Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is an uncommon etiologic agent of hepatic abscess in children, particularly those without an underlying immunocompromised condition.

We describe a rare case of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) hepatic abscess with rupture into the anterior abdominal wall in an otherwise healthy 3-year-old Filipino male, manifesting as a one-week history of an enlarging epigastric mass accompanied by abdominal pain and fever. He was treated noninvasively with ciprofloxacin (intravenous at 10 mg/kg every 12 hours for 14 days followed by oral at 15 mg/kg every 12 hours for 28 days), and clindamycin (intravenous at 10 mg/kg every 6 hours for 14 days followed by oral at 10 mg/kg every 6 hours for 28 days), resulting in the resolution of the hepatic abscess and its associated symptoms.

CA-MRSA hepatic abscess is extremely rare in immunocompetent children, and an appropriate diagnostic approach involving imaging and culture studies is crucial in its diagnosis and management.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and topical efficacy of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG) and investigate the molecular mechanisms of its therapeutic effects in atopic dermatitis (AD). METHODS: The effects of POG on human keratinocyte cell viability and its anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated using cell counting kit-8 assay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, the impact of POG on the differentiation of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4⁺ T cell subsets, including T-helper type (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg), was examined through in vitro experiments. Network pharmacology analysis was used to elucidate POG's therapeutic mechanisms. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of topically applied POG was further evaluated in a calcipotriol-induced mouse model of AD. The protein and transcript levels of inflammatory markers, including cytokines, lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) mRNA, and LCK phosphorylation (p-LCK), were quantified using immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: POG was able to suppress cell proliferation and downregulate the transcription of interleukin 4 (Il4) and Il13 mRNA. In vitro experiments indicated that POG significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th2 cells, whereas it exerted negligible influence on the differentiation of Th1, Th17 and Treg cells. Network pharmacology identified LCK as a key therapeutic target of POG. Moreover, the topical application of POG effectively alleviated skin lesions in the calcipotriol-induced AD mouse models without causing pathological changes in the liver, kidney or spleen tissues. POG significantly reduced the levels of Il4, Il5, Il13, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (Tslp) mRNA in the AD mice. Concurrently, POG enhanced the expression of p-LCK protein and Lck mRNA. CONCLUSION Our research revealed that POG inhibits Th2 cell differentiation by promoting p-LCK protein expression and hence effectively alleviates AD-related skin inflammation. Please cite this article as: Zhao H, Ma X, Wang H, Ding XJ, Kuai L, Song JK, Zhang Z, Yang D, Gao CJ, Li B, Zhou M. Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin mitigates atopic dermatitis by inhibiting Th2 differentiation through LCK phosphorylation modulation. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 309-319.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Humans ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Phosphorylation/drug effects* ; Mice ; Th2 Cells/drug effects* ; Keratinocytes/drug effects* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Calcitriol/analogs & derivatives*

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate possible serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] cutoffs for the associations between 25(OH)D and Bone turnover markers (BTMs), and how GC gene variation influences such cutoffs in Chinese women of childbearing age. METHODS: In total, 1,505 non-pregnant or non-lactating women (18-45 years) were recruited from the 2015 Chinese Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance. Serum 25(OH)D, osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), β-CrossLaps of type 1 collagen containing cross-linked C-telopeptide (β-CTX), and single nucleotide polymorphisms were determined. Locally weighted regression and smoothing scatterplot and segmented regression were performed to estimate the 25(OH)D thresholds. RESULTS: The median serum 25(OH)D was 16.63 (11.96-22.55) ng/mL and the prevalence of low serum 25(OH)D (< 12 ng/mL) was 25.2%. Women with the lowest 25(OH)D had the highest β-CTX. After adjustment for the confounders, 25(OH)D cutoffs for OC [14.04 (12.84-15.23) ng/mL], β-CTX [13.94 (12.49-15.39) ng/mL], and P1NP [13.87 (12.37-15.37) ng/mL] in the whole population, cutoffs for OC [12.30 (10.68-13.91) ng/mL], β-CTX [12.23 (10.22-14.23) ng/mL], and P1NP [11.85 (10.40-13.31) ng/mL] in women with the GC rs2282679 G allele, and cutoffs for OC [12.75 (11.81-13.68) ng/mL], β-CTX [13.05 (11.78-14.32) ng/mL], and P1NP [12.81 (11.57-14.06) ng/mL] in women with the GC rs2282679 T allele, were observed. Below these cutoffs, BTMs were negatively associated with 25(OH)D, while above these cutoffs, BTMs plateaued. CONCLUSION In Chinese women of childbearing age, there were thresholds effect of serum 25(OH)D concentrations on BTMs. The results indicated that serum 25(OH)D concentrations < 13.87 ng/mL in this population had adverse influences on maintaining bone remodeling. BTMs were suppressed at a relatively lower serum 25(OH)D in women with the GC rs2282679 G allele compared with those with the T allele.
Humans ; Female ; Vitamin D/blood* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; China ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Bone Remodeling/genetics* ; Vitamin D-Binding Protein/genetics* ; Procollagen/blood* ; Osteocalcin/blood* ; Peptide Fragments/blood* ; East Asian People

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies have shown that vitamin D status affects glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, findings from intervention studies remain inconsistent. Therefore, a network meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy of various vitamin D supplementation strategies on glucose indicators in adults with T2DM. METHODS: Eligible studies published before September 12, 2024, were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. A network meta-analysis of multiple dosage strategies-low (< 1,000 IU/day, LDS), medium (1,000-2,000 IU/day, MDS), high (2,000-4,000 IU/day, HDS), and extremely high (≥ 4,000 IU/day, EHDS)-was performed. RESULTS: The network meta-analysis of 40 RCTs indicated that, compared with placebo, vitamin D ₃ supplementation increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)-D] levels, with pooled mean difference ( MD) showing a stepwise increase from LDS to EHDS. Ranking probabilities showed a corresponding rise in 25-(OH)-D levels from LDS (46.7%) to EHDS (91.2%). EHDS reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) relative to no treatment. LDS significantly decreased hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and vitamin D ₂ significantly affected FBG levels. MDS led to a significant change in fasting insulin (FIN) compared to both placebo ( MD: -4.76; 95% CI -8.91 to -0.61) and no treatment ( MD: -7.30; 95% CI -14.44 to -0.17). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be a viable approach for improving glycemic control in adults with T2DM, with lower doses potentially offering benefit. The analysis also showed a dose-dependent increase in 25-(OH)-D levels.
Humans ; Administration, Oral ; Blood Glucose/drug effects* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood* ; Dietary Supplements ; Vitamin D/analogs & derivatives* ; Vitamins/administration & dosage*

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common hematologic malignancy that originates from precursor conditions such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). Identifying its risk factors is crucial for early intervention. The etiology of MM is multifactorial, involving race, familial clustering, gender, age, obesity, cytogenetic abnormalities, and environmental exposures. Among these, cytogenetic abnormalities and modifiable factors play pivotal roles in MM pathogenesis and progression. 1) cytogenetic abnormalities. Primary abnormalities [e.g., hyperdiploidy, t(11;14), t(14;16)] emerge at the MGUS stage, while secondary abnormalities [e.g., 1q+, del(17p)] drive disease progression. The accumulation of 1q+ promotes clonal evolution, and del(17p) is associated with significantly reduced survival. 2) modifiable risk factors. Obesity promotes MM via the acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2)-interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) pathway. Vitamin D deficiency weakens immune surveillance. Exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange and glyphosate increases MGUS incidence. Insufficient UV exposure, by reducing vitamin D synthesis, elevates MM risk. Gut microbiota dysbiosis (enrichment of nitrogen-cycle bacteria and depletion of short-chain fatty acids producers) induces chromosomal instability through the ammonium ion-solute carrier family 12 member 22 (SLC12A2)-NEK2 axis. Therefore, risk-based screening among high-risk populations (e.g., those who are obese, elderly, or chemically exposed), along with early interventions targeting cytogenetic abnormalities [e.g., B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) inhibitors for t(11;14), ferroptosis inducers for t(4;14)] and modifiable factors (e.g., vitamin D supplementation, gut microbiota modulation), may effectively delay disease progression and improve prognosis.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Obesity/complications* ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance/etiology* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Vitamin D Deficiency/complications* ; Precancerous Conditions/genetics*

Objective:To observe and analyze the levels of vitamin D（VD） and their influencing factors in children undergoing adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy. Methods:A total of 147 children who received adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy in our hospital from November 2018 to March 2019 were selected as the experimental groups, gender and age matched 147 healthy children of the same period were selected as the control group. The differences of VD levels between the two groups were compared, the factors affecting VD levels were investigated, and patients with VD deficiency/insufficiency in the experimental groups were followed up postoperatively. Results:The VD levels of the experimental groups were（19.6±6.6） ng/mL and those of the control groups were （22.5±6.5）ng/mL, which was significantly different （P<0.01）. The experimental groups were divided into inflammation groups and Sleeping disorder breathing（SDB）groups. The VD levels of the two groups were （19.1±6.7）ng/mL and （21.9±6.4）ng/mL, which was significantly different （P<0.05）. Regression analysis showed that VD levels were negatively correlated with age, body mass index （BMI）, adenoid hypertrophy, tonsil hypertrophy and Anti-streptolysin O（ASO）levels （P<0.05）. VD values were remeasured one year postoperatively in 23 of 72 children in the VD deficiency/deficiency groups, and there was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative VD values[（14.3±3.9）ng/mL and （17.1±5.5） ng/mL, respectively, P<0.05]. There was a significant difference in postoperative VD value between the inflammation groups and the SDB groups[ （15.6±5.9） ng/mL and （20.5±2.1） ng/mL, respectively, P<0.05]. Conclusion:Children who underwent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy had lower VD levels than healthy children.VD levels decreased with increasing age,BMI and ASO values,and associated with the size of adenoid and tonsil. Preoperative VD levels were lower in the inflammation groups, adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy improved VD deficiency/insufficiency status, and postoperative elevation of VD levels was more pronounced in the SDB groups.
Humans ; Tonsillectomy ; Adenoidectomy ; Vitamin D/blood* ; Vitamin D Deficiency ; Male ; Female ; Postoperative Period ; Child ; Case-Control Studies ; Child, Preschool

OBJECTIVES: To study the significance of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ [25-(OH)D₃] level in the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of children with immunoglobulin A vasculitis nephritis (IgAVN). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children with IgAVN who underwent renal biopsy at Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University and Jinling Hospital of the Medical School of Nanjing University from June 2015 to June 2020. Based on serum 25-(OH)D₃ level, the patients were divided into a normal group and a lower group. The clinicopathological characteristics and follow-up data of the two groups were collected and compared. RESULTS: A total of 359 children with IgAVN were included. Compared to the normal group (62 cases), the lower group (297 cases) exhibited higher incidences of hematochezia and gross hematuria, higher levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urinary retinol protein, urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, and quantitative urinary protein, and a longer duration from renal biopsy to urinary protein becoming negative, as well as lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and albumin level (P<0.05). Renal pathology in the lower group showed a higher occurrence of tubular interstitial injury, crescent formation, segmental sclerosis in glomeruli, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal interstitium compared to the normal group (P<0.05). Survival analysis indicated that the cumulative renal survival rate was lower in the lower group (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that low serum 25-(OH)D₃ level is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in children with IgAVN. CONCLUSIONS Children with IgAVN and low serum 25-(OH)D₃ level have relatively severe clinicopathological manifestations. Low serum 25-(OH)D₃ level is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in children with IgAVN.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Calcifediol/blood* ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA/mortality* ; Vasculitis/pathology* ; IgA Vasculitis/mortality*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolic markers in preschool children and the influencing factors for BMD, and to provide a clinical basis for promoting bone health in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the data of 127 preschool children who underwent physical examination in the Department of Child Health Care of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, from June to December 2024. BMD and bone metabolic markers were measured, and physical examination was performed. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of general information on BMD Z-score in preschool children. Spearman's rank correlation test was used to investigate the correlation of BMD Z-score with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), serum bone Gla protein (BGP), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). RESULTS: BMD Z-score significantly differed by ethnicity, weight category, and height category (all P<0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that weight and height significantly influenced BMD Z-score (P<0.05), whereas sex, age, ethnicity, and parental education level did not (P>0.05). In children, BMD Z-score was positively correlated with 25-OHD level (r_s=0.260, P<0.001) and BGP level (r_s=0.075, P=0.025) and was negatively correlated with PTH level (r_s=-0.043, P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Weight, height, 25-OHD, BGP, and PTH are influencing factors for BMD in preschool children. In clinical practice, combined measurement of bone metabolic markers may provide a scientific basis for early identification of children with abnormal BMD and prevention of osteoporosis and osteomalacia.
Humans ; Bone Density ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Vitamin D/blood* ; Parathyroid Hormone/blood* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Osteocalcin/blood* ; Bone and Bones/metabolism* ; Calcium-Binding Proteins/blood* ; Linear Models ; Matrix Gla Protein ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins/blood* ; Body Weight ; Infant

INTRODUCTION

Despite advancements in surgical techniques aimed at preserving parathyroid function, postoperative hypocalcemia (PoH) remains a challenge following elective total thyroidectomy. Management typically involves postoperative calcium supplementation; however, some studies suggest preoperative calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation may prevent PoH. This paper analyzed existing studies to determine efficacy of preoperative calcium, with or without vitamin D, in preventing hypocalcemia in total thyroidectomy patients. Level of Evidence: Meta-analysis, Level IV.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42024426410. Searches were performed on PubMED, PubMED Central, Embase, Cochrane Library, and HERDIN without date or language restrictions. Relevant studies underwent multiple screenings, with accepted individual studies assessed for bias or quality. Meta-analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.

A total of 345 studies were initially identified. Following deduplication, exclusion, and quality appraisal, 8 studies were included for analysis. Random effects model was utilized for all analysis due to heterogeneity in data. Results indicate that preoperative calcium, with or without vitamin D supplementation, correlated with higher postoperative calcium levels (z = 3.09, p < 0.001), reduced incidence of laboratory (z= 2.05, p = 0.03) and clinical hypocalcemia (z= 2.94, p < 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (z= 2.32, p = 0.01).

Results from the conducted meta-analysis support the proposed practice of providing calcium with or without vitamin D supplementation among patients who are to undergo total thyroidectomy procedures to prevent postoperative hypocalcemia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the changes in blood levels of calcium and bone metabolism biochemical markers in patients with primary osteoporosis receiving treatment with denosumab. METHODS: Seventy-three patients with primary osteoporosis treated in our Department between December, 2021 and December 2023 were enrolled. All the patients were treated with calcium supplements, vitamin D and calcitriol in addition to regular denosumab treatment every 6 months. Blood calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), type I procollagen amino-terminal propeptide (PINP), and type I collagen carboxy-terminal telopeptide β special sequence (β‑CTX) data before and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the first treatment were collected from each patient. RESULTS: Three months after the first denosumab treatment, the bone turnover markers (BTMs) OC, PINP, and β-CTX were significantly decreased compared to their baseline levels by 39.5% (P<0.001), 56.2% (P<0.001), and 81.8% (P<0.001), respectively. At 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment, OC, PINP, and β-CTX remained significantly lower than their baseline levels (P<0.001). Blood calcium level was decreased (P<0.05) and PTH level increased (P<0.05) significantly in these patients at months of denosumab treatment, but their levels were comparable to the baseline levels at 6, 9, and 12 months of the treatment (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Denosumab can suppress BTMs and has a good therapeutic effect in patients with primary osteoporosis, but reduction of blood calcium and elevation of PTH levels can occur during the first 3 months in spite of calcium supplementation. Blood calcium and PTH levels can recover the baseline levels as the treatment extended, suggesting the importance of monitoring blood calcium and PTH levels during denosumab treatment.
Humans ; Denosumab/therapeutic use* ; Calcium/blood* ; Parathyroid Hormone/blood* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Osteoporosis/blood* ; Osteocalcin/blood* ; Procollagen/blood* ; Female ; Collagen Type I/blood* ; Peptide Fragments/blood* ; Bone Density Conservation Agents/therapeutic use* ; Bone and Bones/metabolism* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vitamin D ; Peptides/blood* ; Aged