Superior Li+ Kinetics by "Low-Activity-Solvent" Engineering for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries.

The structure of solvated Li+ has a significant influence on the electrolyte/electrode interphase (EEI) components and desolvation energy barrier, which are two key factors in determining the Li+ diffusion kinetics in lithium metal batteries. Herein, the "solvent activity" concept is proposed to quantitatively describe the correlation between the electrolyte elements and the structure of solvated Li+. Through fitting the correlation of the electrode potential and solvent concentration, we suggest a "low-activity-solvent" electrolyte (LASE) system for deriving a stable inorganic-rich EEI. Nano LiF particles, as a model, were used to capture free solvent molecules for the formation of a LASE system. This advanced LASE not only exhibits outstanding antidendrite growth behavior but also delivers an impressive performance in Li/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cells (a capacity of 169 mAh g-1 after 250 cycles at 0.5 C).

Lithium Atom Surface Diffusion and Delocalized Deposition Propelled by Atomic Metal Catalyst toward Ultrahigh-Capacity Dendrite-Free Lithium Anode.

Lithium metal anode possesses overwhelming capacity and low potential but suffers from dendrite growth and pulverization, causing short lifespan and low utilization. Here, a fundamental novel insight of using single-atomic catalyst (SAC) activators to boost lithium atom diffusion is proposed to realize delocalized deposition. By combining electronic microscopies, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, theoretical simulations, and electrochemical analyses, we have unambiguously depicted that the SACs serve as kinetic activators in propelling the surface spreading and lateral redistribution of the lithium atoms for achieving dendrite-free plating morphology. Under the impressive capacity of 20 mA h cm-2, the Li modified with SAC-activator exhibits a low overpotential of ∼50 mV at 5 mA cm-2, a long lifespan of 900 h, and high Coulombic efficiencies during 150 cycles, much better than most literature reports. The so-coupled lithium-sulfur full battery delivers high cycling and rate performances, showing great promise toward the next-generation lithium metal batteries.

Mechanisms of far-red light-mediated dampening of defense against Botrytis cinerea in tomato leaves.

Plants detect neighboring competitors through a decrease in the ratio between red and far-red light (R:FR). This decreased R:FR is perceived by phytochrome photoreceptors and triggers shade avoidance responses such as shoot elongation and upward leaf movement (hyponasty). In addition to promoting elongation growth, low R:FR perception enhances plant susceptibility to pathogens: the growth-defense tradeoff. Although increased susceptibility in low R:FR has been studied for over a decade, the associated timing of molecular events is still unknown. Here, we studied the chronology of FR-induced susceptibility events in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants pre-exposed to either white light (WL) or WL supplemented with FR light (WL+FR) prior to inoculation with the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea (B.c.). We monitored the leaf transcriptional changes over a 30-h time course upon infection and followed up with functional studies to identify mechanisms. We found that FR-induced susceptibility in tomato is linked to a general dampening of B.c.-responsive gene expression, and a delay in both pathogen recognition and jasmonic acid-mediated defense gene expression. In addition, we found that the supplemental FR-induced ethylene emissions affected plant immune responses under the WL+FR condition. This study improves our understanding of the growth-immunity tradeoff, while simultaneously providing leads to improve tomato resistance against pathogens in dense cropping systems.

A Metallic Ion-Induced Self-Assembly Enabling Nanowire-Based Aerogels.

The controlled assembly of nanowires is one of the key challenges in the development of a range of functional 3D aerogels with unique physicochemical properties for practical applications. However, the deep understanding of the dynamic assemble process for fabricating nanowire aerogels remains elusive. Herein, a facile strategy is presented for the metallic ion-induced assembly of nanowires into macroscopic aerogels via a solution-based process. This method enables the interconnecting between polymer-decorated nanowires via metallic coordination, resulting in plenty of nanowire bundles with the same orientation. Besides, the coordinated binding strength of nanowires with different metallic ions is also discussed. The assembly mechanism that the metallic ions induced dynamic behavior of nanowires is revealed via molecular dynamics theoretical evaluation. These findings benefit for constructing nanowire-based aerogels with unique structural features and multi-function, which pave new opportunities for other material systems.

Stereoselective Copper-Catalyzed Direct Aldol Reaction of ß, γ-Unsaturated α-Ketoesters with Coumaran-3-Ones.

An efficient direct aldol reaction between coumaran-3-ones and ß, γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters by virtue of a chiral copper complex is developed. A series of coumaran-3-one derivatives containing chiral tertiary alcohol structures are obtained in excellent yields and stereoselectivities.

Freestanding Carbon Nanotube Film for Flexible Straplike Lithium/Sulfur Batteries.

Flexible lithium/sulfur (Li/S) batteries are promising to meet the emerging power demand for flexible electronic devices. The key challenge for a flexible Li/S battery is to design a cathode with excellent electrochemical performance and mechanical flexibility. In this work, a flexible strap-like Li/S battery based on a S@carbon nanotube/Pt@carbon nanotube hybrid film cathode was designed. It delivers a specific capacity of 1145 mAh g-1 at the first cycle and retains a specific capacity of 822 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles. Moreover, the flexible Li/S battery retains stabile specific capacity and Coulombic efficiency even under severe bending conditions. As a demonstration of practical applications, an LED array is shown stably powered by the flexible Li/S battery under flattened and bent states. We also use the strap-like flexible Li/S battery as a real strap for a watch, which at the same time provides a reliable power supply to the watch.

Hierarchical chrysanthemum-flower-like carbon nanomaterials grown by chemical vapor deposition.

Novel hierarchical chrysanthemum-flower-like carbon nanomaterials (CFL-CNMs) were synthesized by thermal chemical vapor deposition based on acetylene decomposition. A scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope were employed to observe the morphology and structure of the unconventional nanostructures. It is found that the CFL-CNMs look like a blooming chrysanthemum with a stem rather than a spherical flower. The carbon flower has an average diameter of 5 µm, an average stem diameter of 150 nm, branch diameters ranging from 20 to 70 nm, and branch lengths ranging from 0.5 to 3 µm. The morphologies of the CFL-CNMs are unlike any of those previously reported. Fishbone-like carbon nanofibers with a spindle-shaped catalyst locating at the tip can also be found. Furthermore, the catalyst split was proposed to elucidate the formation mechanism of CFL-CNMs. A large and glomerate catalyst particle at the tip of the carbon nanofiber splits into smaller catalyst particles which are catalytic-active points for branch formation, resulting in the formation of CFL-CNMs.

Two-stage association study of mitochondrial DNA variants in allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Correlations between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and allergic rhinitis (AR) have not been reported before. This study aimed to better understand the mitochondrial genome profile with AR and to investigate the associations between AR in China and the mitochondrial genome at a single variant and gene level. METHODS: Mitochondrial sequencing was conducted on a total of 134 unrelated individual subjects (68 patients with AR, 66 healthy controls) at discovery stage. Heteroplasmy was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Sequence kernel association tests (SKAT) were conducted to study the association between mitochondrial genes and AR. Single-variant analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis and further validated in 120 subjects (69 patients with AR, 51 healthy controls). Candidate genes were further explored based on differences in mRNA and protein abundance in nasal mucosal tissue. RESULTS: In the discovery stage, 886 variants, including 836 SNV and 50 indels, were identified with mitochondrial sequencing. No statistically significant differences were identified for the mitochondrial heteroplasmy or SKAT analysis between these two groups after applying a Boferroni correction. One nonsynonymous variants, rs3135028 (MT8584.G/A) in ATP6, was related to a reduced risk of AR in both the discovery and validation cohorts. Furthermore, mRNA levels of MT-ATP6 in nasal mucosal tissue were significantly lower in AR individuals than in controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In a two-stage analysis of associations between AR and mtDNA variations, mitochondrial gene maps of Chinese patients with AR indicated that the ATP6 gene was probably associated with AR at the single-variant level.

Crosslink-Induced Conformation Change of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins Have a Nontrivial Effect on Phase Separation Dynamics and Thermodynamics.

Biomolecule condensates formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) play crucial roles within various cellular processes. Despite numerous theoretical and experimental discoveries, the general principle by which the protein conformation affects the propensity for LLPS remains poorly understood. Here, we systematically address this issue using a general coarse-grained model of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) with different degrees of intrachain crosslinks. We find that an increased conformation collapse due to higher intrachain crosslink ratio f enhances the thermodynamic stability of protein phase separation and found the critical temperature Tc has a good scaling law with the proteins' average radius of gyration Rg. Such correlation is robust regardless of interaction types and sequence patterns. Strikingly, the growth dynamics of the LLPS process, contrary to the thermodynamic observation, is generally more favored at proteins with extended conformation. Faster condensate growing speed is again observed for higher-f collapsed IDPs, resulting altogether in a nonmonotonic dynamics as a function of f. A phenomenological understanding of the phase behavior is provided by a mean-field model with an effective Flory interaction parameter χ, which is found to have a good scaling law with conformation expansion. Our study shed lights on the general mechanism for understanding and modulation of phase separation with different conformation profiles and may provide new evidence in reconciling the contradictions in thermodynamic- and dynamic-controlled experimental LLPS observations.

Adult localized Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare clonal proliferative disease of Langerhans cells with unknown pathogenesis. An increasing number of clinicians recognize that LCH has a wide clinical spectrum and a highly varied course. Adults rarely develop LCH. Here, we report a case of adult localized LCH. CASE SUMMARY: A 32-year-old woman presented with plaques and ulcers on the vulva and crissum, accompanied by pain that persisted for more than one year. Physical examination revealed a red-infiltrating plaque with ulcerations and exudates in the vulva and crissum. Pathological examination revealed a diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes, eosinophilic granulocytes, and histiocytoid cells in the superficial dermis. Proliferative histiocytoid cells showed mild atypia, partly with kidney-shaped nuclei. Immunohistochemical examination showed that the histiocytoid cells were positive for S100 protein and CD1 and weakly positive for CD68 (20% +), with a Ki-67 index of 30%. Laboratory tests did not reveal any other systemic damage. The patient was diagnosed with adult localized LCH and was prescribed oral prednisone (20 mg) once daily. The skin lesions gradually improved and are still being followed-up. CONCLUSION: Adult localized LCH is rare and must be differentiated from other common conditions.

Interfacial "Single-Atom-in-Defects" Catalysts Accelerating Li+ Desolvation Kinetics for Long-Lifespan Lithium-Metal Batteries.

The lithium-metal anode is a promising candidate for realizing high-energy-density batteries owing to its high capacity and low potential. However, several rate-limiting kinetic obstacles, such as the desolvation of Li+ solvation structure to liberate Li+ , Li0 nucleation, and atom diffusion, cause heterogeneous spatial Li-ion distribution and fractal plating morphology with dendrite formation, leading to low Coulombic efficiency and depressive electrochemical stability. Herein, differing from pore sieving effect or electrolyte engineering, atomic iron anchors to cation vacancy-rich Co1- x S embedded in 3D porous carbon (SAFe/CVRCS@3DPC) is proposed and demonstrated as catalytic kinetic promoters. Numerous free Li ions are electrocatalytically dissociated from the Li+ solvation complex structure for uniform lateral diffusion by reducing desolvation and diffusion barriers via SAFe/CVRCS@3DPC, realizing smooth dendrite-free Li morphologies, as comprehensively understood by combined in situ/ex situ characterizations. Encouraged by SAFe/CVRCS@3DPC catalytic promotor, the modified Li-metal anodes achieve smooth plating with a long lifespan (1600 h) and high Coulombic efficiency without any dendrite formation. Paired with the LiFePO4 cathode, the full cell (10.7 mg cm-2 ) stabilizes a capacity retention of 90.3% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C, signifying the feasibility of using interfacial catalysts for modulating Li behaviors toward practical applications.

Phase separation of EB1 guides microtubule plus-end dynamics.

In eukaryotes, end-binding (EB) proteins serve as a hub for orchestrating microtubule dynamics and are essential for cellular dynamics and organelle movements. EB proteins modulate structural transitions at growing microtubule ends by recognizing and promoting an intermediate state generated during GTP hydrolysis. However, the molecular mechanisms and physiochemical properties of the EB1 interaction network remain elusive. Here we show that EB1 formed molecular condensates through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to constitute the microtubule plus-end machinery. EB1 LLPS is driven by multivalent interactions among different segments, which are modulated by charged residues in the linker region. Phase-separated EB1 provided a compartment for enriching tubulin dimers and other plus-end tracking proteins. Real-time imaging of chromosome segregation in HeLa cells expressing LLPS-deficient EB1 mutants revealed the importance of EB1 LLPS dynamics in mitotic chromosome movements. These findings demonstrate that EB1 forms a distinct physical and biochemical membraneless-organelle via multivalent interactions that guide microtubule dynamics.

Theoretical modelling of liquid-liquid phase separation: from particle-based to field-based simulation.

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has proved to be ubiquitous in living cells, forming membraneless organelles (MLOs) and dynamic condensations essential in physiological processes. However, some underlying mechanisms remain challenging to unravel experimentally, making theoretical modeling an indispensable aspect. Here we present a protocol for understanding LLPS from fundamental physics to detailed modeling procedures. The protocol involves a comprehensive physical picture on selecting suitable theoretical approaches, as well as how and what to interpret and resolve from the results. On the particle-based level, we elaborate on coarse-grained simulation procedures from building up models, identifying crucial interactions to running simulations to obtain phase diagrams and other concerned properties. We also outline field-based theories which give the system's density profile to determine phase diagrams and provide dynamic properties by studying the time evolution of density field, enabling us to characterize LLPS systems with larger time and length scales and to further include other nonequilibrium factors such as chemical reactions.

Tailoring Electrolyte Solvation for LiF-Rich Solid Electrolyte Interphase toward a Stable Li Anode.

A solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with robust mechanical property and high ionic conductivity is imperative for high-performance lithium metal batteries since it can efficiently impede the growth of notorious lithium dendrites. However, it is difficult to form such a SEI directly from an electrolyte. In this work, a crowding dilutant modified ionic liquid electrolyte (M-ILE) has been developed for this purpose. Simulations and experiments indicate that the 1,2-difluorobenzene (1,2-dfBen) dilutant not only creates a crowded electrolyte environment to promote the interaction of Li+-FSI-, leading to abundant aggregate ion pairs (AGGs), but also participates in the reduction to construct a robust and high ionic-conductive SEI. With this M-ILE, Li/LiFePO4 cells achieve a capacity retention of 96% over 250 cycles with 9.5 mg cm-2 mass loading, and Li/LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cells also deliver a discharge capacity of 132 mAh g-1 with a high retention of 88% after 100 cycles. Therefore, the use of a crowding diluent is considered to be an efficient way to construct an advanced SEI for a Li anode.

Tuning 4f-Center Electron Structure by Schottky Defects for Catalyzing Li Diffusion to Achieve Long-Term Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Battery.

Lithium metal is considered as the most prospective electrode for next-generation energy storage systems due to high capacity and the lowest potential. However, uncontrollable spatial growth of lithium dendrites and the crack of solid electrolyte interphase still hinder its application. Herein, Schottky defects are motivated to tune the 4f-center electronic structures of catalysts to provide active sites to accelerate Li transport kinetics. As experimentally and theoretically confirmed, the electronic density is redistributed and affected by the Schottky defects, offering numerous active catalytic centers with stronger ion diffusion capability to guide the horizontal lithium deposition against dendrite growth. Consequently, the Li electrode with artificial electronic-modulation layer remarkably decreases the barriers of desolvation, nucleation, and diffusion, extends the dendrite-free plating lifespan up to 1200 h, and improves reversible Coulombic efficiency. With a simultaneous catalytic effect on the conversions of sulfur species at the cathodic side, the integrated Li-S full battery exhibits superior rate performance of 653 mA h g-1 at 5 C, high long-life capacity retention of 81.4% at 3 C, and a high energy density of 2264 W h kg-1 based on sulfur in a pouch cell, showing the promising potential toward high-safety and long-cycling lithium metal batteries.

Toward Dendrite-Free Metallic Lithium Anodes: From Structural Design to Optimal Electrochemical Diffusion Kinetics.

Lithium metal anodes are ideal for realizing high-energy-density batteries owing to their advantages, namely high capacity and low reduction potentials. However, the utilization of lithium anodes is restricted by the detrimental lithium dendrite formation, repeated formation and fracturing of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and large volume expansion, resulting in severe "dead lithium" and subsequent short circuiting. Currently, the researches are principally focused on inhibition of dendrite formation toward extending and maintaining battery lifespans. Herein, we summarize the strategies employed in interfacial engineering and current-collector host designs as well as the emerging electrochemical catalytic methods for evolving-accelerating-ameliorating lithium ion/atom diffusion processes. First, strategies based on the fabrication of robust SEIs are reviewed from the aspects of compositional constituents including inorganic, organic, and hybrid SEI layers derived from electrolyte additives or artificial pretreatments. Second, the summary and discussion are presented for metallic and carbon-based three-dimensional current collectors serving as lithium hosts, including their functionality in decreasing local deposition current density and the effect of introducing lithiophilic sites. Third, we assess the recent advances in exploring alloy compounds and atomic metal catalysts to accelerate the lateral lithium ion/atom diffusion kinetics to average the spatial lithium distribution for smooth plating. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of metallic lithium anodes are presented, providing insights into the modulation of diffusion kinetics toward achieving dendrite-free lithium metal batteries.

Copy Number Variation in MUC5AC and Susceptibility to Allergic Rhinitis: A Low-Coverage Whole-Genome Sequencing and Validation Cohort Study.

Background: The contribution of genetic copy number variations (CNVs) to allergic rhinitis (AR) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify genetic CNVs related to AR in the Han Chinese population. Methods: A case/parent trio of patients of Han Chinese descent affected with AR was examined using low-coverage whole-genome sequencing. Select CNVs were also explored for AR association in a validation cohort of 696 diagnosed AR patients and 528 matched controls. AccuCopy™, a multiplex fluorescence competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, was used for genotyping of the CNV and was further validated with real-time PCR. Results: In the case/parent trio study, 67 CNVs were found in the Database of Genomic Variants and shared by patients within the family; 7 of these CNVs had a frequency higher than 0.05. A duplication at 11P15.5 was found involving three mucin-encoding genes (MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC5B) previously identified as candidate genes for asthma and other chronic inflammatory upper airway diseases. In the validation cohort, no CNVs for MUC2 or MUC5B were identified. However, in the case group, 36.21% of individuals had a duplication of MUC5AC, and 28.03% of controls had MUC5AC duplication (χ2 = 9.123; p = 0.0025). The association of MUC5AC copy number with AR was significant in a multivariable logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age and sex (Padj = 0.0010; OR = 2.073; 95% CI, 1.625-2.805). Real-time PCR validation confirmed duplication of MUC5AC, and the CNV genotype detected with the AccuCopy assay was validated for 58 (96.67%) individuals. Furthermore, individuals with a high MUC5AC copy number showed enhanced total blood eosinophil counts in both the total sample group and the case group (Spearman's ρ: 0.162, p < 0.001; Spearman's ρ: 0.240, p < 0.001). Conclusions: MUC5AC copy number is associated with AR susceptibility. Additional validation and functional studies are warranted to elucidate the effect of MUC5AC CNV on gene expression and AR risk.

Efficacy and safety of fire needle therapy for blood stasis syndrome of plaque psoriasis: protocol for a randomized, single-blind, multicenter clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Fire needle therapy is a characteristic treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). An increasing number of studies have indicated that fire needle treatment for psoriasis provides satisfactory results with few side effects and a low recurrence rate. We herein describe the protocol for a multicenter, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial that will provide high-quality evidence on the efficacy and safety of fire needle therapy for plaque psoriasis. METHODS: Ninety-two patients with blood stasis syndrome (BSS) of plaque psoriasis will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive fire needle therapy (intervention group) or fire needle control therapy (control group) once a week for 4 weeks. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score will serve as the major efficacy index, while the body surface area (BSA), Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, patient-reported quality of life (PRQoL), visual analog scale (VAS) score for itching, TCM symptom score, and relapse rate will be assessed as secondary outcomes. The PASI score, BSA, PGA score, and VAS score for itching will be evaluated at baseline and during the 4-week treatment and follow-up periods. DLQI score, PRQoL, and TCM symptom score will be assessed at baseline and during the treatment period. Recurrence will be evaluated during the follow-up period. Safety assessments include vital sign monitoring, routine blood tests, blood biochemistry, routine urine tests, pregnancy tests, physical examinations, and adverse-event recording. SAS software will be used for data analysis. The data network platform will be designed by the data management center of Nanjing Ningqi Medical Technology Co., Ltd. DISCUSSION: It is believed that fire needle therapy can activate the meridians, promote blood circulation, and regulate skin immunity. BSS of plaque psoriasis is related to not only immune dysfunction but also poor or stagnant blood flow. We anticipate that the results of the trial described in this protocol will provide strong evidence for the safety and efficacy of fire needle therapy for BSS of plaque psoriasis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03953885 . Registered on May 15, 2019. Name: Fire Needle Therapy on Plaque Psoriasis with Blood Stasis Syndrome.

Effects of moving cupping therapy for plaque psoriasis: study protocol for a randomized multicenter clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to achieve a balance among safety, efficacy, and cost for the clinical treatment of plaque psoriasis. The current treatment of psoriasis often involves comprehensive therapy such as topical plasters, internal medicine, and phototherapy, which are expensive, and some of the drugs have serious side effects. Moving cupping is a type of cupping that has been used clinically for thousands of years in China. It has the advantage of being inexpensive and easy to perform. Therefore, it is widely used in public hospitals in China for psoriasis treatment. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the current clinical evidence of its efficacy is lacking. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moving cupping to treat plaque psoriasis. METHODS: A multicenter, two-arm parallel group, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial will be conducted at six hospitals in China between August 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021. A total of 122 adult patients (aged 18-65 years) who meet the inclusion criteria are being recruited. Participants will receive either basic treatment combined with moving cupping therapy or basic treatment combined with moving cupping placebo. The treatment cycle will be 4 weeks, and the efficacy of treatment will be assessed weekly by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index during the treatment period and follow-up visits at weeks 6 and 8. The body surface area, physician's global assessment, Dermatology Life Quality Index, patient-reported quality of life, visual analog scale, Traditional Chinese Medication syndrome scoring scale, combined medication, and adverse events will also be recorded and compared to the relative baseline values. DISCUSSION: The findings of this trial may lead to better decisions regarding the treatment of plaque psoriasis. If the trial outcomes are considered favorable, this ancient Chinese medical therapy may be worthy of widespread use because of its convenience and low cost. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered on May 15,2019 at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier number NCT03952676.

Traditional Chinese medicine for psoriasis vulgaris: A Protocol of a prospective, multicenter cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of psoriasis vulgaris is increasing worldwide. Chronic recurrence of the disease, as well as accompanying cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and depression has affected the physical and mental health of these patients. Psoriasis vulgaris is a difficult and major disease in the dermatology field. Short-term curative effects using conventional therapy for psoriasis vulgaris has made major strides. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment has long-term curative advantages for psoriasis vulgaris but lacks the scientific and clinical evidence for its use. This study intends to demonstrate and provide scientific and clinical evidence for the use of TCM to delay the recurrence of psoriasis vulgaris. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This will be a prospective, multicenter cohort study. We intend to recruit 1521 psoriasis vulgaris patients from 14 hospitals in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. Treatment will be based on the diagnosis specifications and clinical practice guidelines of TCM and conventional therapy. During inclusion and the subsequent follow-up period, doctors through electronic case reports will collect different therapeutic TCM regimens and conventional therapy that were administered. Information on life condition, skin lesions at each visit, World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments, Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale, Zung Self-assessment of Depression, laboratory examinations, incidence of new rash and recurrence during the remission and recurrence stages will be recorded. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The clinical trial protocol for this study was approved by the ethics committee of the Beijing hospital of TCM affiliated to capital medical university (Ethics number: 2019BL02-010-02). We will publish and present our results at national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals specialized in dermatology. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This protocol has been registered in clinicaltrials. gov (ChiCTR1900021629).