differences between traditional etiological detection methods and mNGS detection methods for pathogen detection in patients with pulmonary infection after failure of empirical treatment were compared.Results:In 64 patients with pulmonary infection after failure of empirical treatment, the positive rate of mNGS microbial detection in alveolar lavage fluid was higher than that of traditional etiological detection: 87.50%(56/64) vs. 57.81%(37/64), and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01). The most common microorganisms detected by mNGS were bacterial infections, the main bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Haemophilus paraininfluenzae. The detection rate of mNGS in mixed infection was higher than that of traditional etiological detection: 65.63%(42/64) vs. 15.63%(10/64), χ2 = 33.17, P<0.01. Drug resistance genes were detected by mNGS technique in 18 patients, and a total of 21 kinds of drug resistance genes were detected, 53.13%(34/64) of patients improved after antibiotic adjustment based on mNGS test results. Conclusions:mNGS technology can effectively improve the positive microbial detection rate of patients with pulmonary infection after failure of empirical treatment, and can assist in the evaluation of antimicrobial resistance genes and guide the adjustment of clinical antibiotics, so as to improve the therapeutic effect.