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 investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic double fixation and enhanced suture of long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) in situ for repairing rotator cuff tear. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 patients with rotator cuff tears and LHBT injuries admitted between June 2022 and November 2023. All patients underwent arthroscopic double fixation and enhanced suture of LHBT in situ. There were 12 males and 19 females, with an average age of 61.6 years (range, 53-76 years). There were 10 cases of acute injury and 21 cases of chronic injury. According to DeOrio and Cofield classification criteria, the degree of rotator cuff tear rated as medium-sized tears in 3 cases, large tears in 12 cases, and massive tears in 16 cases. Associated injuries included 5 cases of shoulder joint adhesions, 12 cases of subscapularis muscle tears, and 31 case of shoulder impingement syndromes. The shoulder range of motion (ROM) (forward flexion, abduction, lateral external rotation, lateral internal rotation) and pain/function scores [visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, Constant-Murley score] were recorded before operation and at last follow-up. MRI at last follow-up were taken to evaluate the rotator cuff healing and structural integrity. RESULTS: All 31 surgeries were successfully completed with operation time ranging from 90 to 210 minutes (mean, 144 minutes). The 3-5 anchors (mean, 3.8 anchors) were used during operation. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-29 months (mean, 18.5 months). At 3 months after operation, 2 cases developed joint adhesions, 3 had internal rotation limitations, and 2 experienced residual pain at the intertubercular groove, all resolved with conservative management. No Popeye deformity occurred during follow-up. At last follow-up, shoulder ROM (forward flexion, abduction, lateral external rotation, lateral internal rotation) and pain/function scores (VAS, UCLA, and Constant-Murley scores) showed significant improvements compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, MRI evaluation showed that the rotator cuff healing rate reached 90.3% according to the Sugaya classification criteria. LHBT exhibited normal morphology, course, and continuity without dislocation. Surrounding synovial sheath showed no thickening or effusion. CONCLUSION Arthroscopic double fixation and enhanced suture of LHBT in situ for repairing rotator cuff tear can significantly reduce shoulder joint pain, improve ROM, and achieve a high rotator cuff healing rate.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Rotator Cuff Injuries/physiopathology* ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Suture Techniques ; Treatment Outcome ; Rotator Cuff/surgery* ; Shoulder Joint/physiopathology* ; Tendons/surgery*

Objective:To investigate the effect of circulating plasma cell(CPC)on the prognosis of multiple myeloma(MM),and to es-tablish and validate a modified CPC-RISS staging system based on CPC and RISS.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 639 treatment-na?ve patients with MM who were treated in Department of Hematology,Xijing Hospital,from January 2006 to June 2023.Peripheral blood smear was used to calculate the percentage of CPC in patients,and the impact of CPC and other related factors on the prognosis of MM patients was analyzed.A CPC-RISS staging system was established based on RISS stage and the percentage of CPC,and the differences in survival and prognosis were analyzed between patients with different stages.Results:Compared with the patients without CPC,detectable CPC was significantly associated with various high-risk factors for MM,and the MM patients with CPC had a lower complete remission rate and shorter overall survival time and progression-free survival time.The modified CPC-RISS staging system was used to classify the patients with MM into four stages,and there were significant differences in median survival time and progression-free survival time between the patients with different stages of MM.Conclusion:The MM pa-tients with the presence of CPC exhibit more aggressive features,worse response to treatment,and a reduction in long-term survival rate.The modified CPC-RISS staging system can effectively predict the prognosis of treatment-na?ve MM patients.

Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.

Objective:The objective of this study was to understand the incidence, spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and trends of bacillary dysentery in China from 2005 to 2024 in order to identify the high-risk groups and reveal the potential risk factors and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing the allocation of preventive and control resources, formulating targeted intervention strategies and assessing the effectiveness of the measures.Methods:The nationally reported incidence data of bacillary dysentery was collected from 2005 to 2024 in the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Notifiable Diseases Reporting Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the population characteristics of bacillary dysentery cases. A Joinpoint regression model was constructed to examine long-term trends in reported incidence rates and spatial dynamic window scanning statistics were applied to detect spatial clusters of bacillary dysentery cases.Results:Between 2005 and 2024, 3 520 247 cases of bacillary dysentery were reported across China, with an average incidence rate of 12.88 per 100 000 people, after which the rate of decline decreased. The incidence rate showed a general downward trend, featuring a significant inflection point in 2016. It exhibited marked seasonality, peaking from May to October (summer-autumn), which weakened over time. From 2005 to 2024, the most likely clusters were in Beijing and Tianjin. Males, infants, the elderly, farmers, and children not in daycare showed many cases.Conclusions:The results revealed that the peak incidence of bacillary dysentery in China from 2005 to 2024 was featured in the summer-autumn months. High-incidence areas were mainly Beijing and Tianjin. The key groups, including males, infants, the elderly, farmers and children not in daycare, were identified. Enhancing surveillance, targeted health education, and preventive measures, especially in these key populations and in regions where the disease shows a high incidence should be strengthened.

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological dynamics and spatiotemporal diffusion trend of brucellosis in China from 2010 to 2024.Methods:Data on reported human brucellosis cases in mainland China from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2024, were collected via the"China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention", including detailed information on the date of onset, gender, age, occupation, and residential address of the cases. The Joinpoint regression and spatial interpolation techniques were used to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics and population distribution characteristics of human brucellosis in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas and other regions, as well as urban and rural areas, and explore the epidemic trends of the disease.Results:From 2010 to 2024, pastoral/semi-pastoral regions reported 252 094 brucellosis cases, with a mean annual incidence rate of 36.57±7.28 per 100 000. In contrast, other regions cumulatively recorded 519 748 cases during the same period, demonstrating a significantly lower mean annual incidence rate of 2.54±0.74 per 100 000. The incidence rate of human brucellosis in pastoral/semi-pastoral regions exhibited a declining-rebounding-declining trend. Specifically, the incidence rate decreased significantly from 2010 to 2017 (APC=-7.20; P<0.001) and increased notably from 2017 to 2021 (APC=18.00; P=0.015) with a decline again from 2021 to 2024 (APC=-7.53; P=0.027). In other regions, the incidence rate showed a fluctuating upward trend. Specifically, the incidence rate increased significantly from 2010 to 2015 (APC=20.37; P<0.001) and decreased notably from 2015 to 2018 (APC=-21.78; P<0.001), followed by an increase again from 2018 to 2024, a significant upward trend in incidence rate from 2018 to 2021 (APC=26.73; P<0.001) and a non-significant decline from 2021 to 2024 (APC=-0.99; P=0.735), resulting in the maintenance of a relatively high incidence level. Rural areas demonstrated significantly higher brucellosis incidence rates than urban settings (all P<0.001). Brucellosis exhibited a diffusion trend from the northern epidemic areas of China to neighboring regions, along with sporadic diffusion in southern regions between 2010 and 2024. The age structure of patients in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas differed significantly from that in other regions. Specifically, in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas, the incidence rate was higher among the 35-49 age groups, while in other regions, the incidence rate was higher among those aged 55-64. Conclusion:There are notable disparities in the incidence of human brucellosis between pastoral/semi-pastoral areas and other regions in China. Human brucellosis exhibits a diffusion trend from the northern epidemic areas of China to neighboring regions, along with sporadic diffusion in southern regions.

BACKGROUND:Although platelet-rich plasma has shown potential in promoting wound healing,further research and validation are still needed for its clinical application.Additionally,there are still some controversies and uncertainties regarding the action mechanisms of platelet-rich plasma.OBJECTIVE:To provide an overview and analysis of the mechanisms of platelet-rich plasma in promoting wound healing,in order to enhance understanding of this treatment method and provide useful guidance for future basic research and clinical applications.METHODS:Relevant literature published from January 2000 to December 2023 was retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and PubMed databases.The English and Chinese search terms included "platelet rich plasma,PRP,wound,wound healing,refractory wounds,chronic wounds,cellular and molecular mechanisms,signaling pathways,regenerative medicine." A total of 80 articles were reviewed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Platelet-rich plasma has many potential advantages in wound healing as it can provide abundant bioactive substances such as growth factors and cytokines.(2) Platelet-rich plasma regulates the function of various cell types involved in wound healing,including epidermal cells,vascular endothelial cells,fibroblasts,stem cells,and inflammatory cells.(3) In platelet-rich plasma therapy,extracellular vesicles and mitochondria may play important roles in wound healing.(4) Platelet-rich plasma hydrogels can be widely used to enhance tissue regeneration and serve as functional carriers for drug delivery.(5) Platelet-rich plasma regulates the synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix,affecting matrix remodeling during the wound healing process.(6) Platelet-rich plasma may influence tissue repair and regeneration by dynamically regulating multiple signaling pathways and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition,providing a new perspective for research in this field.

Objective:With the aging of the population and the increase of medical treatment in different places,chaperone services are gradually emerging,but there are problems such as insufficient training of patient navigators and lack of rules and regulations in the industry.It is necessary to strengthen supervision and standardized management to improve service quality.To explore the current situation and risks of the chaperone service industry from the perspective of patient navigators and doctors,and to provide suggestions for policy formulation.Methods:The Theory of Planned Behavior(TPB)and Knowledge-Attitude-Practice(KAP)models were developed to outline the interview.A total of 22 doctors and patient navigators were selected from 5 large Grade Three hospitals and 20 online consultation platforms in Shanghai for semi-structured interviews.The data were analyzed using"7 Steps of Data Analysis in Colaizzi Phenomenology Research".Results:The chaperone service industry faces risks such as lack of professional norms,vague definition of legal responsibilities,insufficient professional competence among practitioners,and regulatory gaps.Conclusions:We should further establish a unified industry standard and certification system,strengthen the training of patient navigators,improve the supervision of online platforms,and effectively protect the rights and interests of doctors,so as to better promote the development of the industry and provide quality services for patients and doctors.

Objective To evaluate the prognostic value of serum tissue factor pathway inhibitor-1(TFPI-1)combined with nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)in severe traumatic brain injury(STBI).Methods The medical re-cords of 127 patients with STBI admitted to the hospital from July 2022 to August 2024 were retrospectively ana-lyzed and followed up for 6 months.They were divided into poor prognosis group(n=53)and good prognosis group(n=74)according to the prognosis of STBI patients.The serum NF-κB level,clinical data and serum TFPI-1 level of the two groups were compared.The factors affecting the adverse prognosis of STBI patients was screened,and the value of serum NF-κB and serum TFPI-1 in predicting the adverse prognosis of STBI patients were ana-lyzed.Results The serum NF-κB level in the poor prognosis group was higher than good prognosis group,and the serum TFPI-1 level was lower than good prognosis group(P<0.05).The proportion of patients aged>60 years old was higher than good prognosis group(P<0.05).Serum TFPI-1 level(OR=0.328,95%CI:0.156～0.689)was a protective factor for poor prognosis in STBI patients(P<0.05),serum NF-κB level(OR=3.773,95%CI:1.797～7.924)and age>60 years(OR=3.543,95%CI:1.687～7.441)were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in STBI patients(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum TFPI-1 and NF-κB levels and their combined prediction of poor prognosis in STBI patients were 0.784,0.847 and 0.931,respectively(P<0.05),and the AUC value of the combined TFPI-1 and NF-κB levels was higher(P<0.05).Conclusion Serum NF-κB combined with serum TFPI-1 has higher prognostic value in STBI patients.