Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. The blood‒brain barrier (BBB) is the first line of defense after ischemic stroke. Disruption of the BBB induced by brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) dysfunction is a key event that triggers secondary damage to the central nervous system, where blood-borne fluids and immune cells penetrate the brain parenchyma, causing cerebral edema and inflammatory response and further aggravating brain damage. Here, we develop a novel artificial mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) extracellular vesicles by integrating MSC membrane proteins into liposomal bilayers, which encapsulated miR-132-3p with protective effects on BMECs. The artificial extracellular vesicles (MSCo/miR-132-3p) had low immunogenicity to reduce non-specific clearance by the mononuclear phagocytosis system (MPS) and could target ischemia-injured BMECs. After internalization into the damaged BMECs, MSCo/miR-132-3p escaped the lysosomes via the H_II phase transition of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) and decreased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis levels by regulating the RASA1/RAS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) models, MSCo/miR-132-3p targeted impaired brain regions (approximately 9 times the accumulation of plain liposomes at 12 h), reduced cerebral vascular disruption, protected BBB integrity, and decreased infarct volume (from 44.95% to 6.99%).

Background During urbanization, the passenger load on urban public transport systems continues to increase, exposing bus drivers to a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This occupational health issue may also potentially compromise public transport safety. Objective To investigate the prevalence of MSDs among bus drivers in a first-tier city and to explore associated influencing factors. Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted from December 2024 to March 2025 among 1300 bus drivers in a bus company. Data were collected on general demographic information, occupational activities, and MSDs indicators. A total of 1268 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 97.5%. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the distribution characteristics of MSDs. Pearson χ² tests were employed to examine the association between MSDs prevalence and individual/occupational characteristics. Logistic regression was performed to identify the influencing factors of MSDs. Results The survey revealed that the prevalence of MSDs among the bus drivers was 28.5%, with the highest prevalence in the 41–50 years age group (30.5%). The conditions primarily affected the cervical spine (60.5%) and lumbar spine (61.9%), with some cases involving multiple sites. The logistic regression model indicated that the following factors were associated with a higher risk of MSDs: frequent smoking (OR=1.477), poor or moderate self-reported health status (OR=4.422), 11–20 years of service (OR=1.749), daily cumulative driving time ≥361 min (OR=1.616), frequent whole-body fatigue during driving (OR=2.077), occasional whole-body fatigue during driving (OR=1.873), feeling tense during driving (OR=1.518), fatigue after work (OR=2.485), work-related stress (OR=1.882), and prolonged smartphone use with head-down posture (OR=1.671). Conversely, occasional exercise (OR=0.713)/frequent exercise (OR=0.569), driving intervals ≥21 min per round (OR=0.645), and perceiving the driving seat comfortable (OR=0.429) were associated with a lower risk of MSDs. Conclusion Physical exercise, smoking, years of service, daily cumulative driving time, driving intervals per round, prolonged smartphone use with head-down posture, self-reported health status, and psychological factors such as work-related stress are influencing factors for MSDs among bus drivers. Drivers should increase physical exercise and change unhealthy living habits. Employers should optimize working conditions, arrange reasonable driving schedules, and foster a positive work environment to reduce MSDs prevalence.

L-citrulline is a nonprotein amino acid that plays an important role in human health and has great market demand. Although microbial cell factories have been widely used for biosynthesis, there are still challenges such as genetic instability and low efficiency in the biosynthesis of L-citrulline. In this study, an efficient, plasmid-free, non-inducible L-citrulline-producing strain of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) was engineered by combined strategies. Firstly, a chassis strain capable of synthesizing L-citrulline was constructed by block of L-citrulline degradation and removal of feedback inhibition, with the L-citrulline titer of 0.43 g/L. Secondly, a push-pull-restrain strategy was employed to enhance the L-citrulline biosynthesis, which realized the L-citrulline titer of 6.0 g/L. Thirdly, the NADPH synthesis and L-citrulline transport were strengthened to promote the synthesis efficiency, which achieved the L-citrulline titer of 11.6 g/L. Finally, fed-batch fermentation was performed with the engineered strain in a 3 L fermenter, in which the L-citrulline titer reached 44.9 g/L. This study lays the foundation for the industrial production of L-citrulline and provides insights for the modification of other amino acid metabolic networks.
Citrulline/biosynthesis* ; Escherichia coli/genetics* ; Metabolic Engineering/methods* ; Fermentation ; NADP/biosynthesis*

Background During urbanization, the passenger load on urban public transport systems continues to increase, exposing bus drivers to a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This occupational health issue may also potentially compromise public transport safety. Objective To investigate the prevalence of MSDs among bus drivers in a first-tier city and to explore associated influencing factors. Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted from December 2024 to March 2025 among 1300 bus drivers in a bus company. Data were collected on general demographic information, occupational activities, and MSDs indicators. A total of 1268 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 97.5%. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the distribution characteristics of MSDs. Pearson χ² tests were employed to examine the association between MSDs prevalence and individual/occupational characteristics. Logistic regression was performed to identify the influencing factors of MSDs. Results The survey revealed that the prevalence of MSDs among the bus drivers was 28.5%, with the highest prevalence in the 41–50 years age group (30.5%). The conditions primarily affected the cervical spine (60.5%) and lumbar spine (61.9%), with some cases involving multiple sites. The logistic regression model indicated that the following factors were associated with a higher risk of MSDs: frequent smoking (OR=1.477), poor or moderate self-reported health status (OR=4.422), 11–20 years of service (OR=1.749), daily cumulative driving time ≥361 min (OR=1.616), frequent whole-body fatigue during driving (OR=2.077), occasional whole-body fatigue during driving (OR=1.873), feeling tense during driving (OR=1.518), fatigue after work (OR=2.485), work-related stress (OR=1.882), and prolonged smartphone use with head-down posture (OR=1.671). Conversely, occasional exercise (OR=0.713)/frequent exercise (OR=0.569), driving intervals ≥21 min per round (OR=0.645), and perceiving the driving seat comfortable (OR=0.429) were associated with a lower risk of MSDs. Conclusion Physical exercise, smoking, years of service, daily cumulative driving time, driving intervals per round, prolonged smartphone use with head-down posture, self-reported health status, and psychological factors such as work-related stress are influencing factors for MSDs among bus drivers. Drivers should increase physical exercise and change unhealthy living habits. Employers should optimize working conditions, arrange reasonable driving schedules, and foster a positive work environment to reduce MSDs prevalence.

Objective:To explore the clinical effects and value for application of the tibial flap of the second toe with the vascular pedicle including a plantar vein on the reconstruction of fingertip soft tissue defects.Methods:From October 2020 to August 2022, retrospective analysis of 12 patients (12 digits) were treated at the Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital for small soft tissue defects of fingertip. The patients were 9 males and 3 females and aged 29-54 years, at 38 years in average. The fingertip defects were measured at approximately 1.2 cm × 0.8 cm to 1.2 cm × 1.2 cm. In the surgery, a tibial flap of second toe was designed to reconstruct the defect in fingertip. The flap were designed on the tibial of second toe without an extended incision in dorsal foot. The pedicle of the flap carried with the lateral proper digital artery, a nerve and the plantar vein of the second toe. At the recipient site, the artery, nerve and vein carried by the pedicle of the flap were end-to-end anastomosed with the digital artery, digital nerve and subcutaneous vein of the finger. The flaps were measured at 1.5 cm×1.0 cm - 1.5 cm×1.5 cm in size. All donor sites were reconstructed with skin grafts from the ipsilateral calf. Scheduled postoperative follow-ups were conducted at the outpatient clinic. The Michigan Hand Function Questionnaire (MHQ) evaluation criteria was employed to assess the recovery of hand function, and Total Active Movement (TAM) was used to evaluate the recovery of range of motion of the interphalangeal joints of the affected fingers.Results:All 12 flaps in the fingertips survived. Postoperative follow-ups lasted from 6 months to 2 years, with an average of 11 months. One flap was slightly bloated and a flap aesthetic surgery was followed at 3 months after the primary reconstructive surgery, and the rest of flaps were all in good appearance. TPD was found at 12 -14 mm for all flaps at 9 months after surgery. All donor sites in the feet and calfs had primary healing, without a contracture or rupture of skin graft or an obvious dysfunction at the donor sites. According to the evaluation criteria of the MHQ, 8 patients were very satisfied with the overall appearance of the hand, and 4 were satisfied. Finger movement was evaluated according to TAM criteria, all 12 fingers were rated excellent.Conclusion:Reconstruction of a fingertip defect with a tibial flap of the second toe with the vascular pedicle including a plantar vein of the second toe has a good clinical efficacy. It has advantages in flap harvest, avoids an extended incision on dorsal foot, and makes a minimal damage to the donor site.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.

Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.

The global burden of malignant tumors keeps increasing， and the increased morbidity and mortality make malignant tumors one of the major challenges to global health. Currently， malignant tumors are mainly managed by surgical resection， radiotherapy， chemotherapy， targeted therapy， and immunotherapy， which， however， usually cause serious adverse reactions， such as tissue damage， immune function inhibition， and multidrug resistance， affecting the prognosis and quality of life of the patients. Traditional Chinese medicine with low toxic and side effects and multi-target， multi-system， and multi-pathway therapeutic effects has shown positive therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. In particular， the traditional Chinese medicine with the effects of softening hardness and dissipating mass， which contains a variety of active ingredients， have shown strong inhibitory effects on tumor cells. Such medicine can not only directly attack tumor cells and inhibit their proliferation and invasion but also exert therapeutic effects by inducing apoptosis， blocking tumor-related signaling pathways， and inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. In addition， traditional Chinese medicine can improve the overall efficacy of cancer treatment by regulating the immune status of the body and reversing the drug resistance of tumor cells. Traditional Chinese medicine can exert the anti-tumor effect by regulating intracellular signaling pathways， which is one of the research hotspots in this field. Signaling pathways such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）， and mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） play a key role in the formation and development of tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine can regulate the growth， apoptosis， and metabolic process of tumor cells by affecting the activity of these signaling pathways， thus exerting the therapeutic effects on tumors. Based on these mechanisms， a large number of experimental studies and clinical trials have proved that traditional Chinese medicine has broad prospects in anti-tumor treatment. To further verify these research results and provide a basis for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine and the development of new drugs， a systematic review and integrated analysis of the research reports on the anti-tumor effect of traditional Chinese medicine was carried out to summarize the anti-tumor mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine. This review is expected to promote the wide application of traditional Chinese medicine in anti-tumor treatment worldwide and bring more hope and possibility to cancer patients.

Objective To explore the clinical information of female patients with pulmonary nodules and the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and their elements. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect the basic information, medical history data, image data, and four diagnostic information of female patients with pulmonary nodules. The distribution characteristics of TCM syndromes and their elements in female patients with pulmonary nodules were determined by KMO test, Bartlett spherical test, systematic cluster analysis, chi-square test, and other methods. Results A total of 721 female patients with pulmonary nodules were included in this study. The patients were mainly 45-59 years old, had secondary school education or above, and had a history of oil smoke exposure as clinical characteristics. The pulmonary nodules were mainly 6-10 mm in size and appeared as multiple and ground glass nodules. The clinical symptoms were mainly fatigue, emotional irritability, and shortness of breath. The main syndromes of disease location were the spleen, liver, and lung; and the main syndromes of disease were phlegm, dampness, and qi deficiency. The main complex syndromes were spleen deficiency and dampness, liver stagnation, and qi/yin deficiency. Conclusion Middle age, high education, and multiple small ground glass nodules are the clinical characteristics of female patients with pulmonary nodules. Exposure to oil smoke is an important cause of the occurrence of female pulmonary nodules. During treatment, attention should be paid to strengthening the spleen, removing dampness, soothing the liver, regulating and tonifying qi, and nourishing yin.

Objective To predict the radiation impact of discharging wastewater containing uranium within the specified limit generated during the normal operation of a new production line at a nuclear fuel plant on the receiving water body and its downstream, and to provide a reference for the management of radioactive liquid effluent discharge from nuclear facilities. Methods Based on the technical guidelines for environmental impact assessment, literature on radiation environmental impact assessment, and data collected from on-site investigations, appropriate hydrological parameters and prediction models were selected to analyze and predict the variation pattern of radioactive nuclide uranium along the receiving water body and the radiation exposure of nearby residents. Results The maximum increase in uranium concentration in the receiving water body and its downstream caused by the discharge of uranium-containing wastewater was 1.14 μg/L. The maximum predicted concentration was 2.75 μg/L after adding the background data of the water body. The resulting maximum individual annual effective dose for the public was 1.49 × 10⁻⁴ mSv/a. Conclusion The maximum predicted uranium concentration in the receiving water body and its downstream is lower than the uranium concentration limit of 30 μg/L specified in the Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB 5749-2022). The maximum individual annual effective dose for the public is much lower than the control value of 0.2 mSv/a specified in the Radiation Protection Regulations for Uranium Processing and Fuel and Fuel Manufacturing Facilities (EJ 1056-2018). The radiation impact is acceptable.