SUMMARYPathogen genomics, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and clinical metagenomics, is a transformative technology increasingly being implemented in clinical microbiology, including in hospital laboratories. Pathogen genomics can improve the control of healthcare-associated infections, provide rapid infection diagnosis, and could enable replacement of laborious microbiology tests. To date, real-world implementation of pathogen genome sequencing has primarily been limited to public health laboratories, but sequencing in the clinical microbiology setting has the potential to provide advantages, including turnaround time and ability to focus on local priorities. In this review, we consider the factors that represent barriers to, and potential enablers of, the implementation of pathogen genomics in clinical microbiology, including the availability of funding and genomics-trained staff. We outline key use cases and implementation models of pathogen genomics in clinical microbiology and suggest a broad framework for labs commencing sequencing. Finally, we consider future opportunities, including direct-from-specimen sequencing, the role of machine learning in genomics analysis, and the application of pathogen genomics to clinical decision support.
The objective of this study was to develop an evidence-based S3-level clinical practice guideline for the management of deep and extremely deep caries in vital permanent teeth. An evidence-based medical guideline based on systematically searched and appraised evidence as well as a structured consensus (S3-level) was jointly developed by the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry (EFCD), the European Society of Endodontology (ESE), the Organization for Caries Research (ORCA), and the German Society of Conservative Dentistry (DGZ), following the methodological framework of the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) and the GRADE approach. Four working groups formulated key clinical questions regarding: (1) caries removal strategies, (2) cavity liners, (3) management of exposed pulps, and (4) materials for direct pulp capping and pulpotomy. Systematic reviews were conducted for each question, and evidence was synthesized and graded for quality. A structured consensus process was used to formulate recommendations. In order to encourage its wide dissemination, this article is freely accessible on Clinical Oral Investigations, International Endodontic Journal, and Caries Research journals' websites. Evidence supports selective (SE) or stepwise caries removal (SW) over non-selective removal (NSE) to reduce the risk of pulp exposure in deep caries. Routine use of cavity liners after caries removal showed no consistent clinical benefit and is not routinely recommended. For vital pulp therapy following pulp exposure, both direct pulp capping and pulpotomy are effective options in teeth without irreversible pulpitis, while pulpotomy is an acceptable alternative to pulpectomy in cases with signs of irreversible pulpitis. Hydraulic calcium silicate cements demonstrated superior clinical outcomes compared to calcium hydroxide and should be preferred for pulp capping and pulpotomy. The certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate across questions and outcomes. For deep caries, maintaining pulp vitality by using less invasive management strategies is supported by current evidence. Implementation of this guideline requires clinician training, patient-centred decision-making, and consideration of economic and practical factors. Further research is needed, particularly for extremely deep caries and towards long-term outcomes.
Baicalin, a polyphenolic flavonoid, is the main bioactive flavone extracted from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis. It has received increasing interest due to its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities and therapeutic benefits demonstrated in preclinical research. However, its molecular mechanisms and translational potential remain underdefined. This review systematically evaluates current evidence on baicalin, including its natural sources, chemical structure, biosynthesis, extraction techniques, pharmacokinetic features, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic applications, as well as developments in drug delivery platforms designed to overcome its biopharmaceutical limitations. This structured literature review was conducted using data extracted from various databases, including the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Elsevier. All possible keywords relevant to baicalin were utilized. Recent original articles, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, clinical studies, and high-quality reviews were prioritized. Baicalin exerts its therapeutic effects through modulation of various signaling pathways, primarily involving oxidative stress and inflammation. It exhibits anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, metabolic, and dermatological effects and alleviates various system disorders and drug-induced toxicity. Despite promising preclinical data, clinical translation is hindered by its poor solubility, limited bioavailability, and insufficient clinical validation. Emerging nano-delivery systems, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and surface-modified nanoplatforms, have greatly improved the pharmacokinetic performance of baicalin. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of these approaches remains limited. While baicalin represents a promising multi-target therapeutic option, substantial research gaps remain. Future research should give priority to deeper mechanistic investigations, standardized formulation approaches, and well-designed clinical trials to bridge the gap between preclinical efficacy and clinical application, and to establish its optimal dosing, safety profile, and long-term efficacy.
Pediatric cancer is an emerging public health priority in Africa, where survival rates remain critically low compared to high-income regions. Malnutrition; specifically wasting and cachexia; is the most prevalent, yet modifiable comorbidity that compromises treatment tolerance and increases mortality. Recent primary studies from 2025 indicate a significant discrepancy between wasting diagnosed via clinical assessment versus anthropometrically defined wasting, suggesting a "hidden burden" of malnutrition in African oncology wards. However, no comprehensive synthesis of data exists regarding the prevalence of wasting across the continent using modern assessment standards, nor its specific impact on clinical outcomes in the current treatment era. We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control) published from January 1, 2000, to the present. Data sources will include PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL. We will include studies involving children and adolescents (0-19 years) diagnosed with malignancies in African healthcare settings. Two independent reviewers will screen studies, extract data, and assess risk of bias using Covidence systematic review software. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. The primary outcome will be the pooled prevalence of wasting/cachexia. Secondary outcomes will include diagnostic accuracy of assessment methods (such as Mid-Upper Arm Circumference [MUAC] vs. Weight-for-Height vs. clinical assessment) and associations with adverse clinical events (neutropenia, sepsis, treatment abandonment, and mortality). A random-effects meta-analysis will be performed using R software. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the I2 statistic and explored via subgroup analyses (region, tumor type, and assessment tool). Ethical approval is not required as this study relies on secondary data. Findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations to inform nutritional guidelines for pediatric oncology in resource-limited settings. Registration Number: CRD420251237859.
Sporisorium reilianum (S. reilianum) is a phytopathogenic fungus that infects Poaceae plants such as sorghum and maize. The sclerotium formed on sorghum, known as "Sphacelotheca sorghi(Link) Clint(S. sorghi)", is a traditional resource with both medicinal and edible applications, valued for its purported effects in regulating menstruation, stopping bleeding, and protecting the liver. Although research on this fungus has increased significantly in recent years, a comprehensive academic review remains lacking. The limited number of existing reviews primarily focus on the perspective of plant pathology, missing an interdisciplinary integration encompassing microbiology, chemistry, and bioactivity. Therefore, this study provides a cross-disciplinary systematic review. At the microbiological level, it elaborates on six key areas: host specialization and adaptation, life cycle and infection process, pathogenic symptoms, effector proteins and molecular mechanisms, host defense, and genomic evolution. Chemically, it summarizes the major identified active components, including polysaccharides, steroids, alkaloids, melanin, and benzoic acid derivatives, amounting to a total of nine compounds. Regarding bioactivity, it reviews experimental evidence for its antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-enteritis effects, alongside potential applications in areas such as anti-obesity and the development of functional foods and health products. This work aims to provide a foundational reference and forward-looking perspective to facilitate further research, resource development, and comprehensive utilization of this fungus.
Tooth extraction is followed by progressive alveolar ridge resorption, which can compromise implant positioning, peri-implant hard tissue support, and esthetic outcomes. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) and related implant-site regenerative approaches are therefore frequently used to improve peri-implant healing. Simvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, has shown osteopromotive, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects and has recently been explored as a local adjunct in implant-associated regenerative procedures. This systematic review evaluated the available human and animal evidence on localized simvastatin used with GBR or related regenerative protocols during implant placement. This systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251037455). Electronic searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov were performed from database inception to April 30, 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical studies, and animal studies evaluating local simvastatin in implant-associated regenerative procedures were eligible. Data were synthesized qualitatively because of heterogeneity in study design, simvastatin delivery systems, comparator protocols, and outcome measures. Five studies were included: three human clinical studies and two animal studies. In the human studies, simvastatin was associated with reduced peri-implant bone loss (0.975±0.0438 mm versus 1.356±0.0384 mm; P<0.0001), improved probing depth and bleeding scores, greater bone width gain (5.55±0.80 mm versus 3.36±0.19 mm), and higher bone mineral density (640.02±262.22 versus 297.38±82.94) compared with controls. In the animal studies, simvastatin improved bone-to-implant contact and bone area; for example, grafted bone-to-implant contact at four weeks increased from 59.5% in controls to 84.3% in simvastatin-treated sites, while grafted bone area increased from 51.4% to 75.9%. Implant stability findings were mixed, and no major adverse effects were reported. The available evidence suggests that locally delivered simvastatin may improve hard tissue regeneration and selected peri-implant clinical outcomes when used with GBR or related implant regenerative protocols. However, the evidence base is limited by the small number of studies, mixed human and animal designs, and heterogeneity in simvastatin concentration, carrier systems, and follow-up periods. Larger, well-designed clinical trials with standardized protocols are needed before routine clinical use can be recommended.
Cancer immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, and cancer vaccines, has revolutionized the clinical management of multiple malignant tumors, yet profound interindividual heterogeneity in treatment response and widespread primary/acquired resistance remain the most critical bottlenecks restricting its long-term clinical benefits. Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence has unequivocally established the gut microbiota as a pivotal regulator of host anti-tumor immune responses. However, the vast majority of existing studies and reviews frame the gut microbiota as a mere adjuvant enhancer of immunotherapy efficacy, focusing solely on its role in boosting the upper limit of treatment effects, while neglecting its more fundamental role as a prerequisite for establishing a responsive immune baseline. In this review, we propose a unifying, evidence-based original core hypothesis: the gut microbiota is not merely an enhancer of cancer immunotherapy efficacy, but an indispensable prerequisite condition that sets the minimal baseline threshold for therapeutic responsiveness-a central thesis that distinguishes this review from previous descriptive work. Guided by this hypothesis, we systematically dissect the taxonomic and functional characteristics of threshold-determining gut microbiota, and clarify that microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, tryptophan derivatives) act as core molecular mediators translating microbial signals into host immune activation, which is critical for establishing the baseline efficacy threshold required for effective immunotherapy. We further perform a critical synthesis of clinical data from prospective cohorts, randomized controlled trials, and microbiota intervention studies, validating that threshold-based microbial signatures serve as non-invasive predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy outcomes, and propose mechanism-driven translational strategies targeting the gut microbiota (e.g., fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotic supplementation, dietary modulation) to reset the impaired immunotherapy efficacy threshold. This review provides a novel theoretical framework for understanding the microbiota-immunotherapy axis, which not only deepens the mechanistic insight into microbial metabolite-mediated immune regulation, but also facilitates the development of microbiota-guided personalized cancer immunotherapy and the overcoming of primary treatment resistance.
Large language models (LLMs) could accelerate clinical literature searches, but their reliability is compromised by "hallucinations" generating false references. This study compared three general-purpose LLMs using a standardized dermatology literature retrieval prompt for reference accuracy, relevance, and hallucination rates. A clinical scenario on latent tuberculosis management in psoriasis patients on IL-17/23 inhibitors was defined. To establish a reference standard, references (n=74) from the two most recent and comprehensive systematic reviews on the topic were screened. These two reviews were selected as they represented the most current and complete syntheses of evidence on this clinical question; using their reference lists ensured a focused, expert-validated foundation for evaluating LLM outputs. This process yielded 16 studies directly addressing the scenario. Each LLM (ChatGPT, Gemini, Deepseek-V3.2) was prompted to list 15 recent specific references. The 45 retrieved references were manually validated as: "True and Relevant," "True but Irrelevant/General," or "False/Hallucination." Distributions were compared using Pearson's chi-square test. A significant difference was found between models (p<0.010). ChatGPT listed 80.0% (12/15) correct and relevant references with no hallucinations. Gemini produced 80.0% (12/15) hallucinations, while Deepseek-V3.2 generated 100.0% fictional references. Notably, 4 references ChatGPT found correct were valid articles overlooked in the predefined pool; these were verified as relevant, indicating the reference standard may not have been exhaustive. LLM performance varies considerably with high hallucination risk. Findings highlight caution and independent verification. Future research should test advanced query techniques and hybrid systems integrating LLMs with academic databases.
Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an infectious and potentially fatal disease, yet no systematic reviews have comprehensively analyzed the prognostic factors associated with mortality. This study aims to identify prognostic factors associated with mortality in PLA. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Europe PMC, EMBASE, Airiti Library, LILACS, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP were searched from inception to July 31, 2023. Reference lists, relevant reviews, and conference abstracts were also screened. Studies investigating predictors of mortality in PLA were included, with short-term mortality as the primary outcome. Pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Seventy-one observational studies were included in this systematic review, and 57 studies involving 126,056 patients contributed to the meta-analyses. Pooled adjusted estimates identified significant mortality predictors: older age, female sex, malignancy, chronic kidney disease, septic shock, higher APACHE II score, gas-formation, metastatic infection, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, elevated ALT, impaired renal function, bacteremia, Escherichia coli infection, anaerobic infection, multidrug-resistant organism infection, pneumonia, and ICU admission. Fever, Klebsiella pneumoniae infection, and percutaneous drainage were associated with lower short-term mortality. In PLA, significant mortality predictors included demographic, comorbidity, clinical, laboratory, radiographic, microbiological, and complication-related factors. Percutaneous drainage was associated with lower short-term mortality in selected patients, although this association should not be interpreted as causal, and treatment decisions should be individualized according to the underlying etiology and clinical context. Future high-quality prospective studies to identify etiology-specific prognostic factors are warranted.
Background/Objectives: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are increasingly used for the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes, particularly among women of reproductive age. Emerging evidence suggests potential effects on ovulation, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the reproductive safety of GLP-1RAs, with a focus on their implications for conception, unintended pregnancy, and maternal-fetal outcomes. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and relevant bibliographic sources to identify studies published between 2020 and 2025. The search included clinical trials, observational studies, registry data, case reports, and selected preclinical evidence. Studies addressing reproductive outcomes, including ovulation, fertility, pregnancy exposure, and fetal safety, were included. Evidence was synthesized descriptively in accordance with recommended approaches for narrative reviews. Results: Available evidence indicates that GLP-1RAs may improve ovulatory function and menstrual regularity, particularly in women with obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome, potentially increasing the likelihood of conception. However, human data on pregnancy exposure remain limited. While current evidence does not consistently demonstrate a strong teratogenic signal, findings are based on small samples and heterogeneous study designs. Concerns persist regarding unintended pregnancies due to improved fertility and the absence of robust safety data during early gestation. Conclusions: GLP-1RAs present a complex clinical scenario in women of reproductive age, with potential benefits for metabolic and reproductive health but uncertain safety during pregnancy. Clinicians should exercise caution, provide appropriate contraceptive counseling, and carefully weigh the risks and benefits when prescribing these agents. Further large-scale, prospective studies are needed to clarify reproductive safety and inform evidence-based clinical guidelines.
Inflammatory breast conditions encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from common acute lactational mastitis to rare chronic granulomatous diseases such as idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) and tuberculous mastitis (TBM). Chronic forms often mimic breast cancer, both clinically and radiologically, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The objective was to review the latest evidence on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging findings, microbiology, and management of breast infections, with a focus on differentiating chronic granulomatous mastitis from malignancy and the role of minimally invasive interventions. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for English-language studies published between January 2005 and October 2023 using keywords such as "mastitis," "breast abscess," "granulomatous mastitis," "tuberculous mastitis," "breast imaging," and "management." Original studies, reviews, and case series were included. Key information was extracted and summarized. Lactational mastitis and breast abscesses are common and usually respond well to antibiotics or ultrasound-guided drainage. Non-lactational abscesses, IGM, and TBM are less common but often resemble malignancy. Ultrasound is the primary imaging tool, with mammography and MRI used selectively to define the extent of disease or to rule out malignancy. Minimally invasive drainage techniques are effective, providing high cure rates with superior cosmetic outcomes. Accurate diagnosis of breast infections requires integrated clinical, radiologic, microbiologic, and histologic assessment. Diagnosing chronic granulomatous mastitis can be challenging, especially in areas where tuberculosis is widespread. Wider use of image-guided drainage and a multidisciplinary approach can maximize results while lowering morbidity.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) greatly affects patient's life. Systematic reviews of recent epidemic trend and the pathogenesis of RA are inadequate. Although multiple health benefits of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were reported, comprehensive reviews addressing the mechanisms by which LAB alleviate RA remain limited. This review systematically examines the epidemiology and pathogenesis of RA, emphasizing the potential modulatory role of LAB in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Drawing on both animal and clinical evidence, the review critically evaluates the molecular mechanisms by which LAB may alleviate RA, thereby offering a theoretical foundation for microbiota-based therapeutic interventions. Meanwhile, it highlighted the challenges and opportunities of LAB for RA. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune system dysfunction play very important roles in causing RA. LAB provided numerous advantages and had great potential for improving RA as its ability to regulate intestinal barrier, modulate related enzyme activity, inhibit oxidative damage, restore unbalanced gut microbiota, produce bioactive metabolites, and regulate gut-joint immune axis. In addition, this review advice to screen effective LAB by cell models and metabolites, to determined the optimal intake dose of LAB through dose-effect relationship studies, to promote the understanding of LAB by investigating the mechanism, and to improve the design of the clinical study to improve the lives of RA patients. This will contribute to understanding the epidemiological characteristics, pathogenesis, and treatment of RA, and promote the development of targeted therapeutic RA products such as LAB.
Cancer remains a major global health challenge, characterized by abnormal cell growth and metastasis. Current limitations of conventional therapies, particularly non-specific toxicity harming healthy cells, highlight the need for more targeted approaches. Nanotechnology offers a revolutionary solution, utilizing nanoparticles (NPs) for precise drug delivery to tumor sites while minimizing off-target effects. These nanometer-scale particles enable superior binding to cancer cell membranes, the tumor microenvironment, or nuclear receptors, facilitating significantly higher local concentrations of therapeutic agents. NPs, synthesized via physical, chemical, or biological methods, are categorized as organic (organic material-based) or inorganic (metallic particle-based). Key delivery mechanisms include the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect and Active Transport and Retention (ATR). This review specifically examines NP applications for the most prevalent cancers in the US (2025): breast, prostate, and lung. Gold and magnetic NPs show significant promise for early breast cancer detection. For lung cancer, polymeric NPs like PCL, PLA, and PLGA are effective carriers for peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. BIND-014, a docetaxel-loaded NP formulation, represents an emerging strategy for prostate cancer. Clinically established examples include liposomal doxorubicin and albumin-bound paclitaxel. We comprehensively discuss the synthesis methods, delivery mechanisms, and the current landscape of NPs in research and clinical trials for these cancers. This analysis underscores the potential of nanotechnology to provide more effective and targeted therapeutic options for cancer patients in the future. A distinctive feature of this review is its comparative cancer-specific analysis of NP platforms in breast, prostate, and lung cancers. Unlike previous generalized reviews, this work integrates synthesis strategies, delivery mechanisms, translational challenges, and clinically relevant formulations to provide a bench-to-bedside perspective on the future of nanomedicine in oncology.
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most aggressive adult brain tumor, with median survival largely unchanged over two decades. Antibody-based therapies have shown promise in hematologic and systemic cancers, but translation to GBM has been hindered by the tumor's hostile microenvironment and immune evasion mechanisms. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Eligible publications included preclinical investigations, clinical trials, and reviews addressing antibody-based therapies, tumor microenvironmental barriers, and computational innovations. Data were synthesized into thematic categories: mechanisms of resistance, antibody-based platforms, nanotechnology-assisted delivery, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven strategies. Antibody therapeutics including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and photoimmunotherapy show potential to enhance tumor targeting and immune activation. Key barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, immunosuppressive cell infiltration, and tumor heterogeneity significantly restrict efficacy. Novel approaches, including AI-enabled antibody design, digital twin modeling, and biomarker-driven patient stratification, offer opportunities to improve precision and overcome resistance. Combination strategies with radiotherapy, vaccines, or adoptive cell therapies further expand therapeutic potential. By reframing antibody therapy through the lens of barrier disarmament and technological integration, this review positions antibody-based approaches as realistic pillars of future GBM management. Strategic innovations in delivery, engineering, and computational modeling may transform antibodies from experimental tools into cornerstone therapies for this lethal malignancy.
The gut-lung axis links early-life microbial programming to long-term respiratory health, offering a pivotal framework for understanding childhood asthma pathogenesis. This review synthesizes current evidence on how disruptions in microbial-immune crosstalk during critical developmental windows shape asthma susceptibility. Perinatal determinants-including maternal diet, delivery mode, antibiotic exposure, and breastfeeding-establish gut microbial communities that educate the developing immune system. Distinguishing itself from recent reviews, this review offers three novel contributions: (i) an integrated multi-omics framework linking early-life microbial maturation trajectories to specific asthma endotypes; (ii) a systematic synthesis of the molecular mechanisms by which microbial metabolites-including short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan derivatives, and bile acids-orchestrate gut-lung immune crosstalk; and (iii) a clinically actionable precision medicine algorithm that translates multi-omics profiling into personalized risk prediction, endotype-driven therapy selection, and targeted preventive strategies. Dysbiosis, characterized by delayed microbial maturation and depletion of short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa, compromises epithelial barrier integrity and skews immune homeostasis toward pro-allergic type-2 responses. Microbial metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, butyrate) and tryptophan derivatives (indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-propionic acid), serve as key molecular mediators that regulate regulatory T cells differentiation, reinforce mucosal barriers, and modulate distal airway inflammation. Microbial signatures correlate with specific asthma endotypes, offering opportunities for patient stratification. We critically evaluate emerging microbiome-targeted interventions-including strain-specific probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation-highlighting both therapeutic promise and the need for rigorous, well-powered clinical trials. Integrating multi-omics microbial profiling with host genetics and clinical phenotyping holds potential for microbiome-informed precision medicine, enabling personalized risk prediction, endotype-driven therapy selection, and novel preventive strategies targeting the gut-lung axis from the earliest stages of life.
A phage is a virus that targets bacteria with high precision. While phage therapy provides a targeted alternative to broad-spectrum antibiotics, it is not completely free from the challenges of antimicrobial resistance, as phages can facilitate the horizontal transfer of resistance genes through transduction and promote the growth of phage-resistant strains. Nonetheless, within the One Health framework, the strategic use of phages remains a vital and promising tool for addressing the global antimicrobial resistance crisis. This paper reviews current research on phage therapy for gastrointestinal diseases such as cirrhosis, enteritis, and Helicobacter pylori infection. It also details how phages help regulate gut microecological balance and discusses how phage dysbiosis can lead to innate immune dysfunction and worsen conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. The review summarizes both the therapeutic potential and limitations observed in clinical trials and fundamental studies. Transitioning from laboratory research to clinical practice is hindered by multiple complex challenges, including the stomach's extreme acidity, physical entrapment by the intestinal mucus layer, the rapid co-evolution of bacterial resistance, and ecological risks associated with temperate phages. To overcome challenges like gastrointestinal barrier tolerance and address ethical, technical, and practical hurdles for clinical use, the paper outlines treatment strategies for specific conditions and highlights future directions, providing guidance for employing phages in digestive system disease management. These future innovations focus on integrating artificial intelligence-driven precision matching, advanced bioengineering for durable delivery systems, and multimodal combination therapies to safely modulate the intestinal microecology.
Pulmonary infections remain the main cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF), despite advances in supportive care and targeted therapies. Since the mid-20th century, research on CF-associated pulmonary infections has expanded substantially, reflecting increasing clinical complexity, evolving pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to evaluate global research trends related to pulmonary infections in CF between 1950 and 2025 using a bibliometric approach. A bibliometric analysis was performed using the Scopus database. A disease-centered search strategy was applied without restrictions on pathogens or interventions. Peer-reviewed articles and reviews published up to December 13, 2025 were included, while publications indexed in 2026 and records with missing country affiliation data were excluded. Bibliometric indicators including publication output, journals, countries, institutions, authors, and author keywords were analyzed. Keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted using VOSviewer to identify major research themes. A total of 8484 publications were included. Research output increased steadily, with a notable rise after the early 2000s and a peak in 2021. Most publications were written in English and classified mainly under Medicine, Immunology and Microbiology, and Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the most productive countries. Keyword analysis revealed major thematic clusters related to chronic pulmonary disease, antimicrobial therapy and resistance, and pathogen-focused research, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa emerging as the most prominent pathogen. This bibliometric analysis summarizes the evolution of global research on CF-associated pulmonary infections, highlighting sustained emphasis on chronic infection and antimicrobial resistance, and may help guide future research priorities.
Glucolipid metabolic disorders (GLMD) have emerged as a significant global public health issue, posing a significant threat to human health. With changes in modern social structures and an ageing population, the incidence of GLMD is on the rise and is increasingly affecting younger populations. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) directly modifies the gut microbiota to reestablish its equilibrium and metabolites, consequently reinstating gut barrier integrity, mitigating chronic low-grade inflammation, and affecting the onset and progression of GLMD through the regulation of the gut-liver axis. This paper reviews the application of FMT in the treatment of GLMD, emphasizing research outcomes and efficacy assessments in clinical trials and animal studies. As a simple and secure intervention, FMT is anticipated to provide new therapeutic alternatives for GLMD patients in the future with the deepening of relevant research, the screening of specific probiotics and the revelation of functional mechanisms. This paper aims to clarify the potential mechanism of FMT in addressing GLMD, summarise recent research developments in this field, and anticipate the opportunities and challenges of FMT in clinical application.
Infection after rhinoplasty is uncommon but potentially devastating, threatening both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Reported rates range from 0.2% to 2%, with higher risk in revision cases and when grafts or implants are used. This article reviews the microbiology, risk factors, and clinical presentation of post-rhinoplasty infections, and outlines evidence-based strategies for prevention and treatment. Emphasis is placed on optimizing patient selection, perioperative prophylaxis, meticulous surgical technique, and careful graft choice. Practical algorithms for diagnosis and management are presented, aiming to reduce complication rates and guide clinicians in delivering safe, predictable surgical outcomes.
Osteoporosis is a common systemic skeletal disease in the aging population, and its pathogenesis involves multiple mechanisms such as estrogen deficiency, aging, reduced mechanical load, chronic low-grade inflammation, and imbalance of the calcium‑phosphorus-vitamin D-PTH/FGF23 axis. In recent years, the gut-bone axis has increasingly been recognized as a complementary regulatory network for understanding the systemic heterogeneity of osteoporosis, rather than a single dominant pathway independent of classical mechanisms. Existing studies suggest that intestinal barrier status, microbiota imbalance, and their related inflammatory/metabolic signals may affect the bone marrow immune-metabolic state and bone remodeling balance through a continuous mechanism chain of "gut output-bone marrow microenvironment translation-bone remodeling imbalance." Accordingly, the main significance of the gut-bone axis lies in supplementing the explanation from a cross-organ perspective of how classical osteoporosis mechanisms such as inflammation, aging, and abnormal mineral metabolism collectively converge on bone marrow microenvironment imbalance and bone loss. This article reviews how intestinal barrier dysfunction, microbiota imbalance, and their related metabolic pathways affect the bone marrow microenvironment and alter osteoblast-osteoclast coupling, focusing on three levels: gut signal output, bone marrow immune-metabolic translation, and dysregulation at the bone remodeling execution level. Currently, relatively consistent supporting evidence mainly comes from animal and preclinical mechanism studies; population studies more often suggest a correlation between the gut-bone axis and osteoporosis, while genetic/MR inference and clinical intervention evidence remain limited. Therefore, the gut-bone axis is more suitable as an analysis framework for integrating immune, metabolic, and bone marrow microenvironment changes in osteoporosis, and its translational potential is currently limited to providing insights for mechanism and stratification research levels, rather than serving as a mature intervention pathway.