Epidemiological Profile of Autoimmune Diseases in Thiès, Senegal: About a Descriptive Observational Study over 11 Years in 2 Internal Medicine Departments and a Dermatology Department

Introduction: Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a very large clinical polymorphism that can lead to a diagnostic wandering. So, we aimed to determine their epidemiological profile outside the context of Dakar (capital of Senegal) where the technical plateau is more elevated. Methodology: We conducted a retrospective descriptive and observational study from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2017. All patients admitted or followed in outpatient in the Internal Medicine departments of the Saint Jean de Dieu and Regional Hospitals of Thiès as well as in the dermatology department of the CHRT (Regional Hospital Center of Thiès), and who met the MAI criteria (autoimmune diseases) have been included. The data were collected on a standardised sheet and analysed by EPI INFO version 7.2. Results: A total of 121 patients were included out of 25951 records i.e a prevalence of 0.46% in internal medicine departments. In dermatology, out of 31973 patients, 95 had MAIS (systemic autoimmune diseases): 0.29% as hospital prevalence. The average age was 40.7 years in internal medicine departments compared to 37.66 years 14.8 years in the dermatology department. Patients aged 30 to 59 years represented 57.89% of the study population. The sex ratio (H/F) was 0.3 in the internal medicine departments compared to 0.17 in the dermatology department. Circumstances of discovery were incidental in 16.52% and clinical in 3.30%. Biermer disease accounted for 29.75% of organ-specific MAI. Concerning systemic presentations, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was present in 23.14%. Lupus was more representative in dermatology (65.2%) as well as systemic scleroderma (21%), dermatomyositis (6.3%). Cytopenia was found in 105 patients, showing in detail anemia (42.9%);leukopenia (14.8%);thrombocytopenia (2.4%). Autoantibodies were tested in 58 patients (47.9%). Skin histology was contributory in all cases of systemic scleroderma and in 5 cases of lupus. The main therapy prescribed was corticosteroid therapy alone or in combination with an immunosuppressant. Conclusion: In addition of infectious diseases, Subsaharan Africa is under the era of changing face of its epidemiology, and cardiovascular diseases shows signs of emergence, like auto-immune presentations. However, the difficult apprehension of these so subtle last diseases suggests that they are few reported. Technical tools in regions should be enhanced associated to a non-binding capacity building system targeting such diseases with an emphasis on good record keeping.

Characterization of distinct microbiota associated with androgenetic alopecia patients treated and untreated with platelet-rich plasma(PRP)

Background:Androgenic alopecia(AGA)is the most common type of hair loss in men,and there are many studies on the treatment of hair loss by platelet-rich plasma(PRP).The human scalp contains a huge microbiome,but its role in the process of hair loss remains unclear,and the relationship between PRP and the microbiome needs further study.Therefore,the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PRP treatment on scalp microbiota composition.Methods:We performed PRP treatment on 14 patients with AGA,observed their clinical efficacy,and collected scalp swab samples before and after treatment.The scalp microflora of AGA patients before and after treatment was characterized by amplifying the V3-V4 region of the 16 s RNA gene and sequencing for bacterial identification.Results:The results showed that PRP was effective in the treatment of AGA patients,and the hair growth increased significantly.The results of relative abundance analysis of microbiota showed that after treatment,g_Cutibacterium increased and g_Staphylococcus decreased,which played a stable role in scalp microbiota.In addition,g_Lawsonella decreased,indicating that the scalp oil production decreased after treatment.Conclusions:The findings suggest that PRP may play a role in treating AGA through scalp microbiome rebalancing.

Animal models of eosinophilic esophagitis,review and perspectives

Eosinophilic oesophagitis(EoE)is an allergen/immune-mediated chronic esophageal disease characterized by esophageal mucosal eosinophilic infiltration and esophageal dysfunction.Although the disease was originally attributed to a delayed allergic reaction to allergens and a Th2-type immune response,the exact pathogenesis is complex,and the efficacy of existing treatments is unsatisfactory.Therefore,the study of the pathophysiological process of EOE has received increasing attention.Animal models have been used extensively to study the molecular mechanism of EOE pathogenesis and also provide a preclinical platform for human clinical intervention studies of novel therapeutic agents.To maximize the use of existing animal models of EOE,it is important to understand the advantages or limitations of each modeling approach.This paper systematically describes the selection of experimental animals,types of allergens,and methods of sensitization and excitation during the preparation of animal models of EoE.It also discusses the utility and shortcomings of each model with the aim of providing the latest perspectives on EoE models and leading to better choices of animal models.

Pancreatic panniculitis as the first presentation of pancreatic ductaladenocarcinoma

To the Editor:Pancreatic panniculitis,also known as pancreatic fat necrosis or enzymatic panniculitis,is a rare type of panniculitis that occurs in 0.3%−3%of patients with pancreatic disease such as acute or chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma,especially acinar cell carcinoma[1,2].The clinical manifestations are nonspecific erythema tender nodules.

Tofacitinib combined with local low-dose ixekizumab injection benefits those with peripheral psoriatic arthritis

Dear Editor,Treating psoriatic arthritis(PsA)is always difficult.Systemic treatments can be administered either orally or through intramuscular and intra-articular injection,including conventional synthetics,biologics and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs[1].The alternatives,topical external therapies,are not effective on joint lesions due to drug permeability issues.Drugs injected into the articular cavity are also unsuitable for small peripheral joint lesions,the most common manifestations of PsA.The limited treatment options for PsA present a challenge.

Development of RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay for rapid and reliable detection of human bocavirus 1

Human bocavirus(HBoV)1 is considered an important pathogen that mainly affects infants aged 6–24 months,but preventing viral transmission in resource-limited regions through rapid and affordable on-site diagnosis of individuals with early infection of HBoV1 remains somewhat challenging.Herein,we present a novel faster,lower cost,reliable method for the detection of HBoV1,which integrates a recombinase polymerase amplification(RPA)assay with the CRISPR/Cas12a system,designated the RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay.The RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence system can specifically detect target gene levels as low as 0.5 copies of HBoV1 plasmid DNA per microliter within 40 min at 37℃without the need for sophisticated instruments.The method also demonstrates excellent specificity without cross-reactivity to non-target pathogens.Furthermore,the method was appraised using 28 clinical samples,and displayed high accuracy with positive and negative predictive agreement of 90.9%and 100%,respectively.Therefore,our proposed rapid and sensitive HBoV1 detection method,the RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay,shows promising potential for early on-site diagnosis of HBoV1 infection in the fields of public health and health care.The established RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay is rapid and reliable method for human bocavirus 1 detection.The RPA-Cas12a-fluorescence assay can be completed within 40 min with robust specificity and sensitivity of 0.5 copies/μl.

Low-molecular-weight fucoidan inhibits the proliferation of melanoma via Bcl-2 phosphorylation and PTEN/AKT pathway

Fucoidan,a sulfate polysaccharide obtained from brown seaweed,has various bioactive properties,including anti-inflammatory,anti-cancer,anti-viral,anti-oxidant,anti-coagulant,anti-thrombotic,anti-angiogenic,and anti-Helicobacter pylori properties.However,the effects of low-molecular-weight fucoidan(LMW-F)on melanoma cell lines and three dimensional(3D)cell culture models are not well understood.This study aimed to investigate the effects of LMW-F on A375 human melanoma cells and cryopreserved biospecimens derived from patients with advanced melanoma.Ultrasonic wave was used to fragment fucoidan derived from Fucus vesiculosus into smaller LMW-F.MTT and live/dead assays showed that LMW-F inhibited cell proliferation in both A375 cells and patientderived melanoma explants in a 3D-printed collagen scaffold.The PTEN/AKT pathway was found to be involved in the anti-melanoma effects of fucoidan.Western blot analysis revealed that LMW-F reduced the phosphorylation of Bcl-2 at Thr 56,which was associated with the prevention of anti-apoptotic activity of cancer cells.Our findings suggested that LMW-F could enhance anti-melanoma chemotherapy and improve the outcomes of patients with melanoma resistance.

Eccrine porocarcinoma in the tempus of an elderly woman:A case report

BACKGROUND Eccrine porocarcinoma(EPC)is a rare skin tumor that mainly affects the elderly population.Tumors often present with slow growth and a good prognosis.EPCs are usually distinguished from other skin tumors using histopathology and immunohistochemistry.However,surgical management alone may be inadequate if the tumor has metastasized.However,currently,surgical resection is the most commonly used treatment modality.CASE SUMMARY A seventy-four-year-old woman presented with a slow-growing nodule in her left temporal area,with no obvious itching or pain,for more than four months.Histopathological examination showed small columnar and short spindle-shaped cells;thus,basal cell carcinoma was suspected.However,immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of cytokeratin 5/6,p63 protein,p16 protein,and Ki-67 antigen(40%),and EPC was taken into consideration.The skin biopsy was repeated,and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed ductal differentiation in some cells.Finally,the patient was diagnosed with EPC,and Mohs micrographic surgery was performed.We adapted follow-up visits in a year and not found any recurrence of nodules.CONCLUSION This case report emphasizes the diagnosis and differentiation of EPC.

Icariin plus curcumol enhances autophagy through the mTOR pathway and promotes cathepsin B-mediated pyroptosis of prostate cancer cells

Objective:To examine the effect of icariin plus curcumol on prostate cancer cells PC3 and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.Methods:We employed the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay and colony formation assay to assess cell viability and proliferation.Autophagy expression was analyzed using monodansylcadaverine staining.Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were used to evaluate protein expressions related to autophagy,pyroptosis,and the mTOR pathway.Cellular damage was examined using the lactate dehydrogenase assay.Moreover,cathepsin B and NLRP3 were detected by co-immunoprecipitation.Results:Icariin plus curcumol led to a decrease in PC3 cell proliferation and an enhancement of autophagy.The levels of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰand beclin-1 were increased,while the levels of p62 and mTOR were decreased after treatment with icariin plus curcumol.These changes were reversed upon overexpression of mTOR.Furthermore,3-methyladenine resulted in a decrease in inflammatory cytokines,pyroptosis-related protein levels,and lactate dehydrogenase concentration,compared to the icariin plus curcumol group.Inhibiting cathepsin B reversed the regulatory effects of icariin plus curcumol.Conclusions:Icariin plus curcumol demonstrates great potential as a therapeutic agent for castration-resistant prostate cancer by enhancing autophagy via the mTOR pathway and promoting pyroptosis mediated by cathepsin B.These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of icariin and curcumol for prostate cancer treatment.

Efficacy of acupoint injection in the treatment of chronic eczema and its influence on peripheral blood T cells

BACKGROUND Chronic eczema significantly impacts daily life,social interactions,and quality of life;however,no curative treatment has been identified.AIM To determine the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection for chronic eczema and its influence on peripheral blood T cells.METHODS Eighty patients with chronic eczema treated at our hospital between June 2022 and March 2023 were randomly assigned to a control group(n=40),which received conventional Western medicine treatment,or an observation group(n=40),which received routine Western medicine treatment plus acupoint injection of triamcinolone acetonide.Response and adverse reaction rates,as well as differences in the levels of serum cytokines IFN-γ,IL-2,IL-4,and IL-10 before and after treatment were investigated.RESULTS No difference in overall response rates were found between the observation and control groups(100%vs 90%,respectively;P>0.05);however,the observation group had a higher marked response rate than the control group(87.5%vs 52.5%;P<0.05).Both groups had decreased Eczema Area and Severity Index scores and increased pruritus after treatment(P<0.05),particularly in the observation group(P<0.05).The observation group had an adverse reaction rate of 2.5%(1/40),which did not differ significantly from that of the control group(P>0.05).The observation group exhibited higher post-treatment INF-γand IL-2 but lower IL-4 levels than the control group(P<0.05);however,no significant inter-group difference was observed in post-treatment IL-10 levels(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Acupoint injection of triamcinolone acetonide is safe and effective in treating chronic eczema.Its therapeutic mechanism is related to the regulation of peripheral blood T cell levels,inhibition of inflammatory reactions,and mitigation of immune imbalance.

Clinical efficacy of intradermal type Ⅰ collagen injections in treating skin photoaging in patients from high-altitude areas

BACKGROUND Photoaging,a result of chronic sun exposure,leads to skin damage and pigmentation changes.Traditional treatments may have limitations in high-altitude areas like Yunnan Province.Intradermal Col Ⅰ injections stimulate collagen production,potentially improving skin quality.This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of this treatment for photoaging.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradermal typeΙcollagen(ColΙ)injection for treating photoaging.METHODS This prospective,self-controlled study investigated the impact of intradermal injections of ColΙon skin photodamage in 20 patients from the Yunnan Province.Total six treatment sessions were conducted every 4 wk±3 d.Before and after each treatment,facial skin characteristics were quantified using a VISIA skin detector.Skin thickness data were assessed using the ultrasound probes of the Dermalab skin detector.The Face-Q scale was used for subjective evaluation of the treatment effect by the patients.RESULTS The skin thickness of the right cheek consistently increased after each treatment session compared with baseline.The skin thickness of the left cheek significantly increased after the third through sixth treatment sessions compared with baseline.The skin thickness of the right zygomatic region increased after the second to sixth treatment sessions,whereas that of the left zygomatic region showed a significant increase after the fourth through sixth treatment sessions.The skin thickness of both temporal regions significantly increased after the fifth and sixth treatment sessions compared with baseline(P<0.05).These findings were also supported by skin ultrasound images.The feature count for the red areas and wrinkle feature count decreased following the treatment(P<0.05).VISIA assessments also revealed a decrease in the red areas after treatment.The Face-QSatisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall and Face-Q-Satisfaction with Skin scores significantly increased after each treatment session.The overall appearance of the patients improved after treatment.CONCLUSION Intradermal ColΙinjection improves photoaging,with higher patient satisfaction and fewer adverse reactions,and could be an effective treatment method for populations residing in high-altitude areas.

Evaluating new biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy:Role ofα2-macroglobulin,podocalyxin,α-L-fucosidase,retinol-binding protein-4,and cystatin C

BACKGROUND The intricate relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and diabetic nephropathy(DN)presents a challenge in understanding the significance of various biomarkers in diagnosis.AIM To elucidate the roles and diagnostic values ofα2-macroglobulin(α2-MG),podocalyxin(PCX),α-L-fucosidase(AFU),retinol-binding protein-4(RBP-4),and cystatin C(CysC)in DN.METHODS From December 2018 to December 2020,203 T2DM patients were enrolled in the study.Of these,115 were diagnosed with DN(115 patients),while the remaining 88 patients were classified as non-DN.The urinary levels ofα2-MG,PCX,and AFU and the serum concentrations RBP-4 and CysC were measured in conjunction with other relevant clinical indicators to evaluate their potential correlations and diagnostic utility.RESULTS After adjustments for age and gender,significant positive correlations were observed between the biomarkers CysC,RBP-4,α2-MG/urinary creatinine(UCr),PCX/UCr,and AFU/UCr,and clinical indicators such as urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio(UACR),serum creatinine,urea,24-h total urine protein,and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR).Conversely,these biomarkers exhibited negative correlations with the estimated glomerular filtration rate(P<0.05).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis further demonstrated the diagnostic performance of these biomarkers,with UACR showcasing the highest area under the ROC curve(AUC^(ROC))at 0.97.CONCLUSION This study underscores the diagnostic significance ofα2-MG,PCX,and AFU in the development of DN.The biomarkers RBP-4,CysC,PCX,AFU,andα2-MG provide promising diagnostic insights,while UACR is the most potent diagnostic biomarker in assessing DN.

Multiple pretreatments can effectively improve the functionality of mesenchymal stem cells

In this editorial,we offer our perspective on the groundbreaking study entitled“Hypoxia and inflammatory factor preconditioning enhances the immunosup-pressive properties of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells”,recently published in World Journal of Stem Cells.Despite over three decades of research on the clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),only a few therapeutic products have made it to clinical use,due to multiple preclinical and clinical challenges yet to be addressed.The study proved the hypoxia and inflammatory factor preconditioning led to higher immunosuppressive effects of MSCs without damaging their biological characteristics,which revealed the combination of inflammatory factors and hypoxic preconditioning offers a promising approach to enhance the function of MSCs.As we delve deeper into the intricacies of pretreat-ment methodologies,we anticipate a transformative shift in the landscape of MSC-based therapies,ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and advancing the field as a whole.

Data-driven analysis of chemicals,proteins and pathways associated with peanut allergy:from molecular networking to biological interpretation

Peanut allergy is majorly related to severe food induced allergic reactions.Several food including cow's milk,hen's eggs,soy,wheat,peanuts,tree nuts(walnuts,hazelnuts,almonds,cashews,pecans and pistachios),fish and shellfish are responsible for more than 90%of food allergies.Here,we provide promising insights using a large-scale data-driven analysis,comparing the mechanistic feature and biological relevance of different ingredients presents in peanuts,tree nuts(walnuts,almonds,cashews,pecans and pistachios)and soybean.Additionally,we have analysed the chemical compositions of peanuts in different processed form raw,boiled and dry-roasted.Using the data-driven approach we are able to generate new hypotheses to explain why nuclear receptors like the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPARs)and its isoform and their interaction with dietary lipids may have significant effect on allergic response.The results obtained from this study will direct future experimeantal and clinical studies to understand the role of dietary lipids and PPARisoforms to exert pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions on cells of the innate immunity and influence antigen presentation to the cells of the adaptive immunity.

Efficacy of borneol-gypsum in skin regeneration and pain control in toxic epidermal necrolysis:A case report

BACKGROUND Toxic epidermal necrolysis(TEN)is a life-threatening dermatological emergency mainly induced by drug hypersensitivity reactions.Standard management includes discontinuation of culprit drug and application of immunomodulatory therapy.However,mortality remains high due to complications like septic shock and multiorgan failures.Innovative approaches for skin care are crucial.This report introduces borneol-gypsum,a traditional Chinese drug but a novel dressing serving as an adjuvant of TEN therapy,might significantly improve skin conditions and patient outcomes in TEN.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old woman diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis experienced gangrenous complications and motor nerve involvement.After initial treatment of high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide,symptom of foot drop improved,absolute eosinophil counts decreased,while limb pain sustained.Duloxetine was added to alleviate her symptom.Subsequently,TEN developed.Additional topical application of borneol-gypsum dressing not only protected the skin lesions from infection but also significantly eased localized pain.This approach demonstrated its merit in TEN management by promoting skin healing and potentially reducing infection risks.CONCLUSION Borneol-gypsum dressing is a promising adjuvant that could significantly improve TEN management,skin regeneration,and patient comfort.

Global epidemiology of mental disorder in atrial fibrillation between 1998-2021:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND As the burden of mental disorders among patients with atrial fibrillation(AF)increases,researchers are beginning to pay close attention to the risk and prevalence of these comorbidities.Although studies have independently analyzed the risk of comorbidity with depression and anxiety in patients with AF,no study has systematically focused on the global epidemiology of these two mental disorders.AIM To explore the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with AF.METHODS Five databases were searched from their date of establishment until January 2023.Observational studies reporting the comorbidity of AF with depression and anxiety,were included in this study.Basic information,such as the first author/publication year,study year,study type,and prevalence of depression and anxiety,were extracted.STATA SE 15.1 was used to analyze the data.Subgroup,meta-regression,and sensitivity analyses were performed to estimate study heterogeneity.RESULTS After a thorough search,26 studies were identified and included in this metaanalysis.The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety in adults with AF were 24.3%and 14.5%,respectively.Among adult males with AF,the prevalence was 11.7%and 8.7%,respectively,whereas in females it was 19.8%and 10.1%,respectively.In older adults with AF,the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety were 40.3%and 33.6%,respectively.The highest regional prevalence of depression and anxiety was observed in European(30.2%)and North American(19.8%)patients with AF.CONCLUSION In this study,we found that the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with AF varies with sex,region,and evaluation scales,suggesting the need for psychological interventions for patients with AF in clinical practice.

Early results of the integrative epigenomic-transcriptomic landscape of colorectal adenoma and cancer

BACKGROUND Aberrant methylation is common during the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer(CRC),and detecting these changes that occur during early adenoma(ADE)formation and CRC progression has clinical value.AIM To identify potential DNA methylation markers specific to ADE and CRC.METHODS Here,we performed SeqCap targeted bisulfite sequencing and RNA-seq analysis of colorectal ADE and CRC samples to profile the epigenomic-transcriptomic landscape.RESULTS Comparing 22 CRC and 25 ADE samples,global methylation was higher in the former,but both showed similar methylation patterns regarding differentially methylated gene positions,chromatin signatures,and repeated elements.High-grade CRC tended to exhibit elevated methylation levels in gene promoter regions compared to those in low-grade CRC.Combined with RNA-seq gene expression data,we identified 14 methylation-regulated differentially expressed genes,of which only AGTR1 and NECAB1 methylation had prognostic significance.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that genome-wide alterations in DNA methylation occur during the early stages of CRC and demonstrate the methylation signatures associated with colorectal ADEs and CRC,suggesting prognostic biomarkers for CRC.

Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice by regulating Th2 type immune response and reducing infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells

Background:This study aimed to assess how acupoint catgut-embedding therapy influences Th2-type immune response and the infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice.It also conducted an initial examination of the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods:Seventy-two mice were randomly divided into four groups:normal control,DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model(AD),AD with acupoint catgut-embedding treatment(ADA),and AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment.After DNCB challenge to induce AD,the ADA group received acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment at Zusanli(ST 36)and Quchi(LI 11)acupoints every other week from day 8.Mice in the AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment group underwent the same procedure as the ADA group but without catgut implantation.Severity was assessed using SCORAD on treatment days 1,10,and 20.On day 18,nine mice per group were euthanized,and the remaining on day 28.Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining.TNF-α,IL-4,IL-6,and IL-13 levels were analyzed by ELISA,and GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels by western blot.Results:After 20 days of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment,mice showed reduced dermatitis scores compared to DNCB-induced AD-like mice.Significant decreases occurred in serum IL-4,IL-6,IL-13,and TNF-αlevels.Skin analysis revealed marked reductions in CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cell infiltration,as well as GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels.Conclusion:Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy may effectively alleviate atopic dermatitis by suppressing Th2 immune responses via the STAT6-GATA3 pathway and reducing CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)T cell infiltration in skin lesions.

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.

Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI for correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Development, effectivity, safety and functional outcome

BACKGROUND Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains a major problem due to its high incidence,high risk,and high cost.One of the aims of the management in scoliosis is to correct the deformity.Many techniques are available to correct scoliosis deformity;however,they are all far from ideal to achieve three-dimensional correction in scoliosis.AIM To develop a set of tools named Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI(SCFUI)to aid threedimensional correction and to evaluate the efficacy,safety,and functional outcome.METHODS This study consists of two stages.In the first stage,we developed the SCFUI and tested it in finite element and biomechanical tests.The second stage was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial to evaluate the SCFUI compared to direct vertebral rotation(DVR).Forty-four subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were randomly allocated into the DVR group(n=23)and SCFUI group(n=21).Radiological,neurological,and functional outcome was compared between the groups.RESULTS Finite element revealed the maximum stress of the SCFUI components to be between 31.2-252 MPa.Biomechanical analysis revealed the modulus elasticity of SCFUI was 9561324±633277 MPa.Both groups showed improvement in Cobb angle and sagittal profile,however the rotation angle was lower in the SCFUI group(11.59±7.46 vs 18.23±6.39,P=0.001).Neurological and functional outcome were comparable in both groups.CONCLUSION We concluded that SCFUI developed in this study resulted in similar coronal and sagittal but better rotational correction compared to DVR.The safety and functional outcomes were also similar to DVR.