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.

Based on whole-genome identification of the TPS gene family in Perilla frutescens and screening, cloning, bioinformatics, and expression analysis of the synthetic enzyme for the insect-resistant component germacrene D, this study lays the foundation for understanding the biological function of the TPS gene family and the insect resistance mechanism in P. frutescens. This study used bioinformatics tools to identify the TPS gene family of P. frutescens based on its whole genome and predicted the physicochemical properties, systematic classification, and promoter cis-elements of the proteins. The relative content of germacrene D was detected in both normal and insect-infested leaves of P. frutescens, and the germacrene D synthase was screened and isolated. Gene cloning, bioinformatics analysis, and expression profiling were then performed. The results showed that a total of 99 TPS genes were identified in the genome, which were classified into the TPS-a, TPS-b, TPS-c, TPS-e/f, and TPS-g subfamilies. Conserved motif analysis showed that the TPS in P. frutescens has conserved structural characteristics within the same subfamily. Promoter cis-element analysis predicted the presence of light-responsive elements, multiple hormone-responsive elements, and stress-responsive elements in the TPS family of P. frutescens. Transcriptome data revealed that most of the TPS genes in P. frutescens were highly expressed in the leaves. GC-MS analysis showed that the relative content of germacrene D significantly increased in insect-damaged leaves, suggesting that it may act as an insect-resistant component. The germacrene D synthase gene was screened through homologous protein binding gene expression and was found to belong to the TPS-a subfamily, encoding a 64.89 kDa protein. This protein was hydrophilic, lacked a transmembrane structure and signal peptide, and was predominantly expressed in leaves, with significantly higher expression in insect-damaged leaves compared to normal leaves. In vitro expression results showed that germacrene D synthase tended to form inclusion bodies. Molecular docking showed that farnesyl pyrophosphate(FPP) fell into the active pocket of the protein and interacted strongly with six active sites. This study provides a foundation for further research on the biological functions of the TPS gene family in P. frutescens and the molecular mechanisms underlying its insect resistance.
Perilla frutescens/chemistry* ; Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Multigene Family ; Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane/metabolism* ; Alkyl and Aryl Transferases/chemistry* ; Phylogeny ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

This study investigated the specific immune response of BALB/c mice that was induced by a circular RNA (circRNA) vaccine expressing the herpes simplex virus type II (HSV-2) glycoprotein D (gD). The aim was to evaluate the immunological potential of this vaccine and lay a foundation for developing an mRNA vaccine against HSV-2. PCR and homologous recombination were employed to integrate the gD gene obtained from the pT7AMP-gD ectodomain plasmid into pUC57 to generate the recombinant plasmid pUC57-circ-gD, which was then sequenced and characterized. In vitro transcription and cyclization were performed on the template DNA to generate pUC57-circ-gD mRNA. To validate the formation of circular RNA, we cleaved the pUC57-circ-gD mRNA with RNase R and employed RT-PCR to validate the cyclization. The pUC57-circ-gD mRNA was then transfected into 293T cells. After 72 h, the cell supernatant was collected, and Western blotting was employed to measure the protein level of gD. Subsequently, the mRNA was encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) by microfluidic encapsulation. BALB/c mice were administrated with the encapsulated mRNA, and blood was collected from the fundus venous plexus after 21 and 35 days, and from the enucleated eyeballs after 49 days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the titers of antibodies, including virus-neutralizing antibodies. After 49 days, spleens were harvested and assessed for secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunospot. The results showed successful construction and sequencing of the recombinant plasmid. RNase R digestion confirmed the presence of circular RNAs. Western blotting of the 293T cells transfected with the mRNA showed clear specific bands. The quality of the vaccine was tested by size exclusion chromatography-high performance liquid chromatography, which showed that the purity of the vaccine was about 90%. The mRNA-LNP showcased the particle size of 82.76 nm and an encapsulation rate of approximately 98%. Following three-dose vaccination, all immunized mice exhibited steady weight gain with 100% survival rate throughout the 28-day observation period, indicating no significant acute toxicity associated with the vaccine formulation. The immunized mice showed dose-dependent increases in serum IgG antibody titer and IFN-γ secretion by splenocytes and they were resistant to virus attacks. These findings indicate good immunogenicity and persistence of the pUC57-circ-gD mRNA vaccine, providing a reference for further studies on circRNA vaccines.
Animals ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; RNA, Circular ; Mice ; Humans ; Herpesvirus 2, Human/genetics* ; Viral Envelope Proteins/genetics* ; Antibodies, Viral/blood* ; HEK293 Cells ; Female ; Nanoparticles ; Plasmids

To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval, we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic (NOA) men with different testicular volumes (TVs) who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). A total of 177 NOA patients undergoing micro-TESE for the first time from April 2019 to November 2022 in Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China) were retrospectively reviewed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on average TV quartiles. Serum hormone levels in each TV group were compared between positive and negative sperm retrieval subgroups. Overall sperm retrieval rate was 57.6%. FSH levels (median [interquartile range]) were higher in the positive sperm retrieval subgroup compared with the negative outcome subgroup when average TV was <5 ml (first quartile [Q1: TV <3 ml]: 43.32 [17.92] IU l -1 vs 32.95 [18.56] IU l -1 , P = 0.048; second quartile [Q2: 3 ml ≤ TV <5 ml]: 31.31 [15.37] IU l -1 vs 25.59 [18.40] IU l -1 , P = 0.042). Elevated serum FSH levels were associated with successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval in NOA men whose average TVs were <5 ml (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.06 per unit increase; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.11; P = 0.011). In men with TVs ≥5 ml, larger TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval (adjusted OR: 0.84 per 1 ml increase; 95% CI: 0.71-0.98; P = 0.029). In conclusion, elevated serum FSH levels were associated with positive sperm retrieval in micro-TESE in NOA men with TVs <5 ml. In men with TV ≥5 ml, increases in average TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval.
Humans ; Male ; Azoospermia/surgery* ; Sperm Retrieval/statistics & numerical data* ; Adult ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood* ; Retrospective Studies ; Testis/pathology* ; Microdissection ; Organ Size

Objective To observe the effects of different doses remimazolam during induction of anesthesia in elderly patients with coronary heart disease undergoing non-cardiac surgery.Methods A total of 120 elderly patients with non-cardiac surgery for coronary heart disease and received general anesthesia under tracheal intubation at Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from October 2023 to October 2024,aged 60-85 years.The patients were divided into 3groups by random number table:group R1,group R2 and group R3,with 40 cases in each group,with anesthesia was induced with intravenous injection of remimazolam of 0.2,0.25,0.3mg/kg,respectively.Before induction(T1),modified observers assessment of alertness/sedation(MOAA/S)score reached to 0 points(T2),15seconds after intubation(T3),mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),cardiac output(CO),stroke volume variation(SVV),systemic vascular resistance(SVR),and regional cerebral oxygen saturation(rScO2)were compared among the three groups,as well as the time to loss of consciousness,use of vasoactive drugs,and the incidence of hiccups and hypoxemia were recorded.Results Compared with the T1,MAP and SVR decreased significantly in all groups at T2,with group R2 and R3 showing lower values than group R1(P＜0.05);at T3,the MAP and HR in group R,was higher than group R2 and group R3 compared with T1,the MAP and HR in group R1 were significantly increased at T3(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in CO,SVV and rScO2 among three groups at different time(P＞0.05).The time of loss of consciousness reduced with the increase of the dose of remimazolam.The application pro-portion of esmololhydrochloride in group R1 and group R2 was more than group R3 during induction of general anesthesia(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse events among three groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Remimazolam can be used safely and effectively for the induction of general anesthesia in elderly patients with coronary heart disease undergoing non-cardiac surger-y,and doses of 0.3mg/kg is more effective for anesthesia induction.

Objective:To investigate the diversity, temporal dynamics and influencing factors of serotypes of Salmonella among asymptomatic workers in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from 2013 to 2023, and provide reference for controlling the hidden transmission of Salmonella and for disease prevention among healthy populations. Methods:Anal rectal swabs were collected from asymptomatic workers in Yulin from 2013 to 2023 for the isolation and identification of Salmonella. The diversity of serotypes of Salmonella was evaluated by using Shannon index, while the isolation rates and composition ratio of different serotypes were compared with χ2 test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of natural and social factors with serotype isolation rates for more than eight years, and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the impact of social factors on the serotype isolation rates for more than 8 years. Results:A total of 8 073 strains of Salmonella were isolated from 2013 to 2023, with an overall isolation rate of 18.88‰ During the 11-year period, 135 serotypes of Salmonella were identified, and the serotype diversity increased first and then decreased. The serotype with the highest isolation rate was Salmonella Typhimurium (3.04‰), followed by Salmonella Rissen (1.70‰), Salmonella Corvallis (1.41‰), Salmonella Agona (1.36‰), Salmonella Derby (1.22‰), and Salmonella London (1.02‰), accounting for 51.67% of the total Salmonella serotypes isolated. There was no significant trend in isolation rate of Salmonella over the years ( χ2=0.67, P=0.415); however, season significantly influenced the isolation rate, with lower rate being observed in winter and higher rate in summer ( χ2=615.91, P<0.001). The isolation rate of different serotypes of Salmonella was influenced by social and natural factors, showing a positive correlation with temperature, precipitation, and poultry consumption and production levels. Conclusions:The serotypes of Salmonella carried by asymptomatic workers were complex and diverse in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from 2013 to 2023, and the isolation rates of multi-serotypes increased from 2013 to 2023. Higher isolation rate was observed in summer and the isolation rate was widely influenced by natural factors such as temperature and precipitation, as well as social factors such as economic conditions. It is necessary to pay attention to the Salmonella serotype carriage in healthy population, and strengthen monitoring of both healthy individuals and pathogenic bacteria.

Objective:To explore the association between the use of tetracyclines during pregnancy and congenital malformations, with the aim of providing evidence-based guidance for the rational use of antibiotics during pregnancy.Methods:Data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction (CVAR) database from January 2015 to September 2024 were collected. Five methods including Tree-based scan statistic (TreeScan), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) comprehensive standard, and the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) were used to detect signals of risk for congenital malformations in offspring following maternal use of tetracyclines during pregnancy. A signal that met the threshold criteria of all above 5 methods was considered as a risk signal. Based on population-based cohort of the drug exposures and adverse pregnancy outcomes (DEEP) data from January 2013 to December 2021 in Xiamen City, propensity score matching (PSM)-based Poisson regression was applied to evaluate the association between the first-trimester tetracyclines exposure and congenital malformations in offspring. Adjusted relative risk (a RR) and its 95% confidence interval ( CI) were calculated. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the reliability of the results. Results:A total of 304 098 reports of adverse events during pregnancy were obtained from the FAERS and CVAR databases. Among them, 5 028 reports were related to tetracyclines, including 1 026 reports of congenital malformations in offspring, involving congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system, other digestive system, and other congenital malformations. Signal detection results suggested that tetracyclines may be a risk signal for above congenital malformations in offspring. The DEEP data included 411 936 pregnant women. After PSM, 240 pregnant women exposed to tetracyclines were included. The results showed no significant association between the first-trimester tetracyclines exposure and congenital malformations in offspring (a RR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.26-2.17), sensitivity analysis also showed no correlation. Conclusions:Data mining from the FAERS and CVAR databases suggests a potential association between tetracyclines use during pregnancy and congenital malformations in offspring. However, the DEEP data study shows no significant correlation.

Objective:To explore the association between the use of tetracyclines during pregnancy and congenital malformations, with the aim of providing evidence-based guidance for the rational use of antibiotics during pregnancy.Methods:Data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction (CVAR) database from January 2015 to September 2024 were collected. Five methods including Tree-based scan statistic (TreeScan), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) comprehensive standard, and the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) were used to detect signals of risk for congenital malformations in offspring following maternal use of tetracyclines during pregnancy. A signal that met the threshold criteria of all above 5 methods was considered as a risk signal. Based on population-based cohort of the drug exposures and adverse pregnancy outcomes (DEEP) data from January 2013 to December 2021 in Xiamen City, propensity score matching (PSM)-based Poisson regression was applied to evaluate the association between the first-trimester tetracyclines exposure and congenital malformations in offspring. Adjusted relative risk (a RR) and its 95% confidence interval ( CI) were calculated. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the reliability of the results. Results:A total of 304 098 reports of adverse events during pregnancy were obtained from the FAERS and CVAR databases. Among them, 5 028 reports were related to tetracyclines, including 1 026 reports of congenital malformations in offspring, involving congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system, other digestive system, and other congenital malformations. Signal detection results suggested that tetracyclines may be a risk signal for above congenital malformations in offspring. The DEEP data included 411 936 pregnant women. After PSM, 240 pregnant women exposed to tetracyclines were included. The results showed no significant association between the first-trimester tetracyclines exposure and congenital malformations in offspring (a RR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.26-2.17), sensitivity analysis also showed no correlation. Conclusions:Data mining from the FAERS and CVAR databases suggests a potential association between tetracyclines use during pregnancy and congenital malformations in offspring. However, the DEEP data study shows no significant correlation.

Objective:To test the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Peer Mental Health Stig-matization Scale-Revised(PMHSS-R)in middle school students.Methods:A total of 1 099 middle school students were selected and randomly divided into Sample 1(n=549)and Sample 2(n=550)for exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis,respectively.The total sample(n=1 099)was used to measure internal consisten-cy,and 87 of them were retested two weeks later.A total of 259 middle school students(Sample 3)was selected for the criterion validity test with the Depression Stigma Scale(DSS)and the Attitudes toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form(ATSPPH-SF).Results:Exploratory factor analysis identified 2 common fac-tors,namely stigma awareness and stigma agreement,with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 66.86％.The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the two-factor structure model fit was adequate(x2/df=3.70,CFI=0.97,TLI=0.96,SRMR=0.03,RMSEA=0.07).The PMHSS-R Chinese version scores were positively correlated with the DDS scores(ICC=0.58,P＜0.01)and negatively correlated with the ATSPPH-SF scores(ICC=-0.40,P＜0.01).The Cronbach α coefficients of the total scores and the two-factor scores were 0.90,0.92,0.85,respective-ly.The test-retest reliability coefficients(ICC)were 0.84,0.76,0.78,respectively.Conclusion:The Chinese ver-sion of the Peer Mental Health Stigmatization Scale-Revised(PMHSS-R)demonstrates good validity and reliability in assessing mental health stigma among middle school students.