ObjectiveTo analyze the infection characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) among children hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in a specialized pediatric hospital in Shanghai, so as to provide evidence-based support for optimizing the prevention and control strategies and clinical diagnosis and treatment of respiratory tract infections in children in this region. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed to the clinical and etiological data of 29 260 children hospitalized for ALRTI in Shanghai Children’s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2024. HRSV and 12 other common respiratory pathogens were detected with multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and capillary electrophoresis. Demographic and clinical data were collected for statistical analyses. A total of2 412 cases with positive HRSV were divided into the severe group and the non-severe group. Clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and the chi- square (χ²) test. Additionally, the related influencing factors of severe HRSV infection were explored. ResultsThe overall positivity rate of HRSV from 2021 to 2024 was 8.24% (2 412/29 260), with statistically significant differences observed across the four years (χ²=389.42, P<0.001). The highest positivity rate was in 2021 (14.76%), with a high prevalence throughout the year. In 2022, when non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were implemented, the HRSV positivity rate was the lowest (4.93%), with a winter-dominant epidemic pattern. In 2023, after the NPIs were lifted, the HRSV positivity rate showed a slight rebound (8.14%), presenting a double-peak pattern. In 2024, the HRSV positivity rate slightly decreased compared to that in 2023 (6.29%), exhibiting a winter and spring-dominant epidemic pattern. Among the hospitalized children with ALRTI, the HRSV positivity rate in males (8.85%) was higher than that in females (7.51%), and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=17.33, P<0.001). Age distribution showed that 82.26% (1 984/2 412) of HRSV infections occurred in children aged 3 years old and below. Besides, as age increased, the infection rate of HRSV showed a gradually decreasing trend (P<0.001). Among the 2 412 children with HRSV infection, the proportion of severe cases was 22.31% (538/2 412), while the non-severe cases accounted for 77.69% (1 874/2 412). Compared with non-severe cases, severe cases were more frequently presented with high fever, longer duration of wheezing, as well as higher rates of underlying diseases or co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (P<0.001). ConclusionThe prevalence intensity of HRSV varied yearly from 2021 to 2024. After the removal of NPIs in 2023, a slight rebound with a double-peak epidemic pattern was observed. HRSV remained a common pathogen in children hospitalized for ARLTI, and children aged 3 years old and below constituted the highest proportion for infection. Compared with non-severe cases, those with severe HRSV infections were more prone to presenting with high fever and a longer duration of wheezing. Children with positive HRSV who had underlying diseases or co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumonia were more likely to develop severe conditions.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of children with severe human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection and identify the risk factors associated with critical illness.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 157 hospitalized children with severe HMPV infection, who tested positive for HMPV nucleic acid via PCR-capillary electrophoresis fragment analysis of nasopharyngeal secretions at Shanghai Children′s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023.Clinical features, co-infections, treatment, and outcomes were collected. Based on the diagnostic criteria for severe HMPV infection, the patients were categorized into a critical illness group and a non-critical illness group. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the χ2 test or the Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for critical HMPV infection and to establish a predictive model.The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and calibration curves. Results:Among the 157 cases of severe HMPV infection, there were 67 males and 90 females, with an onset age of 39.0 (20.0, 55.5) months. Single-pathogen infection was observed in 125 cases (79.6%), while mixed infections accounted for 32 cases (20.4%).Severe pneumonia was diagnosed in 136 cases (86.6%).The predominant manifestations of severe HMPV infection included fever 152 cases (96.8%), cough 151 cases (96.2%), and wheezing 94 cases (59.9%).Sixty-eight patients (43.3%) required non-invasive respiratory support, 58 cases (36.9%) were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 22 cases (14.0%) underwent mechanical ventilation. Of the total, 149 cases (94.9%) were discharged with improvement, 8 cases (5.1%) were discharged against medical advice, and there were no fatal cases. The cohort was further stratified into a critical illness group 31 cases and a non-critical illness group 126 cases. Compared to the non-critical illness group, the critical illness group exhibited significantly higher rates of respiratory distress, lethargy, and intercostal retractions, along with a higher proportion of underlying comorbidities, and elevated levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin (all P<0.05).Conversely, albumin and hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the critical illness group (both P<0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff value for the duration of fever in predicting severe HMPV infection was 4.5 days.The multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that prolonged fever duration (>4.5 days) ( OR=28.00, 95% CI 5.09-153.93, P<0.001), anorexia ( OR=11.72, 95% CI 1.26-108.75, P=0.030), and immune dysfunction ( OR=36.71, 95% CI 1.55-867.31, P=0.026) were independent risk factors for severe HMPV infection. A predictive model for critical illness was constructed based on these independent risk factors. ROC curve analysis demonstrated excellent discriminative ability, with an area under the curve of 0.96 (95% CI 0.92-1.00, P<0.001). The optimal predictive probability threshold was 0.17, yielding a sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.92. The calibration curve closely approximated the ideal curve, indicating good model calibration ( P=0.157). Conclusions:Severe HMPV infection is predominantly observed as a single infection and is prone to progress to severe pneumonia, with fever, cough, and wheezing as the main clinical manifestations. A subset of cases progresses to critical illness, though the overall prognosis is favorable. Prolonged fever duration (>4.5 days), anorexia, and immune dysfunction were independent risk factors for critical illness.The risk prediction model constructed for pediatric critical HMPV infection demonstrated robust discriminative ability with excellent calibration.

Obesity has emerged as a major global public health challenge, accompanied by a significant rise in obesity-related comorbidities. Although conventional bariatric surgery achieves reliable outcomes, its invasiveness, potential risks, and irreversible anatomical alterations have limited widespread application. With the rapid advancement of digestive endoscopy, endoscopic bariatric therapies are increasingly recognized as minimally invasive alternatives that combine safety and efficacy. This review summarized the current progress and clinical applications of various endoscopic bariatric techniques, including intragastric balloons, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, and primary obesity surgery endoluminal procedures that reduced gastric volume via space-occupying, or suture and anastomosis technology achieved by oral devices. In addition, aspiration therapy, which removes gastric contents, and innovative methods such as duodenal-jejunal bypass liners and duodenal mucosal resurfacing that mimic surgical bypass or induce mucosal remodeling were discussed. Endoscopic bariatric technologies showed promising prospects and were expected to become an important component of comprehensive obesity management.

Objective:To analyze the distribution and epidemiological characteristics of non-bacterial pathogens in hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Shanghai during 2023.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 10 591 children with acute respiratory tract infections who were hospitalized in Shanghai Children's Hospital from January to December 2023. A multiplex PCR combined with capillary electrophoresis platform was used to detect 11 common non-bacterial respiratory pathogens（including viruses and atypical pathogens）. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 29.0 software. Qualitative data were presented as numbers and percentages，and the Chi-square test was employed to make comparisons between groups，aiming to analyze the differences in the distribution of different pathogens according to gender，age group，and season. Additionally，based on the severity of the disease，patients were calssified into a severe pneumonia group and a non-severe pneumonia group to further explore the characteristics of the pathogen spectrum of severe pneumonia.Results:The total detection rate of pathogens was 54.39%（5 760/10 591），and the proportion of mixed infections was 12.76%（735/5 760）. The dominant pathogens and their proportions were as follows： Mycoplasma pneumoniae（19.20%，2 034/10 591），human rhinovirus（12.16%，1 288/10 591），influenza A virus（8.31%，880/10 591），and respiratory syncytial virus（8.14%，862/10 591）. Epidemiological characteristics showed that：（1）In terms of age： Mycoplasma pneumoniae was more common in older children（29.55%，901/3 049，in the school-age group，χ 2 = 653.67， P<0.001）. Influenza A virus had a high incidence in the adolescent group（11.34%，45/397，χ 2=48.69， P<0.001）. Respiratory syncytial virus was most susceptible in the infant group（20.94%，280/1 337，χ 2=739.92， P<0.001）. Human rhinovirus showed the characteristic of general susceptibility across all ages.（2）Monthly and seasonal distribution： Mycoplasma pneumoniae had a seasonal epidemic in summer and autumn（it began to rise in May and peaked in October at 34.22%，439/1 283）；influenza A virus had a bimodal distribution in spring and winter（the peak was 37.15% in March，315/848）；respiratory syncytial virus had a dominant epidemic in spring and summer（the detection rate was 21.24% in May，206/970），and human rhinovirus was prevalent throughout the year.（3）Clinical correlation：The detection rate of pathogens in the severe pneumonia group was significantly higher than that in the non-severe group：84.19%（426/506） vs 2.89%（5 334/10 085），χ 2=56.23， P<0.001. Conclusions:In 2023，the pathogen spectrum of hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections in the Shanghai area exhibits an epidemic pattern dominated by Mycoplasma pneumoniae，and its transmission dynamics are significantly age-dependent. This study delineates the pathogen-host-environment tripartite interactions，establishing an evidence-based foundation for formulating precision diagnostic-therapeutic algorithms and seasonal nosocomial infection prevention frameworks.

Objective:To analyze the distribution and epidemiological characteristics of non-bacterial pathogens in hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Shanghai during 2023.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 10 591 children with acute respiratory tract infections who were hospitalized in Shanghai Children's Hospital from January to December 2023. A multiplex PCR combined with capillary electrophoresis platform was used to detect 11 common non-bacterial respiratory pathogens（including viruses and atypical pathogens）. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 29.0 software. Qualitative data were presented as numbers and percentages，and the Chi-square test was employed to make comparisons between groups，aiming to analyze the differences in the distribution of different pathogens according to gender，age group，and season. Additionally，based on the severity of the disease，patients were calssified into a severe pneumonia group and a non-severe pneumonia group to further explore the characteristics of the pathogen spectrum of severe pneumonia.Results:The total detection rate of pathogens was 54.39%（5 760/10 591），and the proportion of mixed infections was 12.76%（735/5 760）. The dominant pathogens and their proportions were as follows： Mycoplasma pneumoniae（19.20%，2 034/10 591），human rhinovirus（12.16%，1 288/10 591），influenza A virus（8.31%，880/10 591），and respiratory syncytial virus（8.14%，862/10 591）. Epidemiological characteristics showed that：（1）In terms of age： Mycoplasma pneumoniae was more common in older children（29.55%，901/3 049，in the school-age group，χ 2 = 653.67， P<0.001）. Influenza A virus had a high incidence in the adolescent group（11.34%，45/397，χ 2=48.69， P<0.001）. Respiratory syncytial virus was most susceptible in the infant group（20.94%，280/1 337，χ 2=739.92， P<0.001）. Human rhinovirus showed the characteristic of general susceptibility across all ages.（2）Monthly and seasonal distribution： Mycoplasma pneumoniae had a seasonal epidemic in summer and autumn（it began to rise in May and peaked in October at 34.22%，439/1 283）；influenza A virus had a bimodal distribution in spring and winter（the peak was 37.15% in March，315/848）；respiratory syncytial virus had a dominant epidemic in spring and summer（the detection rate was 21.24% in May，206/970），and human rhinovirus was prevalent throughout the year.（3）Clinical correlation：The detection rate of pathogens in the severe pneumonia group was significantly higher than that in the non-severe group：84.19%（426/506） vs 2.89%（5 334/10 085），χ 2=56.23， P<0.001. Conclusions:In 2023，the pathogen spectrum of hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections in the Shanghai area exhibits an epidemic pattern dominated by Mycoplasma pneumoniae，and its transmission dynamics are significantly age-dependent. This study delineates the pathogen-host-environment tripartite interactions，establishing an evidence-based foundation for formulating precision diagnostic-therapeutic algorithms and seasonal nosocomial infection prevention frameworks.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of children with severe human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection and identify the risk factors associated with critical illness.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 157 hospitalized children with severe HMPV infection, who tested positive for HMPV nucleic acid via PCR-capillary electrophoresis fragment analysis of nasopharyngeal secretions at Shanghai Children′s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023.Clinical features, co-infections, treatment, and outcomes were collected. Based on the diagnostic criteria for severe HMPV infection, the patients were categorized into a critical illness group and a non-critical illness group. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the χ2 test or the Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for critical HMPV infection and to establish a predictive model.The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and calibration curves. Results:Among the 157 cases of severe HMPV infection, there were 67 males and 90 females, with an onset age of 39.0 (20.0, 55.5) months. Single-pathogen infection was observed in 125 cases (79.6%), while mixed infections accounted for 32 cases (20.4%).Severe pneumonia was diagnosed in 136 cases (86.6%).The predominant manifestations of severe HMPV infection included fever 152 cases (96.8%), cough 151 cases (96.2%), and wheezing 94 cases (59.9%).Sixty-eight patients (43.3%) required non-invasive respiratory support, 58 cases (36.9%) were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 22 cases (14.0%) underwent mechanical ventilation. Of the total, 149 cases (94.9%) were discharged with improvement, 8 cases (5.1%) were discharged against medical advice, and there were no fatal cases. The cohort was further stratified into a critical illness group 31 cases and a non-critical illness group 126 cases. Compared to the non-critical illness group, the critical illness group exhibited significantly higher rates of respiratory distress, lethargy, and intercostal retractions, along with a higher proportion of underlying comorbidities, and elevated levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin (all P<0.05).Conversely, albumin and hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the critical illness group (both P<0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff value for the duration of fever in predicting severe HMPV infection was 4.5 days.The multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that prolonged fever duration (>4.5 days) ( OR=28.00, 95% CI 5.09-153.93, P<0.001), anorexia ( OR=11.72, 95% CI 1.26-108.75, P=0.030), and immune dysfunction ( OR=36.71, 95% CI 1.55-867.31, P=0.026) were independent risk factors for severe HMPV infection. A predictive model for critical illness was constructed based on these independent risk factors. ROC curve analysis demonstrated excellent discriminative ability, with an area under the curve of 0.96 (95% CI 0.92-1.00, P<0.001). The optimal predictive probability threshold was 0.17, yielding a sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.92. The calibration curve closely approximated the ideal curve, indicating good model calibration ( P=0.157). Conclusions:Severe HMPV infection is predominantly observed as a single infection and is prone to progress to severe pneumonia, with fever, cough, and wheezing as the main clinical manifestations. A subset of cases progresses to critical illness, though the overall prognosis is favorable. Prolonged fever duration (>4.5 days), anorexia, and immune dysfunction were independent risk factors for critical illness.The risk prediction model constructed for pediatric critical HMPV infection demonstrated robust discriminative ability with excellent calibration.

Objective:To retrospectively analyze and summarize the clinical experience and therapeutic effect of anterograde Needle-perc combined with RIRS, namely N+ R (Needle perc + RIRS) technique in the treatment of complex calyceal diverticular stone.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 23 cases of complex renal caliceal diverticulum stones admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022. The complex factors mainly include the invisible cervical orifice of diverticulum, large stone volume, and special anatomical location, which makes single RIRS or PCNL treatment difficult or unsuccessful. There were 14 males and 9 females with an average age of (42.3±6.1) years. Three cases were upper calyceal diverticular stone, average size was (0.9±0.2)cm. Nine patients had diverticular stone in the middle posterior calyx, and the average size was (1.2±0.3)cm. The average size of four diverticular stone was (1.8±0.2)cm in the anterior middle calyx. Seven patients had diverticular stone with an average size of (1.3±0.1)cm in lower calyx. Among them, 12 patients underwent RIRS which were difficult or stone undiscovered, and 3 patients underwent PCNL and the operation was terminated due to failure of channel establishment. In our center, oblique supine lithotomy position (male) or prone split-leg position (female) was adopted, and the combined treatment of Needle-perc and RIRS was performed. Needle-perc puncture was completed under the guidance of full ultrasound. During the operation, methylene blue reagent or mutual guidance of two endoscopes was used to find the diverticulum neck and expand the outlet with holmium laser incision. Depending on the size and location of the stones, a single Needle-perc laser lithotripsy combined with stone removal in flexible ureteroscope was used, or dual lasers were be used simultaneously for stone removal under double endoscopes. The first stage stone free rate, operation time, hemoglobin decrease, complications, postoperative hospital stay and other conditions were analyzed.Results:All the 23 operations were completed successfully. The stone free rate within 48 hours and one month after surgery was 78.2% and 100.0% respectively. The average operation time was (61.5±12.2)min. The mean postoperative hospital stay was (2.8±0.6) days. The mean decrease of hemoglobin was (3.6±0.4)g/L. Three patients had fever and one patient had renal subcapsular effusion. After anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment, the patient was discharged. There was no incidence of Clavien-Dindo≥Ⅱcomplications such as blood transfusion, abdominal organ injury or urosepsis.Conclusions:Treatment of complex renal caliceal diverticulum stones using N+ R technique of anterograde needle-perc combined with RIRS can effectively improve the success rate of first-stage surgery. Overall, it is safe, efficient and feasible with the advantages of high stone free rate, lower damage, and few postoperative complications.

Objective:To study the effects of cathepsin K(CTSK)on the healing process of tooth extraction socket and type H blood vessel angiogenesis in mice.Methods:Ctsk knockout(Ctsk-/-)mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology,and genotype sequen-cing,general observation,Micro-CT and immunohistochemistry were performed to confirm successful knockout of Ctsk.Then 8 week-old WT and Ctsk-/-mice were used to establish the tooth extraction modle by extracting the left maxillary first molars,and the mice were sac-rificed at the day 7,10,14,21,28 and 35 respectively(n=3)after tooth extraction.Then samples were subjected to stereo microscope and Micro-CT examination.Immunofluorescence staining was used to study the effect of Ctsk knockout on type H blood vessel angiogene-sis.Results:Ctsk knockout did not affect the soft tissue healing of tooth extraction socket,but significantly promoted the bone healing process,and Ctsk deficency significantly enhanced type H blood vessel angiogenesis in the tooth extraction socket.Conclusion:Ctsk knockout can enhance type H vessel angiogenesis,and promote bone healing process of tooth extraction socket in mice.

Objective To explore whether Yes-associated protein(YAP)affects occurrence and progression of liver fibrosis by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).Methods In a 8-week-old C57BL/6 mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis,the effect of verteporfin(a YAP inhibitor)intervention was assessed with HE staining and by detecting liver biochemistry and expressions of YAP and EMT-related genes using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.Transcriptome and proteomic sequencing and informatics analysis were used to investigate the main downstream pathways of YAP in liver fibrosis.Serum levels of YAP,N-cadherin,vimentin and Twist were examined in 60 healthy individuals,60 patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and 60 patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis.In another 24 C57BL/6 mice,the effects of Twist inhibitor alone or in combination with harmine(a YAP activator)on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis were evaluated by histopathological examination and Western blotting.Results The mouse models of liver fibrosis showed obvious structural damages of the liver lobes with formation of pseudolobules,and verteporfin treatment significantly improved these pathologies and lowered plasma ALT and AST levels of the mice.Transcriptome and proteomic sequencing and informatics analysis suggested that N-cadherin and Twist were differentially expressed in liver fibrosis in close correlation with YAP.Inhibition of YAP obviously downregulated hepatic N-cadherin and Twist protein expressions in the mice with liver fibrosis.In patients with CHB and liver cirrhosis,serum levels of YAP elevated obviously with the severity of liver fibrosis and were significantly correlated with N-cadherin,vimentin and Twist levels.In mice with liver fibrosis,inhibiting Twist effectively improved liver inflammation and fibrosis,while the combined treatment with YAP activator worsened hepatic collagen fiber deposition and increased hepatic YAP and α-SMA expressions.Conclusion EMT is an important pathogenic mechanism of liver fibrosis,and inhibiting YAP can alleviate liver fibrosis by reducing EMT.

Objective To explore whether Yes-associated protein(YAP)affects occurrence and progression of liver fibrosis by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).Methods In a 8-week-old C57BL/6 mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis,the effect of verteporfin(a YAP inhibitor)intervention was assessed with HE staining and by detecting liver biochemistry and expressions of YAP and EMT-related genes using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.Transcriptome and proteomic sequencing and informatics analysis were used to investigate the main downstream pathways of YAP in liver fibrosis.Serum levels of YAP,N-cadherin,vimentin and Twist were examined in 60 healthy individuals,60 patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and 60 patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis.In another 24 C57BL/6 mice,the effects of Twist inhibitor alone or in combination with harmine(a YAP activator)on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis were evaluated by histopathological examination and Western blotting.Results The mouse models of liver fibrosis showed obvious structural damages of the liver lobes with formation of pseudolobules,and verteporfin treatment significantly improved these pathologies and lowered plasma ALT and AST levels of the mice.Transcriptome and proteomic sequencing and informatics analysis suggested that N-cadherin and Twist were differentially expressed in liver fibrosis in close correlation with YAP.Inhibition of YAP obviously downregulated hepatic N-cadherin and Twist protein expressions in the mice with liver fibrosis.In patients with CHB and liver cirrhosis,serum levels of YAP elevated obviously with the severity of liver fibrosis and were significantly correlated with N-cadherin,vimentin and Twist levels.In mice with liver fibrosis,inhibiting Twist effectively improved liver inflammation and fibrosis,while the combined treatment with YAP activator worsened hepatic collagen fiber deposition and increased hepatic YAP and α-SMA expressions.Conclusion EMT is an important pathogenic mechanism of liver fibrosis,and inhibiting YAP can alleviate liver fibrosis by reducing EMT.