Objective: To propose an improved method for constructing the internal quality control (IQC) framework for ELISA assays and validate its efficacy by statistically analyzing IQC data from nine blood center laboratories. Methods: 1) IQC data was collected from nine blood centers and analyzed using a domestic HBsAg ELISA detection kit as an example. 2) Differences between IQC values across batches within Blood Center 1 were assessed. 3) Statistical analyses were performed on batch usage, number of batches used, days of use, number of QC points, batch-specific means, and coefficients of variation (CV) across all nine centers. 4) Using the improved construction method for IQC framework, provisional and permanent frames were established for batches within Blood Center 1 and Blood Center 9, followed by outlier determination. Results: 1) Statistically significant differences were observed in IQC data between batches within Blood Center 1 (P<0.01). It is recommended that both the control material/reagents and the control chart framework be replaced simultaneously. 2) There were substantial differences among 9 blood centers regarding the control material/reagent lot numbers used, the number of QC runs per batch, and the QC values for identical lots. Therefore, individual laboratories should establish their own IQC chart frameworks. 3) The improved IQC framework construction method for ELISA assays is as follows: provisional frames are established via frame-shifting, using the pre-experimental mean and cumulative coefficient of variation (CV) from the preceding batch. For batches used >20 days with >20 QC points, permanent frames are constructed by aggregating in-control data accumulated over ≥20 days with ≥20 points to calculate cumulative mean and standard deviation. The provisional and permanent frames constructed by this method identified all 26 extreme outliers across Blood Centers 1 and 9 as out-of-control. Among the 218 general outliers, 10 were classified as normal by the provisional frames, while the remainder were designated as warnings or out-of-control. This method effectively monitors assay stability. Conclusion: Based on the statistical analysis of IQC practices across blood centers of varying scales, combined with the inherent characteristics of ELISA assays and the batch-to-batch instability of reagents/QC materials, it is recommended to reconstruct QC charts upon lot changes. The proposed method—utilizing frame-shifting for provisional frames and establishing permanent frames based on cumulative data—is applicable to blood center laboratories of differing sizes and effectively monitors the stability of the ELISA assay process.

AIM:To investigate the protective ef-fect of osthole(Ost)on APAP-induced liver injury in mice and its molecular mechanism.METHODS:We established the APAP-induced liver injury model in mice,and Ost was used to intervene.The expres-sion of AST,ALT,SOD,ROS,MDA,LDH,GSH-PX in mice plasma were detected by biochemical meth-od.HE staining was used to observe the changes of liver tissue structure.Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of Tif1γ and Smad4 in liver tissue.The mRNA expression of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,Smad4,and Tif1γ were detected by qRT-PCR.Western blot was applied to assess the protein expression of Smad2/3 and pSmad2/3 in liver tissue.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the liver structure destruction and hepato-cyte death was increased,ALT,AST,ROS,MDA and LDH were increased,while SOD and GSH-PX were decreased,and the mRNA expressions of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were increased in the model group.Compared with the model group,the Ost interven-tion group had improved liver structure and de-creased liver cell death;decreased ALT,AST,ROS,MDA and LDH,increased SOD and GSH-PX,and de-creased expression of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA.Compared with the control group,liver tissues of model mice showed increased expression of pS-mad2/3,Smad4 protein and Smad4 mRNA,and de-creased Tif1γ protein and mRNA.Compared with the model group,the liver tissues of the Ost inter-vention group showed decreased expression of pS-mad2/3,Smad4 protein and Smad4 mRNA,and in-creased expression of Tif1γ protein and mRNA.CONCLUSION:Ost can improve liver function,re-duce oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction,and protect hepatocyte damage induced by APAP in mice,which may be related to the up-regulation of Tif1γ and inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are two chronic inflammatory skin diseases with distinct immune mechanisms, primarily driven by Th2-type inflammation and Th1/Th17 pathways, respectively. However, some patients may simultaneously or sequentially exhibit overlapping phenotypes of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis (psoriasis-atopic dermatitis overlap, PAO), characterized by the coexistence of scaly erythema and eczematous lesions. Currently, the nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, and pathogenesis of PAO remain unclear, and its incidence is increasing due to the widespread use of targeted therapies. The diagnosis of PAO requires an integrated assessment of clinical features, histopathological findings, and biomarker profiles, while treatment necessitates a balance between immune modulation and individualized strategies. This article summarizes the characteristic manifestations of and genetic-immune interactions involved in PAO based on clinical practice, and explores diagnostic challenges and therapeutic options to address this complex and increasingly prominent clinical issue.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics between patients with psoriasis-atopic dermatitis overlap (PAO) and those with psoriasis vulgaris (PSO), and to enhance the understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of this overlap phenotype.Methods:A retrospective exploratory study was conducted on clinical data from patients who were diagnosed with PAO or PSO at the Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University between January 2018 and June 2025. Clinical characteristics, laboratory examination results, comorbidities, and treatment regimens were compared between the two groups. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test; for non-normally distributed measurement data, intergroup comparisons were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results:A total of 103 PSO patients and 13 PAO patients were included. Patients in the PAO group were older than those in the PSO group ( M [ Q1, Q3]:63.00 [54.00, 71.50] years vs. 50.00 [38.00, 61.00] years; Z = 2.75, P = 0.006]. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of gender distribution, body mass index, disease duration, personal or family history of atopic diseases (all P > 0.05). Skin lesions involved the whole body in both PAO and PSO groups, with the trunk and limbs being commonly affected sites, and no significant difference in the lesion distribution was observed ( P > 0.05). Compared with the PSO group, the PAO group had fewer plaque lesions (5/13 [38.5%] vs. 70/103 [68.0%]), but more eczematous changes such as erosions and exudation, as well as scratches and crusts due to pruritus (all P < 0.05). Laboratory tests revealed that the PAO group showed increased peripheral blood neutrophil counts, eosinophil counts, serum IgE levels, eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (ELRs), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) compared with the PSO group (all P < 0.05) ; moreover, the proportions of patients with elevated eosinophil counts (5/13 [38.5%] vs. 8/103 [7.8%], P < 0.001) and those with elevated serum IgE levels (10/13 [76.9%] vs. 39/103 [37.9%], P = 0.014) were significantly higher in the PAO group than in the PSO group. Compared with the PSO group, the PAO group had a higher overall comorbidity rate (11/13 [84.6%] vs. 52/103 [50.5%], P = 0.035), including a higher prevalence of hypertension. Regarding topical treatments, no significant differences were found in the use frequency of topical glucocorticoids (96 [93.2%] vs. 11 [84.6%]) or vitamin D3 analogs between the two groups (both P > 0.05) ; for systemic treatments, immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine (4/13 [30.8%] vs. 2/103 [1.9%], P = 0.001) and Tripterygium wilfordii (4/13 [30.8%] vs. 7/103 [6.8%], P = 0.021) were more commonly used in the PAO group compared with the PSO group; for targeted therapies, the PSO group received interleukin (IL) -17A inhibitors (13 cases, 12.6%), IL-23 inhibitors (4 cases, 3.9%), or tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (5 cases, 4.9%), while the PAO group received Janus kinase inhibitors (2 cases, 15.4%) or an IL-23 inhibitor (1 case, 7.7%) . Conclusions:PAO exhibited characteristics of both PSO and atopic dermatitis, with distinct differences in skin manifestations, laboratory findings, and treatment approaches compared with PSO. Topical glucocorticoids were the primary topical treatment for PAO, while systemic treatment was centered on immunosuppressants, highlighting the need for personalized treatment strategies.

Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are two chronic inflammatory skin diseases with distinct immune mechanisms, primarily driven by Th2-type inflammation and Th1/Th17 pathways, respectively. However, some patients may simultaneously or sequentially exhibit overlapping phenotypes of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis (psoriasis-atopic dermatitis overlap, PAO), characterized by the coexistence of scaly erythema and eczematous lesions. Currently, the nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, and pathogenesis of PAO remain unclear, and its incidence is increasing due to the widespread use of targeted therapies. The diagnosis of PAO requires an integrated assessment of clinical features, histopathological findings, and biomarker profiles, while treatment necessitates a balance between immune modulation and individualized strategies. This article summarizes the characteristic manifestations of and genetic-immune interactions involved in PAO based on clinical practice, and explores diagnostic challenges and therapeutic options to address this complex and increasingly prominent clinical issue.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics between patients with psoriasis-atopic dermatitis overlap (PAO) and those with psoriasis vulgaris (PSO), and to enhance the understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of this overlap phenotype.Methods:A retrospective exploratory study was conducted on clinical data from patients who were diagnosed with PAO or PSO at the Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University between January 2018 and June 2025. Clinical characteristics, laboratory examination results, comorbidities, and treatment regimens were compared between the two groups. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test; for non-normally distributed measurement data, intergroup comparisons were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results:A total of 103 PSO patients and 13 PAO patients were included. Patients in the PAO group were older than those in the PSO group ( M [ Q1, Q3]:63.00 [54.00, 71.50] years vs. 50.00 [38.00, 61.00] years; Z = 2.75, P = 0.006]. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of gender distribution, body mass index, disease duration, personal or family history of atopic diseases (all P > 0.05). Skin lesions involved the whole body in both PAO and PSO groups, with the trunk and limbs being commonly affected sites, and no significant difference in the lesion distribution was observed ( P > 0.05). Compared with the PSO group, the PAO group had fewer plaque lesions (5/13 [38.5%] vs. 70/103 [68.0%]), but more eczematous changes such as erosions and exudation, as well as scratches and crusts due to pruritus (all P < 0.05). Laboratory tests revealed that the PAO group showed increased peripheral blood neutrophil counts, eosinophil counts, serum IgE levels, eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (ELRs), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) compared with the PSO group (all P < 0.05) ; moreover, the proportions of patients with elevated eosinophil counts (5/13 [38.5%] vs. 8/103 [7.8%], P < 0.001) and those with elevated serum IgE levels (10/13 [76.9%] vs. 39/103 [37.9%], P = 0.014) were significantly higher in the PAO group than in the PSO group. Compared with the PSO group, the PAO group had a higher overall comorbidity rate (11/13 [84.6%] vs. 52/103 [50.5%], P = 0.035), including a higher prevalence of hypertension. Regarding topical treatments, no significant differences were found in the use frequency of topical glucocorticoids (96 [93.2%] vs. 11 [84.6%]) or vitamin D3 analogs between the two groups (both P > 0.05) ; for systemic treatments, immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine (4/13 [30.8%] vs. 2/103 [1.9%], P = 0.001) and Tripterygium wilfordii (4/13 [30.8%] vs. 7/103 [6.8%], P = 0.021) were more commonly used in the PAO group compared with the PSO group; for targeted therapies, the PSO group received interleukin (IL) -17A inhibitors (13 cases, 12.6%), IL-23 inhibitors (4 cases, 3.9%), or tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (5 cases, 4.9%), while the PAO group received Janus kinase inhibitors (2 cases, 15.4%) or an IL-23 inhibitor (1 case, 7.7%) . Conclusions:PAO exhibited characteristics of both PSO and atopic dermatitis, with distinct differences in skin manifestations, laboratory findings, and treatment approaches compared with PSO. Topical glucocorticoids were the primary topical treatment for PAO, while systemic treatment was centered on immunosuppressants, highlighting the need for personalized treatment strategies.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and cytokines expression characteristics in infants with mild and severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.Methods:From May 2023 to December 2023, plasma samples and clinical information were collected from 16 infants with RSV infection and 14 control infants. Cytek Aurora flow cytometry (Cytek, America) and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the expression levels of 25 cytokines after mild and severe RSV infection.Results:Cough and nasal obstruction were the main clinical manifestations in infants with mild RSV infection, accompanied by polypnea, wheezing and other symptoms. The main symptoms of severe RSV infection were cough and rales, accompanied by fever and polypnea. In comparison with the control group, the expression levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-13, IL-22, TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-β, MIP-1β, I-TAC, ENA-78, GROα, Eotaxin, and MCP-1 in the RSV infection group all exhibited an upregulation trend. Both IP-10 and MIP-3α demonstrated a downward trend in the RSV infection group; however, there was no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05). The levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, and IL-8 in the RSV infection group were significantly higher than those in the control group, whereas the levels of MIG, TARC, and RANTES in the RSV infection group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-22, IFN-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-8, I-TAC, MIP-1β, Eotaxin, and MCP-1 in the mild RSV infection group were significantly higher than those in the severe RSV infection group ( P>0.05). Among these, the levels of MIG, RANTES, TARC, MIP-3α, and ENA-78 in the mild infection group were all lower than those in the severe infection group. The expressions of ENA-78 and MIP-1α in the severe infection group were significantly higher than those in the mild infection group and also higher than those in the control group. There was no significant difference in IP-10 and GROα between the mild and severe RSV infection groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The differences in clinical features and cytokines between infants with mild and severe RSV infection provide important data support for the prevention and treatment of RSV infection in infants.

Objective:To analyze the treatment outcome and its related factors of rifampicin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (RR-PTB) patients in Shaanxi Province from 2017 to 2022.Methods:Through the "Drug-resistant Cases" in the "Surveillance Report Management" subsystem of the "China Disease Control and Prevention System", the RR-PTB patients registered from January 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2022 in Shaanxi Province were collected.A cross-sectional study was used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics, history of anti-tuberculosis treatment, medication status, and treatment outcomes and prognosis of the patients was performed. The trend analysis was conducted by trend chi-square test. Chi-square test was used for statistical comparison. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze factors influencing the treatment outcome of RR-PTB patients.Results:From 2017 to 2022, a total of 2 582 cases of RR-PTB were registered in Shaanxi Province. Epidemiological characteristics showed that the male registration incidence (1.55/100 000) was higher than that of females (0.61/100 000), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=473.04, P<0.001). The population was mainly young and middle-aged (38.88%(1 004/2 582)) and farmers (66.50%(1 717/2 582)). The highest registered incidence was in Southern Shaanxi (1.71/100 000). A total of 1 567 cases were successfully treated, with a successful treatment rate of 60.69%. The successful treatment rate of RR-PTB patients increased from 58.17%(121/208) in 2017 to 66.41%(174/262) in 2022, which showed an overall upward trend with statistically significant (trend χ2=62.84, P<0.001). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male (odds ratio ( OR)=1.838, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.392 to 2.427, P<0.001), 45 to 64 years old ( OR=2.119, 95% CI 1.361 to 3.300, P=0.001), ≥65 years old ( OR=5.070, 95% CI 3.016 to 8.521, P<0.001), living the Northern Shaanxi ( OR=1.639, 95% CI 1.087 to 2.471, P=0.018), retreatment ( OR=1.646, 95% CI 1.264 to 2.144, P<0.001), with cross-regional mobility ( OR=1.821, 95% CI 1.403 to 2.363, P<0.001), cumulative months of medication <6 months ( OR=55.310, 95% CI 40.267 to 75.974, P<0.001), family member or self-medication management ( OR=2.176, 95% CI 1.527 to 3.100, P<0.001) were risk factors for successful treatment of RR-PTB patients. Conclusions:The successful treatment rate of RR-PTB patients in Shaanxi Province has shown an upward trend.Male, age ≥45 years, living in the Northern Shaanxi, retreatment, cross-regional mobility, cumulative months of medication <6 months, family or self-medication management are risk factors for treatment outcome of RR-PTB patients.Treatment management, the supervision and propaganda education should be strengthened to further reduce the risk of adverse treatment outcomes.

BACKGROUND:Adolescent lumbar disc herniation is the main cause of low back pain in adolescents. At present,most of them are treated by conservativetreatment. When long-term non-surgical treatment attempts,surgery may be necessary to prevent further injury when the patient's symptoms are notsufficiently relieved or when the patient has symptoms of single nerve paralysis or compression of the cauda equina,it is very important to choose a suitable interbody fusion device for the surgical treatment of the patients.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of minimally invasive interbody fusion with different heights on lumbar biomechanics in patients with adolescent lumbar disc herniation.METHODS:CT scans of a 17-year-old male patient with adolescent lumbar disc herniation (L4-5 segment herniation) were collected. After the three-dimensional reconstruction of MIMICS,the interbody fusion device equal to and 3 mm higher than the intervertebral space was selected for analysis,so two expandablemixed material interbody fusion devices were designed and reconstructed. Fusion device L:11 mm high front,9 mm high posterior,9 mm wide,28 mmlong,and fusion device H:14 mm high front,11 mm high posterior,11 mm wide,28 mm long and the lumbar fusion device was modeled. The fusion deviceand lumbar spine model were optimized,inversely modeled,and then imported into ABAQUS,and finally the 3D model of lumbar fusion was obtained.The physiological activities of the human body were simulated,such as lumbar extension,forward bending,right bending,and left bending,to obtain thecorresponding stress contours. The biomechanical characteristics of the L4-5 vertebra under seven different working conditions were observed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The maximum stress of the two kinds of fuses was in the condition of forward bending and backward extension,the stress value of H fuses was (18.27±3.80) Mpa and (15.02±3.24) Mpa;the stress value of L fuses was (9.16±0.05) Mpa and (9.17±1.83) Mpa. The stress values of the end plate of the H-fusion in the extension station were (19.11±4.03) Mpa and (16.32±3.72) Mpa respectively. The stress values of the L-fusion end plate were (9.13±0.01) Mpa and (4.92±1.01) Mpa respectively. (2) The stress of H-type fusing end plate was higher than that of L-type fusing end plate except for L-5 end plate at neutral position (P<0.05). (3) Choosing an interbody fusion device with a height of more than 3 mm in the same intervertebral space has a more stable biomechanics.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and incidence trends of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in children aged 0-14 years in Shaanxi Province from 2010 to 2024, so as to provide a reference for optimizing child TB prevention and control strategies. Methods: Data on pulmonary TB cases in children aged 0-14 years and demographic information in Shaanxi Province from 2010 to 2024 were collected from Surveillance and Reporting Management System with Disease Prevention and Control Information Management System under the National Health Security Informatization Project Disease Prevention and Control Information System. A Joinpoint regression model was established to analyze the temporal, spatial, and population distribution trends of child pulmonary TB incidence. Results: A total of 2 954 cases of pulmonary TB in children aged 0-14 years were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2010 to 2024, accounting for 0.97% of all TB cases in the general population. The average annual reported incidence rate in children was 3.32 per 100 000. Among these cases, 804 were pathogenetically positive, showing a increasing trend ( χ 2 trend =420.94, P < 0.01 ). The overall reported incidence rate of pulmonary TB in children aged 0-14 years in Shaanxi Province showed a decreasing trend, dropping from 5.35 per 100 000 in 2010 to 2.41 per 100 000 in 2024. Joinpoint regression analysis identified three distinct phases for the reported incidence rate of TB:a rapid decline from 2010 to 2013 (APC=-20.02%, 95% CI = -33.64% to -10.42%), a slight increase from 2013 to 2017 (APC=11.18%, 95% CI =3.07%-24.17%) and a slight decline again from 2017 to 2024 (APC= -7.27 %, 95% CI =-12.73% to -4.30%) (all P <0.01). Among children aged 0-14 years, the age group with the highest average annual reported incidence rate was 10-14 years (8.02 per 100 000), followed by 5-9 years (1.44 per 100 000), and 0-4 years had the lowest rate (0.95 per 100 000). The difference in reported incidence rates among the three age groups was statistically significant ( χ 2= 51.91, P <0.01). The average annual reported incidence rate of TB was 3.25 per 100 000 in boys and 3.39 per 100 000 in girls, with no statistically significant difference ( χ 2=2.01, P >0.05). There was no obvious periodic variation in the annual case reporting. Among all cities in Shaanxi Province, Ankang City had the highest average annual reported incidence rate (5.16 per 100 000). Conclusions From 2010 to 2024, the reported incidence rate of pulmonary TB in children aged 0-14 years in Shaanxi Province showed an overall decreasing trend. However, it is still necessary to strengthen active surveillance, implement targeted measures in high incidence areas such as Ankang City, and maintain continuous attention to child TB prevention and control.