Objective To assess the nutritional status in elderly patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) and reveal the key factors affecting the nutritional status. Methods A total of 310 elderly patients with CRI who received hospitalization treatment and outpatient follow-up in the hospital from January 2021 to June 2024 were selected as the investigation subjects. The nutritional status of patients was evaluated by mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire, and the nutritional status and dietary structure of patients were comprehensively evaluated by anthropometric indicators [height, weight, body mass index (BMI), upper arm circumference, calf circumference], biochemical indicators [serum albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), hemoglobin (Hb), transferrin (TF)] and 24-hour dietary review method. According to the investigation results of nutritional status, the patients were divided into good nutrition group (MNA score≥24 points), nutritional risk group (MNA score of 17-23.5 points) and malnutrition group (MNA score<17 points). Univariate analysis was adopted to screen the potential influencing factors of elderly CRI. Multivariate logistic regression model was applied to analyze the influencing factors of malnutrition in elderly CRI patients. Results Among the 325 questionnaires were distributed, but only 310 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 95.38%. Investigation results revealed that among the 310 patients, 29.35% (91 cases) had good nutritional status, and 42.26% (131 cases) had nutritional risk, and 28.39% (88 cases) had malnutrition. Univariate analysis indicated that there were statistical differences in BMI, CRI staging, serum ALB, PA, Hb, TF, protein intake and total calorie intake among the good nutrition group, the nutritional risk group and the malnutrition group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that low BMI (OR=0.903, 95%CI: 0.867-0.941), high CRI stage (OR=1.091, 95%CI: 1.053-1.130), low serum ALB (OR=0.907, 95%CI: 0.867-0.948), PA (OR=0.918, 95%CI: 0.888-0.949), Hb (OR=0.944, 95%CI: 0.909-0.997), TF (OR=0.912, 95%CI: 0.874-0.952), insufficient protein intake (OR=0.924, 95%CI: 0.882-0.969) and insufficient total calorie intake (OR=0.938, 95%CI: 0.909-0.968) were influencing factors for malnutrition in elderly patients with CRI (all P<0.05). Drawing ROC curve of malnutrition in elderly patients with CRI according to the prediction probability of logistic regression model found that the AUC, sensitivity, specificity, 95%CI and Youden index were 0.976, 93.18%, 92.34%, 0.953-0.990 (P<0.05) and 0.855. Conclusion The incidence rate of malnutrition is high in elderly patients with CRI, and is mainly affected by factors such as low BMI, high CRI stage, low serum ALB, PA, Hb and TF levels and insufficient protein and total calorie intakes. In addition, logistic regression model has high predictive value and can provide a reference for early clinical identification of high-risk population with malnutrition among elderly patients with CRI.

Objective To explore the correlation between functional striatal abnormalities(FSA)scores and symptoms and cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia.Methods A total of 92 patients with schizophrenia admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from July 2021 to February 2022 were selected as the research subjects,15 patients were excluded due to excessive interference with head movement during image data analysis,and 77 patients were finally included in the statistical analysis.The cognitive function of the patients before treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment was evaluated through a set of cognitive function tests.The severity of symptoms before treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment was evaluated according to the positive and negative symptom scale(PANSS).The patients were divided into the ineffective group(PANSS＜50％,n=33)and the effective group(PANSS ≥ 50％,n=44)according to the PANSS reduction rate.Before treatment and 8 weeks after treatment,the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed,and FSA scores were calculated.Results There was no significant difference in FSA scores of patients between the effective group and the ineffective group before treatment(P＞0.05).After 8 weeks of treatment,the FSA scores of patients in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment(P＜0.05).After 8 weeks of treatment,there was no significant difference in FSA scores of patients between the effective group and the ineffective group(P＞0.05).Before treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment,there was no significant correlation between the FSA scores and the total PANSS scores,positive factor scores,negative factor scores and pathological factor scores in the two groups(P＞0.05).There was no significant corre-lation between the pre-treatment FSA scores and the differences in positive factor scores,negative factor scores and pathological factor scores before and after treatment in both groups(P＞0.05).In the effective group,the FSA score was significantly nega-tively correlated with the spatial span score(P＜0.05)and significantly positively correlated with the category fluency score(P＜0.05)before treatment;however,there was no significant correlation between the pre-treatment FSA score and the scores of trail making,symbol coding,word learning,maze solving,visuospatial memory,2-digit continuous performance,3-digit continuous performance and 4-digit continuous performance(P＞0.05).In the ineffective group,there was a significant negative correlation between the pre-treatment FSA score and the spatial span and 4-digit continuous performance scores(P＜0.05),while there was no significant correlation between the pre-treatment FSA score and the scores of trail making,symbol coding,word learning,maze solving,visuospatial memory,category fluency,2-digit continuous performance and 3-digit continuous performance(P＞0.05).There was no significant correlation between the FSA score and cognitive function scores after treat-ment in the effective group(P＞0.05).There was a significant positive correlation between the FSA score and the trail making score after treatment in the ineffective group(P＜0.05),but there was no significant correlation between the FSA score and the scores of symbol coding,word learning,spatial span,maze solving,visuospatial memory,category fluency,2-digit continuous performance,3-digit continuous performance and 4-digit continuous performance(P＞0.05).Conclusion FSA scores in patients with schizophrenia increase significantly after treatment.FSA scores may not be related to the severity of symptoms or treatment response,but are correlated with the cognitive function of information processing speed.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy, safety and possible mechanisms of celecoxib as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia.Methods:90 schizophrenic inpatients at the second affiliated hospital of Xinxiang Medical College from April 2019 to October 2020 were recruited and randomly assigned to a placebo group or the celecoxib adjunctive treatment group using a random number table. In the placebo group, 46 patients (29 males, 17 females; aged 21-34, mean age 27.46±6.50 years) completed a 6-week follow-up. In the celecoxib group, 44 patients (32 males, 12 females; aged 21-39, mean age 30.52±8.69 years) completed a 6-week follow-up. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess psychiatric symptoms in both groups. Changes in PANSS score at the end of the treatment were compared to evaluate the efficacy of celecoxib. Metabolic indicators such as weight, body mass index, waist circumference and plasm glucolipid, as well as cardiovascular indicators like blood pressure, electrocardiogram and routine blood tests, and adverse events were collected for the safety evaluation. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were also tested. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between cytokine levels, PANSS score, PANSS reduction rate [(pre-treatment score-post-treatment score)/pre-treatment score×100%], and the safety measurements in the two groups, analyzing the role of inflammation in celecoxib adjunctive therapy.Results:The change of PANSS positive score at the end of the 6th week was significantly higher in the celecoxib adjuvant treatment group than in the placebo group (-8.00±6.12 vs -4.78±5.19, H=-0.55, P=0.009). The weight changes, body mass index, total cholesterol, and triglycerides over 6 weeks were significantly lower in the celecoxib group compared to the placebo group ( F=-7.37, -7.30, 2.56, -2.54; all P<0.05). No serious adverse events were found in celecoxib adjuvant therapy. In the placebo group, baseline TNF-α levels were positively correlated with baseline negative symptoms and PANSS reduction rate ( r=0.260 and 0.330, both P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the 6-week weight ( r=-0.311, P<0.05); baseline IL-4 levels were positively correlated with the 6-week PANSS total score and the 6-week PANSS negative score ( r=0.320 and 0.397, both P<0.05), and negatively correlated with PANSS reduction rate and 6-week blood glucose ( r=-0.316 and -0.331, both P<0.05); Six-week IFN-γ levels were negatively correlated with low-density lipoprotein levels ( r=-0.306, P<0.05). And no such correlation was found in celecoxib adjuvant group. Conclusion:Celecoxib adjunctive therapy can improve positive symptoms of schizophrenia without causing adverse reactions. Inflammatory state is related to schizophrenia symptoms, treatment efficacy and metabolic abnormalities.

Objectives:To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase( IDO) genes and schizophrenia (SZ) in a Chinese Han population. Methods:Using a case-control study method, 3 700 in-patients with SZ were recruited from January 2010 to December 2021 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, and 8 580 healthy controls were recruited from surrounding communities in Xinxiang City. The patient group and control group were matched in gender and age. After collecting peripheral blood from all subjects and extracting genomic DNA, the sample DNA was genotyped using methods such as gene chips and amplification refractory mutation system. The association analysis between IDO gene SNPs and SZ was conducted using the online analysis tool SHEsis. The differences in IDO gene SNP genotype and allele frequency between the two groups were compared using chi-square test. Linkage disequilibrium analysis, haplotype analysis, and Hardy Weinberg equilibrium test were performed using Haploview v4.2 software. A multifactor dimensionality reduction software was used to evaluate the interaction between SNPs and SNP frequencies. Results:In the four SNP loci of IDO gene, there was a significant difference in genotype and allele frequency between the SZ patient and the health control at rs9657182 locus (χ 2=11.81, P=0.003;χ 2=5.54, P=0.019). After Bonferroni correction, the genotype difference at rs9657182 locus still showed statistical significance ( P=0.011). There were no statistically significant differences in genotype and allele frequency among the three SNP locis (rs7820268, rs4503083, and rs10109853). Further stratified by gender, there was no significant difference in genotype frequency between the two groups at the rs9657182. Haplotype analysis revealed that the haplotype of CC and TC (rs9657182 and rs7820268) were significantly different between the two groups (χ 2=3.93,4.78, P=0.048, 0.029). Conclusion:The rs9657182 locus of IDO gene may be a susceptible locus for SZ. The haplotype of CC and TC may be associated with the onset of SZ.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy, safety and possible mechanisms of celecoxib as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia.Methods:90 schizophrenic inpatients at the second affiliated hospital of Xinxiang Medical College from April 2019 to October 2020 were recruited and randomly assigned to a placebo group or the celecoxib adjunctive treatment group using a random number table. In the placebo group, 46 patients (29 males, 17 females; aged 21-34, mean age 27.46±6.50 years) completed a 6-week follow-up. In the celecoxib group, 44 patients (32 males, 12 females; aged 21-39, mean age 30.52±8.69 years) completed a 6-week follow-up. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess psychiatric symptoms in both groups. Changes in PANSS score at the end of the treatment were compared to evaluate the efficacy of celecoxib. Metabolic indicators such as weight, body mass index, waist circumference and plasm glucolipid, as well as cardiovascular indicators like blood pressure, electrocardiogram and routine blood tests, and adverse events were collected for the safety evaluation. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were also tested. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between cytokine levels, PANSS score, PANSS reduction rate [(pre-treatment score-post-treatment score)/pre-treatment score×100%], and the safety measurements in the two groups, analyzing the role of inflammation in celecoxib adjunctive therapy.Results:The change of PANSS positive score at the end of the 6th week was significantly higher in the celecoxib adjuvant treatment group than in the placebo group (-8.00±6.12 vs -4.78±5.19, H=-0.55, P=0.009). The weight changes, body mass index, total cholesterol, and triglycerides over 6 weeks were significantly lower in the celecoxib group compared to the placebo group ( F=-7.37, -7.30, 2.56, -2.54; all P<0.05). No serious adverse events were found in celecoxib adjuvant therapy. In the placebo group, baseline TNF-α levels were positively correlated with baseline negative symptoms and PANSS reduction rate ( r=0.260 and 0.330, both P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the 6-week weight ( r=-0.311, P<0.05); baseline IL-4 levels were positively correlated with the 6-week PANSS total score and the 6-week PANSS negative score ( r=0.320 and 0.397, both P<0.05), and negatively correlated with PANSS reduction rate and 6-week blood glucose ( r=-0.316 and -0.331, both P<0.05); Six-week IFN-γ levels were negatively correlated with low-density lipoprotein levels ( r=-0.306, P<0.05). And no such correlation was found in celecoxib adjuvant group. Conclusion:Celecoxib adjunctive therapy can improve positive symptoms of schizophrenia without causing adverse reactions. Inflammatory state is related to schizophrenia symptoms, treatment efficacy and metabolic abnormalities.

Objectives:To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase( IDO) genes and schizophrenia (SZ) in a Chinese Han population. Methods:Using a case-control study method, 3 700 in-patients with SZ were recruited from January 2010 to December 2021 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, and 8 580 healthy controls were recruited from surrounding communities in Xinxiang City. The patient group and control group were matched in gender and age. After collecting peripheral blood from all subjects and extracting genomic DNA, the sample DNA was genotyped using methods such as gene chips and amplification refractory mutation system. The association analysis between IDO gene SNPs and SZ was conducted using the online analysis tool SHEsis. The differences in IDO gene SNP genotype and allele frequency between the two groups were compared using chi-square test. Linkage disequilibrium analysis, haplotype analysis, and Hardy Weinberg equilibrium test were performed using Haploview v4.2 software. A multifactor dimensionality reduction software was used to evaluate the interaction between SNPs and SNP frequencies. Results:In the four SNP loci of IDO gene, there was a significant difference in genotype and allele frequency between the SZ patient and the health control at rs9657182 locus (χ 2=11.81, P=0.003;χ 2=5.54, P=0.019). After Bonferroni correction, the genotype difference at rs9657182 locus still showed statistical significance ( P=0.011). There were no statistically significant differences in genotype and allele frequency among the three SNP locis (rs7820268, rs4503083, and rs10109853). Further stratified by gender, there was no significant difference in genotype frequency between the two groups at the rs9657182. Haplotype analysis revealed that the haplotype of CC and TC (rs9657182 and rs7820268) were significantly different between the two groups (χ 2=3.93,4.78, P=0.048, 0.029). Conclusion:The rs9657182 locus of IDO gene may be a susceptible locus for SZ. The haplotype of CC and TC may be associated with the onset of SZ.

Objective:To observe the effects of 0.01% atropine eye drops on ocular biometrics in myopic adolescents.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted.Two hundred and nineteen myopic adolescents who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2016 to June 2017 and completed the 1-year follow-up on time were enrolled.The 219 adolescents were divided into a 0.01% atropine+ single-vision spectacles (SV) group (119 cases) wearing single-vision spectacles with one drop of atropine eye drop applied to both eyes once nightly, and a simple SV group (100 cases) wearing SV only.Axial length (AL), corneal power and anterior chamber depth were measured with the IOLMaster.Lens power was calculated using the Bennett-Rabbetts formula.Intraocular pressure was measured by non-contact tonometry.Spherical equivalent (SE) was examined by cycloplegic autorefraction.Total astigmatism and corneal astigmatism were calculated by vector decomposition.The right eye data were analyzed to compare the ocular biometrics changes between the two groups, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (No.2016-35). Written informed consent was obtained from guardians before any medical examination.Results:The SE change and AL elongation 12 months after treatment in 0.01% atropine+ SV group were (-0.47±0.45) D and (0.37±0.22) mm, respectively, which were significantly lower than (-0.70±0.60)D and (0.46±0.35)mm in simple SV group ( t=5.523, 9.651; both at P<0.001). There were significant differences in SE and AL between before and after treatment in both groups (SE: Fgroup=1.556, P=0.015; Ftime=12.538, P=0.002; AL: Fgroup=3.425, P=0.021; Ftime=18.235, P=0.008). The SE and AL at 4, 8 and 12 months after treatment were all increased in comparison with before treatment in both groups, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001). The SE and AL at 8 and 12 months after treatment in 0.01% atropine+ SV group were smaller than in simple SV group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.001). At 8 and 12 months after treatment, total astigmatism and the anterior chamber depth were increased and the lens power was decreased in comparison with before treatment in both groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). There was no significant difference in corneal astigmatism, corneal power and intraocular pressure at different time points before and after treatment between the two groups (all at P>0.05). In the multiple linear regression analysis, an equation of Δmyopic SE=-0.012-2.685×ΔAL-1.002×Δcorneal astigmatism-0.656×Δlens power+ 0.477×Δtotal astigmatism+ 0.363×Δanterior chamber depth-0.060×age+ 0.011×sex was used, showing the change of SE was mainly caused by the change of AL ( β=-2.685), then corneal power, lens power, total astigmatism and anterior chamber depth. Conclusions:In adolescents, 0.01% atropine eye drops can effectively retard myopia progression and axial elongation, showing no effect on astigmatism, corneal power, lens power, anterior chamber depth and intraocular pressure.The controlling effect of 0.01% atropine eye drops in the development of myopia is mainly achieved by reducing axial elongation.

Objective To investigate the role of P-I-R classification and Laennec grading in evaluating histological changes in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis after receiving antiviral therapy, as well as the association of these two evaluation systems with clinical prognosis. Methods A total of 218 patients from 14 centers were consecutively screened from October 2013 to October 2014, and these patients were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis based on pathology (Ishak score ≥5), received antiviral therapy for 72 weeks, completed two liver biopsies, and met the P-I-R classification criteria. The 218 patients were divided into non-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group with 186 patients and HCC group with 32 patients. The chi-square test and the Fisher's exact test were used for comparison of categorical data between groups. For the comparison of HCC after antiviral therapy, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used for continuous variables, and for the comparison of P-I-R classification and Laennec grading, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for continuous variables. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratio ( HR ) and 95% confidence interval ( CI ), and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative incidence rate of HCC. Results After 72 weeks of antiviral therapy, there was a significant difference in P-I-R classification between the non-HCC group and the HCC group ( P < 0.001). There were significant differences in the distribution of Laennec grading and P-I-R classification before and after antiviral therapy ( P < 0.001). After antiviral therapy, the 218 patients were divided into 4A group with 33 patients, 4B group with 71 patients, and 4C group with 114 patients according to Laennec grading, and there were significant differences between these three groups in platelet count (PLT) ( H =36.429, P < 0.001), liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ( H =13.983, P =0.004), Ishak score ( χ 2 =23.060, P < 0.001), and HAI score ( P < 0.001). After antiviral therapy, the 218 patients were divided into R group with 70 patients, I group with 52 patients, and P group with 96 patients according to P-I-R classification, and there were significant differences between these three groups in PLT ( H =7.193, P =0.028), LSM ( H =6.238, P =0.045), Ishak score ( χ 2 =7.986, P < 0.001), HAI score ( P =0.002), and HCC ( P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the incidence rate of HCC between the P and R groups based on P-I-R classification ( HR =24.21, 95% CI : 0.46-177.99, P =0.002). After adjustment for other confounding factors, P-I-R classification was an independent predictive factor for HCC ( HR =12.69, 95% CI : 4.63-34.80, P =0.002). Conclusion Both P-I-R classification and Laennec grading can reflect the features and changes of fibrosis before and after antiviral therapy, and P-I-R classification is more sensitive to fibrosis changes after antiviral therapy. P-I-R classification (after treatment) can be used to assess the risk of HCC in patients after antiviral therapy.

Objective:To observe the long-term efficacy and safety of macular buckling (MB) in the treatment of high myopia traction maculopathy.Methods:A retrospective clinical study. From January 2014 to December 2017, 57 eyes of 57 patients with high myopia traction maculopathy who underwent MB treatment at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University were included in the study. Among them, there were 15 males with 15 eyes, average age was 51.80±10.72 years; there were 42 females with 42 eyes, average age was 59.14±11.51 years. There were 21 eyes of 21 cases with highly myopic macular hole with macular detachment (MHMD), and 36 eyes in 36 cases with highly myopic foveoschisis with macular detachment (FSMD), and they were grouped accordingly. All patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and axial length (AL) measurements. The standard logarithmic visual acuity chart was used for BCVA examination, which was converted into logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity during statistics. All patients underwent MB, either on its own or combined with vitrectomy. Patients with significant vitreous macular traction on OCT were treated with combined surgery. One, 3, 6 months and 1, 2, 3, and 4 years after the operation, the same equipment and methods before the operation were used to conduct related examinations, and the long-term efficacy and safety of the two groups of eyes were observed.Results:Before surgery, the logMAR BCVA of eyes in MHMD group and FSMD group were 1.35±0.47 and 1.17±0.59, respectively; 4 years after surgery, they were 1.02±0.49 and 0.73±0.55, respectively. The BCVA improved significantly at postoperative 4 years than preoperative in both groups ( P=0.039, 0.001). In the eyes with MHMD, the BCVA was found to be significant improved 3 years after surgery ( P=0.042). Whereas, in the eyes with FSMD, the BCVA was found to be significantly improved 3 months after surgery ( P=0.013). Macular reattachment was achieved in 100% of cases, while macular hole closure rate was achieved in 66.7% in the MHMD group. In the FSMD group, either macular reattachment rate or the foveoschisis resolution rate was 97.2%. After surgery, choroidal neovascularization was observed in 2 eyes, and 3 eyes with intraretinal cyst. Conclusion:MB may represent a safe and effective surgical option for the treatment of high myopia maculopathy.

Objective:To explore the prolonged therapeutic regimen for patients with plaque psoriasis, who showed a positive response to 4-week treatment with tazarotene/betamethasone dipropionate cream, but were not completely cured.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, open-labelled, parallel-controlled clinical study was conducted. A total of 232 patients with plaque psoriasis were collected, who showed a positive response to previous 4-week treatment with 0.05%/0.05% tazarotene/betamethasone dipropionate cream, but were not completely cured with the psoriasis area and severity index[PASI] improvement rate being 50%-90%. At week 5, they were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups: test group receiving treatment with 0.05%/0.05% tazarotene/betamethasone dipropionate cream once a day, and control group receiving a sequential regimen of 0.05% tazarotene gel on weekdays once a day followed by 0.05%/0.05% tazarotene/betamethasone dipropionate cream on weekends once a day. After 2-and 4-week prolonged treatment, the efficacy and safety of the 2 therapeutic regimens were evaluated and compared. Measurement data were compared between 2 groups by using covariance analysis or t test, and enumeration data were compared by using chi-square test. Results:From the 5th to the 8th week, 200 out of the 232 patients completed the treatment. Data collected from 110 patients in the test group and 112 in the control group were enrolled into the full analysis set, and those from both 113 patients in the test group and control group were enrolled into safety analysis set. After consecutive 6-and 8-week treatment, the decline rates of the PASI score were 73.05% ± 16.69% and 78.46% ± 15.40% respectively in the test group, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (66.73% ± 21.77%, 67.02% ± 34.19%, respectively, both P < 0.05) . After 6-week treatment, the proportion of subjects who achieved PASI90 was significantly higher in the test group (14 cases, 12.7%) than in the control group (5 cases, 4.5%, χ2=4.842, P=0.028) ; After 8-week treatment, the proportions of subjects who achieved PASI75 and PASI90 (61.8%, 23.6%, respectively) were significantly higher in the test group than in the control group (48.2%, 12.5%, respectively, both P < 0.05) . During the consecutive 8-week treatment, there was no significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the test group (15.0%) and control group (23.9%, χ2=2.822, P=0.093) . Conclusion:For patients who showed a positive response to 4-week treatment with 0.05%/0.05% tazarotene/betamethasone dipropionate cream, but were not completely cured, the continuous use of 0.05%/0.05% tazarotene/betamethasone dipropionate cream for 4 weeks is a superior therapeutic regimen compared with the sequential regimen of 0.05% tazarotene gel followed by 0.05%/0.05% tazarotene/betamethasone dipropionate cream.