Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF） is a chronic and fibrotic lethal interstitial lung disease with poor prognosis. It is mainly treated by organ transplantation and administration of chemical drugs， which have poor efficacy and induce side effects， failing to meet the clinical needs. Therefore， it is urgent to develop more safe and effective drugs to treat IPF. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has garnered increasing attention in recent years in the treatment of IPF due to its unique advantages. Increasing studies have shown that TCM has remarkable therapeutic effects on IPF and thus demonstrate broad application prospects. Modern medical research shows that the pathogenesis of IPF can be discussed from inflammation （macrophage polarization）， oxidative stress， epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT）， autophagy inhibition and other related signaling pathways， while few studies systematically explain the relationship between the signaling pathways and TCM theory. According to the theory of TCM， lung collateral obstruction is the basic pathogenesis of IPF. Therefore， according to the principle of dredging and replenishing lung collaterals， IPF can be treated with the methods of reinforcing healthy qi and eliminating pathogen， replenishing qi and activating blood， and detoxifying and dredging collaterals， which demonstrate definite curative effect and can effectively relieve clinical symptoms， restore the lung function and blood oxygen partial pressure， improve the quality of life of patients， and reduce adverse reactions. Experimental studies have found that dredging and replenishing lung collaterals have significant effects on IPF inflammation （macrophage polarization）， oxidative stress， EMT， autophagy inhibition and other signaling pathways. Therefore， from the perspective of impediment， this article reviews pathogenesis of IPF， the research progress in TCM treatment of IPF， and the treatment of IPF from active components， single herbs， and compound prescriptions of TCM， with the aim of revealing the scientific connotation of the treatment of IPF from impediment and providing a new theoretical basis for enriching the TCM methods of treating IPF.

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.

BACKGROUND:Titanium elastic intramedullary nailing for the treatment of significantly displaced midshaft clavicle fractures has the characteristics of minimally invasive and elastic fixation.The displacement of the fracture is closely related to the later function.However,there are few studies on the three-dimensional displacement analysis of the fracture ends before surgery and after intramedullary fixation such as titanium elastic intramedullary nailing.OBJECTIVE:To explore the three-dimensional displacement of fracture ends after midshaft clavicle fracture and fixation with titanium elastic intramedullary nails,and to analyze the risk factors.METHODS:A total of 91 patients with midshaft clavicle fracture(fracture end shortening ≥15 mm)admitted to Wendeng Orthopedic Hospital of Shandong Province from April 2019 to April 2024 were selected,including 57 males and 34 females,aged(51.73±10.21)years old.All patients received closed reduction and internal fixation with titanium elastic intramedullary nail.CT scans of the affected clavicle were performed before and on the first day after surgery.The CT data were imported into Mimics software for modeling.The length of the clavicle,lateral displacement of the fracture end,and rotation of the distal end of the fracture along the X,Y,and Z axes were measured and recorded before and after surgery.Pearson correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis of various parameters,and generalized linear regression was used to evaluate risk factors.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Preoperatively,the variable that increased the risk of lateral displacement was the number of comminuted bone fragments,the variable that increased the risk of shortening displacement was male patients,and the variable that increased the risk of Z-axis rotation was the left limb.Shortening displacement was significantly positively correlated with lateral displacement(r=0.715,P＜0.001);shortening displacement was significantly positively correlated with X-axis rotation displacement and Y-axis rotation displacement(r=0.265,P=0.028;r=0.303,P=0.011);lateral displacement was significantly positively correlated with Y-axis rotation and Z-axis rotation(r=0.258,P=0.032;r=0.250,P=0.038);X-axis rotation was significantly positively correlated with Y-axis rotation(r=0.382,P=0.001),and Z-axis rotation was significantly positively correlated with Y-axis rotation(r=0.280,P=0.020).(2)Postoperatively:The number of scapula fractures and comminuted bone fragments were variables that increased the risk of postoperative shortening and lateral displacement:Preoperative X-,Y-,and Z-axis rotation displacements were risk variables that increased postoperative X-,Y-,and Z-axis rotation displacements,respectively.Postoperative lateral displacement was significantly positively correlated with postoperative shortening and displacement(r=0.584,P=0.000),and postoperative lateral displacement was also significantly positively correlated with postoperative Y axis rotation and Z axis rotation(r=0.360,P=0.002;r=0.250,P=0.038).Postoperative Y axis rotation was significantly positively correlated with postoperative Z axis rotation(r=0.248,P=0.040).(3)The results showed that the three-dimensional displacement of the clavicle end before and after surgery was affected by many factors,especially the number of comminuted bone fragments,scapula fractures,gender,and original rotation displacement.At the same time,there were complex correlations between various displacements,especially the correlation between shortening displacement and lateral displacement was the strongest.

Based on the theory of "shaoyang（少阳） resembling the pivot" and collateral diseases， this article proposes that pulmonary fibrosis （PF） can be divided into three stages including wind bi （痹）， constraint bi， and atrophy bi. The core pathogenesis of PF is the obstruction of the pivot and pulmonary collateral obstruction. In terms of treatment， the basic principles are to harmonize and regulate the pivot， and to promote the circulation of the lung collaterals. Depending on the different characteristics of the "essence-attribute-function"， treatment methods such as harmonizing and regulating the pivot， resolving phlegm and removing stasis， supplementing deficiency and harmonizing collaterals are suggested. This approach ensures the regulation of the pivot， smooth circulation of qi and blood， unblocking of the lung collaterals and nourishing the lung body， achieving the goals of balancing the ascending and descending of qi， removing phlegm and stasis， and relieving cough and wheezing.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the detection specificity for clinical samples and the detection capability for standard substances of five commercially available multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nucleic acid detection kits (hereinafter referred to as the kits) for respiratory pathogens, and to provide a reference for selecting appropriate detection kits for multi-pathogen nucleic acid testing of respiratory infections. MethodsA total of 60 respiratory pathogen-positive clinical samples with known redults were selected and tested using the five kits (labeled as A, B, C, D, and E). The detection rates and Kappa coefficients were calculated to evaluate the consistency between the results from these kits and those from single-pathogen PCR kits. According to the limit of detection (LOD) provided by the kits, standard substances of respiratory pathogens (including 12 types such as influenza virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis) were diluted to four concentrations (250, 500, 1 000, and 2 000 copies·mL⁻¹). All five kits were used for detection to evaluate their respective detection capabilities. ResultsCompared with the results from single-pathogen PCR kits, the five tested kits demonstrated good consistency (all Kappa >0.80). Among them, Kit A had the highest detection rate (100.00%), followed by Kits C and E (98.33%), and then Kits B and D (95.00%). All five kits showed a relatively low false negative rate (FNR) for samples with a cycle threshold (Ct) value ≤35 (≤2.38%). However, for samples with Ct values>35, the FNR increased accordingly(average FNR=6.67%, P=0.029). Kit C exhibited the highest detection sensitivity for the tested standard substances (average LOD: 458.33 copies·mL⁻¹), followed by Kit D, then Kits A/E, and finally Kit B. ConclusionThe five multiplex PCR kits showed good consistency with single-pathogen detection results, but each had its own performance emphasis. Kit A, with the highest detection rate and high throughput, is suitable for targeted viral screening. Kit B, covering the broadest pathogen spectrum (including fungi/bacteria), is suitable for comprehensive respiratory pathogen screening. Kits C, D and E, are applicable for rapid detection. It is important to note that the detection efficacy of all kits decreases for low viral load samples with Ct values >35. In practical application, selection should be based on specific screening objectives, throughput requirements, and sample types.

BACKGROUND:Titanium elastic intramedullary nailing for the treatment of significantly displaced midshaft clavicle fractures has the characteristics of minimally invasive and elastic fixation.The displacement of the fracture is closely related to the later function.However,there are few studies on the three-dimensional displacement analysis of the fracture ends before surgery and after intramedullary fixation such as titanium elastic intramedullary nailing.OBJECTIVE:To explore the three-dimensional displacement of fracture ends after midshaft clavicle fracture and fixation with titanium elastic intramedullary nails,and to analyze the risk factors.METHODS:A total of 91 patients with midshaft clavicle fracture(fracture end shortening ≥15 mm)admitted to Wendeng Orthopedic Hospital of Shandong Province from April 2019 to April 2024 were selected,including 57 males and 34 females,aged(51.73±10.21)years old.All patients received closed reduction and internal fixation with titanium elastic intramedullary nail.CT scans of the affected clavicle were performed before and on the first day after surgery.The CT data were imported into Mimics software for modeling.The length of the clavicle,lateral displacement of the fracture end,and rotation of the distal end of the fracture along the X,Y,and Z axes were measured and recorded before and after surgery.Pearson correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis of various parameters,and generalized linear regression was used to evaluate risk factors.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Preoperatively,the variable that increased the risk of lateral displacement was the number of comminuted bone fragments,the variable that increased the risk of shortening displacement was male patients,and the variable that increased the risk of Z-axis rotation was the left limb.Shortening displacement was significantly positively correlated with lateral displacement(r=0.715,P＜0.001);shortening displacement was significantly positively correlated with X-axis rotation displacement and Y-axis rotation displacement(r=0.265,P=0.028;r=0.303,P=0.011);lateral displacement was significantly positively correlated with Y-axis rotation and Z-axis rotation(r=0.258,P=0.032;r=0.250,P=0.038);X-axis rotation was significantly positively correlated with Y-axis rotation(r=0.382,P=0.001),and Z-axis rotation was significantly positively correlated with Y-axis rotation(r=0.280,P=0.020).(2)Postoperatively:The number of scapula fractures and comminuted bone fragments were variables that increased the risk of postoperative shortening and lateral displacement:Preoperative X-,Y-,and Z-axis rotation displacements were risk variables that increased postoperative X-,Y-,and Z-axis rotation displacements,respectively.Postoperative lateral displacement was significantly positively correlated with postoperative shortening and displacement(r=0.584,P=0.000),and postoperative lateral displacement was also significantly positively correlated with postoperative Y axis rotation and Z axis rotation(r=0.360,P=0.002;r=0.250,P=0.038).Postoperative Y axis rotation was significantly positively correlated with postoperative Z axis rotation(r=0.248,P=0.040).(3)The results showed that the three-dimensional displacement of the clavicle end before and after surgery was affected by many factors,especially the number of comminuted bone fragments,scapula fractures,gender,and original rotation displacement.At the same time,there were complex correlations between various displacements,especially the correlation between shortening displacement and lateral displacement was the strongest.

Ecoflex is a commercial designation for elastomers developed based on the principles of environmental sustainability and flexibility. Various manufacturers offer different types of Ecoflex products with distinct compositions and functions. Among these, the platinum-catalyzed silicone rubber Ecoflex series has demonstrated considerable applicability in various fields of oral medicine due to its excellent flexibility, biocompatibility, stability across a wide temperature range, and tunable mechanical properties. In tissue engineering, it can simulate the mechanical behavior of oral mucosa, and is used in cleft lip surgical training models and preoperative evaluation for temporal bone defect reconstruction. In the field of wearable devices, leveraging its encapsulation protection and flexible characteristics, highly sensitive sensors constructed from Ecoflex can monitor signals such as oral bite force and masticatory muscle activity, thereby aiding in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders and postoperative evaluation of cleft lip and palate. Moreover, when combined with bio-waste materials, it promotes the functionalization and sustainability of oral wearable devices.In drug delivery systems, its conformability and controlled-release capability address challenges in localized oral drug administration. Designs such as flexible microneedles and temperature-responsive composite systems provide precise solutions for treating periodontitis and oral ulcers. In minimally invasive surgical instruments, its softness enables the development of soft robots and magnetically controlled microfluidic valves, enhancing surgical safety and precision. In the field of oral rehabilitation, Ecoflex soft liner materials, inspired by the suction cup structure of octopus tentacles, improve denture retention. Their low modulus reduces mucosal irritation, ensuring both comfort and durability. Although Ecoflex shows great potential in biomedical applications, it still faces certain challenges, particularly regarding long-term stability after implantation, mechanical fatigue resistance, and microbial colonization, which require further investigation. In the future, with advancements in 3D printing technology, Ecoflex is expected to achieve more precise clinical translation across multiple fields and drive innovation in intelligent biomaterials.

AIM:To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at the Taiyang on refractive parameters and the expression of β-catenin and integrin β1 in the ciliary body of mice with form-deprivation myopia(FDM).METHODS:A total of 48 3-week-old healthy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control(NC), FDM group, sham acupuncture(sham), and electroacupuncture at Taiyang acupoint(Taiyang), with 12 mice in each group. Mice in the FDM, sham, and Taiyang groups, wore translucent custom-made eye masks on the right eye to induce myopia. The Taiyang group received electroacupuncture stimulation at the Taiyang acupoint, while the sham group underwent non-penetrating stimulation with a blunt wooden stick. No intervention was performed on the NC group. Refraction and axial length were measured by infrared autorefractor and optical coherence tomography(OCT)before modeling and at 4 wk after modeling. The expression levels of β-catenin and integrin β1 in the ciliary body of mice at 4 wk after modeling were detected using quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)and Western blotting(WB).RESULTS:After modeling for 4 wk, compared with the NC group, the FDM and sham groups showed significantly decreased refractive power(both P<0.05), elongated axial length(both P<0.05), and increased β-catenin and integrin β1 expression. Compared with the FDM and sham groups, the Taiyang group showed significantly increased refractive power(both P<0.05), shortened axial length(both P<0.05), and decreased β-catenin and integrin β1 expression.CONCLUSION:Electroacupuncture stimulation at the Taiyang acupoint effectively delayed the progression of myopia in FDM mice, and this effect may be partially mediated through modulating the expression of β-catenin and integrin β1 in the ciliary body.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ceftazidime/avibactam （CAZ/AVI） combined with amikacin （AMK） in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae （CRE） severe pneumonia. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 240 patients diagnosed with severe pneumonia caused by CRE infection in the intensive care unit （ICU） of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2022 to December 2024. The patients were divided into a combination group （CAZ/AVI combined with AMK， n＝136） and a control group （CAZ/AVI alone， n＝104）. The 28-day mortality rate， clinical efficacy，mechanical ventilation time， ICU stay， infectious markers [C-reactive protein （CRP）， procalcitonin （PCT）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， white blood cell count （WBC）， and neutrophil percentage （N%）]， Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ （APACHE Ⅱ） scores， and total incidence of adverse reactions were compared between two groups of patients. At the same time， subgroup analysis was conducted based on the severity of the condition， mechanical ventilation status， and baseline renal function. RESULTS The 28-day mortality rate of patients in the combination group was significantly lower than that in the control group （20.6% vs. 34.6%， P＝0.022）， and the clinical effective rate was significantly higher than that in the control group （80.1% vs. 65.4%， P＝0.004）. The mechanical ventilation time and ICU hospitalization time in the combination group were significantly shorter than those in the control group （[ 7.2±2.4） days vs. （10.4±3.6） days， （10.5±3.1） days vs. （13.7±3.8） days； P＜0.01].After 7 days of treatment， the CRP， PCT， IL-6， WBC， N% and APACHE Ⅱ scores of patients in the combination group significantly decreased compared to before treatment， and the decrease was significantly greater than that of the control group （P＜0.01）. There was no statistically significant difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups of patients （11.8% vs. 13.5%， P＝0.690）. Subgroup analysis showed that among high-risk （APACHE Ⅱ score≥15） and mechanically ventilated patients， the 28-day mortality rate and weaning time of the combination group were significantly lower/ shorter than those of the control group （P＜0.05）， while there was no significant difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions between the combination group and the control group after dose adjustment in patients with chronic renal insufficiency （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The CAZ/AVI combined with AMK regimen has better anti-infective efficacy and good safety in patients with severe pneumonia caused by CRE infection compared to the CAZ/AVI regimen alone； the survival benefits of this joint regimen are more significant in high-risk and mechanically ventilated patients， with critically ill patients being the main beneficiaries.

During the operation of warm needling, the needle may be tilted and bent to a large degree, which will cause high temperature of moxibustion on the skin surface around, and even burns in patients. To solve this problem, the team developed a balance fixator for acupuncture needle that can be used at acupoints in various parts of the body, such as on the abdomen, waist, limbs and face. The device is composed of 3 parts, including three (or more)-bifurcated sleeve, cushion pad, and circular fixed base-plate, forming an integrated structure. The three (or more)-bifurcated sleeve increases the contact area with the filiform needle body, which can quickly and easily reduce the curvature of the needle body and fix the filiform needle. According to the different locations of acupoints in clinical practice, the cushion pad is designed as three types, i.e. rectangle, large circle, and small circle. It can not only balance needle body, but also prevent skin burns to a certain extent. This device is simple to manufacture, lightweight in material, and environmental friendly; and is applicable to a simple and safe operation in clinical practice.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Acupuncture Points ; Needles ; Equipment Design