Intra-articular injection has unique advantages in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), although it risks rapid clearance of the therapeutic drugs in the joint cavity. Combining therapeutic agents with functionalized nanocarriers may provide an effective solution. Controlling the therapeutic concentration of the drug in the joint cavity through the drug-loading nanosystem can synergistically treat OA. Here, we proposed an intra-articular drug delivery nanosystem MoS 2 @CS@Dex (MCD), using the chitosan (CS)-modified molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) nanosheets as near-infrared (NIR) photo-responsive carriers, loaded with the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone (Dex). MCD responded to NIR light both in vitro and in vivo and triggered Dex release through photothermal conversion. This enabled the remote-controlled Dex release in the joint cavity by adjusting the radiation behavior of the NIR light. MCD prolonged the residence time of Dex in the joint cavity. The intra-articular injection of MCD in combination with NIR radiation ensured a significant increase in the therapeutic effect of Dex at low systemic doses, which attenuated the cartilage erosion in the OA caused by the secretion of inflammatory factors including TNF-α and IL-1β. The toxicity and side effects on other internal organs during metabolism were reduced in the body. In addition, the photoacoustic imaging capability of MoS 2 nanosheets was used to detect the metabolism of MCD in the joint cavity. Our research indicated that MCD has great potential to treat OA.

Although nitric oxide (NO) can be used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) by inhibiting inflammation, a method for the accurately controlled release of NO in inflammatory cells is still elusive.

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Objectives Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a non-invasive method that activates peripheral nerves and enhances muscle strength. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rPMS applied in early subacute stroke on severe upper extremity impairment. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Rehabilitation department of a university hospital. Subjects People aged 30–80 years with no practical arm function within four weeks of a first stroke. Interventions Participants were randomly assigned to either the rPMS group ( n = 24, 20Hz and 2400 pulses of rPMS to triceps brachii and extensor digitorum muscles daily for two weeks in addition to conventional physiotherapy) or the control group ( n = 20, conventional physiotherapy). Main measures The primary outcome was the upper extremity motor section of Fugl-Meyer Assessment after treatment. Secondary outcomes included Barthel Index and root mean square of surface electromyography for muscle strength and stretch-induced spasticity of critical muscles of the upper extremity. Data presented: mean (SD) or median (IQR). Results The rPMS group showed more significant improvements in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (12.5 (2.5) vs. 7.0 (1.4), P < 0.001), Barthel Index (15 (5) vs. 10 (3.7), P < 0.001), and strength-root mean square (biceps brachii: 20.5 (4.8) vs. 6.2 (2.7), p < 0.001; triceps brachii: 14.9 (5.8) vs. 4.3 (1.2), p < 0.001; flexor digitorum: 5.1 (0.8) vs. 4.0 (1.1), p < 0.001) compared with the control group. Conclusion In patients with no functional arm movement, rPMS of upper limb extensors improves arm function and muscle strength for grip and elbow flexion and extension.