Exosomes derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts promote tumorigenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance of colorectal cancer by upregulating circ_0067557 to target Lin28.

BACKGROUND: Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can remodel tumor microenvironment by secreting exosomes. This study aimed to investigate the role of exosomes derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. METHODS: Circular RNA (circRNA) array was used to identify differentially expressed circRNAs in exosomes from normal fibroblasts (NFs) and CAFs, and confirmed one differentially expressed circRNA circ_0067557 by real-time PCR. The effect of circ_0067557 on proliferation, metastasis, chemoresistance and apoptosis was verified by wound heal, tranwell, CCK8, sphere-forming and flow cytometry assay. RESULTS: Circ_0067557 expression in exosomes from CAFs was higher than those from NFs. CAF-derived exosomes promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion and chemoresistance of CRC cells while suppressed apoptosis. Silencing of circ_0067557 inhibited malignant phenotypes of CRC cells by targeting Lin28A and Lin28B. Moreover, CAF-derived exosomes enhanced the growth of CRC xenograft tumors. CONCLUSION: Circ_0067557/Lin28A and Lin28B signal axis may be a potential therapy target for CRC.

One panel with four single nucleotide polymorphisms for Chinese children with asthma: Integrating public data and whole exome sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in susceptibility genes are a major risk factor for the development of asthma. Understanding these genetic variants helps elucidate asthma's pathogenesis, predict its onset, expedite antiasthma medication development, and achieve precise targeted individualized treatment. This study developed a test kit based on susceptibility genes for predicting asthma in Chinese children. METHODS: The present study constructed a VariantPro Targeted Library Preparation System with 72 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci associated with asthma from the ClinVar, OMIM, and SNPedia databases. These SNP loci were detected in the peripheral blood of 499 children with asthma and 500 healthy children. Significant differences were discovered for seven SNP loci. Simultaneously, whole exome sequencing of 46 children with asthma and 50 healthy children identified eight SNP loci with significant differences. The 15 SNP loci identified from Chinese children with asthma were validated in an independent population of 97 children with asthma and 93 healthy children by conducting multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-next-generation sequencing genotyping. RESULTS: Four loci (rs12422149, rs7216389, rs4065275, and rs41453444) were identified, and a single-tube multifluorescent qPCR (real-time quantitative PCR) test kit was developed using these four SNP loci. The kit was tested on 269 children with asthma and 724 children with bronchopneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: We identified four loci as susceptibility genes and developed a quantitative PCR test kit for predicting asthma development in Chinese children.

Catalyst-Free α-trans-Selective Hydroboration and (E)-Selective Deuterated Semihydrogenation of Alkynyl Sulfones.

Here, we present a straightforward α-trans-selective hydroboration of alkynyl sulfones with NHC-boranes without the need for a catalyst. This reaction is compatible with a wide range of substrates for efficiently producing structurally diverse α-borylated vinyl sulfones in satisfactory yields. The hydride transfer from NHC-borane 2a to alkynyl triflone 1b is studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations for trans-hydroboration. Moreover, a regiodivergent deuterated semihydrogenation of alkynyl triflones has also been developed using D2O as the deuterium source. A variety of diversity-oriented D-containing vinyl triflones were prepared in good to excellent yields with excellent deuterium incorporation ratios. Synthetic manipulations of the deuterated products are achieved for the conversion into valuable deuterated molecules, indicating the utility of this protocol.

1,3-Disubstituted-1,2,4-triazin-6-ones with potent activity against androgen receptor-dependent prostate cancer cells.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a small, focused library of 1,3-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazin-6-ones for in vitro inhibitory activity against androgen-receptor-dependent (22Rv1) and androgen-receptor independent (PC3) castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells led to highly active compounds with in vitro IC50 values against 22Rv1 cells of <200 nM, and with apparent selectivity for this cell type over PC3 cells. From metabolic/PK evaluations of these compounds, a 3-benzyl-1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) derivative had superior properties and showed considerably stronger activity, by nearly an order of magnitude, against AR-dependent LNCaP and C4-2B cells compared to AR-independent DU145 cells. This lead compound decreased AR expression in a dose and time dependent manner and displayed promising therapeutic effects in a 22Rv1 CRPC xenograft mouse model. Computational target prediction and subsequent docking studies suggested three potential known prostate cancer targets: p38a MAPK, TGF-ß1, and HGFR/c-Met, with the latter case of c-Met appearing stronger, owing to close structural similarity of the lead compound to known pyridazin-3-one derivatives with potent c-Met inhibitory activity. RNA-seq analysis showed dramatic reduction of AR signalling pathway and/or target genes by the lead compound, subsequently confirmed by quantitative PCR analysis. The lead compound was highly inhibitory against HGF, the c-Met ligand, which fitted well with the computational target prediction and docking studies. These results suggest that this compound could be a promising starting point for the development of an effective therapy for the treatment of CRPC.

Experimental Study on the Characterization of Aging Resistance Properties of Optical Cables in the Hydrogen-Containing Downhole Environment.

The utilization of downhole optical cables has significantly enhanced the efficiency and reliability of oilfield production operations; however, the challenging high-temperature and high-pressure conditions prevalent in oil-gas fields markedly reduce the service lifespan of these optical cables. This limitation severely impedes their application and further development in subterranean environments. In this study, a qualitative analysis was conducted on the structural materials utilized in two types of optical cables to identify these materials and assess the high-temperature tolerance and aging resistance properties of the optical fibers incorporated within. It was discovered that hydrogen infiltration into the subterranean optical cables predominantly accounts for their operational failure. To address this issue, an optical loss testing platform was established, facilitating the execution of a high-temperature and high-pressure hydrogen permeation aging experiment on the optical fibers, allowing for the evaluation of the hydrogen resistance capabilities of the two types of optical fibers. The findings from this study provide a theoretical foundation and methodological guidance for the optimization of optical fibers, aiming to enhance their durability and functional performance in adverse environmental conditions encountered in oil-gas field applications.

Unraveling temporal and spatial biomarkers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer: insights into the crucial role of immunosuppressive cells.

The occurrence and progression of tumors can be established through a complex interplay among tumor cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasive factors and immune cells. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatially resolved transcriptomics (ST) to evaluate the pseudotime trajectory and spatial interactive relationship between EMT-invasive malignant tumors and immune cells in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues at different stages (stage I/II and stage III with tumor deposit). Our research characterized the spatiotemporal relationship among different invasive tumor programs by constructing pseudotime endpoint-EMT-invasion tumor programs (EMTPs) located at the edge of ST, utilizing evolution trajectory analysis integrated with EMT-invasion genes. Strikingly, the invasive and expansive process of tumors undergoes remarkable spatial reprogramming of regulatory and immunosuppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), regulatory T cells (Treg), and exhausted T cells (Tex). These EMTP-adjacent cell are linked to EMT-related invasion genes, especially the C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) and CXCL8 genes that are important for CRC prognosis. Interestingly, the EMTPs in stage I mainly produce an inflammatory margin invasive niche, while the EMTPs in stage III tissues likely produce a hypoxic pre-invasive niche. Our data demonstrate the crucial role of regulatory and immunosuppressive cells in tumor formation and progression of CRC. This study provides a framework to delineate the spatiotemporal invasive niche in CRC samples.

Effects of genetic polymorphisms of LINC-PINT gene on liver cancer susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.

Objective: Liver cancer (LC) is the most common cause of cancer mortality. This study aimed to explore the impact of LINC-PINT polymorphisms on LC. Materials & methods: The authors recruited 591 LC patients and 592 healthy controls. The association between LINC-PINT polymorphisms and susceptibility to LC was determined by logistic regression analysis. Results: The authors found that rs157916 and rs16873842 reduced susceptibility to LC. rs157916 decreased LC risk in patients aged <55 years, nondrinkers and those with BMI <24. rs16873842 had a protective role against LC in patients aged ≥55 years, women, nonsmokers and those with BMI ≥24. rs7801029 decreased LC risk in patients with BMI <24. rs28662387 increased LC risk in women. Conclusion: LINC-PINT polymorphisms exert a protective effect against LC.

Prognostic Factors of Severe Pneumonia in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to identify independent prognostic factors of severe pneumonia. Methods: A systematic search was undertaken in Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to March 2023 to find cohort studies investigating the association between prognostic factors and adverse outcomes of severe pneumonia in adult patients. The study selection process involved screening the title and abstract of articles to identify relevant studies on severe pneumonia in adult patients. Inclusion criteria included studies with a prospective or retrospective longitudinal design, investigating prognostic factors, and performing multivariate analysis. Exclusion criteria included non-English or non-Chinese studies, studies focusing on severe pneumonia in children, studies conducting only univariate analysis, and conference abstracts, reviews, and case reports. The risk of bias was assessed by the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Results: A total of 27 published studies, including both prospective and retrospective cohort studies, were included. These studies reported on 53 different prognostic factors and covered four unique outcomes. The quality assessment indicated that 59.3% of the studies had a low risk of bias. Age, functional dependence, heart rate, and oxygen saturation/respiratory rate index were found to be associated with mortality. Additionally, various laboratory indexes, such as serum cholinesterase, albumin, and blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio, demonstrated either protective or risk factors for prognosis. Injury and comorbidities, including acute renal failure, chronic lung disease, and Glasgow Coma Scale, were identified as risk factors for mortality. Scoring tools like Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, CURB-65 score, and Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) score showed associations with mortality. Lastly, certain treatment protocols, such as vasoactive agent use, vasopressor use, and mechanical ventilation, were found to increase the risk of mortality, while invasive mechanical ventilation and the use of remdesivir and steroids had a positive impact on prognosis. These findings provide valuable insights for clinicians in predicting and managing severe pneumonia outcomes. Conclusion: This most comprehensive review identified 53 unique prognostic factors of severe pneumonia, which provided a reference for subsequent researchers to construct models to predict clinical outcomes in patients with severe pneumonia for clinical use. By identifying prognostic factors through multivariate analysis, healthcare providers can better assess the severity and prognosis of individual patients. This knowledge can aid in treatment planning, resource allocation, and determining the appropriate level of care for patients with severe pneumonia. Additionally, understanding the prognostic factors can help identify high-risk patients who may require more intensive monitoring or interventions. Overall, this study provides valuable insights that can inform clinical practice and improve patient outcomes in the management of severe pneumonia.

Delegated Proof of Stake Consensus Mechanism Based on Community Discovery and Credit Incentive.

Consensus algorithms are the core technology of a blockchain and directly affect the implementation and application of blockchain systems. Delegated proof of stake (DPoS) significantly reduces the time required for transaction verification by selecting representative nodes to generate blocks, and it has become a mainstream consensus algorithm. However, existing DPoS algorithms have issues such as "one ballot, one vote", a low degree of decentralization, and nodes performing malicious actions. To address these problems, an improved DPoS algorithm based on community discovery is designed, called CD-DPoS. First, we introduce the PageRank algorithm to improve the voting mechanism, achieving "one ballot, multiple votes", and we obtain the reputation value of each node. Second, we propose a node voting enthusiasm measurement method based on the GN algorithm. Finally, we design a comprehensive election mechanism combining node reputation values and voting enthusiasm to select secure and reliable accounting nodes. A node credit incentive mechanism is also designed to effectively motivate normal nodes and drive out malicious nodes. The experimental simulation results show that our proposed algorithm has better decentralization, malicious node eviction capabilities and higher throughput than similar methods.

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen Der p 22: Cloning, expression, IgE-binding in asthmatic children, and immunogenicity.

BACKGROUND: Dust mite extract contains multiple components that, while useful in clinical allergy diagnosis and treatment, can cause serious side effects. Defining components of dust mite extract is important their contributions to allergic disease. This study aimed to characterize a novel dust mite allergen, Der p 22. METHODS: We amplified the cDNA encoding Der p 22 from total RNA of the mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and inserted it into an expression construct for transformation to competent cells. Purified recombinant (r) Der p 22 was tested for IgE-binding reactivity in sera obtained from children with allergic asthma by the Affiliated Wuxi Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Jiangsu, China). rDer p 22 also was used to challenge BALB/c mice to assess effects on T helper cells and cytokine levels and applied to cultured lung epithelial cells to evaluate apoptosis and cytokine secretion. RESULTS: rDer p 22 bound to IgE in 93.75% of sera from pediatric allergic asthma patients. Mice challenged with rDer p 22 had altered Th1/Th2 ratios in spleen and lymph, and lower levels of cytokines IFN-γ but higher levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in alveolar lavage fluid compared with controls (p < .05). Cultured lung epithelial cells had greater apoptosis rates and exhibited higher levels of IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF when treated with rDer p 22 compared with control treatment (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant Der p 22 exhibited high IgE-binding rates in allergic children, indicating the activity of the recombinant protein and suggesting this novel allergen may be appropriate for inclusion in an allergy diagnostic workup. This finding is supported by in vitro and mouse in vivo studies showing rDer p 22 induced strong allergenic reactivity and apoptosis.

Determining the effects of Ephrin Type B Receptor 6 and Type A Receptor 3 on facilitating colorectal epithelial cell malignant transformation.

Ephrin Type-A Receptor 3 (EphA3) and Ephrin Type-B Receptor 6 (EphB6) belong to the ephrin receptor group consisting of the largest subset of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and are essential for neurogenesis and embryogenesis. The current study aimed to evaluate their functional roles in transforming colorectal epithelial cells and dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms. We observed altered EphA3 and EphB6 expression in tumor tissues as compared to normal tissues in a tissue microarray study. Enforced EphB6 expression promoted IMCE cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumor formation in nude mice, with a stronger oncogenic activity than EphA3. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes from a gene microarray study provided important insight into potential mechanisms through which EphB6 may regulate the malignant transformation of colorectal epithelial cells. This study represents the first demonstration of EphB6 in enhancing colorectal epithelial cell transformation, suggesting its stipulative role in the early stage of colorectal tumorigenesis. Our findings primarily uncover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets of colorectal cancer.

Understanding Interlayer Contact Conductance in Twisted Bilayer Graphene.

Bilayer or few-layer 2D materials showing novel electrical properties in electronic device applications have aroused increasing interest in recent years. Obtaining a comprehensive understanding of interlayer contact conductance still remains a challenge, but is significant for improving the performance of bilayer or few-layer 2D electronic devices. Here, conductive atomic force microscope (C-AFM) experiments are reported to explore the interlayer contact conductance between bilayer graphene (BLG) with various twisted stacking structures fabricated by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The current maps show that the interlayer contact conductance between BLG strongly depends on the twist angle. The interlayer contact conductance of 0° AB-stacking bilayer graphene (AB-BLG) is ≈4 times as large as that of 30° twisted bilayer graphene (t-BLG), which indicates that the twist angle-dependent interlayer contact conductance originates from the coupling-decoupling transitions. Moreover, the moiré superlattice-level current images of t-BLG show modulations of local interlayer contact conductance. Density functional theory calculations together with a theoretical model reproduce the C-AFM current map and show that the modulation is mainly attributed to the overall contribution of local interfacial carrier density and tunneling barrier.

Mutual regulation between miR-21 and the TGFß/Smad signaling pathway in human bronchial fibroblasts promotes airway remodeling.

OBJECTIVE: Airway remodeling is an important pathological feature of asthma. Excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (e.g., collagen) secreted from fibroblasts is a major factor contributing to airway remodeling. Currently, the mechanism by which collagen continues to be oversynthesized in the airway remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of the microRNA-21 (miR-21) and TGFß/Smad signaling pathway in human bronchial fibroblasts (HBFs), and explored the regulatory mechanism of airway remodeling. METHODS: HBFs were cultured in vitro and treated with the transforming growth factor ß (TGFß), receptor inhibitor (SB431542), and TGFß1. miR-21 and Smad7 overexpressing lentiviruses, as well as an miR-21 interfering lentivirus were constructed and transfected into HBFs. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of airway remodeling-related proteins and proteins in the TGFß/Smad signaling pathway. miR-21 expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: The high expression of miR-21 induced by TGFß1 was reduced following the treatment with the SB431542 in HBFs. Smad7 overexpression inhibited the elevated expression of the COL I protein induced by miR-21 overexpression in HBFs. Inhibiting miR-21 expression upregulated the level of Smad7 protein, thus reducing the expression of airway remodeling-related proteins induced by TGFß1 stimulation in HBFs. CONCLUSIONS: TGFß1 can induce miR-21 expression in HBFs through the TGFß/Smad signaling pathway to promote airway remodeling. miR-21 downregulates Smad7, activates the TGFß/Smad signaling pathway, and promotes airway remodeling. Mutual regulation between miR-21 and the TGFß/Smad signaling pathway in HBFs promotes airway remodeling.

Budesonide up-regulates vitamin D receptor expression in human bronchial fibroblasts and enhances the inhibitory effect of calcitriol on airway remodeling.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1) and dysregulated microRNA-21 (miR-21) expression is associated with TGFß/Smad signaling pathway activation and fibrosis. While calcitriol has been shown to improve airway remodeling in asthmatic mice, its mechanism remains unknown. In this study, the effect of calcitriol on the TGFß/Smad signaling pathway and miR-21 expression in human bronchial fibroblasts was investigated to explore the mechanism of action of calcitriol and the inhaled glucocorticoid, budesonide, in airway remodeling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human bronchial fibroblasts were pretreated with budesonide, calcitriol, or budesonide plus calcitriol, and stimulated with TGFß1 for 48h. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine the expression of miR-21. Western blot was used to determine airway remodeling-related proteins, TGFß/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins, glucocorticoid receptor, and vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression. RESULTS: Both budesonide and calcitriol down-regulated miR-21 expression in human bronchial fibroblasts, up-regulated Smad7 expression, and inhibited the expression of airway remodeling-related proteins. Both budesonide and calcitriol up-regulated the low expression of VDR induced by TGFß1 in human bronchial fibroblasts. The expression of VDR in the combined treatment group (budesonide plus calcitriol) was significantly higher than that in the calcitriol treatment group. The expression of collagen type I in the combined treatment group was significantly lower than that in the calcitriol treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Calcitriol can up-regulate the expression of VDR in human bronchial fibroblasts and exert an anti-airway remodeling effect. Budesonide can up-regulate the expression of VDR in human bronchial fibroblasts and enhance the inhibitory effect of calcitriol on airway remodeling.

Nanoindentation Properties and Finite Element Analysis of the Rostrum of Cyrtotrachelus buqueti Guer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

This work focuses on the application of nanoindentation measurements and the finite element method for analyzing the mechanical properties of the rostrum of the outstanding driller Cyrtotrachelus buqueti Guer. Nanoindentation tests were carried out to measure the Young's modulus and hardness of the rostrum, with the results for the "dry" samples being 13.886 ± 0.75 and 0.368 ± 0.0445 GPa, respectively. The values for the "fresh" samples showed no clear difference from those of the "dry" ones. Moreover, field observation was conducted to determine the motion behaviors of the rostrum on the weevil. Micro-computed tomography technology was employed to obtain structural information about the rostrum, using 9 µm slices. A real three-dimensional model of the rostrum was created using the MIMICS application. Finally, the mechanical properties of the rostrum were determined by finite element analysis. It was concluded that the rostrum provides an ideal biological template for the design of biocomposite materials and lightweight tube-shaped structures. The properties determined in this study can potentially be applied in different fields, such as in the design of automotive hybrid transmission shafts, helicopter tail drive shafts, robotic arms, and other sandwich structures in aerospace engineering.

Lateral undulation of the flexible spine of sprawling posture vertebrates.

Sprawling posture vertebrates have a flexible spine that bends the trunk primarily in the horizontal plane during locomotion. By coordinating cyclical lateral trunk flexion and limb movements, these animals are very mobile and show extraordinary maneuverability. The dynamic and static stability displayed in complex and changing environments are highly correlated with such lateral bending patterns. The axial dynamics of their compliant body can also be critical for achieving energy-efficient locomotion at high velocities. In this paper, lateral undulation is used to characterize the bending pattern. The production of ground reaction forces (GRFs) and the related center of mass (COM) dynamics during locomotion are the fundamental mechanisms to be considered. Mainly based on research on geckos, which show unrestricted movement in three-dimensional space, we review current knowledge on the trunk flexibility and waveforms of lateral trunk movement. We investigate locomotion dynamics and mechanisms underlying the lateral undulation pattern. This paper also provides insights into the roles of this pattern in obtaining flexible and efficient walking, running, and climbing. Finally, we discuss the potential application of lateral undulation patterns to bio-inspired robotics.

The lncRNA CRNDE promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance via miR-181a-5p-mediated regulation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

BACKGROUND: With more than 600,000 mortalities each year, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer worldwide. Recently, mechanisms involving noncoding RNAs have been implicated in the development of CRC. METHODS: We examined expression levels of lncRNA CRNDE and miR-181a-5p in 64 cases of CRC tissues and cell lines by qRT-PCR. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays were performed to examine the effect of CRNDE and miR-181a-5p on proliferation and chemoresistance of CRC cells. Using fluorescence reporter and western blot assays, we also explored the possible mechanisms of CRNDE in CRC cells. RESULTS: In this study, we found that the expression levels of the CRNDE were upregulated in CRC clinical tissue samples. We identified microRNA miR-181a-5p as an inhibitory target of CRNDE. Both CRNDE knockdown and miR-181a-5p overexpression in CRC cell lines led to inhibited cell proliferation and reduced chemoresistance. We also determined that ß-catenin and TCF4 were inhibitory targets of miR-181a-5p, and that Wnt/ß-catenin signaling was inhibited by both CRNDE knockdown and miR-181a-5p overexpression. Significantly, we found that the repression of cell proliferation, the reduction of chemoresistance, and the inhibition of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling induced by CRNDE knockdown would require the increased expression of miR-181a-5p. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that the lncRNA CRNDE could regulate the progression and chemoresistance of CRC via modulating the expression levels of miR-181a-5p and the activity of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Implementing a Quality Improvement Collaborative to Improve Hypertension Control and Advance Million Hearts Among Low-Income Californians, 2014-2015.

From January through December 2015, the California Department of Health Care Services, which administers Medi-Cal, the nation's largest Medicaid program, conducted a quality improvement collaborative (QIC) with 9 Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs) aimed at improving hypertension control consistent with the Million Hearts initiative. The QIC included quarterly webinars and links to local, state, and national resources that consisted of materials and consultations with subject matter experts. Participating MCPs demonstrated an average increase of 5.0 percentage points in their rates of controlled hypertension. Collaboratives can achieve substantial quality improvement in Medicaid managed care plans.

Effects of nutrition intervention on the nutritional status and outcomes of pediatric patients with pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the correlation between nutrient level and pneumonia via the analysis and intervention of nutrient levels in pediatric patients with pneumonia. METHODS: Nutrient deficient children with pneumonia were randomized into intervention and non-intervention groups, and healthy children with the same age served as controls. Serum vitamin and trace element levels were determined. The nutrient levels, average hospital stay and nutrient deficiency rate were compared between groups. RESULTS: The pneumonia group showed significantly higher rates of iron, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies than the control group. The serum vitamin D level in asthmatic pneumonia group was lower than that in non-asthmatic pneumonia group and control group. Serum zinc, iron and vitamin A levels in the pneumonia group distinctly increased after intervention therapy. After vitamin D supplementation, the serum vitamin D level in asthmatic pneumonia group was significantly improved. Children in the intervention group had shorter hospital stays than children in the non-intervention group, whose hospital stays were longer than pediatric patients with normal nutrient levels. However, the difference between the intervention and normal nutrient groups was insignificant. CONCLUSION: Clinical nutrition intervention could improve the efficacy of pneumonia in pediatric patients and shorten hospital stay.