Objective To systematically analyze the characteristics of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) in the elderly (≥60 years) globally and in China from 1990 to 2021, and to predict its future trends from 2022 to 2040, with the aim of providing data support for optimizing comprehensive prevention and control strategies for HHD. Methods Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, the number of prevalent cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of HHD in the elderly were extracted for the world, China, and five regions categorized by sociodemographic index (SDI). Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized prevalence rate and age-standardized DALYs rate of HHD in the elderly. A three-factor decomposition method was applied to evaluate the relative contributions of aging, population growth, and epidemiological changes to the variations in the elderly HHD burden. Additionally, a Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the elderly HHD burden from 2022 to 2040. Results In 2021, the number of prevalent elderly HHD cases reached 10 283 000 globally and 3 412 400 in China, representing increases of 179.20% and 159.20% respectively, compared with 1990. The DALYs of elderly HHD were 18 812 700 person-years globally and 4 731 400 person-years in China, rising by 76.08% and 29.45% respectively from 1990. Meanwhile, the growth rates of the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD varied across different SDI regions. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate of elderly HHD in China, as well as the age-standardized DALYs rate of elderly HHD both globally and in China, showed significant downward trends (all average annual percentage changes<0, all P<0.001). In 2021, the 70-74 years age group accounted for the highest proportion of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD, both globally and in China. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth was the dominant factor driving the increase in the elderly HHD burden across all regions. The prediction model results indicated that the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD would continue to rise globally and in China from 2022 to 2040, with the growth rate of the elderly HHD burden in China between 2021 and 2040 expected to exceed the global average. Conclusion Over the past 32 years, although the age-standardized disease rates of elderly HHD have mainly shown a downward trend globally and in China, the absolute number of the disease burden has increased substantially. The projection model indicates a continued upward trajectory, with the growth rate in China higher than the global average. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement precise prevention and control strategies to effectively mitigate the disease burden of elderly HHD.

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.

Questionnaire survey and symposium were carried out on the implementation of GB 8369.1-2019 Transfusion sets for single use—Part 1:Gravity feed,and then analyses were performed on its implementation by relative enterprises,inspection and testing organizations and regulatory authorities,applicability,coordination and implementation constraints accordingly.Some suggestions were put forward,and it was of great significance for comprehensively grasping the overall situation,efficacy and problems of the standard implementation,promoting the updating and upgrading of the standard and facilitating the implementation of compulsory standards.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(9):70-74]

Objective:To investigate the effects of moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)acupoint on 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis(IM)and its underlying mechanisms.Methods:Eighteen C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into four groups:normal control(NC),IM model(IM),moxibustion 15 min(MO 15 min),and moxibustion 30 min(MO 30 min).The IM model was established via intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU.Pathological changes in colon tissues were observed using hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα),nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB),phosphorylated NF-κB(p-NF-κB),NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3),caspase-1,interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-18(IL-18)were analyzed via Western blot,ELISA,and immunohistochemistry.Results:Compared with the NC group,the IM group showed significantly shortened colon length(P＜0.05),exhibited mucosal damage,inflammatory cell infiltration,and glandular disorder,along with upregulated protein expression of p-NF-κB,NLRP3,IL-1β,IL-18,and caspase-1(P＜0.05),and downregulated PPARα expression(P＜0.05).After moxibustion intervention,the MO 15 min group demonstrated increased intestinal length(P＜0.05),reduced pathological scores(P＜0.05),significantly downregulated expression of NLRP3,p-NF-κB,IL-1β,and IL-18(P＜0.05),and elevated PPARα expression(P＜0.05),while total NF-κB protein levels remained unchanged.Conclusion:Moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)acupoint may alleviate 5-FU-induced intestinal mucosal inflammatory responses by activating PPARα to suppress the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

Objective:To assess the effect of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) with liposomal bupivacaine and general anesthesia on postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients with prior novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19).Methods:In this randomized double-blind controlled study, 416 patients of either sex, aged 65-90 yr, weighing 50-90 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ, diagnosed as having COVID-19 within 6 months prior to surgery, who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery under combination of elective TAPB and combined intravenous-inhalational general anaesthesia at Qingdao Municipal Hospital from June 2023 to December 2024, were selected. The patients were divided into liposomal bupivacaine group ( n=208) and bupivacaine hydrochloride group ( n=208) using the random number table method. After induction of anaesthesia, bilateral TAPB was performed with liposomal bupivacaine injectio 266 mg (40 ml) in liposomal bupivacaine group and with 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride 40 ml in bupivacaine hydrochloride group. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of POD within 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included severity of POD, pain scores at 24, 48 and 72 h after operation, the rate of postoperative rescue analgesia and consumption of morphine, duration of post-anesthesia care unit stay, and length of hospital stay. The occurrence of complications such as death, reoperation, atelectasis and pneumonia was recorded at 30 days after surgery. Results:Compared with bupivacaine hydrochloride group, the incidence of POD was significantly decreased (21.5% [43/200]versus 12.0% [24/200]), pain scores at 24, 48 and 72 h after operation were decreased, the rate of postoperative rescue analgesia and consumption of morphine were decreased, and the duration of post-anesthesia care unit stay and length of hospital stay were shortened in liposomal bupivacaine group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the severity of POD and the case fatality rate and related complications within 30 days after surgery between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Liposomal bupivacaine TAPB combined with general anesthesia can reduce the development of POD in elderly patients with prior COVID-19.

This study aims to analyze the screening results and epidemiological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City, through the implementation of a preliminary prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening based on a community-linkage model, and to explore an effective screening approach. A retrospective observational study design was employed to collect data from residents who underwent PSA screening at Songjiang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in collaboration with multiple community health service centers in Songjiang District, Shanghai City, between June 2022 and June 2024, through free clinics and annual health examinations. Prostate biopsy was recommended for individuals with total PSA (tPSA) levels >10 ng/ml and those with 4 ng/ml≤tPSA≤10 ng/ml and abnormal free-to-total PSA (f/tPSA) ratios. Clinical characteristics of detected PCa patients were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted through phone calls and home visits by family doctors, coupled with enhanced health education. The results indicated that a total of 17 198 residents participated in the screening, among which 2 234 (12.99%) had tPSA levels between 4 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, and 257 (1.49%) had tPSA levels >10 ng/ml. Ultimately, 417 residents underwent prostate biopsy, with 171 being diagnosed with PCa, yielding a positive biopsy rate of 41.00% and a PCa detection rate of 0.99%. The predominant pathological subtype among PCa patients was adenocarcinoma (168 cases, 98.24%). Of the 146 PCa patients who received treatment, the majority were classified as intermediate or high-risk (124 cases, 84.93%). Furthermore, with the optimization of the screening model, there was a significant increase in the proportion of subsequent outpatient visits. In conclusion, the community-linkage-based PSA screening model demonstrated high effectiveness in screening for PCa among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City. Epidemiological findings revealed that PCa patients in this region are primarily composed of intermediate and high-risk groups, highlighting the need for intensified early screening and health education.

Objective:To investigate molecular mechanism of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)-mediated neutrophil apoptosis disorder.Methods:Neutrophils extracted from peripheral blood of healthy adults were used as research subjects,and H.pylori stan-dard strain NCTC11637 was added to culture system to construct a model of in vitro infection,which was divided into control group(with PBS or medium treatment),H.pylori group(H.pylori co-cultivated with neutrophils at ratio of 10∶1).After a certain time of in-fection,apoptosis-related molecules of neutrophils were detected by flow cytometry,ELISA and Western blot,respectively.Results:Cytokines IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were secreted significantly higher in H.pylori group than control group,apoptosis rate was signifi-cantly lower than control group,apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 were higher than control group,but their activa-tion level were lower than control group.Conclusion:H.pylori infection may prolong neutrophil survival by inhibiting apoptotic pro-cess of neutrophils through inhibiting activation of Caspase-3/8.

To investigate the role of the DPP4-nestin axis in liver fibrosis induced by alveolar cyst infection,a murine model was established using C57BL/6 mice via hepatic portal vein injection.Liver histopathological changes were assessed using HE staining,while immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate the expression levels of nestin and DPP4 in infected mouse livers.In vitro,J S1 cell line was stimulated with recombinant DPP4 protein to es-tablish a cellular model,and qPCR,Western blot,and shRNA lentivirus interference techniques were utilized to examine the involvement of the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation.The findings demonstrated that compared to the Sham group,liver tissue structure disruption and collagen deposition were evident along with significantly increased expressions of nestin and DPP4(P＜0.050 0),which colocalized with nesin and α-SMA.Furthermore,stimulation with recombi-nant DPP4 protein significantly enhanced JS1 cell activation(P＜0.050 0)as well as upregulated nestin expression(P＜0.050 0)when compared to control group cells.Notably,shRNA lentivirus-mediated inhibition of nestin expression effectively suppressed the activating effects exerted by re-combinant DPP4 protein on JS1 cells(P＜0.050 0).Collectively,these results highlight the crucial regulatory role played by the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation triggered by alveo-lar infection;thus,targeting this axis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating alveo-lar infection-induced liver fibrosis.

Danggui Buxue decoction(DBD)is a classic prescription with immunomodulatory and hematopoietic effects.Previous studies have shown the DBD has potential to be used as an oral im-mune booster.However,its immunomodulatory effects and mechanism of action have not been thoroughly studied,especially the protective mechanism of immunomodulatory regulation in the state of immunosuppressive is still unclear.The aim of this study was to explore the protective mechanism of DBD in the immunosuppressive state using network pharmacology combined with animal experiments verification.The active components,core targets and signaling pathways of DBD in treating immunosuppression were obtained using network pharmacology tools.On this ba-sis,the active components of DBD were identified using HPLC-MS,and in vivo studies were con-ducted at the same time.The key active components of DBD obtained using network pharmacology included quercetin,kaempferol and formononetin.The core targets included TP53,RELA,TNF,AKT1,and IL-6.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)may play an important role in the treatment of immunosuppres-sive diseases using DBD.Molecular docking confirmed that each core target had good binding activ-ity with its corresponding compounds.Animal experiments showed that after DBD intervention,the mRNA gene and protein expression of RELA,TNF,and IL-6 in the serum was significantly down-regulated.The mRNA expression of PI3K and AKT in the ileum and PI3K protein expression were also downregulated.In conclusion,DBD exerts its role in treating immunosuppressive diseases by regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.

Objective:To analyze the correlation between near work, screen time, outdoor time and myopia in children based on objective monitoring technology and to explore the influencing factors related to myopia in children.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted.From October 2022 to March 2023, the purposive sampling method was used to select 596 children in Grade 2 and Grade 3 from two primary schools in Shandong Province as study subjects.Eye-Monitor technology of eye-use behavior based on artificial intelligence was used to quantify parameters of near work, screen time and outdoor time.The eye-use behavior parameters were compared within each subject and between non-myopic and myopic children on weekdays and weekends.A multivariate binary logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the influencing factors related to myopia.The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No.HEC-HY-2022023KY).Written informed consent was obtained from the legal guardian of each subject.Results:For each subject, the proportion of near work time on weekdays was greater than on weekends, the proportion of time spent looking at cell phones, computer screens, and outdoor activities was smaller, the duration of single continuous near eye use was longer, the tilt angle of the head in sitting position was greater, and the light intensity was stronger, showing statistically significant differences ( t=19.427, -9.964, -5.916, -10.470, 2.211, 2.898, 15.061; all P<0.05).During weekdays, compared with the non-myopia group, the myopia group had longer total near work duration, longer single continuous near eye use duration, shorter outdoor activity duration, closer eye use distance, larger proportion of near work time, and smaller proportion of outdoor activity time, showing statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).During weekends, compared with the non-myopia group, the myopia group had longer time spent looking at cell phones and computer screens, shorter outdoor activity time, greater proportion of time spent looking at cell phones and computer screens, and smaller proportion of outdoor activity time, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).During weekdays, after adjusting for confounding factors, longer single continuous near eye use duration ( OR=1.138, 95% CI: 1.086-1.192, P<0.001) was the risk factor for myopia, and longer working distance ( OR=0.906, 95% CI: 0.847-0.970, P=0.004) and longer outdoor activity time ( OR=0.127, 95% CI: 0.023-0.703, P=0.018) were protective factors for myopia.During weekends, after adjusting for confounding factors, longer time spent on looking at cell phone screens ( OR=2.437, 95% CI: 1.460-4.068, P<0.001) and longer time spent on looking at computer screens ( OR=2.260, 95% CI: 1.283-3.979, P=0.005) were risk factors for myopia, and longer outdoor activity time ( OR=0.624, 95% CI: 0.416-0.934, P=0.022) was the protective factor for myopia. Conclusions:The eyes with continuous near work, prolonged use of smartphone and computer screens, closer eye use distance, and less time spent outdoors have been confirmed to be significantly correlated with myopia based on objective monitoring data.When formulating intervention measures for myopia prevention and control in children, it is advocated to further pay attention to control the distance and duration of near work on weekdays and strengthen screen time management on weekends.