Associated Factors of Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Keratinocyte Carcinoma:A Cross-Sectional Study

Background:Keratinocyte carcinoma(KC)is a common malignancy characterized by a high recurrence rate and considerable psychological distress.The incidence of KC is increasing in China,raising concerns about its psychological consequences and adverse effects on quality of life.Demographic and clinical factors are thought to influence mental health outcomes in these patients.Nonetheless,data on the prevalence of anxiety in Chinese patients with KC and the factors associated with this anxiety are notably lacking.Therefore,a comprehensive investigation into the anxiety of patients with KC is imperative.Objective:This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety in patients with KC,a disease that can significantly affect a patient’s appearance and overall quality of life.Understanding the level of anxiety in this population is critical to developing targeted interventions,improving treatment outcomes,supporting mental health,and improving patient care practices.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted at China’s largest dermatology hospital from November 2017 to September 2022.A consecutive sampling method was used to recruit participants.Anxiety status was surveyed by the Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS).Explanatory variables were surveyed by demographic data questionnaires.Non-parametric test and Chi-square test analyses were used to compare the differences between groups.Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with anxiety.Results:A total of 192 patients with KC were included.The median score of SAS was 35(IQR 16.25).The prevalence of anxiety in patients with KC was 20.8%.Females(p=0.008),under 60 years old(p=0.011),living in rural(p=0.010)or urban areas(p=0.029),having fewer than three children(p=0.016),with a history of skin diseases(p<0.001),with a history of long-term oral medication(p=0.001),and experiencing pain or itching(p=0.001)had SAS scores that were significantly higher than their counterparts.Conclusion:This study showed that the prevalence of anxiety was very high among Chinese patients with KC,especially among women,young patients,rural residents,patients with fewer than three children,and individuals with a history of skin disease,long-term oral medications,or symptoms of pain or itching.Targeted psychological interventions for these specific populations should be implemented to effectively alleviate anxiety and improve quality of life in these at-risk groups.

Advances in the function of traditional medicine for vitiligo treatment

Vitiligo has a significant impact on a substantial number of individuals worldwide.Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of serving as a therapeutic treatment for vitiligo.Nevertheless,given the increasing volume of research on the utilization of traditional Chinese medicine for vitiligo treatment,it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive review that elucidates the efficacy of Chinese traditional medicine and other active ingredients in the treatment of vitiligo.This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the clinical preparations used to treat vitiligo,while also highlighting the potential monomers and extracts derived from traditional Chinese medicine for vitiligo treatment.A thorough analysis of the pharmacological effects of traditional Chinese medicine on vitiligo treatment will provide valuable insights and reliable information for the development of new treatment strategies.

Blue Nevus Hidden within the Nevus of Ota

A 3-year-old boy presented with bluish patch and scattered blue spots on the left side of his face.After several sessions of laser treatment,the azury patch in the periorbital area became even darker.Histopathology showed many bipolar,pigment-laden dendritic cells scattered in the papillary and upper reticular dermis.Immunohistochemically,these cells were positive for S100,SOX-10,melan-A,P16,and HMB-45.The positive rate of Ki-67 was less than 5%.Finally,the lesion was diagnosed with nevus of Ota concurrent with common blue nevus.Therefore,for cases of the nevus of Ota with poor response to laser treatment,the possible coexisting diseases should be suspected.

Transcriptome sequencing analysis of ursolic acid-mediated proliferation suppression on cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cells

Background:Ursolic acid is a triterpenoid compound found in natural plants that exhibits antiproliferative effects in various cancer cells.Our study is the first to demonstrate the strong inhibitory effects of ursolic acid on the proliferation of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma(CTCL)cells.We aimed to further investigate the underlying mechanism of the proliferation inhibition induced by ursolic acid in CTCL cells using transcriptome sequencing.Methods:Cell counting kit-8 assays were used to observe the effects of six traditional medicine monomers on the proliferation of CTCL cells.Transcriptome sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes after ursolic acid treatment.Bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine the potential mechanism.Real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting analyses were performed to confirm the sequencing results and verify the possible mechanisms of ursolic acid-mediated proliferation inhibition in CTCL cells.Results:Ursolic acid exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on the proliferation of CTCL cells among the six traditional medicine monomers.Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that 2,466 genes were significantly altered.Combined with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction network analysis,the interaction of various pathways and signaling molecules,such as tumor necrosis factor-α,NLR family pyrin domain containing 1,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5,accounted for the anti-tumor effects of ursolic acid in CTCL cells.Conclusion:Ursolic acid significantly inhibited the proliferation of CTCL cells,and our study laid a theoretical foundation for the future treatment of CTCL using ursolic acid.

Progress in construction and application of skin tissue engineering

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field of bioengineering,cell biology,and biomaterials that seeks to create functional tissues for therapeutic purposes.It is a rapidly growing field of regenerative medicine that has the potential to revolutionize the treatment for many diseases and injuries.General research areas mainly include the engineering of the cardiovascular system,bone and cartilage,oral cavity and skin,and other tissues[1].Skin tissue engineering is one of the earliest clinically applied,most mature and widely used products in the field of tissue engineering[2].

COVID-19 exacerbates psoriasis progression through inducing IFN-αexpression

As a global public health issue that can cause systemic diseases,COVID-19 inflicts various harms on patients and impacts those with comorbidities.Psoriasis is primarily driven by a subset of T helper cells and the cytokines[1],and microbial infection is a predisposing factor in up to 45%of patients[2].Infection with SARS-CoV-2 may trigger the aggravation of psoriasis.Thus,we conducted a survey to explore the proportion of psoriasis patients who experienced exacerbation and relapse after SARS-CoV-2 infection and also performed a preliminary investigation into the mechanisms involved.One hundred and twenty-four psoriasis patients(79 males and 45 females)who contracted COVID-19 were followed up and provided detailed information.

Clinical Observation on Effect of Triptolide Tablet in Treating Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

Objective: To investigate the effects of triptolide tablet in the treatment of patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Methods: By an open clinical study of 103 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Psoriasis area severity index (PASI) was measured and recorded before and after treatment for efficacy evaluation. Results: Of the 103 patients, markedly effective was got in 41 (39.7%), improved in 37 (35.8%) and ineffective in 25 (24.5%), the total effective rate being 75.7%, and the adverse reaction was shown only in few patients with decreased WBC during the treatment period. Conclusion: Triptolide tablet is effective for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris during the one-year follow-up.

Classification of facial wrinkles among Chinese women

It is generally recognized that Caucasians and Asians have different skin aging features. The aim of this study was to develop a facial wrinkle grading scale for Chinese women. Standard photographs were taken of 242 Chinese women. Six sets of 0 to 9 wrinkle scales with reference photographs and descriptions were selected, including grading scales for resting and hyperkinetic crow＇s feet, frontalis lines, glabellar frown lines, and nasolabial folds. To identify the scale by objective quantitative measurement, skin surface measurements from the Visioscan~ VC98 were used. To test the reliability and validity of our wrinkle scale, a multi-rater consensus method was used. A double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled 12-week study was conducted to use this clinical photo-score to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Centella triterpenes cream~ in treating crow＇s feet. A newly developed 10-point photographic and descriptive scale emerged from this study. The final atlas of these photographs contained a total of 6 sets with 10 pictures each. From 0 to 9, surface evaluation of smoothness （SEsm） parametric measurements decreased progressively, indicating that the scale increased inversely. Weighted kappa coefficients for intra-assessor were between 0.75-0.87. The overall Kendall＇s coefficient is 0.86 on the first rating and 0.87 on the second rating. Thirty- six volunteers were recruited and 35 subjects completed a 12-week trial. Clinical photo-score by investigator showed a significant difference （P 〈 0.05） between the treatment side and control side after 4 weeks. Use of these scales in clinical settings to evaluate facial wrinkles in Asians individuals is recommended.

Single-dose and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of zaltoprofen after oral administration in healthy Chinese volunteers

Zaltoprofen, a propionic acid derivative of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, has strong inhibitory effects on actue and chronic inflammation. A randomized, dose-escalating study was conducted to evaluate the pharma-cokinetics of single and multiple oral doses of zaltoprofen in 12 healthy Chinese volunteers. Pharmacokinetics was determined from serial blood samples obtained up to 24 h after administration of a single dose of zaltoprofen at 80, 160 or 240 mg and after multiple doses of zaltqorofen at 80 mg 3 times daily. The C max and AUC 0-24 of zaltoprofen were found to be proportional to drug dose. Zaltoprofen was rapidly absorbed （t max =1.46±0.83 h） and cleared （t 1/2 =4.96±2.97 h）. Pharmacokinetic parameters after multiple doses were similar to those after single doses. Zaltoprofen was well tolerated. These results support a tid regimen of zaltoprofen for the management of acute and chronic inflammation.

Effect of cyclophosphamide on fungal infection in SLE mice detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR

Objective:To observe the effect of the cyclophosphamide(CTX) on systemic lupus erythematosus mice by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Methods:(BALB/c C57BL/J6) Fl hybrid mice were used as recipients of donor lymphocytes which were injected intravenously.Mice were randomly divided into control group and treatment group,serum autoantibody and urinary protein were measured,renal pathological changes and the situation of fungal infection were observed.Results:The reduced urinary protein,ameliorated renal lesions were found in the CTX-treated mice.Candida albicans and Aspergillus Jlants were detected respectively in respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.Conclusions:CTX can alleviate lupus nephritis and the fluorescent quantitative PCR is a rapid and sensitive method for the detection of fungal infection.

mRNA profiles of cytokine receptors in unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria

This present study was aimed to investigate the roles of the receptors of Thl/Th2 cytokines and chemokines in lhe pathogenesis of chronic idiopathic urticaria （CIU）. Thirty patients with CIU, 30 patients with dermographism and 30 healthy controls were randomly enrolled. Reverse transcription-PCR （RT-PCR） was used to analyze the mRNA of cytokine receptors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs）. The mRNA levels of tumor necro- sis factor receptor （TNFR）, interferon-7 receptor （IFN-yR）, and interleukin-10 receptor （IL-IOR） were statistically increased in the CIU group （P 〈 0.05）, while IL-2R, IL-4R, IL-6R, and IL-13R showed no significant differences between the CIU and other groups. The mRNA levels of CCR3 and CCR6 were statistically increased in the CIU group （P 〈 0.05）. The toll-like receptor 2 （TLR2） mRNA level was significantly lower in the CIU group than the healthy control group （P 〈 0.05）. These findings indicate that the regulation of mRNA of TNFR, IFN-γR, IL-IOR, CCR3, CCR6 and TLR2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of CIU.

UVA1 irradiation inhibits fibroblast proliferation and alleviates pathological changes of scleroderma in a mouse model

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of different doses of ultraviolet radiation A1 （UVA1） on human fibroblast proliferation and collagen level in a mouse model of scleroderma, so as to identify appropriate irradiation doses for clinical treatment of scleroderma. Monolayer from human fibroblasts was cultured in vitro, and a mouse model of scleroderma was established by subcutaneous injection of 100 μL of 400 μg/mL bleomycin into the back of BALB/c mice for 4 weeks. The mouse models and human fibroblasts were divided into UVA1- exposed （100, 60 and 20 J/cm2） and UVA-unexposed groups. At 0, 24 and 48 h after exposure, cell proliferation and levels of hydroxyproline and collagen were detected. UVA1 irradiation was performed 3 times weekly for 10 weeks, and the pathological changes of skin tissues, skin thickness and collagen level were observed after phototherapy. Cell proliferation and the levels of hydroxyproline and collagen were inhibited after phototherapy, and there was a significant difference between the UVAl-exposed cells and UVAl-unexposed cells （P 〈 0.001）. In addition, UVA1 phototherapy improved dermal sclerosis and softened the skin, and there were significant differences between the high-dose UVA1 group and the model group, and the negative group （P 〈 0.05）. It is concluded that UVA1 radiation can reduce cell proliferation, and decrease hydroxyproline and collagen levels in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. High-dose UVA1 phototherapy has marked therapeutic effect on scleroderma in the mouse model. Decreased collagen level may be related to the reduced number and activity of cells, as well as inhibition of collagen synthesis.

RNA-seq analysis identified hormone-related genes associated with prognosis of triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer(TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that currently lacks effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets required to investigate the diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. Here we performed a comprehensive differential analysis of 165 TNBC samples by integrating RNA-seq data of breast tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues from both our cohort and The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA). Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted to evaluate the biological function of TNBC-specific expressed genes. Further multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to evaluate the effect of these genes on TNBC prognosis. In this report, we identified a total of 148 TNBC-specific expressed genes that were primarily enriched in mammary gland morphogenesis and hormone levels related pathways, suggesting that mammary gland morphogenesis might play a unique role in TNBC patients differing from other breast cancer types. Further survival analysis revealed that nine genes(FSIP1, ADCY5, FSD1, HMSD, CMTM5, AFF3, CYP2 A7, ATP1 A2,and C11 orf86) were significantly associated with the prognosis of TNBC patients, while three of them(ADCY5,CYP2 A7, and ATP1 A2) were involved in the hormone-related pathways. These findings indicated the vital role of the hormone-related genes in TNBC tumorigenesis and may provide some independent prognostic markers as well as novel therapeutic targets for TNBC.

Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission of Syphilis: Chinese Practice before and during COVID-19 Pandemics

Mother-to-child transmission(MTCT)of syphilis remains a leading cause of stillbirth and death among neonates in many developing countries.In 2007,World Health Orgernization launched the global elimination of MTCT(EMTCT)of syphilis.Given the high burden of congenital syphilis,China subsequently released the specific national EMTCT policies and programs to reduce MTCT of syphilis.The congenital syphilis incidence rate per 100,000 live births in China has markedly decreased from 69.9 in 2013 to 11.9 in 2019.However,due to the global pandemic of COVID-19,the current measures for eliminating MTCT of syphilis are greatly challenged.In this article,we summarize the strategies and measures for the EMTCT of syphilis in China in the past 20 years,the remarkable achievements by the policy support under the leadership of the government.In the context of COVID-19 pandemics,strengthening emergency response to the regional outbreaks of COVID-19,adopting safe,rapid,early and high-quality clinical care for 100%of pregnant women to receive prenatal syphilis testing services,ensuring the availability of Benzathine penicillin for the treatment,and strengthening the closed-loop management of pregnant women and newborns infected with syphilis are the key measures to determine the effectiveness of MTCT for syphilis.Lessons from China may be valuable for other countries that are planning to eliminate MTCT of syphilis.

DETECTION OF PATHOGENS CAUSING GENITAL ULCER DISEASE BY MULTIPLEX POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION

Objective To establish a multiplex polymerase chain reaction （M-PCR） assay for simultaneous detection of pathogens causing genital ulcer disease （GUD）. Mothods Based on the gene-specific region of the following pathogens： Chlamydia trachomatis omp l/ompb, herpes simplex virus （HSV） DNA polymerase, Treponema pollidum tpp47, Haemophilus ducreyi 16s rRNA, four sets of primers were designed and an M-PCR assay was developed to detect four pathogens in one test. The assay was evaluated with diagnostic result of golden standard for each pathogen.Results Of the 51 clinical samples, M-PCR showed slightly higher positive rate （47.1%） of HSV than cell culture （23.6%）. Meanwhile, the positive rate of T. pallidum detected by M-PCR and dark-field microscopy was 19.6% （10/51） and 15.7% （8/51）, respectively. Only one sample was positive for H. ducreyi and no sample was positive for C. trachomatis detected by both M-PCR assay and culture. Conclusion This primary study indicated that M-PCR assay can simultaneously and rapidly detect the four etiologic pathogens causing GUD.

Reported Willingness and Associated Factors Related to Utilization of Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services by Female Sex Workers in Shandong Province,China

Objective To explore reported willingness and factors associated with utilization of voluntary counseling and testing services by female sex workers （FSWs） in China and to offer recommendations to optimize use of such services. Methods A questionnaire to explore willingness to use VCT was designed based on social ecological theory and formative qualitative research. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FSWs from entertainment venues. Single and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to examine factors associated with reported willingness to utilize VCT. Results A total of 970 FSWs provided valid questionnaires, with 69% （669） expressing willingness to utilize VCT. Factors at the interpersonal level associated with reported willingness included knowledge about VCT, desire to get help if diagnosed as HIV positive, ability to imagine life after an HIV positive diagnosis, and perceived support for VCT from peers, managers, and family members. Availability of free antiretroviral （ARV） treatment represented a factor at policy level. Other factors included intention to leave sex work in the near future, having had a previous HIV test, and lack of a suspected STD history. Conclusions The rate of reported willingness to use VCT among FSWs was substantially higher than that of actual VCT utilization （11%）. The next step is to explore the connection between reported willingness and actual use. Based on these findings, peer education, VCT knowledge dissemination, and free ARV treatment should be emphasized to increase FSWs＇ willingness to use VCT.

Epidemiological Analysis of Syphilis in China From 1985 to 2000

Objectives: To understand trends and epidemiological featuresof syphilis over the recent years in China and provide a scien-tific basis for developing prevention strategies. Methods: From 1985 to 2000, syphilis case-reporting datacollected from all provinces, autonomous regions and munici-palities were analyzed by applying epidemiological methods. Results: (1) Epidemic trends: syphilis incidence has steadilyrisen in China from 1985 to 2000, especially after 1993, when itassumed an exponential growth pattern. 80,406 cases of syphi-lis were reported in the country in 1999, which was almost 40times the number reported in 1993. During the period of1993-1999, the annual average growth of the syphilis incidencerate was 83.55%. Perhaps due to a recent national law en-forcement campaign, the number of reported syphilis casesdropped slightly in 2000. (2) Geographical distribution: Syphi-lis spread from coastal, 'open' cities (especially some cities inFujian province) to inland urban areas, then to rural areas.Regions with a high incidence rate of syphilis in China were theMinjiang, Yangtze, and Zhujiang River Deltas, Beijing andTianjin municipalities, and Northeast China. There was a sig-nificant difference of syphilis incidence rates and growth ratesbetween these areas. A serious epidemic occurred in some ar-eas, with an incidence rate reaching over 200 cases out of100,000. (3) Population distribution: the ratio of male and fe-male cases gradually changed from 1.57:1 in 1993 to 1.02:1 in2000. The rate was the highest in the 20-29 age group and thelowest in 10-14 age group. A great difference existed in preva-lence between different population groups and different areas,and some areas with serious epidemics had high prevalencerates even amoung the general population. (4) Clinical stage ofsyphilis: Primary and secondary syphilis cases have beendominating with a percentage of 90% of all syphilis cases. Pri-mary syphilis was the most common in males and secondarysyphilis in females. Secondary and latent syphilis cases in fe-males were more than in males. (5) The congenital syphilisincidence has increased dramatically. Two cases were reportedin 1991 and 468 cases in 2000. Conclusion: The syphilis epidemic in China became muchmore severe between 1985 and 2000, and such increasingtrends deserve our serious attention.

Advances on Syndromic Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Research data showed that syndromic approach could successfully manage gonococcal and chlamydial infections in males and syphilis and chancroid in males and females. However, low sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value were found in the syndromic management of vaginal discharge. It is recommended that the syndromic algorithm for management of vaginal discharge used when serving high-risk and symptomatic women.

Effect of Auricul Acupuncture with Low Power Laser on Four Chronic Allergic Dermatoses and Serum IgE Level

The objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of low power laser irradiating auricular points on four chronic allergic dermatoses including eczema, urticaria, facial cosmetic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis, and on the changes of serum IgE level.

EFFECT OF THREE-YEAR MULTIDRUG THERAPY IN MULTIBACILLARY LEPROSY PATIENTS

The feasibility and effects of a 3-year treatment using rifampicin(RFP),clofazimine(B663)and dapsone(DDS)in multibacillary leprosy patients in Yangzhou Prefecture and DongtaiCounty(1983-1986)are reported.Among 591 active multibaeillary leprosy patients in thetwo areas,569 (96.30%)were treated with this regimen.of 303 cases available for analysis,196(64.7%)cases showed negative skin smears and clinical inactivity.The rest showeddifferent degrees of improvement.The average reduction of BI was 0.78.The intensityand frequency of ENL and neuritis decreased markedly with treatment.The main side-effects were pigmentation and ichthyosiform changes of the skin,but these did not influencetreatment.