Objective:Invasive pulmonary mucormycosis(PM)is a rare but highly lethal opportunistic infection.COVID-19 associated mucormycosis(CAM)is difficult to diagnose,often leading to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis,and has poor treatment outcomes.This study reports a case of successfully treated CAM and explores optimized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the diagnosis and treatment process in a 50-year-old female patient with COVID-19 associated with diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)and invasive pulmonary mucormycosis was conducted.Combined with a literature review,the therapeutic efficacy of local bronchoscopic instillation in conjunction with systemic treatment using liposomal Amphotericin B(L-AmB)was specifically evaluated.Results:The patient was rapidly diagnosed with Rhizopus microsporus infection through metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS).She subsequently received antifungal treatment with intravenous L-AmB combined with local bronchoscopic instillation.After treatment,the patient was significantly improved,with imaging studies showing gradual absorption of the lesions.Follow-up at six months revealed no recurrence.A literature review suggests that early diagnosis and multimodal therapy are key to improving survival rates in patients with CAM.Conclusion:mNGS can significantly improve the early diagnosis rate of CAM.The combination of local and systemic treatment with L-AmB is valuable in improving prognosis.Early diagnosis,multimodal antifungal therapy,and individualized management are key to increasing the survival rate of patients with CAM.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged 2 years or older.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 120 pediatric patients aged 2 - 17 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were enrolled from departments of dermatology of 8 hospitals in China between March 2022 and February 2023. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the crisaborole group and the pimecrolimus group, and received the treatment with crisaborole ointment 2% and pimecrolimus cream 1% respectively, twice a day for 4 weeks. Visits were scheduled at baseline/on day 1, as well as on days 8, 15, and 29. The primary efficacy outcome was the percentage of patients achieving the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) success (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale, combined with ≥ 2‐grade improvement from baseline) on day 29. The secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) total scores from baseline to day 29, percentages of patients achieving ISGA improvement (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale), as well as changes in the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) /Infants' Dermatology Life Quality Index (IDLQI) /Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores, and in the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) scores. Drug safety was evaluated according to the incidence of adverse events. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. Since measurement data did not follow a normal distribution, the rank sum test was used for comparisons of measurement data between groups.Results:A total of 106 children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were included in the per-protocol analysis set, with 52 in the crisaborole group (26 males and 26 females) and 54 in the pimecrolimus group (27 males and 27 females). There were no significant differences in age, disease duration, ISGA and EASI scores at baseline between the two groups (all P > 0.05). On day 29, 22 patients (42.31%) in the crisaborole group and 25 (46.30%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA success, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.68) ; 35 patients (67.31%) in the crisaborole group and 45 (83.33%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA improvement, also with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 3.68, P = 0.06) ; additionally, there were no significant differences in the EASI, pruritus NRS, DLQI/IDLQI/CDLQI, or DFI scores between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Adverse reactions to the two topical agents were mainly local reactions such as mild to moderate pain, itching, or worsening of itching, and no obvious systemic adverse reactions occurred. The incidence of drug-related adverse reactions was 46.15% (24 cases) in the crisaborole group and 37.04% (20 cases) in the pimecrolimus group, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.91, P = 0.34) . Conclusion:The efficacy of crisaborole ointment 2% was comparable to that of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged ≥ 2 years, and it yielded early and rapid improvement in the quality of life of patients and their families, with good safety and tolerability profiles.

Objective:To explore the cognitive characteristics, influencing factors, and treatment needs regarding biologic agents among patients with psoriasis.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with psoriasis attending the Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University were selected from October to December 2022, and from June to December 2023. A self-designed electronic questionnaire was used for investigation, covering demographic characteristics, psoriasis history (disease types, disease duration, previous treatments, etc.), biologics knowledge (sources of awareness, core cognitive dimensions), and treatment needs.Results:The valid questionnaire response rate reached 93.2% (439/471). The ages of enrolled patients were 35.95 ± 12.57 years, and the disease duration was 7.90 ± 3.26 years. Psoriasis vulgaris was the predominant type (363 cases, 82.69%). The overall awareness rate of biologics slightly increased from 68.62% (105/153) in 2022 to 72.38% (207/286) in 2023 ( P > 0.05). Primary information sources included new media (WeChat/internet) platforms (168 cases, 53.84%) and peer-to-peer sharing (115 cases, 36.86%), while physician counseling merely accounted for 9.29% (29 cases) ( P < 0.001). Insufficient knowledge of biologics was manifested primarily as poor awareness of comorbidities (47.60%, 209/439) and treatment monitoring protocols (22.32%, 98/439). Core concerns regarding biologic therapy included safety (73.34%, 322/439), economic burden (65.14%, 286/439), and long-term efficacy (63.55%, 279/439) ; 60.13% (264/439) of the patients expected rapid improvement of skin symptoms. As for treatment modalities, 90.20% (396/439) of the patients preferred regimens with extended dosing intervals. Conclusions:The patients with psoriasis demonstrated an imbalance in their cognitive structure regarding biologic agents. Their treatment needs exhibited multidimensional characteristics, emphasizing not only rapid clearance of skin lesions but also greater importance of treatment safety and cost-effectiveness.

Objective:To investigate and analyze the service needs of family members of Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit patients and provide references for improving Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit nursing services.Methods:Totally 270 family members of neurosurgical patients hospitalized between March and May 2024 at Intensive Care Unit of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University were selected by convenience sampling. Kano Model-based Questionnaire on the Needs of Family Members of Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Patients designed based on literature review and expert consultation, was distributed to investigate their families service needs. The Kano model analysis was applied to categorize service needs and prioritize them, followed by constructing a satisfaction-importance quadrant diagram.Results:A total of 270 questionnaires were distributed, with 248 valid responses collected, yielding an effective response rate of 91.85% (248/270) . The Kano attribute analysis revealed that all service needs were classified as "expected attributes". The satisfaction-importance quadrant diagram indicated that 10 items were located in the "advantage zone", nine items in the "retention zone", four items in the "observation zone", and seven items in the "improvement zone".Conclusions:The Kano model-based analysis of service needs helps healthcare providers identify the diverse needs of family members of Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit patients. It is recommended that while maintaining the provision of services in the "advantage zone", healthcare providers integrate hospital resources to continuously improve services in the "improvement zone" to enhance family satisfaction and strengthen hospital competitiveness.

Objective:To explore the cognitive characteristics, influencing factors, and treatment needs regarding biologic agents among patients with psoriasis.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with psoriasis attending the Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University were selected from October to December 2022, and from June to December 2023. A self-designed electronic questionnaire was used for investigation, covering demographic characteristics, psoriasis history (disease types, disease duration, previous treatments, etc.), biologics knowledge (sources of awareness, core cognitive dimensions), and treatment needs.Results:The valid questionnaire response rate reached 93.2% (439/471). The ages of enrolled patients were 35.95 ± 12.57 years, and the disease duration was 7.90 ± 3.26 years. Psoriasis vulgaris was the predominant type (363 cases, 82.69%). The overall awareness rate of biologics slightly increased from 68.62% (105/153) in 2022 to 72.38% (207/286) in 2023 ( P > 0.05). Primary information sources included new media (WeChat/internet) platforms (168 cases, 53.84%) and peer-to-peer sharing (115 cases, 36.86%), while physician counseling merely accounted for 9.29% (29 cases) ( P < 0.001). Insufficient knowledge of biologics was manifested primarily as poor awareness of comorbidities (47.60%, 209/439) and treatment monitoring protocols (22.32%, 98/439). Core concerns regarding biologic therapy included safety (73.34%, 322/439), economic burden (65.14%, 286/439), and long-term efficacy (63.55%, 279/439) ; 60.13% (264/439) of the patients expected rapid improvement of skin symptoms. As for treatment modalities, 90.20% (396/439) of the patients preferred regimens with extended dosing intervals. Conclusions:The patients with psoriasis demonstrated an imbalance in their cognitive structure regarding biologic agents. Their treatment needs exhibited multidimensional characteristics, emphasizing not only rapid clearance of skin lesions but also greater importance of treatment safety and cost-effectiveness.

Objective:To study effect of matrine on TNF-α induced proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC),as well as to explore whether its mechanism is related to regulation of miR-125b-5p and STAT3 expressions.Methods:HUVEC proliferation model was established by TNF-α stimulating.After matrine treatment,miR-125b-5p level was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR,proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),cell cycle protein D1(CyclinD1),matrix metallopro-teinase 2(MMP2),MMP9,STAT3 levels were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot.Targeting rela-tionship between miR-125b-5p and STAT3 was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay.Results:Matrine inhibited TNF-α in-duced HUVEC proliferation(P<0.05),decreased PCNA,CyclinD1,MMP2,MMP9,STAT3 expressions(P<0.05),and increased miR-125b-5p expression(P<0.05).Overexpression of miR-125b-5p could reduce cell proliferation and PCNA,CyclinD1,MMP2,MMP9 expressions HUVEC induced by TNF-α(P<0.05).miR-125b-5p targeted STAT3 expression negatively in HUVEC,and inhi-biting miR-125b-5p expression could reverse effect of matrine on TNF-α induced cell proliferation and PCNA,CyclinD1,MMP2,MMP9 and STAT3 expressions.Conclusion:Matrine inhibits TNF-α induced proliferation of HUVEC,which is related to regulation of miR-125b-5p/STAT3 pathway.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged 2 years or older.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 120 pediatric patients aged 2 - 17 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were enrolled from departments of dermatology of 8 hospitals in China between March 2022 and February 2023. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the crisaborole group and the pimecrolimus group, and received the treatment with crisaborole ointment 2% and pimecrolimus cream 1% respectively, twice a day for 4 weeks. Visits were scheduled at baseline/on day 1, as well as on days 8, 15, and 29. The primary efficacy outcome was the percentage of patients achieving the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) success (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale, combined with ≥ 2‐grade improvement from baseline) on day 29. The secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) total scores from baseline to day 29, percentages of patients achieving ISGA improvement (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale), as well as changes in the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) /Infants' Dermatology Life Quality Index (IDLQI) /Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores, and in the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) scores. Drug safety was evaluated according to the incidence of adverse events. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. Since measurement data did not follow a normal distribution, the rank sum test was used for comparisons of measurement data between groups.Results:A total of 106 children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were included in the per-protocol analysis set, with 52 in the crisaborole group (26 males and 26 females) and 54 in the pimecrolimus group (27 males and 27 females). There were no significant differences in age, disease duration, ISGA and EASI scores at baseline between the two groups (all P > 0.05). On day 29, 22 patients (42.31%) in the crisaborole group and 25 (46.30%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA success, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.68) ; 35 patients (67.31%) in the crisaborole group and 45 (83.33%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA improvement, also with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 3.68, P = 0.06) ; additionally, there were no significant differences in the EASI, pruritus NRS, DLQI/IDLQI/CDLQI, or DFI scores between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Adverse reactions to the two topical agents were mainly local reactions such as mild to moderate pain, itching, or worsening of itching, and no obvious systemic adverse reactions occurred. The incidence of drug-related adverse reactions was 46.15% (24 cases) in the crisaborole group and 37.04% (20 cases) in the pimecrolimus group, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.91, P = 0.34) . Conclusion:The efficacy of crisaborole ointment 2% was comparable to that of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged ≥ 2 years, and it yielded early and rapid improvement in the quality of life of patients and their families, with good safety and tolerability profiles.

Tumors are the second leading cause of death worldwide. Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicle secreted from multivesicular bodies, with particle sizes ranging from 40 to 160 nm. They regulate the tumor microenvironment, proliferation, and progression by transporting proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules. Compared with other drug delivery systems, exosomes derived from different cells possess unique cellular tropism, enabling them to selectively target specific tissues and organs. This homing ability allows them to cross biological barriers that are otherwise difficult for conventional drug delivery systems to penetrate. Due to their biocompatibility and unique biological properties, exosomes can serve as drug delivery systems capable of loading various anti-tumor drugs. They can traverse biological barriers, evade immune responses, and specifically target tumor tissues, making them ideal carriers for anti-tumor therapeutics. This article systematically summarizes the methods for exosome isolation, including ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), immunoaffinity capture, and microfluidics. However, these methods have certain limitations. A combination of multiple isolation techniques can improve isolation efficiency. For instance, combining ultrafiltration with SEC can achieve both high purity and high yield while reducing processing time. Exosome drug loading methods can be classified into post-loading and pre-loading approaches. Pre-loading is further categorized into active and passive loading. Active loading methods, including electroporation, sonication, extrusion, and freeze-thaw cycles, involve physical or chemical disruption of the exosome membrane to facilitate drug encapsulation. Passive loading relies on drug concentration gradients or hydrophobic interactions between drugs and exosomes for encapsulation. Pre-loading strategies also include genetic engineering and co-incubation methods. Additionally, we review approaches to enhance the targeting, retention, and permeability of exosomes. Genetic engineering and chemical modifications can improve their tumor-targeting capabilities. Magnetic fields can also be employed to promote the accumulation of exosomes at tumor sites. Retention time can be prolonged by inhibiting monocyte-mediated clearance or by combining exosomes with hydrogels. Engineered exosomes can also reshape the tumor microenvironment to enhance permeability. This review further discusses the current applications of exosomes in delivering various anti-tumor drugs. Specifically, exosomes can encapsulate chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel to reduce side effects and increase drug concentration within tumor tissues. For instance, exosomes loaded with doxorubicin can mitigate cardiotoxicity and minimize adverse effects on healthy tissues. Furthermore, exosomes can encapsulate proteins to enhance protein stability and bioavailability or carry immunogenic cell death inducers for tumor vaccines. In addition to these applications, exosomes can deliver nucleic acids such as siRNA and miRNA to regulate gene expression, inhibit tumor proliferation, and suppress invasion. Beyond their therapeutic applications, exosomes also serve as tumor biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis. The detection of exosomal miRNA can improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing prostate and pancreatic cancers. Despite their promising potential as drug delivery systems, challenges remain in the standardization and large-scale production of exosomes. This article explores the future development of engineered exosomes for targeted tumor therapy. Plant-derived exosomes hold potential due to their superior biocompatibility, lower toxicity, and abundant availability. Furthermore, the integration of exosomes with artificial intelligence may offer novel applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and personalized medicine.

BACKGROUND: Children's respiratory health demonstrates particular sensitivity to air pollution. Existing evidence investigating the association between short-term ozone (O₃) exposure and childhood pneumonia remains insufficient and inconsistent, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHOD: To provide more reliable and persuasive evidence, we implemented a multi-city, time-stratified case-crossover design with a large sample size, using data from seven representative children's hospitals across major geographical regions in China. To avoid the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, individual-level medical records of inpatient children under 6 years of age diagnosed with pneumonia during 2016-2019 were collected. Conditional logistic regression models were fitted for each city, and city-specific estimates were pooled through a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. RESULTS: In total, the study included 137,470 pediatric pneumonia hospital admissions. The highest pooled estimate for O₃ occurred at lag0-1, with a 10 µg/m³ increase in O₃ associated with a 1.57% (95% CI: 0.67%-2.48%) higher risk of pediatric pneumonia hospital admissions. Stratified analyses indicated that the effects of O₃ were robust across different sexes, age groups, and admission seasons. We also observed a statistically significant increase in risk associated with O₃ concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines (WHO-AQGs). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed a significant positive association between O₃ and pediatric pneumonia hospital admissions. Our findings substantially strengthen the evidence base for the adverse health impacts of O₃, underscoring the importance of O₃ pollution control and management in reducing the public health burden of pediatric pneumonia.
Humans ; Ozone/analysis* ; China/epidemiology* ; Pneumonia/chemically induced* ; Child, Preschool ; Male ; Female ; Infant ; Cross-Over Studies ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data* ; Child ; Cities/epidemiology* ; Air Pollution/adverse effects* ; Infant, Newborn ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects*