Nanobiotechnology has driven transformative advancements in healthcare, particularly in the development of innovative solutions for wound treatment, a persistent and costly global health concern. Among these advancements, the combination of biopolymers and metallic nanoparticles has attracted considerable interest due to their excellent biocompatibility and potent antimicrobial activity. This scoping review explores recent technological progress in wound care, with a focus on alginate-based dressings functionalized with metallic nanoparticles. Alginate, a highly versatile biopolymer, was frequently employed in diverse formats, including hydrogels, sponges, beads, films/membranes, and fibers, across the analyzed studies. Silver nanoparticles were the most extensively investigated agents, owing to their well-established efficacy and the development of strategies to mitigate associated risks. Other metallic nanoparticles were also reported, contributing to a growing body of evidence supporting their therapeutic relevance. The synergistic integration of alginate and metallic nanoparticles has shown promising potential to enhance the performance of wound dressings, representing a significant step forward in the design of next-generation materials for effective and targeted wound management.

Myosteatosis is associated with poor outcomes in various liver diseases. However, standardized methods for assessing, defining, and diagnosing myosteatosis in the context of liver diseases remain unclear. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms by which myosteatosis leads to pathophysiological progression and adverse health outcomes remain elusive. Therefore, in this review, we elaborate on the currently available measures, definitions, and diagnostic criteria of myosteatosis in the existing literature. We thoroughly clarify the recent evidence and data regarding the possible involvement of myosteatosis in the progression and deterioration of various liver diseases and resulting complications, including liver cirrhosis, chronic viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic/metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver transplantation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, it synthesizes insights from basic research on the pathogenesis of myosteatosis, which involves multifactorial mechanisms, including insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. Finally, from an operational and pragmatic perspective, several regimens, including physical, nutritional, and pharmacological therapies, have been discussed as potential treatments for myosteatosis.

Hepatic metastasis (HM) and lymph node metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are associated with worse overall survival, largely due to the immunosuppressive microenvironment. However, the key immunosuppressive cells within this microenvironment remain inadequately defined. This study aimed to identify the cells contributing to HM and lymph node metastasis in PDAC and to investigate their regulatory mechanisms.

Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to profile the tumor microenvironment in HM, lymph node-negative, and lymph node-positive (LNP) PDAC tissues. Bioinformatic analyses revealed subtypes of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were performed to detect the distribution and proportion of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA+) MDSCs. The immunosuppressive and pro-tumorigenic functions of IL1RA+ MDSCs were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and Transwell assays. Patient-derived xenograft mouse models were employed to validate the role of IL1RA+ MDSCs in vivo.

Polymorphonuclear-MDSCs were found to be recruited to metastatic PDAC tissues. Among these, IL1RA+ MDSCs were enriched in HM/LNP tissues and correlated with poorer prognosis. IL1RA+ MDSCs promoted M2 macrophage polarization and suppressed the activity of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells. Furthermore, IL1RA+ MDSCs accelerated PDAC migration and progression by upregulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition-related proteins in both in vitro and in vivo models.

IL1RA+ MDSCs represent a key immunosuppressive and pro-tumorigenic subtype in HM/LNP PDAC, providing a solid theoretical basis for prognostic prediction and the development of immunotherapeutic strategies targeting these cells in HM/LNP PDAC.

Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL), caused by apolipoprotein B (APOB) variants, disrupts APOB-containing lipoprotein synthesis, leading to reduced serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and APOB. Heterozygous carriers are often asymptomatic, while homozygotes exhibit severe manifestations like malabsorption, vitamin deficiencies, and hepatic steatosis. In recent years, FHBL has attracted increasing attention due to its association with liver disease and its role as a unique monogenic model of steatotic liver disease independent of cardiometabolic risk factors. Mechanistically, lipid overload, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative damage, and impaired autophagy may drive hepatocellular injury and fibrosis. Challenges include insufficient diagnosis, sparse epidemiological data, and unclear disease progression. Enhanced genetic testing, mechanistic research, and longitudinal studies are critical to improving diagnosis, risk assessment, and therapies for FHBL-associated liver disease.

COVID-19 has resulted in significant long-term sequelae in convalescent patients, impacting overall quality of life. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown promise in managing post-COVID-19 symptoms through syndrome differentiation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM in COVID-19 convalescent patients in a real-world setting.

This prospective, real-world study will be conducted at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A total of 528 COVID-19 convalescent patients will be recruited and divided into two groups: a control group receiving routine Western medical treatment and an intervention group receiving additional TCM treatment based on syndrome differentiation. Patients will be assessed for three major TCM syndromes: Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency, Qi-Yin Deficiency, and Cold Phlegm Obstructing the Lung, with corresponding TCM prescriptions administered accordingly. The primary outcome measure will be the improvement in clinical symptom scores based on a TCM symptom scoring system. Secondary outcomes will include changes in laboratory tests, imaging studies, heart function classification, and quality of life scores. Safety will be assessed through liver and kidney function tests and adverse event monitoring.

The study is expected to demonstrate that TCM treatment, based on syndrome differentiation, can significantly improve clinical symptoms and overall health in COVID-19 convalescent patients compared to routine Western medical treatment. These findings will provide evidence for integrating TCM into post-acute COVID-19 care.

This study will contribute to the evidence supporting TCM as an effective treatment for post-COVID-19 syndrome, enhancing patient outcomes and informing comprehensive recovery strategies.