Tropical diseases, the transmission of which is affected by multiple natural and social factors, pose a great challenge to global public health, notably in African countries. During the past several decades, China and African countries have continuously collaborated for the control of neglected tropical diseases and malaria, which has become an important part of global South-to-South cooperation and global health governance. This article reviews the history of China-Africa cooperation for tropical diseases control, summarizes the experiences and achievements over the past decade, analyzes the current challenges in the coopera tion, and proposes future recommendations. The China-Africa cooperation has achieved significant progress in the control of tropical diseases, such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and filariasis, and established a China-Africa cooperation network for tropical diseases control. Through the "Three-Step" strategy of China-Africa cooperation, the effectiveness of China's integrated control strategies has been validated in Africa, and the application of China's tropical disease control technologies has been promoted in African disease-epidemic countries. Currently, China-Africa collaboration, however, still experiences multiple realistic challenges, such as insufficient resources, difficulty in technology transfer, and weak primary healthcare systems. In the future, both sides are recommended to further strengthen policy coordination, deepen technological cooperation, innovate cooperation models, aiming to continuously promote the high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation for tropical diseases control.

ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human bocavirus (HBoV) in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) at a single-center children’s hospital in Shanghai, thereby providing evidence for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HBoV infection. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 19 537 hospitalized children with ALRTI at Shanghai Children’s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis was used to detect HBoV and 12 other common respiratory viruses /atypical pathogens. The positive detection rate, demographic characteristics (sex, age), temporal distribution (year, season) of HBoV, as well as the clinical characteristics of severe and non-severe pneumonia were analyzed. ResultsThe overall HBoV-positive rate was 2.57% (503/19 537), with 59.44% (299/503) being single infections and 40.56% (204/503) being co-infections. The positive detection rate was significantly higher in boys than that in girls (2.78% vs 2.33%, χ²=3.88, P=0.049). The highest infection rate was observed in toddlers, followed by infants (χ²=379.57, P<0.001). The positive rate peaked in 2021 and reached its lowest point in 2023 (χ²=45.49, P<0.001), with epidemics mainly prevalent in summer and autumn. The main clinical symptoms were cough (90.06%, 453/503), fever (75.94%, 382/503), and wheezing (39.96%, 201/503). Children with severe pneumonia showed a higher incidence of wheezing compared with the non-severe group (P<0.001), while underlying diseases and co-infections had no significant association with disease severity (P>0.05). ConclusionHBoV was an important pathogen of ALRTI in children, predominantly affecting infants and toddlers, with higher susceptibility in boys and seasonal peaks in autumn and summer. The main clinical manifestations included cough, fever, and wheezing, with wheezing being more prevalent in children with severe pneumonia.

Liposomes serve as critical carriers for drugs and vaccines, with their biological effects influenced by their size. The microfluidic method, renowned for its precise control, reproducibility, and scalability, has been widely employed for liposome preparation. Although some studies have explored factors affecting liposomal size in microfluidic processes, most focus on small-sized liposomes, predominantly through experimental data analysis. However, the production of larger liposomes, which are equally significant, remains underexplored. In this work, we thoroughly investigate multiple variables influencing liposome size during microfluidic preparation and develop a machine learning (ML) model capable of accurately predicting liposomal size. Experimental validation was conducted using a staggered herringbone micromixer (SHM) chip. Our findings reveal that most investigated variables significantly influence liposomal size, often interrelating in complex ways. We evaluated the predictive performance of several widely-used ML algorithms, including ensemble methods, through cross-validation (CV) for both liposome size and polydispersity index (PDI). A standalone dataset was experimentally validated to assess the accuracy of the ML predictions, with results indicating that ensemble algorithms provided the most reliable predictions. Specifically, gradient boosting was selected for size prediction, while random forest was employed for PDI prediction. We successfully produced uniform large (600 nm) and small (100 nm) liposomes using the optimised experimental conditions derived from the ML models. In conclusion, this study presents a robust methodology that enables precise control over liposome size distribution, offering valuable insights for medicinal research applications.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the preliminary efficacy and safety of a dose-intensified C5VD regimen (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, vincristine, and doxorubicin) in children with locally advanced hepatoblastoma. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 24 children with newly diagnosed, locally advanced hepatoblastoma who received the dose-intensified C5VD regimen at Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Shanghai Children's Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023. Clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and chemotherapy-related toxicities were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients, 13 were male and 11 were female, with a median age at diagnosis of 18.7 months (range: 3.5-79.4 months). All patients achieved complete macroscopic resection of hepatic lesions without liver transplantation. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels decreased significantly after two chemotherapy cycles. During a median follow-up of 38.4 months (range: 15.8-50.7 months), all patients maintained continuous complete remission, with 3-year event-free survival and overall survival rates of 100%. Across 144 chemotherapy cycles, the incidence rates of grade 3-4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and infections were 97%, 77%, and 71%, respectively; no treatment-related deaths occurred. Notably, 5 patients (21%) developed Brock grade ≥3 hearing loss, of whom 1 required a hearing aid. CONCLUSIONS The dose-intensified C5VD regimen demonstrates significant efficacy with an overall favorable safety profile in the treatment of newly diagnosed, locally advanced pediatric hepatoblastoma. Grade 3-4 myelosuppression and infection are the predominant toxicities. However, high‑dose cisplatin-induced ototoxicity remains a concern, highlighting the need for improved otoprotective strategies.
Humans ; Hepatoblastoma/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Infant ; Liver Neoplasms/pathology* ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Child, Preschool ; Prospective Studies ; Doxorubicin/adverse effects* ; Child ; Cisplatin/adverse effects* ; Vincristine/adverse effects* ; Fluorouracil/adverse effects*

To promote the standardization and normalization of perioperative care for follicular unit extraction(FUE) hair transplantation, ensure treatment efficacy, and align with advancements in the specialty, the Nursing Branch of the Chinese Association of Plastic and Aesthetics organized a panel of domestic experts. By integrating evidence-based medicine with clinical practice experience, and following thorough discussions, these experts developed the Clinical Practice Expert Consensus on Perioperative Nursing Care for Follicular Unit Extraction (2025). This consensus provides a comprehensive overview of hair transplantation, covering preoperative preparation, surgical procedures, intraoperative coordination, postoperative management, and complication prevention and treatment. It serves as a key reference and guide for implementing standardized perioperative nursing care in FUE hair transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: The self-defined multidisciplinary (endocrinology, vascular surgery, and orthopedics) scoring system (EMO scoring system for short) was designed. The feasibility of the EMO scoring system to guide the proximal tibial transverse transport (TTT) for diabetic foot wounds was preliminarily explored. METHODS: Based on the current commonly used clinical criteria for diabetic foot judgment, expert consensus, guidelines, and related research progress in the treatment of diabetic foot wounds, combined with clinical experience, a set of EMO scoring systems including endocrinology, vascular surgery, and orthopedics was formulated. The criteria for selecting conservative treatment, TTT after baseline improvement, and TTT based on scoring results was proposed. A total of 56 patients with diabetic foot wounds who were admitted between September 2017 and July 2022 and met the selection criteria was taken as the study subjects. Among them, 28 patients were treated with TTT and 28 patients were treated conservatively. The patients were graded according to the EMO scoring system, the corresponding treatment methods were selected, and the actual treatment methods and results of the patients were compared. RESULTS: The EMO scoring system was formed through literature retrieval and clinical experiences. The system included three criteria, namely endocrinology (E), macrovascular disease (M), and orthopedics (O), which were divided into multiple subtypes according to the relevant evaluation items, and finally the diabetic foot wound was divided into 8 types, which correspondingly selected TTT, TTT after baseline improvement, and conservative treatment. All 56 patients were followed up 12 months after treatment. Among them, the wound healing rate of the TTT group was 85.71% (24/28), which was higher than that of the conservative treatment group [53.57% (15/28)]. At 12 week after treatment, CT angiography showed that there were more small blood vessels in the wound and ipsilateral limb in TTT group than in the conservative treatment group. Based on the EMO scoring system, 14 of the 56 patients needed conservative treatment, 29 patients needed TTT, and 13 patients needed TTT after baseline improvement. Compared with the clinical data of the patients, the wound healing rate of the patients judged to be TTT was 75.86% (22/29), of which 21 cases were actually treated with TTT, and the healing rate was 90.48%; 8 patients were treated conservatively, and the healing rate was 37.50%. The wound healing rate of the patients judged to be conservative treatment was 92.86% (13/14), of which 1 case was actually treated with TTT, and the healing rate was 100%; 13 cases were treated conservatively, and the healing rate was 92.31%; 1 case experienced minor amputation. The wound healing rate of the patients judged to TTT after baseline improvement was only 30.77% (4/13), of which 6 cases were actually treated with TTT, and the healing rate was 66.67%; 7 cases were treated conservatively, and the healing rate was 0. CONCLUSION EMO scoring system can comprehensively evaluate the diabetic foot wounds, and make personalized judgment on whether TTT treatment is feasible, so as to improve the level of diabetic foot wound treatment and the prognosis of patients.
Humans ; Diabetic Foot/therapy* ; Feasibility Studies ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Tibia/surgery* ; Wound Healing ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Conservative Treatment

Objective:To examine the near-complete genomic analysis of norovirus (NoV) subtype GⅡ.17 [P17] outbreaks in Beijing Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024.Methods:Data and specimens related to outbreaks of the NoV aggregation in Beijing′s Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024 were collected. The NoV was identified using real-time fluorescence reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Specimens with positive nucleic acid were amplified by standard PCR, whole genome sequencing and evolutionary analysis. Amino acid site variations were compared.Results:In Chaoyang District, from 2014 to 2024, a total of 637 aggregated outbreaks caused by the NoV infection were reported, of which 584 were successfully typed. The epidemic caused by the GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype accounted for 8.79% (56/637), which was the dominant epidemic gene subtype in 2014-2015, sporadic in 2016-2019, reappeared in 2022, and significantly increased in 2024 (27.27%, 24/88). Outbreaks caused by the GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype occurred mainly from October to December, with the main sites of occurrence in primary schools and kindergartens. This study yielded 53 near-complete genome sequences of the GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype from 46 incidents in Chaoyang District. The GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype sequences of Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024 were segmented into three subgroups on the evolutionary tree, with sequences from 2014 to 2019, 2022 to April 2024, and May to December 2024 clustered into the d, e, and b subgroups, respectively. In the VP1 region′s P2 area, particularly at the HBGA binding site, subgroups b and e exhibited mutations in 22 and two sites, while subgroups b and e showed mutations in four and one sites, predominantly in the RdRp region.Conclusion:The outbreak caused by the NoV GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype in Chaoyang District from 2014 to 2024 continues, with a significant increase in 2024, and it becomes the dominant gene subtype from October to December. The sequence formation of the NoV GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype in Chaoyang District from January to April 2022 and from May to December 2024 shows two different evolutions, with specific mutation sites, requiring continuous monitoring of the NoV GⅡ.17 [P17] subtype.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of hospital-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms(MDROs)among the burn wound patients so as to provide bases for taking tar-geted control measures.METHODS A systematic search was conducted in the worldwide database for nosocomial outbreaks,PubMed and CNKI databases so as to summarize and analyze the data regarding to outbreaks of MDROs hospital-associated infections among burn wound patients.RESULTS A total of 61 incidents of MDROs hospital-associated infections outbreaks among the burn wound patients were included,involving 2 293 patients from 21 countries and regions,50(81.97％)of which were reported for the infection sites or colonization sites in-volving burn wound,12(19.67％)involving the respiratory tract,10(16.39％)involving the bloodstream infec-tions.Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(28 incidents,45.90％)was dominant among the pathogens causing the infections,followed by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(17 incidents,27.87％)and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aureus(9 incidents,14.75％).52 incidents(82.25％)of outbreaks were reported the contact as the major transmission mode.The suspected sources of the outbreaks included the patients(37 incidents,28.46％),health care workers(30 incidents,23.08％),ward environments(28 incidents,21.54％),medical equipments(19 incidents,30.56％),drainage systems(6 incidents,4.62％).The major pre-vention and control measures included environmental cleaning and disinfection,screening of colonization in patients and health care workers,isolation of patients with infections and hand hygiene;8 incidents were taken the measure of closing the ward.CONCLUSIONS The outbreaks of MDROs infections in the burn wound patients are mostly associated with the high frequently contact environments,medical equipments and hand hygiene of health care workers.In view of the peculiarities of the burn wound patients,it is feasible to take the targeted measures based on the summarized prevention and control combinations for MDROs so as to prevent the outbreak of hospital-asso-ciated infections.

OBJECTIVE To understand the current management status of the special campaign for enhancing the pathogen detection rate before antimicrobial therapy in hospitalized patients in China,analyze identified issues dur-ing implementation,and propose improvement suggestions.METHOD A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from medical institutions participating in the special campaign within the region from May to Jul.2024,covering aspects such as quality control management,coordination mechanisms,data sources,indicator connotations and existing issues.RESULTS Variations were observed among medical institutions in the manage-ment of pathogen detection rates,primarily reflected in inconsistent usage of detection rate indicators,varying im-plementation levels of quality control measures and differences in multi-departmental participation.Additionally,discrepancies in data sources,statistical methods and interpretations of indicator connotations limited the compara-bility of data.CONCLUSIONS To address these issues,improvement measures such as strengthening informatiza-tion construction,standardizing indicator statistical methods and enhancing multi-departmental coordination mech-anisms should be implemented.These efforts will provide a scientific basis for the implementation of special cam-paign and robust support for the rational use of antimicrobial agents.