Efficacy of bronchoalveolar lavage combined with prone positioning in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and atelectasis: a prospective randomized controlled study / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the efficacy of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) combined with prone positioning in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) and atelectasis and its effect on pulmonary function.@*METHODS@#A prospective study was conducted on 94 children with MPP and atelectasis who were hospitalized in Ordos Central Hospital of Inner Mongolia from November 2020 to May 2023. The children were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 47 children in each group. The children in the treatment group were given conventional treatment, BAL, and prone positioning, and those in the control group were given conventional treatment and BAL. The two groups were compared in terms of fever, pulmonary signs, length of hospital stay, lung recruitment, and improvement in pulmonary function.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the treatment group had significantly shorter time to improvement in pulmonary signs and length of hospital stay and a significantly higher rate of lung recruitment on day 7 of hospitalization, on the day of discharge, and at 1 week after discharge (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the treatment group had significantly higher levels of forced vital capacity (FVC) as a percentage of the predicted value, forced expiratory volume (FEV) in 1 second as a percentage of the predicted value, ratio of FEV in 1 second to FVC, forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC as a percentage of the predicted value, forced expiratory flow at 75% of FVC as a percentage of the predicted value, and maximal mid-expiratory flow as a percentage of the predicted value on the day of discharge and at 1 week after discharge (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the time for body temperature to return to normal between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In the treatment of children with MPP and atelectasis, BAL combined with prone positioning can help to shorten the time to improvement in pulmonary signs and the length of hospital stay and promote lung recruitment and improvement in pulmonary function.

Clinical Characteristics of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection and Factors Associated with Co-infections in Children / 医学研究杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)in children with atopic constitution and exploring the predictors of disease conditions.Methods A total of 250 children diagnosed with MPP in the Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine,Xinhua Hospital,Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from September 2019 to September 2022 were selected and divided into atopic group(n=149)and non-atopic group(n=101)according to whether they were atopic,to explore the clinical characteristics of MPP in children with atopic constitution and the risk factors of severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneu-monia(SMPP).The efficacy of the combined test of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),immunoglobulin E(IgE)and serum amyloid A(SAA)in predicting the development of SMPP in MPP children with atopic constitution was evaluated by the receiver operating character-istic(ROC)curve.Results Children in the atopic group had more pronounced symptoms of cough,wheezing,nasal congestion,croup,combined pleural effusion with severe pneumonia and the proportion requiring hormone therapy than those in the non-atopic group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that serum IgE,SAA and LDH levels were in-dependent risk factors for the development of SMPP in MPP children with atopic constitution(P＜0.05);ROC curve analysis showed that the combined test of IgE,LDH and SAA could be used to predict the development of SMPP in MPP children with atopic constitution,with an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.881,sensitivity of 81.0％,and specificity of 85.0％.Conclusion MPP children with atopic con-stitution are more likely to develop SMPP and require hormone therapy.The combined detection of serum IgE,SAA and LDH can effec-tively predict the occurrence of SMPP in MPP children with atopic constitution.

Date mining and analysis of adverse events of levofloxacin in children:a real world study based on FAERS database / 中国药师

Objective To search for the reports of adverse events of levofloxacin use in children using the FAERS database,and to mine and analyze the data to provide reference for safe clinical use.Methods The data reported of adverse events of levofloxacin use in children from January 1,2004 to June 30,2023 were retrieved through the OpenVigil 2.1 platform,and the relevant data were analyzed based on the reporting odds ratio(ROR)method.Results A total of 484 cases of adverse events of levofloxacin in children were retrieved,and 94 positive risk signals were found.The main systemic organs involved were various musculoskeletal and connective tissues,gastrointestinal system,systemic and administration sites,and the top five positive signals were Dimycodes infection(ROR=822.87),tendon pain(ROR=563.71),Mycobacterium ulcers infection(ROR=352.65),tendon rupture(ROR=341.91),and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome-related tuberculosis(ROR=310.84).The top five positive signals not mentioned in the label were Mycobacterium ulcerans infection(ROR=352.65),immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome-associated tuberculosis(ROR=310.84),central nervous system tuberculoma(ROR=102.85),linear IgA disease(ROR=82.68),and increased intracranial pressure(ROR=32.46).Conclusion In addition to the known adverse events,levofloxacin is used in children,and the risk signal intensity of adverse reactions such as increased intracranial pressure and tuberculosis-related diseases is high,so it is recommended to carefully select and strengthen relevant safety monitoring.

Observation of azithromycin sequential therapy combined with pediatric massage on chronic cough after mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children / 中国药师

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of azithromycin sequential therapy(AST)combined with infantile massage(IM)in children with chronic cough after mycoplasma pneumoniae infection(CCAMP)phlegm-heat closed lung syndrome(PHCLS),and provide a new scheme for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CCAMP.Methods The study retrospectively collected children with CCAMP-PHCLS diagnosed in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from March 2022 to March 2023.According to the treatment regimes,the children were divided into AST group and AST+IM group.The differences in cough symptoms integral and inflammatory factors(IL-6,PCT and CRP)between the two groups of CCAMP-PHCLS children were observed and compared.In addition,the total time to disappearance of clinical symptoms/signs,negative conversion of serum MP antibody(MP-IgM),total treatment response rate and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results A total of 98 CCAMP-PHCLS children were collected,49 in each group.There were no significant differences between the AST+IM group and AST group in daytime cough symptoms points,nighttime cough symptoms points,serum IL-6 content,serum PCT content,and serum CRP content before treatment(P>0.05).After treatment,the daytime cough symptoms,serum IL-6,serum PCT and serum CRP in both groups significantly decreased compared to before treatment,and the above indicators in the AST+IM group were lower than those in the AST group(P<0.05).In terms of clinical characteristics,CCAMP-PHCLS children lost cough,fever and lung rales in the AST+IM group were shorter than the AST group(P<0.05),and the MP-IgM conversion rate was significantly higher than the AST group(P<0.05).In addition,in terms of clinical efficacy and safety,the total response rate of CCAMP-PHCLS in the AST+IM group was significantly higher than that in the AST group(P<0.05),while the incidence of adverse reactions of CCAMP-PHCLS in the AST+IM group was significantly lower than that in the AST group(P<0.05).Conclusion IM combined with AST has significant efficacy and high safety in children with CCAMP.The potential possible mechanism is that IM mediate production of inflammatory factors,and improves airway inflammation,thus alleviating clinical symptoms and signs.

The expression and significance of serum HO-1 and NQO-1 in children with different severity of mycoplasma pneumoniae infection / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the expression and clinical significance of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase (NQO-1) in children with different severity levels of mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection.Methods:A total of 140 children with MP infection who were treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from January to June 2022 were selected as the observation group, while 100 healthy children who underwent physical examination were selected as the control group. The serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interferon γ (IFN-γ), HO-1, and relative expression of NQO-1 protein were compared between the control group and the observation group, as well as between children with different degrees of MP infection, Forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), 50% forced expiratory flow rate and maximum mid expiratory flow rate (MEF 25-70), 50% forced expiratory flow rate (MEF 50), and 25% forced expiratory flow rate (MEF 25). Pearson correlation method was used to analyze the correlation between the expression of HO-1 and NQO-1 with inflammatory factors and lung function indicators. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the value of HO-1 and NQO-1 expression in predicting severe MP. Results:The serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and HO-1 in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05), while the relative expression level of NQO-1 protein was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). The FVC, FEV 1, PEF, MEF 25-70, MEF 50, and MEF 25 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and HO-1 in the observation group of severe children were significantly higher than those in mild children (all P<0.05), while the relative expression of NQO-1 protein, FVC, FEV 1, PEF, MEF 25-70, MEF 50, and MEF 25 were significantly lower than those in mild children (all P<0.05). HO-1 in children with MP infection is positively correlated with IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, while the relative expression level of NQO-1 protein is negatively correlated with IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ (all P<0.05); HO-1 was negatively correlated with MEF 50 and MEF 25, while the relative expression level of NQO-1 protein was positively correlated with MEF 50 (all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve for predicting the relative expression levels of HO-1 and NQO-1 proteins in severe MP was 0.871 and 0.934, respectively (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The expression of serum HO-1 and NQO-1 in children with MP infection is correlated with cytokines and lung function indicators, and has certain application value in predicting severe illness.

Pathogenic characteristics in 397 cases of community-acquired pneumonia in children / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To understand the pathogen distributions of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children, and to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:The hospitalized children with CAP in Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January to December 2022 were selected as the research subjects. They were divided into infant group (28 d to less than one year), toddler group (one year to less than three years), preschool age group (three years to less than six years), and school age group (not less than six years) by age. According to the onset season, they were divided into spring group (February to April), summer group (May to July), autumn group (August to October), and winter group (January, November to December). Deep airway sputum samples were collected from all patients for bacterial culture identification. Respiratory viruses (influenza A virus (IVA), influenza B virus (IVB), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, parainfluenza virus type 1 (PIV1), parainfluenza virus type 2 (PIV2), parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3)) were detected using direct immunofluorescence assay. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) DNA was detected using fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and particle agglutination was used to detect serum MP antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Results:Among the 397 cases of CAP in children, pathogens were detected in 269 cases, with a positivity rate of 67.8%. A total of 309 pathogens were identified, including 204 strains of MP (66.0%), 60 strains of bacteria (19.4%), 42 strains of viruses (13.6%), and three strains of fungi (1.0%). Staphylococcus aureus (19 strains), Haemophilus influenzae (15 strains) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (five strains) were the predominant bacteria, while RSV (19 strains) and PIV3 (nine strains) were the main viruses. The distribution rates of MP, bacteria, and viruses showed statistically significant differences among different age groups ( χ2=99.82, 24.71 and 17.40, respectively, all P<0.05). MP infection was mainly observed in the preschool age group and school age group, and bacterial infection predominantly occurred in the infant group, and viral infection was most common in the toddler group. Among virus infected patients, RSV was detected in the toddler group and the preschool age group, while three cases of PIV3 cases were found in children over five years old. The distribution differences of MP, bacterial and viral infections between different seasons were statistically significant ( χ2=141.65, 20.44 and 31.87, respectively, all P<0.001), with a higher prevalence in winter. RSV infections demonstrated a clear seasonal trend, with 16 cases of RSV infections occurring in winter and spring. Conclusions:MP is the most frequently detected pathogen in children with CAP. Bacterial infection is the most common pathogen in infants with CAP. RSV is the most common viral pathogen, with infections concentrated in the toddler group and the preschool age group, and prevalence in winter and spring. Attention should be paid to PIV3 pneumonia in children over five years old. Rational drug use should be based on the pathogen spectrum characteristics of different seasons and age groups before selecting empirical treatment combinations.

Clinical effects of Feining Paidu Decoction combined with conventional treatment on patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae lobar pneumonia / 中成药

AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Feining Paidu Decoction combined with conventional treatment on patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae lobar pneumonia.METHODS Ninety patients were randomly assigned into control group(45 cases)for 2-week intervention of conventional treatment,and observation group(45 cases)for 2-week intervention of both Feining Paidu Decoction and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,inflammatory indices(WBC,N,CRP,ESR,PCT),inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8),coagulation indices(PLT,TT,PT,APTT,Fib,D-D),pulmonary imaging intergal and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,inflammatory indices,inflammatory cytokines,PLT,pulmonary imaging intergal(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05);the observation group exhibited prolonged TT,PT,APTT(P<0.05),and decreased Fib,D-D(P<0.05),which were more obvious than those in the control group(P<0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae lobar pneumonia,Feining Paidu Decoction combined with conventional treatment can safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,and improve inflammatory responses,coagulation functions.

Syndromic surveillance, early warning and management of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in school / 中国学校卫生

Abstract@#Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) refers to pulmonary inflammation caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection, commonly seen in children aged 5 and above, with fever and cough as the main clinical symptoms. As the primary transmission is through direct contact and respiratory droplets, MPP is prone to cause cross infections in schools and homes. To improve school based prevention and control of MPP, the article proposes comprehensive and multi link technical requirements for the organization and management system of MPP syndromic surveillance and early warning, monitoring contents and methods, information report and disposal. A set of MPP syndromic surveillance, early warning and management plans in school is formulated to strictly prevent and control clustered epidemics on campus.

Progress of early prediction methods for refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children / 国际儿科学杂志

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the main pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia in children in China. Although most children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia have a good prognosis，a small number of children can progress to refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Compared with general mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia，the clinical symptoms and lung imaging findings of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia are more serious. Fever and treatment time are longer and extrapulmonary complications are more likely to occur. In order to better identify and treat refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia at an early stage，some scholars have carried out studies on early prediction of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia by using biomarkers，imaging findings and nomogram. This paper reviews relevant studies in recent years，to provide reference for early prediction of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

Progress on microRNA in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children / 国际儿科学杂志

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia（MPP）is a respiratory infectious diseases caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae（MP）infection.It is one of the common community-acquired pneumonia in children. The pathogenesis of MPP may be related to the direct adhesion and damage of MP to the host and the disorder of immune response. At present，a large number of studies have confirmed that the immune disorder plays a vital role in the development of MPP. MicroRNA（miRNA）is a group of highly conserved non-protein-coding nucleotide sequences，involved in regulating the Th17/Treg ratio，nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB），CD4 +T/CD8 +T ratio，and Th1/Th2 ratio to play important roles in lung growth，inflammatory response and immune regulation during the pathogenesis of MPP. This article provides an overview of the mechanism of action of miRNAs in MPP，analyzes the potential connections between miRNAs and the development of MPP，and offers insights for the clinical assessment of children's condition and treatment plans.

Value of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To analyze the value of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)in children.Methods A total of 120 children with MPP who were admitted to the hospital from January 2020 to January 2023 were selected as the observation group,80 children with pulmonary tuberculosis(TB)were selected as the control group.During the same pe-riod,120 healthy children who were examined at the hospital check-up center were selected as the health group.The clinical data from each group were retrospective analyzed,and fasting venous blood from subjects was collected.The levels of T-lymphocyte subsets CD3+,CD4+and CD8+were detected by flow cytometry in each group,and the CD4+/CD8+was calculated.The levels of interferon(IFN)-y,interleukin-8(IL-8),inter-leukin-10(IL-10)and interleukin-13(IL-13)were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and the levels of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in each group were compared.The receiver op-erating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess the value of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in the diagnosis of MPP in children.Results The levels of CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+,IL-13,and IL-10 in the observation group and control group were significantly lower than those in the health group(P＜0.05),while CD8+,IL-8,and IFN-γ levels were significantly higher than those in the health group(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,the observation group had higher levels of CD3+,CD8+,IL-8,IFN-γand lower levels of CD4+,CD4+/CD8+(P＜0.05),and there were no statistically significant differences in IL-8 and IL-13 levels between the two groups(P＞0.05).The ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)or CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+,IL-8,IFN-γ,IL-13,and IL-10 for the diagnosis of MPP in children were 0.751,0.687,0.784,0.864,0.798,0.672,0.650,and 0.811,and AUC of the combined detection was 0.924.Conclusion Children with TB and MPP have significantly decreased immune function in the early stages of the disease,and abnormal expression of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets and cytokines.Com-pared with TB children,MPP children have lower levels of CD4+,CD4+/CD8+,and higher levels of CD3+,CD8+,IL-10 and IFN-γ,and the T-lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels are closely related to the changes in the patients'condition.The combined detection of CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+,IL-8,IFN-γ,IL-13 and IL-10 provides a theoretical basis for identifying and diagnosing early MPP in children.

Investigation of a Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreak in a welfare institution / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo carry out an epidemiological analysis on an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection at a welfare institution to provide a theoretical basis for the corresponding prevention and control measures. MethodsUsing the method of field epidemiological investigation， special field treatment was carried out in September 2022. Serum samples from cases and close contacts in the same ward area were collected for detection of nine respiratory tract infection pathogens （Mycoplasma pneumoniae， chlamydia， influenza， human metapneumosis， respiratory syncytial， human boca， parainfluenza type 1‒4 virus， and Middle East respiratory syndrome， severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus） by immunofluorescence immunoglobulin M （IgM） antibody test. ResultsA total of 14 Mycoplasma pneumoniae cases were identified， all of whom were residents of the welfare institution. The first case occurred on September 4， while the last case was reported on September 13. The incidence rate of the fifth ward area where the first case reported was 12.82% （10/78）， and it was 3.57% （3/84） in the third ward area and 1.20% （1/83） in the first ward area. There was a significant difference in incidence rates between ward areas （χ2=8.90， P<0.05）， but no significant difference was observed in age distribution and length of hospitalization. Thirty-three samples were collected for detection of nine kinds of IgM antibodies against respiratory pathogens. The results showed that the Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM antibody was weakly positive in the 14 cases. ConclusionBased on the epidemiological history， clinical symptoms and laboratory tests， it was concluded that it was an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection within the welfare institution. Welfare institutions should continue to control the occurrence and outbreak of infection through effective routine hygiene， ventilation， and disinfection so as to ensure the health and safety of their clients.

Epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of P1-Ⅱ Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a school / 预防医学

Abstract@#On October 13 2023, the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area Center for Disease Control and Prevention recAAAAAeived a report from a school indicating an outbreak of fever among students in Class 2, Grade 4. An on-site epidemiological investigation was immediately conducted. A total of 14 cases were reported, all of whom were students, with an attack rate of 34.15%. The onset of illness was concentrated between October 6 and 15, with the main clinical symptoms being fever, cough and fatigue. There were no cases of hospitalization, severe illness or death. Seven cases tested positive for Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1-Ⅱ. Based on the on-site investigation and laboratory test results, it was an outbreak of influenza-like illness caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. The likely cause of the spread was cases infecting other classmates through respiratory droplets while attending class. The outbreak occurred only in one class and did not spread to neighboring classes. Schools should actively carry out health education to raise awareness among parents for reporting infectious diseases, and strengthen morning and afternoon screenings to improve the sensitivity of identification.

Epidemiological characteristics of mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in hospitalized children between 2019 -2022 / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore the epidemiological characteristics of mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection in hospitalized children between 2019 and 2022, and to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of the disease in the clinic. Methods Blood samples of 12 830 children hospitalized for respiratory tract infection in our hospital between January 2019 and December 2022 were collected, and tested for MP infection, then the prevalence of MP infection in different years, seasons, genders and ages was analyzed. Results The total positive rate of MP was 16.55% (2 123 / 12 830). The annual prevalence rate of MP infection decreased from 17.97% in 2019 to 16.48% in 2022, with statistical difference (P2=69.277, P 6 age group (P 6 age group. The positive rate of MP infection was 15.49% in acute upper respiratory tract infection , 17.28% in acute lower respiratory tract infection , 16.43% in severe pneumonia, and 16.71% in other diseases, with no statistical difference (P>0.05). Conclusion MP is one of the main pathogens of respiratory infections in hospitalized children. Despite the decreasing trend in MP infection rate in hospitalized children between 2019 and 2022, it remains above the norm. MP infection is characterized by a high prevalence in summer and autumn, children >6 years of age, and girls, so effective measures should be taken to guide clinical anti-infection strategies to improve the physical and mental health of children in this region.

Clinical significance of serum microRNA-146a and inflammatory factors in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia after azithromycin treatment

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia after azithromycin treatment. microRNA-146a is known to regulate inflammatory responses, and excessive inflammation is a primary characteristic of MPP. Methods Children with MPP received conventional symptomatic therapy along with intravenous administration of azithromycin for one week. Serum levels of microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA kits, respectively. The correlation between microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors was analyzed by the Pearson method. Pulmonary function indexes were assessed using a pulmonary function analyzer, and their correlation with microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors after treatment was evaluated. Children with MPP were divided into effective and ineffective treatment groups, and the clinical significance of microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic multivariate regression analysis. Results Serum microRNA-146a was downregulated in children with MPP but upregulated after azithromycin treatment, contrasting with the trend observed for pro-inflammatory factors. MicroRNA-146a showed a negative correlation with pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pulmonary function parameters were initially reduced in children with MPP, but increased after treatment, showing positive/inverse associations with microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors. Higher microRNA-146a and lower pro-inflammatory factors predicted better efficacy of azithromycin treatment. MicroRNA-146a, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) were identified as independent factors influencing treatment efficacy. Conclusion Azithromycin treatment in children with MPP upregulates microRNA-146a, downregulates pro-inflammatory factors, and effectively improves pulmonary function.

Diagnostic values of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM-1) and interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) for severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children

Abstract Objective Early diagnosis of Severity Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia (SMPP) has been a worldwide concern in clinical practice. Two cytokines, soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells (sTREM-1) and Interferon-Inducible Protein-10 (IP-10), were proved to be implicated in bacterial infection diseases. However, the diagnostic value of sTREM-1 and IP-10 in MPP was poorly known. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of sTREM-1 and IP-10 for SMPP. Methods In this prospective study, the authors enrolled 44 children with MPP, along with their clinical information. Blood samples were collected, and cytokine levels of sTREM-1 and IP-10 were detected with ELISA assay. Results Serum levels of sTREM-1 and IP-10 were positively correlated with the severity of MPP. In addition, sTREM-1 and IP-10 have significant potential in the diagnosis of SMPP with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.8564 (p-value = 0.0001, 95% CI 0.7461 to 0.9668) and 0.8086 (p-value = 0.0002, 95% CI 0.6918 to 0.9254) respectively. Notably, the combined diagnostic value of sTREM-1 and IP-10 is up to 0.911 in children with SMPP (p-value < 0.001, 95% CI 0.830 to 0.993). Conclusions Serum cytokine levels of sTREM-1 and IP-10 have a great potential diagnostic value in children with SMPP.

The immunogenic involvement of miRNA-492 in mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in pediatric patients

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of miRNA-492 in the progression of mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection in pediatric patients. Methods: Forty-six children admitted to the present study's hospital and diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumonia were recruited as the study group from March 2018 to August 2019, and 40 healthy children were selected as the control group. Results: The expression levels of miRNA-492, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-18 in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between miRNA-492 and most of the immune-correlated indicators in the study group, except for IL-6, IL-18 and HMGB1. Meanwhile, overexpression of miRNA-492 increased IL-6 secretion in PMA-activated monocytes (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The present study's results suggested that miRNA-492 might play a role in the pathogenesis of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children by regulating the secretion of immune-inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and IL-18 in the mononuclear macrophages.

A rare presentation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae with splenic nodules

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen that can cause a wide spectrum of extrapulmonary manifestations with neurological manifestations being the most common. Here, we report a rare case of splenic nodules in a 7-year-old girl with M. pneumoniae infection which responded well to macrolides. M. pneumoniae infection should be considered in children with extrapulmonary manifestations including splenic lesions

Dickkopf-1 inhibits the secretion of MUC5AC induced by Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1-C in mouse lung epithelial cells / 生物工程学报

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common pathogen of respiratory tract infection in children and adults. Clinical observation shows that M. pneumoniae infection can cause massive mucus secretion in the respiratory tract, which makes the breathing of patients difficult. Studies have shown that M. pneumoniae infection can cause massive secretion of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC). Adhesin P1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae infection by mediating the adhesion of pathogens to host cells, and the C-terminal residues of P1 (P1-C) are immunogenic. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) in the secretion of MUC5AC in mouse airway epithelial cells (MAECs) induced by P1-C. Scanning electron microscope and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to observe the effect of P1-C on mucus secretion of MAECs. Protein chip was used to detect the secretion of cytokines and analyse the enrichment of related signaling pathways induced by P1-C in MAECs. Periodic acid schiff stain (PAS) staining, Tunel staining and Masson staining were used to detect the damage of the lungs of mouse exposed to P1-C. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the secretion of MUC5AC expression, and Western blotting was used to reveal the molecular mechanism of DKK1-regulated secretion of MUC5AC induced by P1-C protein in MACES. The results showed that P1-C induced the massive secretion of mucus and inflammatory factors in MAECs. During P1-C infection, DKK1 down-regulated janus kinase 2 (JAK2), phosphorylation signaling and transcription activator 1 (p-STAT1) and phosphorylation signaling and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) expression. Overexpression of DKK1 significantly up-regulated the expression of MUC5AC repressor transcription factor fork-head box protein A2 (FOXA2). At the same time, the expression of MUC5AC induced by P1-C was inhibited significantly. It is speculated that DKK1 can effectively reduce the secretion of MUC5AC in MAECs induced by P1-C by inhibiting the JAK/STAT1-STAT3 signaling pathway and up-regulating the expression of FOXA2.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and macrolide resistance of children hospitalized in Ningbo Area， Zhejiang Province in 2019‒2021 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo investigate Mycoplasma pneumoniae （MP） infection and macrolide resistance of hospitalized children in Ningbo Area in 2019‒2021. MethodsA total of 6 782 respiratory throat swab specimens were collected from hospitalized pediatric patients with pneumoniae， admitted in Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital from January， 2019 to December 2021. MP and its mutations in 23S rRNA were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. ResultsAmong 6 782 respiratory throat swab specimens from 2019‒2021， 1 290 cases （19.02%） were MP positive， and the positive rate decreased year by year （P<0.05）. The positive rate in 2019 was 28.12%， higher than that in 2020 （7.16%） and 2021 （5.16%） （all P<0.017）. The mutation of 23S rRNA occurred in 947 cases， with a mutation rate of 73.41%. The mutation rate in 2020 was 84.04%， higher than that in 2019 （73.01%） and 2021 （66.23%）. The differences of positive rate and mutation rate in different seasons were significant （P<0.05） （all P<0.008）. The positive rate was the highest in summer （25.00%）， and the mutation rate was the highest in winter （78.89%）. The positive rate of female children was 20.52%， higher than that of male children （17.82%） （P<0.05）， and the mutation rates of female and male children were 74.93% and 71.77% （P>0.05）， respectively. The difference of positive rate among the different age was significant （P<0.05）. The positive rates in the 5‒ and 8‒ years groups were 27.24% and 26.38%， higher than those in the 1‒ and 2‒ years groups， respectively. The difference of mutation rate among the four groups in age was not significant （P>0.05）. ConclusionThe infection rate of MP in children decreases in Ningbo Area from 2019 to 2021. MP infection may be related with gender， seasonal distribution， age， and the resistance rate of MP to macrolide is high.