Cpne1 deficiency preserves sperm motility under Ca2+ channel blockade.

Calcium ions (Ca2+) play crucial roles in sperm motility and fertilization. The copine (CPNE) family comprises several Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins. Of these, CPNE1 is extensively expressed in mammalian tissues; however, its precise role in testicular development and spermatogenesis is yet to be fully characterized. In this study, we used proteomics to analyze testicular biopsies and found that levels of CPNE1 were significantly reduced in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (defective spermatogenesis) compared to those in patients with obstructive azoospermia (physiological spermatogenesis). In mice, CPNE1 is expressed at various stages of germ cell development and is associated with the Golgi apparatus. Ultimately, CPNE1 is expressed in the flagella of mature sperms. To further examine the role of CPNE1, we developed a Cpne1 knockout mouse model. Analysis showed that the loss of Cpne1 did not impair testicular development, spermatogenesis, or sperm morphology and motility in physiological conditions. When treated with gadolinium (III) chloride or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, known inhibitors of store-operated Ca2+ entry, Ca2+ signals and sperm motility were significantly compromised in wild-type mice; however, both mechanisms were conserved in KO mice. These results suggested that CPNE1 is dispensable for testicular development, spermatogenesis or sperm motility in physiological conditions. In addition, CPNE1 may represent a target of Ca2+ channel inhibitors and may therefore be implicated in the regulation of Ca2+ signaling and sperm motility.

Effect of Atorvastatin combined with Irbesartan in the treatment of early diabetic nephropathy.

Objective: To explore the effect of Atorvastatin combined with Irbesartan in the treatment of early diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods: Clinical data from 153 patients with early DN, admitted to Huzhou Central Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022, was retrospectively selected. Patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment they received: patients received Irbesartan treatment alone were assigned to Irbesartan group (n=74); patients received Irbesartan combined with Atorvastatin were assigned to combined group (n=79). Levels of renal function indicators, renal fibrosis indicators, micro inflammatory status indicators, and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups before and after the treatment. Results: After the treatment, indicators of renal function, renal fibrosis and micro-inflammation in both groups significantly decreased compared to pretreatment levels (P<0.05), and were significantly lower in the combined group compared to Irbesartan group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with Irbesartan alone, Atorvastatin combined with Irbesartan is more effective in the treatment of early DN. Combined treatment regimen is able to effectively reduces the micro-inflammatory state, improve renal function and fibrosis, and is not associated with the increased risk of adverse reactions.

Stochastic Stabilization of Dual-Layer Rumor Propagation Model with Multiple Channels and Rumor-Detection Mechanism.

With the development of information technology, individuals are able to receive rumor information through various channels and subsequently act based on their own perceptions. The significance of the disparity between media and individual cognition in the propagation of rumors cannot be underestimated. In this paper, we establish a dual-layer rumor propagation model considering the differences in individual cognition to study the propagation behavior of rumors in multiple channels. Firstly, we obtain the threshold for rumor disappearance or persistence by solving the equilibrium points and their stability. The threshold is related to the number of media outlets and the number of rumor debunkers. Moreover, we have innovatively designed a class of non-periodic intermittent noise stabilization methods to suppress rumor propagation. This method can effectively control rumor propagation based on a flexible control scheme, and we provide specific expressions for the control intensity. Finally, we have validated the accuracy of the theoretical proofs through experimental simulations.

Association of thyroid function abnormality and prognosis in non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors.

Background: Thyroid function abnormality (TFA) is one of the most common toxicities in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, the risk factors related to TFA and the relationship between TFA and prognosis in NSCLC are not fully clarified. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated with PD-1 inhibitors in Huzhou Central Hospital. Thyroid function test was carried out using electrochemiluminescent bridging immunoassay. The association between TFA and clinical outcome was investigated. Results: A total of 273 patients were included in this study. Patients who experienced TFA had longer progression-free survival (21.9 vs 6.4 months; p < 0.001) and overall survival (44.6 vs 24.1 months; p = 0.02) than patients without TFA. After multivariate analysis, TFA was an independent prognostic factor for progression-free and overall survival (p < 0.05). Conclusion: TFA is associated with better outcome in NSCLC patients who receive immunotherapy.

Many patients with non-small-cell lung cancer are treated with immunotherapy, a type of treatment that uses the body's natural immune system to fight diseases. We conducted a retrospective study of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients who were treated with PD-1 inhibitors (a type of immunotherapy) in Huzhou Central Hospital. Thyroid function abnormality (TFA) is one of the common toxicities in patients receiving PD-1 inhibitors. Our study showed that patients who experienced TFA have longer survival times compared with patients without TFA (overall survival, 44.6 vs 24.1 months; p = 0.02). TFA could be an effective predictor of outcome in non-small-cell lung cancer cases being treated with immunotherapy.

A Novel Epidemic Model Base on Pulse Charging in Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks.

As wireless rechargeable sensor networks (WRSNs) are gradually being widely accepted and recognized, the security issues of WRSNs have also become the focus of research discussion. In the existing WRSNs research, few people introduced the idea of pulse charging. Taking into account the utilization rate of nodes' energy, this paper proposes a novel pulse infectious disease model (SIALS-P), which is composed of susceptible, infected, anti-malware and low-energy susceptible states under pulse charging, to deal with the security issues of WRSNs. In each periodic pulse point, some parts of low energy states (LS nodes, LI nodes) will be converted into the normal energy states (S nodes, I nodes) to control the number of susceptible nodes and infected nodes. This paper first analyzes the local stability of the SIALS-P model by Floquet theory. Then, a suitable comparison system is given by comparing theorem to analyze the stability of malware-free T-period solution and the persistence of malware transmission. Additionally, the optimal control of the proposed model is analyzed. Finally, the comparative simulation analysis regarding the proposed model, the non-charging model and the continuous charging model is given, and the effects of parameters on the basic reproduction number of the three models are shown. Meanwhile, the sensitivity of each parameter and the optimal control theory is further verified.

Bioinformatic investigation for candidate genes and molecular mechanism in the pathogenesis of membranous nephropathy.

AIM: We aimed to explore the detailed molecular mechanism of immune-associated genes in membranous nephropathy (MN). METHODS: A microarray data set (GSE133288) was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) in MN vs control groups were identified, and MN-related DEMs (MN-DEMs) were further verified and screened using the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) database. The publicly available database, InnateDB was used to investigate immune genes, and the overlapped genes between MN-DEMs and the immune genes were considered as MN-related immune genes (iDEMs). A protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed based on these iDEMs, followed by function and pathway enrichment analysis. Finally, microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with iDEMs were predicted, followed by a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA (competing endogenous RNAs, ceRNA) network construction. RESULTS: A total of 327 DEMs and 48 iDEMs were revealed; a PPI network was constructed with 100 PPI pairs and 37 iDEMs. iDEMs including JUN and FOS were mainly enriched in pathways such as osteoclast differentiation and function including response to immobilization stress, respectively. Based on mRNA-associated miRNA and lncRNA prediction, 30 ceRNA interactions including KCNQ1OT1-miR-204-5p-SRY-Box Transcription Factor 4 (SOX4) were explored. CONCLUSION: mRNAs including FOS and JUN might participate in MN development via response to immobilization stress function and the osteoclast differentiation pathway. The mRNA SOX4 might contribute to MN progression via sponging KCNQ1OT1-miR-204-5p interaction.

Subthreshold Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation Using Endpoint Management Algorithm for Severe Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Paired Controlled Pilot Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report the efficacy and safety profile of subthreshold pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) using endpoint management (EPM) algorithm compared with conventional threshold PASCAL PRP for the treatment of severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center, paired randomized controlled trial of 56 eyes of 28 participants with bilateral symmetric severe NPDR. One eye of the participant was randomly assigned to receive the subthreshold EPM PRP, while the other eye of the same participant received the threshold PASCAL PRP. The primary outcome measures included the difference in the 1-year risk of progression to PDR between 2 groups, and mean changes of the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity (VA). The second outcome measures included central foveal thickness (CFT), 1-year risk of progression to PDR, and visual field (VF) parameters. RESULTS: The subthreshold EPM PRP group and the threshold PASCAL PRP group had similar 1-year risk of progression to PDR during the 12-month follow-up visits (17.86 vs. 14.29%, p > 0.05). Slightly decreased VA was found in both groups (0.08 vs. 0.09 logMAR VA); however, no statistical difference was found for neither group (p > 0.05). Similar results were found for thickened CFT for both groups (23.59 vs. 28.34 µm, p > 0.05). Specifically, although substantial loss of VF was found in the threshold PASCAL PRP group (p < 0.05), no obvious damage to VF was seen in the subthreshold EPM PRP group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The subthreshold EPM PRP is noninferior to the conventional threshold PASCAL PRP in the treatment of severe NPDR during 12-month follow-up and could be an alternative treatment option for patients with severe NPDR.

Circular RNA circ_0000043 promotes endometrial carcinoma progression by regulating miR-1271-5p/CTNND1 axis.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in a variety of biological processes, including tumorigenesis. However, the exact role and molecular mechanisms of circ_0000043 in endometrial carcinoma (EC) remain largely unknown. METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was carried out to determine the expression levels of circ_0000043, microRNA-1271-5p (miR-1271-5p) and catenin delta 1 (CTNND1). 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry were used to measure cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution, respectively. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by transwell assay. Western blot assay was performed to examine the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and CTNND1. The interaction between miR-1271-5p and circ_0000043 or CTNND1 was predicted by starBase and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The mice xenograft model was established to investigate the role of circ_0000043 in vivo. RESULTS: Circ_0000043 and CTNND1 were highly expressed and miR-1271-5p was lowly expressed in EC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ_0000043 inhibited the progression of EC by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tumor growth (in vivo) and promoting apoptosis. MiR-1271-5p was a direct target of circ_0000043 and its inhibition reversed the inhibitory effect of circ_0000043 knockdown on the progression of EC cells. In addition, CTNND1 was a downstream target of miR-1271-5p, and miR-1271-5p overexpression inhibited EC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis by targeting CTNND1. Moreover, circ_0000043 positively regulated CTNND1 expression by sponging miR-1271-5p. CONCLUSION: Circ_0000043 knockdown inhibited the progression of EC by regulating miR-1271-5p/CTNND1 axis, which might provide a promising circRNA-targeted therapy for EC.

Epidemic Analysis of Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks Based on an Attack-Defense Game Model.

Energy constraint hinders the popularization and development of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). As an emerging technology equipped with rechargeable batteries, wireless rechargeable sensor networks (WRSNs) are being widely accepted and recognized. In this paper, we research the security issues in WRSNs which need to be addressed urgently. After considering the charging process, the activating anti-malware program process, and the launching malicious attack process in the modeling, the susceptible-infected-anti-malware-low-energy-susceptible (SIALS) model is proposed. Through the method of epidemic dynamics, this paper analyzes the local and global stabilities of the SIALS model. Besides, this paper introduces a five-tuple attack-defense game model to further study the dynamic relationship between malware and WRSNs. By introducing a cost function and constructing a Hamiltonian function, the optimal strategies for malware and WRSNs are obtained based on the Pontryagin Maximum Principle. Furthermore, the simulation results show the validation of the proposed theories and reveal the influence of parameters on the infection. In detail, the Forward-Backward Sweep method is applied to solve the issues of convergence of co-state variables at terminal moment.

Dynamic changes and correlation analysis of outer retinal microstructure in macular area of central serous chorioretinopathy patients during restoration period.

PURPOSE: To investigate the dynamic changes and possible affecting variables of outer retinal microstructure in macular area of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. The data of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and autofluoroscopy (AF) of 36 CSC patients admitted to our hospital from February 2012 to February 2013 were included. Dynamic variations and possible correlated variables of central retinal thickness (CRT), subretinal fluid diameter (SRFD), ellipsoid zone (EZ), interdigitation zone (IZ) and/or hyperautofluorescent spot (HAS) were analyzed. RESULTS: The outer retinal microstructure was gradually restored along with the subretinal fluid absorption during the follow-up. EZ in 94.4% (34/36) and the IZ in 100% (36/36) eyes were completely disappeared at baseline and restored (completed or incomplete) in 88.9% (8/9) and 44.4% (4/9) eyes, respectively, after 6-month follow-up. HAS was evident in 25% eyes (8/32 eyes) at baseline, and the density was initially increased and then declined during follow-up. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the restoration of EZ and IZ was correlated with the restoration period and subretinal fluid absorption. CONCLUSION: The outer retinal microstructure was restored during the subretinal fluid absorption in CSC patients, with EZ restored earlier than IZ. The restoration period and the absorption of subretinal fluid were two closely correlated variables of macular microstructure restoration.

Anatomical and functional responses in eyes with diabetic macular edema treated with "1 + PRN" ranibizumab: one-year outcomes in population of mainland China.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the anatomical and functional responses in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with ranibizumab under "1 + pro re nata (PRN)" regimen. METHODS: This prospective interventional case series included 69 eyes of 69 patients with DME treated with intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab followed by repeated injections as needed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and predictive factors for final visual outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA improved from 0.64 ± 0.23 at baseline to 0.56 ± 0.27, 0.53 ± 0.26, 0.47 ± 0.25, 0.44 ± 0.32, 0.47 ± 0.26 and 0.46 ± 0.26 at time-point of months 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12, respectively (P < 0.05 for any follow-up time-point except month 1). CFT decreased from 478.23 ± 172.31 µm at baseline to 349.74 ± 82.21 µm, 313.52 ± 69.62 µm, 292.59 ± 61.07 µm, 284.67 ± 69.85 µm, 268.33 ± 43.03 µm, and 270.39 ± 49.27 µm at above time-points, respectively (P < 0.05). The number of injections was 6.83 times over 12 months' follow-up under "1 + PRN" regimen. Multivariate analysis showed that the factors including age, BCVA at baseline, disruption of ellipsoid zone, posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), and vitreomacular traction (VMT) were correlated with the final BCVA. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injections of ranibizumab under "1 + PRN" regimen is a not only effective but also safe way to improve visual acuity of DME patients. And older age, lower baseline BCVA, VMT, and disruption of ellipsoid zone are predictors for final poor BCVA while PVD is a positive predictive factor for good final BCVA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered retrospectively in ClinicalTrials.gov on 2 June 2019 (NCT03973138).

Effectiveness and Safety of Intravitreal Injection of Conbercept as an Initial Treatment for Exudative Circumscribed Choroidal Hemangioma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC) as the initial treatment for exudative circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH). METHODS: Forty-two eyes of 42 patients received 3 monthly IVC (0.5 mg/0.05 mL) as the initial treatment. Three months later, the patients were assessed for further treatment including observation, reinjection of conbercept, laser photocoagulation (if the lesion was 3,000 µm away from the macular fovea), or photodynamic therapy (PDT; if the lesion was under the macular fovea). Anatomical and functional responses including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and tumor size were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (54.76%) were sensitive to the monotherapy of IVC. Fourteen patients (33.33%) were insensitive to IVC and underwent rescue laser photocoagulation, and 5 patients (11.90%) underwent rescue PDT due to insensitivity to IVC treatment at 3 months. For subgroup analysis, although no statistical difference was found for BCVA at any follow-up time point compared to baseline, an increasing tendency of BCVA was found in the IVC group (p> 0.05). The mean CFT decreased significantly from 427.13 ± 214.74 µm at baseline to 259.83 ± 61.68 µm at 6 months in the IVC group (p< 0.05). No influence on tumor size was found in the IVC group. CONCLUSION: IVC as the initial treatment might be an option for exudative CCH.

A Novel Epidemic Model for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Network Security.

With the development of wireless rechargeable sensor networks (WRSNs ), security issues of WRSNs have attracted more attention from scholars around the world. In this paper, a novel epidemic model, SILS(Susceptible, Infected, Low-energy, Susceptible), considering the removal, charging and reinfection process of WRSNs is proposed. Subsequently, the local and global stabilities of disease-free and epidemic equilibrium points are analyzed and simulated after obtaining the basic reproductive number R0. Detailedly, the simulations further reveal the unique characteristics of SILS when it tends to being stable, and the relationship between the charging rate and R0. Furthermore, the attack-defense game between malware and WRSNs is constructed and the optimal strategies of both players are obtained. Consequently, in the case of R0<1 and R0>1, the validity of the optimal strategies is verified by comparing with the non-optimal control group in the evolution of sensor nodes and accumulated cost.

Death Caused by Disseminated Herpes Zoster in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

We report a fatal case of disseminated herpes zoster in a patient with multiple myeloma, illustrating the severe risks immunocompromised individuals face from viral infections. By combining a detailed case report with an extensive literature review, the paper seeks to shed light on the underlying susceptibility factors for varicella-zoster virus infection in multiple myeloma patients. We further evaluate effective prophylactic protocols for herpes zoster, aiming to equip clinicians with improved therapeutic strategies. The case underscores the critical need for vigilant clinical assessments and tailored patient management to mitigate infection risks and enhance patient outcomes.

A randomized non-inferiority trial of 577nm subthreshold micropulse laser versus half-dose photodynamic therapy for acute central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of 577nm subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) with half-dose photodynamic therapy (Hd-PDT) for acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHOD: A non-inferiority clinical trial was performed with a non-inferiority margin of eight letters. Sixty-eight eyes of 68 patients with acute CSC were randomized to the Hd-PDT group or 577 nm SML group. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA ), the subretinal fluid (SRF), and the central foveal thickness (CFT) were evaluated at 6 months. RESULTS: The visual acuity significantly improved from 70.38 ± 10.37 at baseline to 83.24 ± 3.03 at 6 months after treatment in the SML group (P < 0.001), from 71.09 ± 10.50 to 84.35 ± 2.09 in the PDT group (P < 0.001). SML was non-inferior to the PDT (mean difference: -0.41, 95% CI: -5.51 - 4.68, P = 0.0021). At the endpoint, CFT was significantly reduced in the two groups, but no statistical difference (P = 0.7694). The complete resolution of SRF reached 82.35% (28/34) in the SML group and 91.18% (31/34) in the PDT group, respectively,but no statistical difference (P = 0.3724). CONCLUSIONS: SML was non-inferiority to half-dose PDT in improving the visual acuity for CSC, and it is a viable alternative, especially when the verteporfin in PDT is unavailable.

Association between hearing loss and physical performance in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: The correlation between hearing loss (HL) and physical performance in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) remains poorly investigated. This study explored the association between HL and physical performance in patients on MHD. METHODS: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2020 and April 2021 in seven hemodialysis centers in Shanghai and Suzhou, China. The hearing assessment was performed using pure-tone average (PTA). Physical performance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), handgrip strength, and gait speed. RESULTS: Finally, 838 adult patients (male, 516 [61.6%]; 61.2 ± 2.6 years) were enrolled. Among them, 423 (50.5%) had mild to profound HL (male, 48.6% and female, 53.4%). Patients with HL had poorer physical performance than patients without HL (p < 0.001). TUGT was positively correlated with PTA (r = 0.265, p < 0.001), while handgrip strength and gait speed were negatively correlated with PTA (r = -0.356, p < 0.001 and r = -0.342, p < 0.001, respectively). Physical performance in patients aged <60 years showed significant dose-response relationships with HL. After adjusting for confounders, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for HL across the TUGT quartiles (lowest to highest) were 1.00 (reference), 1.15 (0.73-1.81), 1.69 (1.07-2.70), and 2.87 (1.69-4.88) (p for trend = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Lower prevalence of HL was associated with a faster TUGT and a stronger handgrip strength in patients on MHD.

Non responsible vascular area hyperperfusion syndrome after mechanical thrombectomy for vertebral artery occlusion: A case report.

Introduction: There are currently no published reports of hyperperfusion syndrome in the non responsible vascular area after mechanical thrombectomy for acute cerebral infarction with large vessel occlusion. Here, we report a case of hyperperfusion syndrome in the blood supply area of the right middle cerebral artery after mechanical thrombectomy for acute cerebral infarction after vertebral artery occlusion. Patient concerns: A 21-year-old woman developed left vertebral artery occlusion, for which she received mechanical thrombectomy and successful recanalization of her occluded cerebral vessel. Subsequently, the patient became extremely agitated, with high blood pressure and headache. Diagnosis: Two hours after the operation, bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasound examination found that the cerebral blood flow velocity of the M1 segment of the right middle cerebral artery was more than twice that of the left middle cerebral artery. Combined with the symptoms, signs and examination results of the patient, hyperperfusion syndrome in the blood supply area of the right middle cerebral artery was considered. Interventions: The patient was administered sedation, and her pressure and ventricular rate were strictly controlled. She was no longer agitated, and her headache was significantly relieved at 36 hours after the operation. Outcomes: On the 5th day after the operation, the blood flow velocity of her right middle cerebral artery decreased to normal level, and the patient recovered well. Conclusion: In this case, after mechanical thrombectomy, such patients with acute posterior circulation cerebral infarction can experience hyperperfusion syndrome in the non responsible vascular area of the anterior circulation. Bedside transcranial Doppler cerebral blood flow examination can identify the hyperperfusion state of cerebral vessels in a timely manner and effectively guide treatment.

Artificial intelligence-assisted dermatology diagnosis: From unimodal to multimodal.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is progressively permeating medicine, notably in the realm of assisted diagnosis. However, the traditional unimodal AI models, reliant on large volumes of accurately labeled data and single data type usage, prove insufficient to assist dermatological diagnosis. Augmenting these models with text data from patient narratives, laboratory reports, and image data from skin lesions, dermoscopy, and pathologies could significantly enhance their diagnostic capacity. Large-scale pre-training multimodal models offer a promising solution, exploiting the burgeoning reservoir of clinical data and amalgamating various data types. This paper delves into unimodal models' methodologies, applications, and shortcomings while exploring how multimodal models can enhance accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, integrating cutting-edge technologies like federated learning and multi-party privacy computing with AI can substantially mitigate patient privacy concerns in dermatological datasets and further fosters a move towards high-precision self-diagnosis. Diagnostic systems underpinned by large-scale pre-training multimodal models can facilitate dermatology physicians in formulating effective diagnostic and treatment strategies and herald a transformative era in healthcare.

Successful Treatment of Recurrent Adult-Onset Still's Disease with Tocilizumab: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is considered a rare autoimmune inflammatory disorder with an unclear etiology and pathogenesis.The main clinical manifestations of this disease are high fever, joint pain, and transient skin lesions. Physical examination may reveal hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy, while laboratory tests show abnormalities such as elevated white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum ferritin (SF). The lack of specific diagnostic markers contributes to a relatively high rate of clinical misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses.In terms of treatment, glucocorticoids have always been the cornerstone medication, but some patients exhibit suboptimal responses to conventional drug therapy, making disease control challenging. However, as our understanding of the pathogenesis continues to grow, novel therapeutic approaches targeting various cytokines have been gradually identified. In this report, we present a case of successful treatment of recurrent AOSD with tocilizumab (TCZ), along with a concise review of innovative treatment strategies for AOSD based on literature retrieval.

Efficacy and safety of laser-related therapy for melasma: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a prevalent, persistent hyperpigmentation disorder that negatively affects the psychological health of patients. However, the treatment outcome remains unsatisfactory due to the complexity of pathogenesis, recurrence characteristics, and relatively high morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance of laser-related therapies in improving the melasma area severity index (MASI) score of melasma and the occurrence of adverse effects by network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: From the inception to November 2022, eligible randomized controlled trials were identified. Two investigators independently searched relevant studies from PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library database. RESULTS: A total of 39 clinical studies with 1394 participants were eligible for enrollment. For efficacy, the NMA demonstrated that Q-switched Nd: YAG laser + topical medications (QSND+TM) was superior to Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSND) [MD = -4.21 (-6.80, -1.63)], Er: YAG laser + topical medications (ERYL+TM) [MD = -3.52 (-6.84, -0.19)], and picosecond laser + topical medications (PICO+TM) [MD = -4.80 (-9.33, -0.27)]. The microneedling + topical medications (MN+TM) was superior to picosecond laser (PICO) [MD = -5.26 (-10.44, -0.08)] and topical medications (TM) [MD = -5.22 (-9.20, -1.23)]. The top five of the surface under the cumulative ranking curve value (SUCRA) are Q-switched Nd:YAG laser + topical medications (QSND+TM 85.9%), oral tranexamic acid (oTA 80.1%), microneedling + topical medications (MN+TM 79.7%), Q-switched Nd:YAG laser + intense pulse light (QSND+IPL 78.9%), and fractional carbon dioxide laser + topical medications (FCDL+TM 70.5%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the Qs-Nd:YAG laser with topical medications is the first choice for treating melasma according to the SUCRA value. Among the three treatment modalities, namely MN + TM, PICO, and TM, our recommendation favors MN+TM as the superior choice for enhancing the curative efficacy in melasma. However, the actual clinical choice should also take into account the adverse effects, the skin type of the patient, the duration of the disease, and other relevant factors.