BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P  = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P  = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP. CONCLUSIONS The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People

Asarum forbesii is a perennial herb born in a shaded and humid environment, which is warm in nature. With the efficacy of warming lung, resolving fluid retention, and relieving coughs, it can be used to treat the syndrome of cold fluid accumulating in lung. To investigate the effects of different shading conditions on the composition and efficacy of A. forbesii, this study planted A. forbesii under 20% natural light(NL20), 40% natural light(NL40), 60% natural light(NL60), and 80% natural light(NL80) and utilized ultra performance liquid chromatography(UPLC) and micro broth 2-fold dilution method to detect the volatile chemical compounds and the minimum inhibitory concentration. At the same time, the study investigated the effects of A. forbesii grown under different shading conditions on the signs, pathological changes of lung tissues, serum cytokine levels, activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅴ in lung tissues, and relative expression of related genes of mice with syndrome of cold fluid accumulating in lung. The results indicated that with the increase of shading, the content of kakuol, methyl eugenol, and asarinin in A. forbesii and the antibacterial effect showed a tendency of increasing first and then decreasing, and the NL40 group was significantly better than the other groups. Under the conditions of NL20 and NL40, A. forbesii significantly alleviated the pathological damage to lung tissues, restored the homeostasis of the lung, and enhanced the energy metabolism level of mice with syndrome of cold fluid accumulating in lung. In addition, A. forbesii planted under the two conditions reduced the content of interleukin-8(IL-8), interleukin-13(IL-13), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and mucin 5AC(MUC5AC), increased the levels of interleukin-10(IL-10) and aquaporin 1(AQP1), lowered the expression of MMP9, VEGF, TGF-β, and MAPK3. In conclusion, the therapeutic effect of A. forbesii on the syndrome of cold fluid accumulating in lung was positively correlated with the degree of shading, and the chemical composition and efficacy of warming lung and resolving fluid retention were optimal under the conditions of NL20-NL40. This study can provide reference for the pharmacological research and cultivation of A. forbesii.
Animals ; Mice ; Lung/pathology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Light ; Cytokines/genetics* ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) in neonates in Guangzhou area, as well as the results of quantitative analysis of Hb in neonatal umbilical cord blood and genetic diagnosis of thalassemia in neonates with abnormal Hb; And to explore the hematological phenotypes and clinical characteristics of neonates with abnormal Hb and their parents, providing a reference for eugenics and childcare. METHODS: 650 neonates born at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital who underwent Hb electrophoresis were included in this study. The results of routine blood test of umbilical cord blood , Hb electrophoresis and α-, β-thalassemia gene detection of the neonates were collected. The genotype distribution of thalassemia in the neonates was analyzed. Additionally, the abnormal Hb content of α and β variants was studied. Furthermore, the differences in hematological parameters between abnormal Hb neonates and normal neonates and α-thalassemia neonates, as well as between the parents of abnormal Hb neonates and normal adults were compared. RESULTS: Among the 650 neonates, 332 (51.08%) were diagnosed with thalassemia, including 235 cases of α-thalassemia (36.15%), 79 cases of β-thalassemia (12.15%), and 18 cases of compound αβ-thalassemia (2.77%). Among all the α-thalassemia genotypes, the most prevalent one was -- ^SEA/αα (48.94%), followed by -α^3.7/αα (20.00%), -α^4.2/αα (11.06%), and αα^CS/αα (8.94%). The four most common genotypes of β-thalassemia were β^CD41-42 (32.91%), β^IVS-Ⅱ-654 (26.58%), β^-28 (21.52%), and β^E (10.13%), respectively. 275 cases of abnormal bands were found in Hb electrophoresis of umbilical cord blood, with a detection rate of 42.31%. The abnormal Hb content of α-variant in the neonates was significantly higher than that of β-variant (P < 0.001). The levels of Hb, MCV, MCH, Hb A, and Hb F in neonates with abnormal Hb were lower than those in normal neonates, while the RDW-CV was higher than that in normal neonates, with statistical significantce (P < 0.05). The levels of RBC and Hb A in neonates with abnormal Hb were lower than those in neonates with α-thalassemia, while the level of MCH was higher than that in neonats with α-thalassemia, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The levels of Hb, MCV, MCH, and Hb A in parents of neonates with abnormal Hb were lower than those in normal adults, while the RDW-CV was higher than that in normal adults, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The abnormal Hb content of α-variant in the neonates is significantly higher than that of β-variant in the neonates in Guangzhou, which can help to presume whether it is α chain or β chain based on the abnormal Hb content, providing a reference for globin gene sequencing. Meanwhile, analysis of various hematological screening-related indicators in neonates in the early stage is beneficial for early warning of the occurrence of abnormal Hb combined with thalassemia, reducing missed diagnoses to a certain extent.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Genotype ; Hemoglobins, Abnormal/genetics* ; China/epidemiology* ; alpha-Thalassemia/epidemiology* ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Parents ; Female ; Male ; Fetal Blood

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effects of pomalidomide-based regimen in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). METHODS: 60 patients with RRMM in hematology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from November 2020 to January 2023 were selected. Among them, 15 cases were treated with PDD regimen (pomalidomide + daratumumab + dexamethasone), and 45 cases were treated with PCD regimen (pomalidomide + cyclophosphamide + dexamethasone). The clinical effects were evaluated. RESULTS: The median number of treatment cycles for the entire cohort was 5 (2-11), with an overall response rate (ORR) of 75.0%. The ORR of patients treated with PDD regimen was 73.3%, while the ORR of patients treated with PCD regimen was 75.6%. The ORR of 46 patients with non high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (non-HRCA) was 86.9%, significantly higher than the 35.7% of 14 patients with HRCA (χ² =15.031, P < 0.05). The median PFS for all patients was 8.0(95%CI : 6.8-9.1) months and the median OS was 14.0 (95%CI : 11.3-16.7) months. Among patients treated with PDD regimen, the PFS and OS of patients with non-HRCA were significantly higher than those of patients with HRCA [PFS: 7.0(95%CI : 4.6-9.3) months vs 4.0(95%CI : 3.1-4.8) months, χ² =5.120, P < 0.05; OS: not reached vs 6.0(95%CI : 1.1-10.9) months, χ² =9.870, P < 0.05]. Among patients treated with PCD regimen, the PFS and OS of patients with non-HRCA were significantly higher than those of patients with HRCA [PFS: 9.0(95%CI : 6.2-11.8) months vs 6.0(95%CI : 5.4-6.6) months, χ²=14.396, P < 0.05; OS: not reached vs 11.0(95%CI : 6.4-15.6) months, χ² =7.471, P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION The pomalidomide-based regimen has a good clinical effect and safety in the treatment of RRMM.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Thalidomide/administration & dosage* ; Dexamethasone/therapeutic use* ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Aged ; Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome ; Antibodies, Monoclonal

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of Chinese medicine (CM) Lianhua Qingwen Granule (LHQW) and Jingyin Gubiao Prescription (JYGB) in asymptomatic or mild patients with Omicron infection in the shelter hospital. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in the largest shelter hospital in Shanghai, China, from April 10, 2022 to May 30, 2022. A total of 56,244 asymptomatic and mild Omicron cases were included and divided into 4 groups, i.e., non-administration group (23,702 cases), LHQW group (11,576 cases), JYGB group (12,112 cases), and dual combination of LHQW and JYGB group (8,854 cases). The length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was used to assess the effectiveness of LHQW and JYGB treatment on Omicron infection. RESULTS: Patients aged 41-60 years, with nadir threshold cycle (C_T) value of N gene <25, or those fully vaccinated preferred to receive CM therapy. Before or after propensity score matching (PSM), the multiple linear regression showed that LHQW and JYGB treatment were independent influence factors of LOS (both P<0.001). After PSM, there were significant differences in LOS between the LHQW/JYGB combination and the other groups (P<0.01). The results of factorial design ANOVA proved that the LHQW/JYGB combination therapy synergistically shortened LOS (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Patients with a nadir C_T value <25 were more likely to accept CM. The LHQW/JYGB combination therapy could shorten the LOS of Omicron-infected individuals in an isolated environment.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Hospitalization ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Length of Stay ; Young Adult ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: CRISPR-Cas protects bacteria from exogenous DNA invasion and is associated with bacterial biofilm formation and pathogenicity. METHODS: We analyzed the type I-F CRISPR-Cas system of Legionella pneumophila WX48, including Cas1, Cas2-Cas3, Csy1, Csy2, Csy3, and Cas6f, along with downstream CRISPR arrays. We explored the effects of the CRISPR-Cas system on the in vitro growth, biofilm-forming ability, and pathogenicity of L. pneumophila through constructing gene deletion mutants. RESULTS: The type I-F CRISPR-Cas system did not affect the in vitro growth of wild-type or mutant strains. The biofilm formation and intracellular proliferation of the mutant strains were weaker than those of the wild type owing to the regulation of type IV pili and Dot/Icm type IV secretion systems. In particular, Cas6f deletion strongly inhibited these processes. CONCLUSION The type I-F CRISPR-Cas system may reduce biofilm formation and intracellular proliferation in L. pneumophila.
Legionella pneumophila/pathogenicity* ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Biofilms/growth & development* ; Phenotype ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Deletion

Objective To investigate the differential expression of miR-124-3p in peripheral blood and clinical sig-nificance of patients with β-thalassemia.Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from 33 patients with β-thalassemia and 30 healthy controls in Ningde Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Ningde Normal University from June 2021 to August 2022.The expression level of miR-124-3p was detected.Luciferase reporter gene was used to verify the interaction between miR-124-3p and ERF 3'UTR.The correlation between differential expression of miR-124-3p and β-thalassemia was analyzed and the clinical diagnostic value of miR-124-3p for β-thalassemia was eval-uated.Results Compared with healthy control individuals,the expression of miR-124-3p was significantly up-reg-ulated in patients with β-thalassemia(P＜0.001).The genotype of miR-124-3p high expression group was 84.2%β0(16/19),the genotype of low expression group was 55.6%β+(10/18).ROC curve analysis showed that miR-124-3p had predictive efficacy for β-thalassemia(AUC:0.842).Luciferase reporter gene analysis showed that ERF gene was the regulatory target of miR-124-3p.Conclusions The differential expression of miR-124-3p in patients with β-thalassemia is closely related to the genotype and clinical severity of thalassemia,and ERF is negatively reg-ulated by miR-124-3p.miR-124-3p may be an effective diagnostic biomarker for β-thalassemia.

Lipids,including fats(triglycerides)and lipoids(phospholipids and sterols),not only serve as an energy source for the body but also play a pivotal role throughout the reproductive process,particularly in the establishment and maintenance of early pregnancy.This encompasses the regulate of early embryonic development and uterine tolerance,and the facilitation of embryo implantation.Given the diversity of lipids,this review focuses on extensively studied lipid mediators such as polyunsaturated fatty acids,endocannabinoids,prostaglandins,lysophosphatidic acid,sphingolipids and steroid hormones.It systematically elaborates on the regulatory effects of fatty acid,phospholipid,and cholesterol metabolism on the formation of endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation,as well as the potential underlying mechanisms.The review aims to provide new insights and feasible intervention approaches for predicting and improving the outcomes of natural pregnancy and/or assisted reproductive technology.

Spinal intradural (subdural and subarachnoid) hematoma following percutaneous kyphoplasty is an extremely rare complication. In this report, we described a case of 2 episodes of subarachnoid hemorrhage with delayed paralysis after kyphoplasty. A 73-year-old man underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty in our hospital an osteoporotic vertebral fracture at the T12 level. On the 55 h after kyphoplasty for T12 osteoporotic vertebral fracture, he developed paralysis of the lower limbs. An emergency posterior decompression from T8 to L2 was performed. And the subarachnoid hematomas were removed. Postoperatively, the neurological symptoms improved rapidly. However, 2 weeks after the operation, the patient experienced a setback with severe neurological decline (paraplegia with sensory and autonomic dysfunction). An emergency posterior decompression from T5 to L2 was performed. The subarachnoid hematomas were removed. This case reflects the cause and progression of spinal subdural hematoma. Previous literature has debated the best treatment approach for spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage, but the prognosis of patients is heavily dependent on precise symptom evaluation and localization.

Objective To investigate the influence of different delivery techniques,treatment sites and dose-volume algorithms on the results of three-dimensional dosimetric verification for intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)plans and the importance of individualized quality assurance(QA)evaluation standard for radiotherapy plans.Methods Totally 350 tumor patients receiving radiotherapy at some hospital from January 2017 to February 2022 had their three-dimensional dosimetric verification results of IMRT plans selected retrospectively and underwent data collection with COMPASS system,and then were grouped in terms of delivery technique(fixed-beam IMRT and volumetric modulated arc therapy),treatment site(neck,chest and abdomen)and dose-volume algorithm(anisotropic analytical algorithm and collapsed cone convolution algorithm).All the groups were compared based on the 3％/2 mm criterion with regard to the Gamma pass rate of 10％prescription dose area(GP10％),Gamma pass rate(GP50％)and mean Gamma index(μGI5o％)of 50％prescription dose area,dose of 95％target volume(D95％)and its mean dose(Dmean),parotid gland mean dose(Dmean),dose of 1％spinal cord volume(D1％),dose of 1％brain stem volume(D1％)of head and neck radiotherapy plan,heart and lung mean dose(Dmean)and dose of 1％spinal cord volume(D1％)of chest radiotherapy plan and bladder,rectum and femur mean dose of abdomen radiotherapy plan(Dmean).SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results For different delivery techniques,significant differences were found in all the QA results except GP50％of abdomen radiotherapy plan(P＜0.05).For different treatment sites,the differences were statistically significant between the QA results of head and neck radiotherapy plan and abdomen plan and between those of chest radio-therapy plan and abdomen radiotherapy plan(P＜0.05),while were not significant between the QA results of head and neck radiotherapy plan and chest radiotherapy plan(P＞0.05).For different dose-volume algorithms,the QA results had significant differences except D5％of abdomen radiotherapy planning target volume and Dmean and D1％of chest radiotherapy PTV(P＜0.05).Conclusion Dosimetric verification results vary depending on the delivery technique,treatment site and dose-volume algorithm.Statistical process control recommended by AAPM TG-218 report may be involved in to establish individualized QA standard for radiotherapy plans in case universal action limits are not appropriate.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(11):54-59]