Osteoarthritis (OA), a highly prevalent degenerative joint disease worldwide, is defined by articular cartilage degradation, abnormal bone remodeling, and persistent chronic inflammation. It severely compromises patients’ quality of life, and currently, there is no radical cure. Abnormal mechanical stress is widely regarded as a core driver of OA pathogenesis, and the exploration of mechanical signal perception and transduction mechanisms has become crucial for deciphering OA’s pathophysiological processes. Piezo1, a key mechanosensitive cation channel belonging to the Piezo protein family, has recently gained significant attention due to its pivotal role in mediating cellular responses to mechanical stimuli in joint tissues. This review systematically examines Piezo1’s expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and pathological functions in OA, with a particular focus on its dual roles in modulating chondrocyte homeostasis and bone metabolism disorders, while also delving into the underlying molecular signaling pathways and potential therapeutic implications. Piezo1, consisting of approximately 2 500 amino acids and forming a unique trimeric propeller-like structure, is widely expressed in chondrocytes, osteocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and synovial cells. It exhibits permeability to cations such as Ca²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺, and directly responds to membrane tension changes induced by mechanical stimuli like fluid shear stress and mechanical overload. In OA patients and animal models, Piezo1 expression is significantly upregulated, especially in cartilage regions subjected to abnormal mechanical stress (e.g., human temporomandibular joint cartilage). This overexpression is closely associated with aggravated cartilage degeneration, increased chondrocyte apoptosis, accelerated cellular senescence, and intensified inflammatory responses. Mechanical overload and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β) are key inducers of Piezo1 upregulation: IL-1β activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to enhance Piezo1 expression, forming a pathogenic positive feedback loop that inhibits chondrocyte autophagy, promotes apoptosis, and further accelerates joint degeneration. Mechanistically, Piezo1 mediates OA progression through multiple interconnected pathways. When activated by mechanical stress, Piezo1 triggers excessive Ca²⁺ influx, leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and mitochondrial dysfunction, which directly induce chondrocyte apoptosis. This process involves the activation of downstream signaling cascades such as cGAS-STING and YAP-MMP13/ADAMTS5. YAP, a transcriptional regulator, upregulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and aggrecanase (ADAMTS5), thereby accelerating cartilage matrix degradation. Additionally, Piezo1-driven Ca²⁺ overload promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulates senescence markers (p16 and p21), accelerating chondrocyte senescence via the p38MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Senescent chondrocytes secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β), further amplifying joint inflammation. In terms of bone metabolism, Piezo1 maintains joint homeostasis by promoting the differentiation of fibrocartilage stem cells into chondrocytes and balancing bone formation and resorption through regulating the FoxC1/YAP axis and RANKL/OPG ratio. Therapeutically, targeting Piezo1 shows promising potential. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Piezo1 inhibitors (e.g., GsMTx4) can reduce joint damage and alleviate pain in OA mice. Simultaneously, siRNA-mediated co-silencing of Piezo1 and TRPV4 (another mechanosensitive channel) decreases intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, inhibits chondrocyte apoptosis, and promotes cartilage repair. Conditional knockout of Piezo1 using Gdf5-Cre transgenic mice alleviates cartilage degeneration in post-traumatic OA models by downregulating MMP13 and ADAMTS5 expression. Despite existing challenges, such as off-target effects of inhibitors, inefficient local drug delivery, and interindividual genetic variability, strategies like developing selective Piezo1 antagonists, optimizing targeted nanocarriers, and combining Piezo1-targeted therapy with physical therapy provide viable avenues for clinical translation. The authors propose that Piezo1 serves as a critical therapeutic target for OA, and future research should focus on deciphering its context-dependent regulatory networks, developing tissue-specific intervention strategies, and validating their efficacy and safety in clinical trials to address the unmet medical needs of OA patients.

Objective To explore the distribution and epidemiological characteristics of single virus infection and mixed virus infection in patients with acute respiratory tract infection. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 320 patients with acute respiratory tract infections who visited sentinel hospitals from January 2022 to January 2025. All patients underwent common virus detection and atypical pathogen human rhinovirus (HRV) detection. Results In this study, there were 204 patients (71.83%) with single virus infection, including 87 cases (42.65%) of atypical pathogen human rhinovirus (HRV) infection, 28 cases (13.73%) of influenza A virus infection, 35 cases (17.16%) of influenza B virus infection, 21 cases (10.29%) of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, 17 cases (8.33%) of adenovirus (ADV) infection, and 16 cases (7.84%) of parainfluenza virus (PIV) infection. There were 80 patients (28.17%) with mixed virus infection, including 57 cases (71.25%) of influenza virus+RSV mixed infection and 23 cases (28.75%) of ADV+PIV mixed infection. There were significant differences in the detection rates of HRV, RSV, influenza virus+RSV, and ADV+PIV among different age groups (P<0.05). The detection rates of HRV, RSV single and mixed virus were high in age of 0-5 years old, while the detection rate of ADV was high in age of ≥60 years old. Statistical differences were found in the detection rates of HRV, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, ADV, influenza virus+RSV, and ADV+PIV among different seasons (P<0.05). The detection rates of HRV, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and RSV were high in spring and winter, the detection rates of ADV and ADV+PIV were high in summer, the detection rate of PIV was high in spring and autumn, and the detection rate of influenza virus+RSV was high in winter. There were no statistical differences in the detection rates of viral pathogens among patients with different genders (P>0.05). Conclusion Acute respiratory tract infection is mainly caused by single virus infection (HRV is the most common). Mixed infection is more common in influenza virus with RSV. Children aged 0-5 years old and elderly people over 60 years old are susceptible populations. Children have a higher risk of mixed infection, and the epidemic peak is concentrated in winter and spring.

Background and Aims:Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma(pCCA)is associated with poor prognosis.Radical resection remains the mainstay of treatment;however,high recurrence rates and limited overall survival(OS)after surgery.Metabolic syndrome(MetS)has been linked to unfavorable outcomes in various malignancies,but its impact on postoperative outcomes in pCCA is unclear.This study aimed to evaluate the influence of MetS on perioperative and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing radical resection for pCCA.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 223 patients who underwent radical resection for pCCA at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University between January 2018 and December 2023.Patients were categorized into a MetS group(n=50)and a non-MetS group(n=173)according to diagnostic criteria.Perioperative complications,overall survival(OS),and recurrence-free survival(RFS)were compared between groups.Prognostic factors were identified using multivariate analysis.Results:No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding median hospital stay,overall complications,or severe complications(all P＞0.05).The 1-,3-,and 5-year OS rates in the MetS group were 62.3％,22.3％,and 0,respectively,compared with 78.2％,39.5％,and 22.0％in the non-MetS group.Corresponding RFS rates were 46.2％,16.9％,and 0 in the MetS group vs.63.8％,29.6％,and 18.8％in the non-MetS group.Median OS and RFS were significantly shorter in the MetS group than in the non-MetS group(15.0 vs.27.0 months;12.0 vs.21.0 months;P=0.021 and P=0.037,respectively).Multivariate analysis identified MetS and major vascular invasion as independent predictors of OS,while MetS,jaundice,R0 resection,and major vascular invasion were independent predictors of RFS(all P＜0.05).Conclusion:MetS is significantly associated with worse long-term survival and higher recurrence risk after radical resection for pCCA.Incorporating MetS into preoperative assessment and postoperative management strategies may help improve patient outcomes.

Objective:To design a safe and convenient temperature-controlled enema device and to verify its effectiveness in enema operation.Methods:This study was a quasi experimental research. A total of 60 patients who were hospitalized in Jilin Provincial Cancer Hospital from October 2023 to January 2024 were selected as the control group, and 60 patients who underwent enema from February to May 2024 were selected as the experimental group adopting convenience sampling method. The control group used traditional enema operation method, while the experimental group used an integrated temperature controlled enema device for enema operation. The heating time of enema solution, retention time of enema solution in the intestine, patient satisfaction rate, and nursing staff satisfaction rate were compared between the two groups before enema operation.Results:There were 39 males and 21 females in the control group, aged (54.78 ± 10.66) years, and 42 males and18 females in the experimental group, aged (56.15 ± 9.88) years. The warming time of enema fluid in the experimental group was 17.00 (15.25, 18.00) s, which was lower than 55.00 (47.00, 59.75) s in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z = - 9.47, P<0.01). The intraintestinal retention time of enema fluid in the experimental group was 9.50 (9.00, 10.00) min, which was greater than 7.00 (6.00, 8.75) min in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z = - 7.93, P<0.01); the satisfaction rate of the experimental group was 96.67% (58/60), which was higher than 73.33% (44/60) in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 12.81, P<0.01); the satisfaction rate of the nursing staff in the experimental group was 96.00% (48/50), which was higher than 66.00% (33/50) in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 14.62, P<0.01). Conclusions:The integrated temperature-controlled enema device reduces the tediousness of nursing operation. It improves the rate of complete preparation of goods, patient satisfaction and nursing staff satisfaction, thereby ensuring efficacy and patient safety.

AIM:To investigate the mechanism by which muscle segment homeobox 2(Msx2)regulates the differentiation of outer enamel epithelial cells in the enamel organ.METHODS:Tissue paraffin sections were prepared and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining to analyze the effect of Msx2 deficiency on the differentiation status of epithelial cells in the enamel organ at the morphological level.At the ultrastructural level,alterations in cell structure were analyzed.The intermediate steps mediating cell differentiation were identified.Transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed to validate the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenomena.RESULTS:Msx2 deficiency was innovatively found to induce severe squamous epithelial hyperplasia in outer enamel epithelial cells of enamel organ,accompanied by dynamic restructuring of the cell cytoskeleton and alterations in cell adhesion at the ultrastructure level.As a transcriptional repressor,the loss of Msx2 expression results in significant increases(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01)in the mRNA expression levels of integrin β2(Itgβ2),ItgαM,Itgα4,Rac family small GTPase 2(Rac2),Rac/Cdc42 guanine nucleo-tide exchange factor 6(Arhgef6)and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C(Ptprc).CONCLUSION:Msx2 regu-lates cytoskeleton structure and cell-cell interaction through the Rho GTPases signaling pathway,thereby influencing the differentiation state of outer enamel epithelial cells.This study reveals the mechanism through which Msx2 regulates the differentiation of outer enamel epithelial cells,providing a theoretical foundation for the prevention and treatment of enam-el-related clinical dental diseases.

Background and Aims:Body mass index(BMI),an important indicator of nutrition and health,is closely associated with postoperative complications.This study was performed to investigate the relationship between preoperative BMI and severe complications in patients undergoing liver resection for hepatolithiasis,aiming to provide preoperative guidance for clinicians,reduce the risk of postoperative complications,and ensure surgical safety and efficacy.Methods:The clinical data of 484 patients with hepatolithiasis who underwent liver resection between May 2006 and December 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University and Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital were retrospectively collected.Patients were classified into low BMI group(≤18.4 kg/m2),normal BMI group(18.5-24.9 kg/m2),and high BMI group(≥25.0 kg/m2)based on preoperative BMI.Baseline characteristics,overall complications,severe complications,and other postoperative outcomes were compared between the normal BMI group and the low group as well as the high BMI group.Risk factors for severe complications after liver resection were analyzed.Results:Among the 484 patients,79(16.3％)were in the low BMI group,328(67.8％)in the normal BMI group,and 77(15.9％)in the high BMI group.The high BMI group had significantly higher ASA score,preoperative albumin level,and proportion of hypertension compared to the normal BMI group(all P＜0.05).Baseline characteristics in the low BMI group showed no significant differences compared to the normal BMI group(all P＞0.05).The incidence rates of overall complications were not significantly among the three groups(P＞0.05).However,the high BMI group had significantly higher incidence rates of severe complications(Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ),postoperative infections,liver failure,and bile leakage compared to the normal BMI group;the low BMI group had significantly higher rates of perioperative blood transfusion,postoperative infections,liver failure,and reoperation compared to the normal BMI group(all P＜0.05).Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses identified high BMI and preoperative total bilirubin ≥54 pmol/L as independent risk factors for severe complications after liver resection in patients with hepatolithiasis(both P＜0.05).Conclusion:Preoperative BMI is closely associated with the occurrence of complications after liver resection in patients with hepatolithiasis,with high BMI being an independent risk factor for severe complications.To mitigate the risk of severe complications,clinical practice should prioritize monitoring and management of individuals with high BMI and other risk factors

Objective To evaluate the effects of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)on left ventricular reverse remodeling(LVRR)and outcomes in patients with mixed aortic valve disease(MAVD)and predominant aortic stenosis(AS).Methods Patients undergoing TAVR at our center between January 2020 and December 2022 were enrolled consecutively.Propensity score matching(PSM)(1∶1 ratio)was used to reduce selection bias.Transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)was used to monitor left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and other structural parameters over time.The study outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death and rehospitalization due to cardiovascular causes.Linear mixed-effects models and logistic regression were utilized for comparing echocardiographic changes across groups and identifying independent risk factors for no-LVRR,respectively.Results After PSM,126 patients were included.MAVD group exhibited larger structural parameters(left ventricular end-systolic/end-diastolic diameter and volume,left ventricular mass index)and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(all P＜0.05).However,more pronounced improvements in left ventricular structure and hemodynamics were observed during follow-up.Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the left ventricular mass index(LVMI)was an independent predictor of left ventricular reverse remodeling(LVRR)after TAVR,whereas persistent moderate or greater mitral regurgitation(MR)and paravalvular leak(PVL)significantly reduced the incidence of LVRR.During a median follow-up period of 23 months,a total of 31 endpoint events occurred,and there was no statistically significant difference in long-term prognosis between the two groups(Log-rank P=0.330).Conclusions Compared to patients in the AS group,those in the MAVD group exhibited more severe left ventricular remodeling before TAVR.However,more significant LVRR was observed during postoperative follow-up.Additionally,the long-term prognosis was comparable between the two groups.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacterial strains isolated from pediatric intensive care units(PICU)in China for better antimicrobial therapy.Methods Clinical isolates were collected from 17 institutions,including tertiary care children's hospitals and pediatric department of tertiary general hospitals in China from January 1,2020 to December 31,2022.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to a unified protocol using Kirby-Bauer method or automated systems.Results were interpreted according to the breakpoints released by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)in 2020.Results A total of 10 688 isolates were collected,including gram-positive organisms(39.2％)and gram-negative organisms(60.8％).The top three organisms were S.aureus(13.6％,1 453/10 688),A.baumannii(10.0％,1 067/10 688),and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus(9.9％,1 058/10 688).Multi-drug resistant organisms(MDROs)were very common in children.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA),carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales(CRE),carbapenem-resistant E.coli,carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae(CRKP),carbapenem-resistant A.baumannii(CRAB),and carbapenem-resistant P.aeruginosa(CRPA)was 41.1％,19.4％,8.8％,30.9％,67.4％,and 28.8％,respectively.Overall,more than 50％of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to cephalosporins,while nearly 25％of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to carbapenems.MDROs were highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics.More than 80％of CRE and CRAB strains were resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics.CRE and CRAB showed low resistance rates to tigecycline and polymyxin.CRPA showed lower resistance rates to piperacillin,beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations than the resistance rates to third and fourth generation cephalosporins.All of the Staphylococcus and Enterococcus isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and tigecycline.None of PRSP strains isolated from meningitis and nonmeningitis samples were resistant to rifampicin,vancomycin,or linezolid.The prevalence of β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant(BLNAR)strains was 43.3％in Haemophilus influenzae.Conclusions MDROs were prevalent in PICU.It is necessary to establish an effective multidisciplinary team(MDT)to control the antimicrobial resistance.

Objectives:To investigate the clinical efficacy of bilateral mini-open Wiltse approach transforami-nal lumbar interbody fusion(MO-TLIF)in the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases in the elderly.Meth-ods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 62 elderly patients with single-segment degenerative lumbar diseases who underwent MO-TLIF or minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(MIS-TLIF)inthe First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University between September 2017 and August 2020.Among them,37 were male and 25 were female,aged 68.0±5.5 years.The patients were divided into the MO-TLIF group(32 cases)and the MIS-TLIF group(30 cases).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender ratio,age,body mass index(BMI),surgical segment,disease duration,or follow-up time(P＞0.05).The differences between the two groups were compared in terms of operative time,in-traoperative blood loss,intraoperative fluoroscopy,postoperative wound drainage,time to ambulation,hospital stay,complications,and fusion rate.The visual analogue scale(VAS),lumbar Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)scores,and Oswestry disability index(ODI)before surgery,at 3 months postoperatively,and at the final follow-up were recorded and compared.Results:The two groups of patients all successfully completed the surgery without significant surgery-related complications.There were no statistically significant differences be-tween the MO-TLIF and MIS-TLIF groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss(80.3±25.1mL vs.72.3±21.8mL),postoperative wound drainage volume(30.7±10.2mL vs.29.3±9.0mL),or hospital stay(5.4±0.9d vs.5.4±0.8d)(P＞0.05).Compared with the MIS-TLIF group,the MO-TLIF group had shorter operative time(90.8±8.8min vs.98.3±8.0min,P=0.001)and fewer number of intraoperative fluoroscopy(4.7±0.7 times vs.7.2±1.4 times,P＜0.001).Both groups showed significant improvement in low back pain VAS score,lumbar JOA score,and ODI at postoperative 3 months and final follow-up compared with preoperative values(P＜0.001),but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups at the same time points(P＞0.05).At the fi-nal follow-up,no internal fixation-related complications such as screw or rod breakage were observed in both groups,and all the cases achieved bone fusion.Conclusions:Bilateral MO-TLIF can achieve good therapeutic outcomes in treating single-segment degenerative lumbar diseases,which can reduce intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency and shorten operative time comparing with MIS-TLIF.

Objective To investigate the ameliorative effect of Qihuakeli,a Hani formula,on glycolipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus by in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods Rat liver mesenchymal stromal cells(BRL-3A)were inoculated in six-well plates and divided into blank,palmitic acid,fenofibrate,and Qihuakeli serum-containing 5.4,10.8,and 21.6 g/kg groups.Except for the blank group,the remaining groups were intervened with 0.2 mmol/L palmitic acid(PA)for 24 hour,and then added with drug-containing serum,and then continued to incubate for 24 hour.The proliferation rate of BRL-3A cells in each group was determined.Total cholesterol(T-CHO),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)concentrations in the supernatant of each cell group were measured,cell culture medium was aspirated and discarded,triglyceride(TG)concentration in the cell lysate.The lipid content of the cells was determined by measuring and staining with red oil.Meanwhile,45 rats were taken and divided into blank group,model group,fenofibrate group(0.225 g/kg),Qihuakeli compound 5.4 g/kg group,and Qihuakeli compound 10.8 g/kg group,the blank group was given normal feed and the rest of the groups were given high-fat feed for 42 day.Beginning on the 43rd day,each group,except the blank group,was injected with a single intraperitoneal injection of Starting from the 43rd day,except the blank group,each group was given a one-time intraperitoneal injection of 0.25%streptozotocin(STZ)solution,and at the same time,the corresponding drugs were given by gavage for 14 day.The rats'weight gain and liver index were measured.Serum fasting blood glucose(FBG)and fasting insulin(FINS)were detected,and the insulin resistance index(ISI)was calculated.Serum free fatty acid(FFA)levels and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in liver tissue were also detected.HE staining was used to detect pathological changes in the pancreas.Pathological changes were observed in the tissues,and islet α and β cell expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared to the PA group,the accumulation rate of BRL-3A cells was significantly higher(P<0.01)in the 10.8 and 21.6 g/kg Qihuakeli-containing serum groups.The levels of T-CHO,LDL-C and TG in the 5.4 and 21.6 g/kg serum groups were significantly lower(P<0.05),and HDL-C levels significantly increased(P<0.05).Oil red staining results showed that lipids in the cytoplasm of the 5.4,10.8 and 21.6 g/kg.Qihuacel-containing groups significantly reduced.Compared to the model group,the body weight of the 10.8 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli granules increased significantly(P<0.05).The liver index of the 5.4 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli decreased significantly(P<0.05).The serum indices of FBG,FINS,FFA and insulin resistance of the 5 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli decreased significantly(P<0.05).In the 5.4,10.8 g/kg groups,all serum FBG,FINS,FFA and insulin resistance indices significantly reduced in the 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg Qihuakeli groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01).TNF-α levels were significantly reduced(P<0.01).HE staining showed that a small number of lymphocytes were scattered in the pancreatic ducts and perivascular area of the rats in the Qihuakeli 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg groups,the local vasodilatation was observed,the number of pancreatic islet cells and the area of islet cells significantly increased.Immunohistochemical study was further used.The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the area of pancreatic islet α-cells significantly reduced and the area of pancreatic islet β-cells significantly increased in Qihuakeli 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg groups.Conclusion Qihuakeli compound improved glucose-lipid metabolism in T2DM,probably by improving the function of pancreatic islet cells,increasing the sensitivity of insulin to blood glucose,improving insulin resistance,decreasing the secretion of insulin and glucagon,and thus lowering the level of fasting blood glucose.Meanwhile,by decreasing the content of TNF-α,inhibiting lipolysis in the body,and promoting the uptake of FFA by adipocytes,and further lowering the FFA.Thus,it regulates the levels of TG,T-CHO,HDL-C and LDL-C,improves the abnormalities of glucose and lipid metabolism,and alleviates T2DM.