Distribution and survival of pathogens from different waste components and bioaerosol traceability analysis in household garbage room.

Household garbage rooms release abundant bioaerosols and are an important source of pathogens; however, information on the distribution and survival patterns of pathogens in different waste components is limited. In this study, a culture method and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing were used to determine bacterial communities, culturable pathogens, and human bacterial pathogens (HBPs). The results showed that abundant culturable bacteria were detected in all waste types, and a large number of S. aureus was detected on the surface of recyclable wastes, whereas S. aureus, total coliforms, Salmonella, Enterococcus, and hemolytic bacteria were detected in food waste and other waste. The activities of these detected pathogenic bacteria decreased after 24 h of storage but re-activated within one week. Factors affecting the emergence of pathogens varied with different waste components. Sequencing results showed that Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Burkholderia were abundant in the waste samples, whereas Achromobacter, Exiguobacteriums, Bordetella, and Corynebacterium were the primary pathogens in the bioaerosol and wall attachment. The results of traceability analysis showed that bioaerosol microbes were mainly derived from raw kitchen waste (5.98%) and plastic and paper contaminated with food waste (19.93%) in garbage rooms. In addition, bioaerosols were the main source of microflora in the wall attachment, which possessed high HBP diversity and required more attention. These findings will help in understanding the microbial hazards in different waste components and provide guidance for the control and risk reduction of bioaerosols during waste management and recycling.

Construction of a novel near-infrared fluorescent Nile blue@MOF nanoprobe for imaging mitochondrial ATP in living cells.

A near-infrared fluorescent nanoprobe consisting of Nile blue-capped ZIF-90 is first proposed for real-time imaging of mitochondrial ATP. Owing to the strong binding of ATP with Zn2+, the structure of the probe is disrupted, leading to the release of fluorescent NB.

MOF-mediated dual energy transfer nanoprobe integrated with exonuclease III amplification strategy for highly sensitive detection of DNA.

Accurate quantitative detection of DNA is an advanced strategy in various fields (such as disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring), but the classical DNA detection method usually suffers from low sensitivity, expensive thermal cyclers, or strict annealing conditions. Herein, a MOF-ERA platform for ultrasensitive HBV-DNA detection is constructed by integrating metal-organic framework (MOF)-mediated double energy transfer nanoprobe with exonuclease III (Exo III)-assisted target recycling amplification. The proposed double energy transfer containing a donor and two receptors is simply composed of MOFs (UiO-66-NH2, a well-studied MOF) modified with a signal probe formed by the hybridization of carboxyuorescein (FAM)-labeled DNA (FDNA) and black hole quencher (BHQ1)-terminated DNA (QDNA), resulting in low fluorescence signal. After the addition of HBV-DNA, Exo III degradation to FDNA is activated, leading to the liberation of the numerous FAM molecules, followed by the generation of a significant fluorescence signal owing to the negligible binding of MOFs with free FAM molecules. The results certify that the MOF-ERA platform can be successfully used to assay HBV-DNA in the range of 1.0-25.0 nM with a detection limit of 97.2 pM, which is lower than that without BHQ1 or Exo III. The proposed method with the superiorities of low background signal and high selectivity holds promise for early disease diagnosis and clinical biomedicine applications.

FKBP3 aggravates the malignant phenotype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by PARK7-mediated activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signalling.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is difficult to treat due to the high recurrence rate and therapy intolerance, so finding potential therapeutic targets for DLBCL is critical. FK506-binding protein 3 (FKBP3) contributes to the progression of various cancers and is highly expressed in DLBCL, but the role of FKBP3 in DLBCL and its mechanism are not clear. Our study demonstrated that FKBP3 aggravated the proliferation and stemness of DLBCL cells, and tumour growth in a xenograft mouse model. The interaction between FKBP3 and parkinsonism associated deglycase (PARK7) in DB cells was found using co-immunoprecipitation assay. Knockdown of FKBP3 enhanced the degradation of PARK7 through increasing its ubiquitination modification. Forkhead Box O3 (FOXO3) belongs to the forkhead family of transcription factors and inhibits DLBCL, but the underlying mechanism has not been reported. We found that FOXO3 bound the promoter of FKBP3 and then suppressed its transcription, eventually weakening DLBCL. Mechanically, FKBP3 activated Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway mediated by PARK7. Together, FKBP3 increased PARK7 and then facilitated the malignant phenotype of DLBCL through activating Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. These results indicated that FKBP3 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of DLBCL.

CircSFMBT2 Plays an Oncogenic Role in Lung Adenocarcinoma Depending on the miR-1305/SALL4 Axis.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exhibit significant functions in diverse malignant tumors, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of circRNA scm like with four mbt domains 2 (circSFMBT2) in LUAD. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot assay or immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was performed for quantification of circSFMBT2, microRNA-1305 (miR-1305), spalt like transcription factor 4 (SALL4), proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) or Ki-67. 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis were applied to analyze cell proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis, respectively. Mouse xenograft model was established to explore the function of circSFMBT2. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to estimate the relationship between miR-1305 and circSFMBT2 or SALL4. CircSFMBT2 was upregulated in LUAD and related to advanced TNM stage and poor prognosis. CircSFMBT2 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, metastasis, glycolysis and induced apoptosis in LUAD cells in vitro as well as tumor formation in vivo. CircSFMBT2 directly targeted miR-1305, and miR-1305 inhibition reversed circSFMBT2 knockdown-mediated inhibitory effects on LUAD malignant behaviors. SALL4 was the target gene of miR-1305. MiR-1305 overexpression repressed the malignant phenotypes of LUAD cells, while SALL4 enhancement abated the effects. CircSFMBT2 aggravated the progression of LUAD by the miR-1305/SALL4 axis, which might provide a diagnostic and prognostic marker for LUAD.

Piebaldism with café-au-lait macules resulting from a novel mutation of KIT gene in a three-generation Chinese family.

BACKGROUND: Piebaldism is a rare, autosomal dominant, and congenital pigmentary disorder characterized by stable depigmentation of the skin and white forelock. Mutations in KIT or SLUG genes result in piebaldism. Most individuals with piebaldism have a family history of the disorder. METHODS: In this paper, we report a case of piebaldism with café-au-lait macules resulting from a novel mutation of KIT gene c.1982C > T (p.Thr661Ile) in a three-generation Chinese family. The whole-exome sequencing, mitochondrial gene 3000X, and bioinformatics tools were used to identify the mutation in this new-found pedigree. In addition, we searched the databases of "Punmed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, CMJD, WANFANG MED ONLINE", reviewed 88 cases of piebaldism caused by KIT gene mutation, and summarized the relationship between clinical phenotype and genotype of piebaldism through logistic regression and other statistical methods. RESULTS: The proband and her affected mother carried a heterozygous c.1982C > T missense mutation (p.Thr661Ile) on KIT gene. Bioinformatics analysis hinted that it had potential pathogenicity. The data showed that piebaldism patients with cafè-au-lait macules had KIT mutations almost located in the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain and were mostly related to the severe clinical phenotype of piebaldism. CONCLUSION: The new heterozygous c.1982C > T missense mutation on KIT caused piebaldism with café-au-lait macules in this Chinese family. This study provides a new reference index for clinicians to judge the severity of clinical phenotypes of piebaldism, broadens the understanding of the correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes of piebaldism, and provides reference of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for affected families.

DNA tetrahedron-mediated triplex molecular switch for extracellular pH monitoring.

This study aimed to construct a novel DNA triplex molecular switch modified with DNA tetrahedron (DTMS-DT) with sensitive response to extracellular pH using a DNA tetrahedron as the anchoring unit and DNA triplex as the response unit. The results showed that the DTMS-DT had desirable pH sensitivity, excellent reversibility, outstanding anti-interference ability, and good biocompatibility. Confocal laser scanning microscopy suggested that the DTMS-DT could not only be stably anchored on the cell membrane but also be employed to dynamically monitor the change in extracellular pH. Compared with the reported probes for extracellular pH monitoring, the designed DNA tetrahedron-mediated triplex molecular switch exhibited higher cell surface stability and brought the pH-responsive unit closer to the cell membrane surface, making the results more reliable. In general, developing the DNA tetrahedron-based DNA triplex molecular switch is helpful for understanding and illustrating the pH dependent cell behaviors and disease diagnostics.

Ras interacting protein 1 facilitated proliferation and invasion of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells.

A GTPase binding protein, Ras interacting protein 1 (RASIP1), has been reported with a tumor-promoting role in lung cancer cells, and its role in lymphoma remains unknown. The analysis of medical databank shows that RASIP1 is upregulated in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) specimens. In this article, we demonstrated that RASIP1 is highly expressed in DLBCL cell lines, compared with primary B cells. The gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to investigate the effects of RASIP1 on DLBCL cells. CCK-8, flow cytometry, western blot, and transwell assays demonstrated that silence of RASIP1 inhibited proliferation, cell cycle transition, and invasion and induced significant apoptosis in DLBCL cells, and ectopic expression of RASIP1 played opposite roles. Xenograft results revealed that RASIP1 facilitated the growth of DLBCL cells in vivo. These findings suggest that RASIP1 may be required for malignancy of DLBCL cells. In addition, we also found that the expression of RASIP1 was negatively regulated by forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), which has been reported to suppress the proliferation of DLBCL cells. Our results indicate that FOXO3 is bound to the promoter sequence of RASIP1 and inhibits its transcription. The suppressive effects of FOXO3 on proliferation and invasion of DLBCL cells were neutralized by RASIP1. In conclusion, we demonstrate that FOXO3 negatively regulated RASIP1 facilitates growth and invasion of DLBCL cells, provides novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for DLBCL in clinic.

Sugemalimab Monotherapy for Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma (GEMSTONE-201): Results From a Single-Arm, Multicenter, Phase II Study.

PURPOSE: Relapsed or refractory extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (R/R ENKTL) is a rare and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with limited treatment options. This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of sugemalimab, an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, in R/R ENKTL. METHODS: Eligible patients received sugemalimab 1,200 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks for up to 24 months or until progression, death, or study withdrawal. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) assessed by an independent radiologic review committee. Key secondary end points included ORR assessed by the investigators, complete response rate, duration of response, and safety. RESULTS: At the data cutoff (February 23, 2022), 80 patients were enrolled and followed for a median of 18.7 months. At baseline, 54 (67.5%) had stage IV disease and 39 (48.8%) had received ≥2 lines of prior systemic therapy. Independent radiologic review committee-assessed ORR was 44.9% (95% CI, 33.6 to 56.6); 28 (35.9%) patients achieved a complete response and seven (9.0%) achieved a partial response, with a 12-month duration of response rate of 82.5% (95% CI, 62.0 to 92.6). Investigator-assessed ORR was 45.6% (95% CI, 34.3 to 57.2), and 24 (30.4%) patients achieved a complete response. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were grade 1-2 in severity, and grade ≥ 3 events were reported in 32 (40.0%) patients. CONCLUSION: Sugemalimab showed robust and durable antitumor activity in R/R ENKTL. Treatment was well tolerated with expected safety profile for this drug class.

Nanomechanical Signatures of Extracellular Vesicles from Hematologic Cancer Patients Unraveled by Atomic Force Microscopy for Liquid Biopsy.

Cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs) as the carriers for intercellular communications to regulate life activities. Particularly, it is increasingly apparent that mechanical forces play an essential role in biological systems. The nanomechanical properties of EVs and their dynamics in cancer development are still not fully understood. Herein, with the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM), the nanomechanical signatures of EVs from the liquid biopsies of hematologic cancer patients were unraveled. Single native EVs were probed by AFM under aqueous conditions. The elastic and viscous properties of EVs were measured and visualized to correlate EV mechanics with EV geometry. Experimental results remarkably reveal the significant differences in EV mechanics among multiple myeloma patients, lymphoma patients, and healthy volunteers. The study unveils the unique nanomechanical signatures of EVs in hematologic cancers, which will benefit the studies of liquid biopsies for cancer diagnosis and prognosis with translational significance.

Promoting effects of calponin 3 on the growth of diffuse large B­cell lymphoma cells.

Diffuse large B­cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most common types of lymphoma. Calponin 3 (CNN3) is a thin filament­associated protein previously known to regulate smooth muscle contraction. Recent evidence illustrates its involvement in carcinogenesis; however, its roles in DLBCL remain unknown. CNN3 was found to be highly expressed in DLBCL specimens according to the online Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis data. The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles of CNN3 in the progression of DLBCL. In vitro, the ectopic expression of CNN3 promoted the proliferation and G1/S transition of DLBCL cells, while its silencing led to opposite alterations. A similar tumor­promoting role of CNN3 was also demonstrated by injecting nude mice with DLBCL cells over­ or underexpressing CNN3. The results of dual­luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), a known tumor suppressor in DLBCL, bound to the CNN3 promoter at ­1955/­1948 and ­1190/­1183, and suppressed the transcription of CNN3. The alterations induced by FOXO3 were partly blocked by CNN3 overexpression. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that CNN3, whose transcriptional activity is negatively regulated by FOXO3, contributes to the malignant behavior of DLBCL cells. The findings of the present study may provide novel diagnostic or therapeutic insight for DLBCL in clinical practice.

LncRNA SNHG5 can Regulate the Proliferation and Migration of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Progression via Targeting miR-181-5p/XIAP.

Background: It has been verified that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may participate in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. This study aims to investigate the roles of lncRNA SNHG5 in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBC), especially the impacts of lncRNA SNHG5 on proliferation and migration of human diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells and the related mechanism. Methods: qRT-PCR analysis was carried out to examine the expression pattern of SNHG5 in DLBC tissue and adjacent normal tissue. The effect of SNHG5 on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of DLBC cells was detected by MTT, flow cytometry analysis, wound healing assay and transwell assay. The correlation between SNHG5, miR-181-5p and XIAP were certified by bioinformatics analysis, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, rescue assays were performed to analyze the effects of SNHG5-miR-181-5p-XIAP axis on the biological behaviors of diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells. Finally, the effects of SNHG5 axis on the growth of DLBC tumor was examined by in vivo analysis. Results: SNHG5 was significantly upregulated in diffuse large B cell lymphoma tissues. Knockdown of SNHG5 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells in vitro and in vivo. LncRNA SNHG5 acted as a ceRNA through binding with miR-181-5p in DLBC cells. Conclusion: LncRNA SNHG5 may promote proliferation and migration of diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells via targeting miR-181-5p/XIAP.

Medical expenditure for lung cancer in China: a multicenter, hospital-based retrospective survey.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the most prevalent cancer, and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in China. The aim of this study was to estimate the direct medical expenditure incurred for lung cancer care and analyze the trend therein for the period 2002-2011 using nationally representative data in China METHODS: This study was based on 10-year, multicenter retrospective expenditure data collected from hospital records, covering 15,437 lung cancer patients from 13 provinces diagnosed during the period 2002-2011. All expenditure data were adjusted to 2011 to eliminate the effects of inflation using China's annual consumer price index. RESULTS: The direct medical expenditure for lung cancer care (in 2011) was 39,015 CNY (US$6,041) per case, with an annual growth rate of 7.55% from 2002 to 2011. Drug costs were the highest proportionally in the total medical expenditure (54.27%), followed by treatment expenditure (14.32%) and surgical expenditure (8.10%). Medical expenditures for the disease varied based on region, hospital level, type, and stage. CONCLUSION: The medical expenditure for lung cancer care is substantial in China. Drug costs and laboratory test are the main factors increasing medical costs.

A rapid reduction of Au(I→0) strategy for the colorimetric detection and discrimination of proteins.

A gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based sensing strategy based on rapid reduction of Au(I→0) is proposed. As a proof-of-concept study, the proposed sensing principle is designed for simultaneous and colorimetric detection and discrimination of multiple proteins. In the presence of H2O2, the target proteins could reduce Au(I) (i.e. HAuCl2) to AuNPs with different sizes, shapes and dispersion/aggregation states, thus resulting in rapidly colorimetric identification of different proteins. The optical response (i.e. color) of AuNPs is found to be characteristic of a given protein. The color response patterns are characteristic for each protein and can be quantitatively differentiated by statistical techniques. The sensor array is capable of discriminating proteins at concentrations as low as 0.1 µg/mL with high accuracy. A linear relationship was observed between the total Euclidean distances and protein concentration, providing the potential for protein quantification using this sensor array. The limit of detection (LOD) for catalase (Cat) is 0.08 µg/mL. The good linear range (from 0 to 8 µg/mL) has been used for the quantitative assay of Cat. To show a potentially practical application, this method was used to detect and discriminate proteins in human urine and tear samples. Graphical abstract We report a facile gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based sensing strategy, that is, "a rapid reduction of Au(I) to Au(0) nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes by analytes that having certain reducing capabilities, resulting in different colours." The proposed sensing principle is designed for simultaneous, colorimetric detection and discrimination of multiple proteins.

IFN-γ+ IL-17+ Th17 cells regulate fibrosis through secreting IL-21 in systemic scleroderma.

This study aimed to explore the function of IFN-γ+ IL-17+ Th17 cells on fibrosis in systemic scleroderma (SSc). Blood and skin samples were collected from 20 SSc cases and 10 healthy individuals. The percentage of IFN-γ+ IL-17+ Th17 cells was detected using flow cytometry. The in vitro induction of IFN-γ+ IL-17+ Th17 cells was performed adopting PHA and rIL-12. Gene expression was detected via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), whereas western blot analysis was adopted for protein analysis. The distribution of IFN-γ+ IL-17+ Th17 cells was significantly increased in SSc cases and positively correlated with SSc stages (P = .031), disease duration (P = .016), activity (P = .025) and skin scores (P < .001). In vitro, IFN-γ+ IL-17+ Th17 cells could promote the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1, revealing increased fibroblasts' proliferation and enhanced collagen-secreting capacity. In addition, IL-21 expression was significantly increased in co-culture medium of IFN-γ+ IL-17+ Th17 cells and fibroblasts (P < .001). IL-21 neutralizer treatment resulted in the down-regulation of α-SMA and COL1A1. IL-21 was confirmed as an effector of IFN-γ+ IL-17+ Th17 cells in fibrosis process. The distribution of IFN-γ+ IL-17+ Th17 cells was significantly increased in SSc cases and positively correlated with disease activity. IFN-γ+ IL-17+ Th17 cells could promote fibroblast proliferation and enhance collagen-secreting ability via producing IL-21, thus contributing to fibrosis in SSc.

Anti-Ro52 antibody is an independent risk factor for interstitial lung disease in dermatomyositis.

AIM: Recent studies have shown that anti-Ro52 antibody is associated with both interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the degree of disease severity in juvenile patients with dermatomyositis (DM). We found that more than half of adult patients with DM were positive for anti-Ro52 antibody. In this study, we analysed the correlation between anti-Ro52 antibody and ILD in adult patients with DM. METHOD: Serum samples were collected from 153 adult inpatients with DM, at the First Medical Centre of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China, who met the classification criteria of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies from March 1, 2016 to September 30, 2019. The patients were followed up to May 31, 2020. Immunoblotting was used to detect 16 types of myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAAs) from serum samples. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was used to calculate the ILD score, and tumours were screened. Clinical data and HRCT scores were evaluated and analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: Our results showed that anti-Ro52 antibodies were the most commonly found antibodies in patients with DM, with a positive rate of 52.9%. Anti-Ro52, anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (anti-ARS), and anti-melanoma differentiation-related gene 5 (anti-MDA5) antibodies were found to be risk factors for ILD development. Anti-Ro52 antibodies had a strong predictive effect on ILD in patients with DM. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of ILD is highly likely in patients with DM who are positive for the anti-Ro52 antibodies. Thus, anti-Ro52 antibodies is an independent risk factor for ILD in patients with DM.

Health-related quality of life in patients with esophageal cancer or precancerous lesions assessed by EQ-5D: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to obtain a set of health state utility scores of patients with esophageal cancer (EC) and precancerous lesions in China, and to explore the influencing factors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: A hospital-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. From 2013 to 2014, patients with EC or precancerous lesions were enrolled. HRQoL was assessed using a European quality of life-5 dimension (EQ-5D-3L) instrument. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to explore the influencing factors of the EQ-5D utility scores. RESULTS: A total of 2090 EC patients and 156 precancer patients were included in the study. The dimension of pain/discomfort had the highest rate of self-reported problems, 60.5% in EC and 51.3% in precancer patients. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) score for EC and precancer patients were 68.4 ± 0.7 and 64.5 ± 3.1, respectively. The EQ-5D utility scores for EC and precancer patients were estimated as 0.748 ± 0.009 and 0.852 ± 0.022, and the scores of EC at stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV were 0.693 ± 0.031, 0.747 ± 0.014, 0.762 ± 0.015, and 0.750 ± 0.023, respectively. According to the multivariable analyses, the factors of region, occupation, household income in 2012, health care insurance type, pathological type, type of therapy, and time points of the survey were statistically associated with the EQ-5D utility scores of EC patients. CONCLUSIONS: There were remarkable decrements of utility scores among esophageal cancer patients, compared with precancer patients. The specific utility scores of EC would support further cost-utility analysis in populations in China.

A molecular recognition-activatable DNA nanofirecracker enables signal-enhanced imaging in living cells.

We propose an aptamer-tethered DNA nanofirecracker probe that realizes molecular recognition-activatable disassembly of the DNA nanostructure for imaging of target molecules in living cells. The design principle offers a new paradigm to develop nucleic acid nanocircuits for live-cell study and manipulation.

Efficacy and Influence Factors of 308-nm Excimer Lamp with Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by T cell-mediated attack on the hair follicle. Although there are a wide range of therapies, the majority of them are not satisfactory due to side effects or limited efficacy. In this study, we sought to evaluate the efficacy, influence factors, and safety of 308-nm excimer lamp with minoxidil in the treatment of AA. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, single-blinded, self-control study, using 308-nm excimer lamp with minoxidil for the treatment of AA. One selected alopecia lesion was divided into the control and treated side. Topical minoxidil (2% solution) was used on both sides, but 308-nm excimer lamp was only added to the treated side. The primary endpoint was the discrepancy of hair growth on each side. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients (24 males and 14 females) with AA were enrolled in this study, and 34 of them (21 males and 13 females) completed the whole treatment. Thirty-two (94.2%) patients achieved clinical response, and 21 (44.1%) patients achieved with >50% hair regrowth on the treated side after a 12-week treatment. The hair number and diameter on the treated side had significantly increased compared with the control side with statistical differences. Hyperpigmentation and erythema occurred on the treated side of all the patients but they were considered tolerable. Patients of younger age or with smaller area of lesion had better effect. CONCLUSIONS: The 308-nm excimer lamp with minoxidil therapy can be considered as an effective and safe treatment for single or multiple AA. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.