Objective To investigate the expression levels of serum angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and chitinase-3 like-1 protein (YKL-40) in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and their relationship with disease activity. Methods A total of 96 patients with psoriasis vulgaris treated at Nanyang Central Hospital from October 2020 to October 2023 were selected as the case group, while 50 healthy volunteers served as the normal control group. Based on the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), the case group was divided into mild, moderate, and severe subgroups. The differences in serum ANGPT2, IL-23, and YKL-40 levels between the case group and the normal control group, as well as among patients with different disease severity, were compared. The diagnostic value of serum ANGPT2, IL-23, and YKL-40, along with their combined detection, in assessing severity of psoriasis vulgaris was analyzed. Results Compared with the normal controls, the serum levels of ANGPT2, IL-23, and YKL-40 in the case group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated serum levels of ANGPT2, IL-23, and YKL-40 were associated with the onset of psoriasis vulgaris (P<0.05). The severe group had higher serum levels of ANGPT2, IL-23, and YKL-40 than the moderate and mild groups, while the moderate group had higher levels than the mild group (P<0.05). Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and elevated serum levels of ANGPT2, IL-23, and YKL-40 were correlated positively with disease severity (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between serum levels of ANGPT2, IL-23, and YKL-40 (r=0.47,0.81,respectively,both P<0.001). ROC curve analysis indicated that serum levels of ANGPT2, IL-23, and YKL-40 had diagnostic value for disease severity in moderate-to-severe psoriasis vulgaris, with the highest diagnostic value observed in their combined detection. Conclusions The levels of serum ANGPT2, IL-23, and YKL-40 are elevated in patients with psoriasis vulgaris, and increase as the disease worsens. Their combined detection has the highest diagnostic value for assessing the severity of psoriasis vulgaris.

Objective To analyze the laboratory test results of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with neurosyphilis (NS) and explore the risk factors for the onset of NS and their diagnostic value. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 264 syphilis patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from August 2020 to August 2024. The patients were divided into two groups: NS group (n=80) and non-NS group (n=184). Comparative analysis was performed on gender, age, and laboratory test results of serum and CSF. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, with multivariate logistic regression analysis and predictive accuracy assessment applied to factors showing significant differences in univariate analysis. Results Compared with the non-NS group, the NS group had a higher proportion of males, older age, elevated blood glucose, and increased serum levels of ALT, total bilirubin, and creatinine. Although serum levels of ALT, total bilirubin, and creatinine were increased, they generally fluctuated within the normal reference range. Significant (P<0.05) were observed in CSF parameters, including TPPA positivity rate, TRUST positivity rate, albumin, white blood cell count, IgG, Pandy's test positivity rate, and albumin quotient. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, blood glucose, CSF albumin, white blood cell count, IgG, Pandy's test positivity, and albumin quotient were statistically significant (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis of these risk factors showed that CSF albumin, white blood cell count, IgG, and albumin quotient had higher AUC and sensitivity values. Conclusions Male patients, older age, and increased blood glucose levels are associated with a higher risk of developing NS. CSF albumin, white blood cell count, IgG, Pandy's test positivity, and albumin quotient can improve the diagnostic accuracy of NS, with CSF IgG demonstrating the highest diagnostic sensitivity. Early CSF puncture examination is recommended for timely detection and treatment of neurosyphilis.

Objective To explore the high-frequency ultrasound features of keratoacanthoma. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the high-frequency ultrasound imaging findings of 52 cases of keratoacanthoma confirmed by postoperative pathology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology from October 2022 to July 2024. The characteristic changes were summarized. Results Keratoacanthoma was more common in males (73.08%) and predominantly occurred on the head and face (57.69%), followed by the limbs (28.85%). The lesions protruded above the body surface (96.15%), with surface ulceration observed in some cases (51.92%). High-frequency ultrasound revealed hypoechoic nodules (100%) with regular (88.46%) or irregular (11.64%) shapes. The internal echogenicity was homogeneous (57.69%) or heterogeneous (42.31%), with punctate calcifications seen in heterogeneous cases. All lesions were in the dermis (100%), with either well-defined boundaries (61.54%) or unclear margins (38.46%). Posterior echo attenuation was observed in some cases (51.92%). The growth patterns included parallel (38.46%), inward (34.62%), and expansive (26.92%) types, with Alder grades ranging from 0 to Ⅲ. Conclusions The ultrasound features of keratoacanthoma demonstrate distinct characteristics. High-frequency ultrasound enables detailed visualization of critical information, including internal and surrounding tissue echotexture, infiltration depth, and growth patterns, providing valuable evidence for preoperative diagnosis and staging.

Objective To analyze the dermoscopic characteristics of pigmented and classic lichen planus. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 35 patients with lichen planus (18 cases of pigmented lichen planus and 17 cases of classic lichen planus) admitted to our hospital between June 2022 and December 2023. Their histopathological results and dermoscopic images were collected to compare the dermoscopic features between these two types. Results Pathological examination identified a total of 113 skin lesions in 35 patients with lichen planus, including 80 classic lichen planus and 33 pigmented lichen planus. Dermoscopic examination revealed that the reticular and circular structures of Wickham striae, as well as the white and yellow-white coloration, were more prominent in classic lichen planus compared to pigmented lichen planus. Conversely, blue-gray pigmentation structures were more common in pigmented lichen planus. In pigmented mode, punctate/globular structures and follicular keratotic plugs were significantly less frequent in lassic lichen planus than in pigmented lichen planus. Additionally, punctate, linear, and globular vascular structures, along with radial vascular distribution around Wickham striae, were more prevalent in classic lichen planus, whereas diffuse vascular distribution was more common in pigmented lichen planus (all P<0.05). Under a dermoscopy, pigmented lichen planus showed white streaks of varying widths with a glossy appearance, and scattered pigment dots of uniform size along with globular or radial vascular structures at the edges. Classic lichen planus, on the other hand, displayed a red background with well-defined borders, white streaks (Wickham striae) of varying widths, and radial red lines (linear vessels) surrounding the Wickham striae. Conclusion The dermoscopic features of pigmented and classic lichen planus are distinct, and dermoscopy can effectively differentiate between the two.

Objective To elucidate the distribution of serum allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) in patients with urticaria and allergic rhinitis, providing guidance for the prevention and management of these diseases. Methods Enzyme immunoblotting was used to measure sIgE levels in 280 patients with urticaria and 282 patients with allergic rhinitis who visited the hospital between January 2022 and December 2023. The commonalities and differences in allergen distribution were compared between the two groups. Results The total positive rate of sIgE in patients with urticaria was 90.35%. The positive rates of inhaled and ingested allergens were 76.43% and 46.07%, respectively. The most common allergens were house dust mites/dermatophagoides, cockroaches and mixed grass. The total positive rate of sIgE in patients with allergic rhinitis was 91.13%. The positive rates of inhaled and ingested allergens were 81.21% and 46.81%, respectively. The most common allergens were house dust mites/dermatophagoides, cockroaches and dwarf ragweed. Patients with allergic rhinitis had a higher sIgE positive rate for dog dander, humulus scandens, beef, and amaranth compared to those with urticaria (all P<0.05), whereas patients with urticaria had a higher sIgE positive rate for tree pollen mixtures and shrimp compared to those with allergic rhinitis (all P<0.05). Conclusions There are certain differences in allergen distribution between patients with urticaria and allergic rhinitis. However, both are primarily associated with inhaled allergens, with the most common allergens being house dust mites/dermatophagoides and cockroaches.

Objective To analyze the awareness rate of syphilis knowledge and the characteristics of sexual behaviors among students in junior colleges and technical secondary schools to provide a basis for developing prevention measures for sexually transmitted diseases in the student population. Methods From 2023 to 2024, a survey was conducted using convenience sampling across 26 junior colleges and technical secondary schools in Zhaoqing. Selected students from these schools received training on sexually transmitted disease prevention. Before the training, they voluntarily participated in an anonymous electronic questionnaire, collecting sociodemographic data, syphilis knowledge, and sexual behavior-related information. Chi-square analysis and Logistic regression models were used to analyze influencing factors. Results A total of 2 787 junior college and technical secondary school students were surveyed, among whom 256 (9.19%) had engaged in sexual activity. The awareness rate of syphilis knowledge was 66.09%, with females (68.10%) having a higher awareness rate than males (62.84%). Students in medical-related fields had a higher awareness rate (74.09%) compared to those in non-medical fields (63.63%). Significant differences were found in syphilis knowledge awareness among students of different genders, academic majors, education levels, and places of origin. Additionally, students with differing attitudes toward premarital sex, premarital cohabitation, and one-night stands showed significant variations in syphilis knowledge awareness (P<0.05). Differences in gender, major, place of origin, sexual orientation, academic year, and number of romantic relationships were also significant factors associated with engaging in sexual activity (P<0.05). Conclusions The awareness rate of syphilis knowledge among junior college and technical secondary school students needs improvement. Males, individuals with lower levels of education, rural residents, and homosexual students are key groups that require attention. More targeted awareness and educational campaigns should be conducted based on the characteristics of these students.

The dermatopathology teaching syllabus serves as a crucial foundation for conducting educational activities, and strict adherence to its requirements is essential for maintaining teaching quality. A well-designed syllabus is vital for improving training standards. After analyzing the evolution of two versions of the syllabus, we propose its revision and implementation based on clinical teaching practice. These include ①adjusting the required disease categories to incorporate livedoid vasculopathy, mycosis fungoides, and leprosy, replacing insect bite dermatitis, erythema multiforme, and melanosis, with justifications for these changes; ②incorporating direct immunofluorescence into the teaching requirements;③specifying the necessary types of special stains and immunohistochemical markers; ④emphasizing equal importance on image-based assessments and descriptive pathology assessments. Strategies for curriculum implementation include ①identifying key challenges, such as the uneven distribution of teaching faculty, insufficient foundational knowledge among resident physicians, and the absence of a continuous dermatopathology teaching framework; ②Corresponding measures include establishing regional collaborative training mechanisms for dermatopathology, employing a gross pattern teaching approach in slide review sessions, organizing a dermatopathology competition for resident physicians and conducting weekly dermatopathology group meetings to study recent representative cases.

We report a case of dupilumab-induced alopecia areata and psoriasis successfully treated with a JAK inhibitor. A 33-year-old woman presented with recurrent erythema and itching for over 10 years. Dermatological examination showed dry skin on the trunk and limbs, with widespread erythemas and papules, some merging into patches, particularly in the skin folds. Laboratory tests showed increased eosinophils (20.4%) and immunoglobulin IgE (14 718 g/L). She was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Due to poor response to conventional treatments (difficulty tapering systemic glucocorticoids), dupilumab was administered (600 mg initially, followed by 300 mg every two weeks). While atopic dermatitis was improved, psoriasis-like lesions appeared on the abdomen and thighs after one month, and alopecia areata developed on the scalp after two months. To maintain treatment and control adverse effects, JAK inhibitor, tofacitinib (5 mg twice daily), was introduced. Psoriatic lesions disappeared and new hair could be seen on the eyebrows and the scalp, and the hair returned to normal after three months of treatment with tofacitinib, with no recurrence of atopic dermatitis observed during a one-year follow-up.

We report a case of alopecia associated with iron deficiency anemia. A 25-year-old female presented with hair loss for over a year. Dermatological examination showed sparse hair on the top of the head. Dermoscopy revealed reduced hair density on the top of the head, with dry and yellowish hair, along with some broken hair shafts. Routine blood tests showed hemoglobin at 75 g/L, mean corpuscular volume at 52.4 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin at 15.6 pg, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration at 298 g/L, serum iron at 2.9 μmol/L, total iron-binding capacity at 94.4 μmol/L, and ferritin at 3.22 ng/mL. Diagnosis was alopecia associated with iron deficiency anemia. After four months of oral iron supplementation, hair on the top of the head gradually increased, restoring a normal appearance.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease mediated by genetic, immune, and environmental factors. Prostaglandins (PGs), as critical lipid mediators, exert complex regulatory roles in AD. This review systematically summarizes the dual regulatory roles and molecular mechanisms of PGD2, PGE2, PGI2, and thromboxane A2 in AD. PGD2 bidirectionally regulates barrier repair and type 2 inflammatory responses via DP1/CRTH2 receptors; PGE2 suppresses aberrant inflammation and immune activation while simultaneously inducing pruritus and disrupting epidermal barrier; PGI2 maintains immune homeostasis through IP receptors. TXA2 promotes pruritus and inflammation through TP receptor and is associated with an increased risk of early-onset AD. Although drugs targeting PG pathways have shown potential in animal models, their effectiveness in clinical trials remains limited.

In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence in the healthcare field has received widespread attention. Among them, machine learning technology has been extensively applied in various aspects of inflammatory skin diseases, including screening and diagnosis, management and monitoring, classification and evaluation, and treatment, providing new methodologies for precision medicine. This article reviews the predictive models, early diagnostic models, disease severity assessment models, differential diagnostic models, automated scoring models, prognostic evaluation models, and disease classification models of machine learning in inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis. It explores the advancements in machine learning for inflammatory skin diseases and provides new insights for precision treatment and prognosis evaluation.

Acne is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory skin disease and its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Various receptors have been found to be associated with acne pathogenesis. Inhibitors targeting these receptors can be used for acne treatment. For example, antihistamines reduce the release of inflammatory mediators and squalene in sebocytes, thereby preventing scarring. Androgen receptor antagonists suppress the production of downstream inflammatory factors and decrease sebum secretion. Downregulating Toll-like receptors (TLRs) inhibits inflammation and immune responses. This paper reviews the role of receptors involved in inflammatory responses and sebum secretion in acne.