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 evaluate the effects of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)on left ventricular reverse remodeling(LVRR)and outcomes in patients with mixed aortic valve disease(MAVD)and predominant aortic stenosis(AS).Methods Patients undergoing TAVR at our center between January 2020 and December 2022 were enrolled consecutively.Propensity score matching(PSM)(1∶1 ratio)was used to reduce selection bias.Transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)was used to monitor left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and other structural parameters over time.The study outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death and rehospitalization due to cardiovascular causes.Linear mixed-effects models and logistic regression were utilized for comparing echocardiographic changes across groups and identifying independent risk factors for no-LVRR,respectively.Results After PSM,126 patients were included.MAVD group exhibited larger structural parameters(left ventricular end-systolic/end-diastolic diameter and volume,left ventricular mass index)and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(all P＜0.05).However,more pronounced improvements in left ventricular structure and hemodynamics were observed during follow-up.Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the left ventricular mass index(LVMI)was an independent predictor of left ventricular reverse remodeling(LVRR)after TAVR,whereas persistent moderate or greater mitral regurgitation(MR)and paravalvular leak(PVL)significantly reduced the incidence of LVRR.During a median follow-up period of 23 months,a total of 31 endpoint events occurred,and there was no statistically significant difference in long-term prognosis between the two groups(Log-rank P=0.330).Conclusions Compared to patients in the AS group,those in the MAVD group exhibited more severe left ventricular remodeling before TAVR.However,more significant LVRR was observed during postoperative follow-up.Additionally,the long-term prognosis was comparable between the two groups.

Central nervous system(CNS)degenerative disorders refer to a spectrum of pathological alterations triggered by struc-tural damage to cerebral neural tissues,clinically manifested as diverse neurological dysfunction syndromes,including multiple sclerosis(MS),neurodegenerative diseases(NDs),and ische-mic stroke.The hallmark pathological features of these disorders involve irreversible neuronal damage and decompensation of functional neural networks,ultimately leading to progressive neurological deficits.Notably,with the accelerating global popu-lation aging,the incidence of these diseases has surged signifi-cantly.According to WHO statistics,they now rank among the top three global causes of disability and mortality.Current re-search has confirmed that the pathogenesis of CNS degenerative disorders exhibits high heterogeneity,encompassing multifaceted pathophysiological processes such as genetic predisposition,oxi-dative stress,protein misfolding,and metabolic dysregulation.This intricate pathogenic network not only complicates clinical differential diagnosis but also poses substantial challenges to the development of precision therapeutic strategies.Importantly,re-cent studies have revealed that mitochondrial homeostasis disrup-tion-induced inflammatory cascades(termed mitochondrial in-flammation)play a pivotal regulatory role in neurodegenerative progression.Key molecular mechanisms include impaired mito-phagy,aberrant mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)release and NL-RP3 inflammasome activation.This review systematically deci-phers the molecular regulatory network of mitochondrial inflam-mation,with a focus on its biological effects in critical pathologi-cal events such as blood-brain barrier disruption,microglial hy-peractivation and neuronal apoptosis.The overarching aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for developing innovative thera-peutic strategies targeting mitochondrial homeostasis restoration.

Objective To explore the impact of suture configuration and fixation type on the biome-chanical strength of rotator cuff repair,using a factorial design study.Methods Sixteen fresh-frozen porcine shoulder samples were randomized into an anchorless double-row suture bridge transosseous su-tures(DS)group,an anchored double-row suture bridge transosseous-equivalent(DE)group,an an-chorless X-BOX construct transosseous sutures(XS)group,and an anchored X-BOX construct transos-seous-equivalent(XE)group,each of four,according to suture configuration(double-row suture bridge,traditional X-BOX construct)and fixation type(suture anchors,transosseous sutures).Then,their fatigue resistance(first-cycle excursion,gap length difference ratio,and the percentage of ex-posed footprints)and the failure strength(the maximum failure load and the re-tear type)were mea-sured using a biomechanical material testing machine.Results Different suture configurations affected failure strength(F=39.559,P<0.001),with the double-row suture bridge groups(693.07±58.35 N,746.76±138.57 N)showing significantly higher failure strength,compared to the traditional X-BOX groups(462.90±18.91 N,421.43±90.76 N).However,the fixation type did not significantly im-pact failure strength(F=1.161,P=0.302).Moreover,the suture configuration influenced the gap differ-ence ratio(F=7.781,P=0.016),but had no significant correlation with other fatigue resistance indica-tors(P>0.05).Meanwhile,failure strength and fatigue resistance were not correlated with fixation type,and the interaction between suture and fixation type(P>0.05).The incidence of failure types for the four suture configurations was as follows:Type I tendon tear:XS>XE>DS=DE;type II tendon tear:DS>XE>XS=DE;fixing material-related failure:DE>DS=XE=XS.Conclusion The failure strength and gap formation ratio in rotator cuff repair under fatigue loading are influenced by suture configuration,whereas no significant association has been observed with respect to fixation method,whether using transosseous sutures or suture anchors.

Objective:To explore the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on testicular injury in mice exposed to neonicotinoid insec-ticides(NNI).Methods:Fifteen C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control group(CTRI.group),exposure group(NNI group)and Lactobacillus intervention group(NNI-L group).The mice in CTRL group were given 0.02ml/g of 0.5％carboxym-ethyl cellulose sodium solution by gavage for 14 days.The mice in NNI group were given 0.02 ml/g of NNI mixture by gavage for 14 days.The mice in NNI-L group were given 0.02 ml/g of NNI mixture by gavage and 5 × 108cfu/ml of Lactobacillus reuteri powder so-lution for 14 days.Then,the histomorphology and function of testicle were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunofluores-cence staining and RNA sequencing.Results:Compared with CTRL group,the thickness of testicular seminiferous epithelium in the NNI group was significantly thinner.And the decline in the number of spermatogenic cells and sperm was observed.And the expression of spermatogonial stem cell marker UCHL1 was down-regulated which was significantly improved in NNI-L group compared with the NNI group.The abnormal expressions of hormone and sperm methylation related genes in testis of NNI group were detected by RNA sequen-cing,with significant down-regulation being found in NPFF and IGF2.While the expression of HSD3B8 was significantly up-regulated.The abnormal expression of these genes could be significantly improved after oral administration of Lactobacillus reuteri.Conclusion:Testicular spermatogenesis and endocrine function can be damaged by NNI exposure.And oral administration of Lactoba-cillus reuteri protects testis from the adverse effects of NNI toxicity.

Objective To observe the difference of bone micro-structure in different regions of proximal femur,micro-CT scanning was performed on 30 proximal femur specimens to explain the mechanism of proximal femur fracture and to provide anatomical basis for prosthesis design.Methods Totally 30 intact proximal femur specimens were obtained from 60-80 year-old cadavers.Micro-CT scanning was used to measure the trabecular thickness(Tb.Th),trabecular number(Tb.N),trabecular space(Tb.Sp),connectivity(Conn)and bone mineral density(BMD)and other parameters in 7 regions of proximal femur,including proximal pressure trabecular(PPT),distal pressure trabecular(DPT),femoral head-neck junction(FHNJ),head and neck of femoral neck(HNFN),the base of femoral neck(BPFN),intertrochanteric line(IL)and greater trochanter(GT).Results The bone mineral density of IL and GT were higher than those of BPFN,FHNJ,DPT and PPT.The trabecular thickness of GT was the largest,followed by IL,BPFN and HNFN,and the smallest was FHNJ,DPT and PPT.The trabecular space of IL was larger than that of GT,and the data of both were larger than those of other parts,among which DPT and PPT were the smallest.The trabecular number of IL and GT were the smallest,BPFN,HNFN and FHNJ were larger,and DPT was the largest.The volume fraction of IL was the smallest,BPFN and HNFN were larger,DPT and PPT were the largest.Conclusion The bone density,trabecular thickness,bone volume,and total volume of GT and IL in the proximal femur of elderly patients are all relatively large,so the reason for the high incidence of fractures is not due to weak internal bone microstructure;The bone density,trabecular thickness,and trabecular gap at the proximal and distal ends of the vertical trabecular bone are relatively small.If it is necessary to perform core decompression for prosthesis filling at this location,the design should be conducive to the mechanical conduction of the prosthesis and the regeneration of surrounding bone tissue.

Objective To explore the impact of suture configuration and fixation type on the biome-chanical strength of rotator cuff repair,using a factorial design study.Methods Sixteen fresh-frozen porcine shoulder samples were randomized into an anchorless double-row suture bridge transosseous su-tures(DS)group,an anchored double-row suture bridge transosseous-equivalent(DE)group,an an-chorless X-BOX construct transosseous sutures(XS)group,and an anchored X-BOX construct transos-seous-equivalent(XE)group,each of four,according to suture configuration(double-row suture bridge,traditional X-BOX construct)and fixation type(suture anchors,transosseous sutures).Then,their fatigue resistance(first-cycle excursion,gap length difference ratio,and the percentage of ex-posed footprints)and the failure strength(the maximum failure load and the re-tear type)were mea-sured using a biomechanical material testing machine.Results Different suture configurations affected failure strength(F=39.559,P<0.001),with the double-row suture bridge groups(693.07±58.35 N,746.76±138.57 N)showing significantly higher failure strength,compared to the traditional X-BOX groups(462.90±18.91 N,421.43±90.76 N).However,the fixation type did not significantly im-pact failure strength(F=1.161,P=0.302).Moreover,the suture configuration influenced the gap differ-ence ratio(F=7.781,P=0.016),but had no significant correlation with other fatigue resistance indica-tors(P>0.05).Meanwhile,failure strength and fatigue resistance were not correlated with fixation type,and the interaction between suture and fixation type(P>0.05).The incidence of failure types for the four suture configurations was as follows:Type I tendon tear:XS>XE>DS=DE;type II tendon tear:DS>XE>XS=DE;fixing material-related failure:DE>DS=XE=XS.Conclusion The failure strength and gap formation ratio in rotator cuff repair under fatigue loading are influenced by suture configuration,whereas no significant association has been observed with respect to fixation method,whether using transosseous sutures or suture anchors.

Objective To propose a brain electrical phase prediction method based on long short-term memory network(LSTM)to improve the accuracy and robustness of phase synchronization prediction in transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS).Methods First,an LSTM consisting of an input layer,an LSTM layer,an ReLU activation layer,a fully connected layer and a regression layer was constructed to capture the EEG signal features through the synergistic action of input gates,forgetting gates and output gates.Second,eye-open resting-state EEG data from 30 healthy subjects were trained using the LSTM to obtain a predictive model for EEG signal and EEG phase prediction.Finally,the LSTM method and the traditional autoregressive(AR)method were compared in terms of the phase prediction errors at the overall and individual levels and the prediction performance for peaks and troughs.A regression model was used to explore the relationships between instantaneous EEG amplitude,signal-to-noise ratio and phase prediction error with the LSTM method.Results The LSTM method achieved a total phase prediction error of 0.04°±5.69°,which was lower than that of the traditional AR method(-3.36°±51.13°).For each subject,the LSTM method demonstrated superior phase prediction accuracy compared to the traditional AR method(P＜0.001).The accuracy for predicting peaks(troughs)by the LSTM method(about 89％)was higher than that by the traditional AR method(about 10％).Unlike the traditional AR method,the LSTM method didnot result in linear relationships between instantaneous EEG amplitude,signal-to-noise ratio and phase prediction error,with Pvalues being 0.58 and 0.18,respectively.Conclusion The LSTM-based brain electrical phase prediction method shows high accuracy and robustness when used for EEG phase-synchronized TMS.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(3):1-8]

Objective:To analyze the synergistic relationship between financing and payment systems in China's urban employee basic medical insurance under the background of aging,providing decision-making basis for promoting coordinated development of these two systems.Methods:Based on statistical yearbook data from medical security systems,the Delphi method was employed to identify collaborative analysis indicators for urban employee medical insurance financing and payment under the aging population context.A collaborative theory-based model was constructed to measure the coordination degree of China's urban employee medical insurance financing and payment composite system,while simultaneously assessing the orderliness of the financing and payment system and the coordination degree of the composite system.Results:The order degree of the financing system ranged from 0.324 in 2019 to 0.517 in 2023;the order degree of the payment system ranged from 0.454 in 2019 to 0.517 in 2023;the synergy degree of both systems reached-0.084 in 2023.Conclusions:Influenced by aging,the development speed and scale of China's urban employee basic medical insurance financing system and payment system are asynchronous,with the payment system being more affected than the financing system,resulting in a non-coordinated and disordered development state of the composite financing-payment system.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the current financing status of Beijing's urban and rural residents'basic medical insurance,analyze equity disparities among different groups under the existing flat-rate financing policy.By simulating the equity changes of various financing schemes with different contribution rates,this study aims to provide foundations for advancing medical insurance financing system reform.Methods:Based on the per capita disposable income and number of insured residents in Beijing's 16 districts from 2018 to 2023,we separately calculated the Gini coefficient,concentration index,and Kakwani index,along with their changes before and after financing adjustments,to assess the funding burden among different insured groups.Using the geometric mean method,we projected per capita disposable income and insured populations for each district in Beijing from 2024 to 2035,simulating various financing schemes under different premium rate systems.Results:From 2018 to 2023,the Gini coefficient of net income after financing consistently exceeded that of original income before financing.The concentration index remained positive and showed an upward trend,while the Kakwani index was negative for all periods.The Gini coefficient after financing slightly decreased for the elderly and working populations with fiscal subsidy support,whereas it remained higher than that for students and children.Under the simulated differentiated rate system,the post-funding Gini coefficient for 2024-2035 was lower than the original value,and the Kakwani index was positive.Conclusions:The current fixed-amount financing mechanism for urban and rural residents'basic medical insurance exhibits regressive characteristics and insufficient fairness,with disparities in equity among different insured groups.It is necessary to establish differentiated financing standards based on differential rates,particularly implementing a financing mechanism with dynamic adjustments according to regional and group income levels,to enhance the fairness of financing for urban and rural residents'basic medical insurance.