Despite antibiotic treatment, pulmonary lesions are a serious concern in children with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Combination therapy with antibiotics and glucocorticoids is effective. However, the optimal dose of glucocorticoids remains unclear. In a randomized controlled trial, researchers compared low- versus high-dose of methylprednisolone and find the lower-dose being equally effective with fewer adverse reactions. These results strongly recommend the use of low-dose corticosteroid in pediatric severe MPP for efficacy and favourable safety profile.

A recent study published in National Science Review has developed a field wastewater pathogen detection technology named WATER NEWS. Through iterative optimization of CRISPR-based assays, this system ​eliminates​ all dependence on cold-chain storage and continuous power supply while preventing nucleic acid aerosol contamination, ​thus establishing​ a sustainable epidemic surveillance paradigm for the post-pandemic era.

A new study in the academic journal Machine Learning: Health discovers that ChatGPT can accelerate patient screening for clinical trials, showing promise in reducing delays and improving trial success rates.

Osteocalcin (OCN), a non-collagenous protein synthesized by osteoblasts, is integral to bone mineralization and demonstrates significant effects on metabolic and neurological functions. Its undercarboxylated form, Glu-OCN, has emerged as a key regulator of glucose metabolism in diabetes, bone density in osteoporosis (OP), and lipid metabolism in conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Additionally, Glu-OCN is implicated in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases through its roles in neurotransmitter synthesis and vascular calcification, respectively. This review examines the essential functions of Glu-OCN in the management of metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders, emphasizing its significance as both a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. While findings to date are promising, most studies remain observational. Advanced detection methodologies and extensive longitudinal studies are urgently needed to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical applications of Glu-OCN. Advancements in this area could facilitate the integration of Glu-OCN into personalized medicine approaches, improving early diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment monitoring.