Objective To investigate the effect of the MerTK inhibitor UNC2250 on tumor growth in melanoma mice and to preliminarily elucidate its mechanism of action. Methods Sixteen healthy C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group and low-, medium-, and high-dose UNC2250 treatment groups, with 4 mice per group. After establishing a subcutaneous melanoma tumor model, the control group received daily oral gavage of saline, while the treatment groups were administered UNC2250 at doses of 25, 50 and 75 mg/(kg·d), respectively, once daily for 20 consecutive days. Tumor growth, tumor weight, and body weight changes were monitored. The infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment was detected by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Additionally, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were cultured in vitro, and M2 macrophages were induced using IL-4. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the effect of UNC2250 on macrophage phenotype polarization. Results UNC2250 significantly inhibited tumor growth in melanoma mice in a dose-dependent manner (F=298.50, all P<0.001). Compared with the control group, tumor weight in the low-, medium-, and high-dose UNC2250 treatment groups was significantly reduced (F=194.20, all P<0.001), and tumor volume decreased with increasing doses. UNC2250 had no significant effect on body weight. Within the tumor microenvironment, UNC2250 intervention markedly reduced the infiltration of TAMs. Further analysis showed an increased proportion of M1-type macrophages among TAMs (F=31.95, P-values for comparisons with control group were 0.120, 0.008, and <0.001 for low, medium, and high doses, respectively), and a decreased proportion of M2-type macrophages (F=45.27; P-values were 0.034, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). In vitro experiment showed that UNC2250 inhibited the polarization of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) toward the immunosuppressive M2 phenotype, as evidenced by significantly downregulated mRNA expression of M2 macrophage markers Arg1 and Mgl1. Conclusions The MerTK inhibitor UNC2250 suppresses tumor growth in melanoma mice in a dose-dependent manner with good safety, and its intervention is associated with reduced infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and a shift in macrophage polarization from the M2 to M1 phenotype in the tumor microenvironment.

Objective To investigate the biological function of miR-506 in malignant melanoma and its regulatory mechanism on mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) and DNA damage homologous recombination repair pathway. Methods The expression of miR-506 in 48 cases of fresh malignant melanoma tissues was detected by qRT-PCR. The expression of MET and DNA damage-related proteins in the tissues of 147 patients with malignant melanoma were detected by IHC. The human malignant melanoma cell lines A375 and A875 were used for assessing cell function. Following overexpression or inhibition of miR-506, cell function assays such as MTT and Transwell chamber experiments were conducted to verify its effects on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of malignant melanoma cells. Western blot analysis was used to further examine the impact of miR-506 on the expression of MET-related proteins and homologous recombination pathways of DNA damage. Survival analysis using Kaplan Meier method. Results The expression levels of miR-506 were low in metastatic lesions and high in primary lesions. Its high expression was associated with longer overall survival (OS) (P=0.002), disease-free survival (DFS) (P<0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.041). High expression levels of mesenchymal marker N-cadherin indicated poorer overall survival (P=0.026), while high expression levels of epithelial marker E-cadherin indicated better overall survival (P=0.006). High expression levels of DNA damage homologous recombination related proteins RAD51 and ATM were associated with poor OS (RAD51: P=0.014, ATM: P=0.002), while high expression of RAD52 was associated with good OS (P=0.006). Spearman correlation analysis showed that miR-506 was negatively correlated with the expression of Vimentin and Slug (r=-0.38, P=0.008; r=-0.36, P=0.012), and also negatively correlated with RAD51 (r=-0.47, P=0.001). Functional cell assays showed that overexpression of miR-506 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of malignant melanoma cells. Overexpression of miR-506 decreased the expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin, Slug, and RAD51. Conclusions MiR-506, MET-associated proteins, and DNA damage homologous recombination-associated proteins are associated with the prognosis of patients with malignant melanoma. As a tumor suppressor gene, miR-506 may inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells by regulating MET-related proteins and the homologous recombination repair pathway.

Objective To determine the relationship between specific timing pattern of immune checkpoint inhibitor infusion and the prognosis of Chinese melanoma patients. Methods Clinical data were collected from 126 melanoma patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between April 2015 and March 2024. Patients who received ≥20% of PD-1 antibody infusions after 16:30 were assigned to the afternoon group, while those who received <20% of infusions after 16:30 were assigned to the morning group. Survival outcomes between the two groups were compared using the log-rank test to determine statistical significance. Results Among 61 patients who received adjuvant PD-1 antibody therapy, the median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 9.10 months in the morning group and 19.57 months in the afternoon group, with no significant difference (P=0.546). The median overall survival (OS) in the afternoon group was not inferior to that in the morning group (NR vs. 47.77 months, P=0.950, HR=0.98). Among 65 patients who received palliative PD-1 antibody therapy, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.57 months in the morning group and 5.60 months in the afternoon group, with no statistically significant difference (P=0.260). Compared to the morning group, the afternoon group showed a significantly longer median overall survival (OS) (22.70 vs. 14.40 months, P=0.047, HR=0.53). However, the analysis of prognostic factors revealed that receiving ≥20% of PD-1 antibody infusions in the afternoon was not an independent risk factor for survival in this cohort. Conclusions The daily infusion timing of immune checkpoint inhibitors may not significantly influence survival in Chinese melanoma patients. However, multicenter prospective studies are still needed to further validate the potential chronotherapeutic effects in immunotherapy.

Cutaneous melanoma is a highly malignant tumor, and early lymphatic metastasis significantly influences treatment decisions and prognostic evaluation. Sentinel lymph node biopsy, as a crucial technique for assessing regional lymph node involvement, has made remarkable progress in recent years with the support of advanced imaging technologies. Developments in radionuclide imaging have notably improved the accuracy of SLNB. Several novel radiotracers, such as ⁹⁹mTc-Tilmanocept, have demonstrated high specificity and facilitate precise localization of sentinel lymph nodes. Advanced imaging modalities, including single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography, offer accurate three-dimensional anatomical information and significantly enhance detection rates, particularly in anatomically complex regions. In addition, multimodal imaging approaches, such as portable gamma cameras combined with lymphoscintigraphy or near-infrared fluorescence, further improve intraoperative node identification. Emerging tracers, including [⁶⁸Ga] Ga-SPM and ¹⁸ F-PFPN, show promising potential in the localization and characterization of sentinel nodes and microscopic melanoma metastases. On the other hand, non-nuclear imaging techniques, such as multispectral optoacoustic tomography, superparamagnetic iron oxide enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, have also demonstrated notable advances. This review summarizes recent progress in both nuclear and non-nuclear imaging technologies for sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous melanoma, offering valuable insights for both clinicians and researchers.

Melanoma is highly invasive and has a high mortality rate. The effectiveness of traditional treatment methods is limited. Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors has achieved a major breakthrough in melanoma treatment. Among them, classic immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, have a landmark significance in the field of immuno-oncology. Meanwhile, emerging checkpoint inhibitors, including LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT, have demonstrated promising new therapeutic effects. Significant progress has also been made in cellular therapies and neoantigen-based vaccines. Currently, immunotherapy combination regimens significantly enhance the therapeutic effect through the synergistic action of multiple mechanisms, but they also face challenges such as immune-related adverse reactions and immune resistance. Future research directions lie in exploring novel combined targets, integrating cutting-edge technologies, developing personalized treatment plans, and implementing strategies such as resistance monitoring, to overcome current therapeutic limitations. This article systematically summarizes the latest progress and existing challenges in the immunotherapy of melanoma, aiming to provide new insights and references for clinical practice and scientific research.

Objective To explore the effect of 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser combined with intense pulsed light on post-acne erythema and skin barrier function. Methods A total of 156 patients with post acne erythema (PAE) who were treated in our hospital from March 2021 to March 2024 were screened. Patients were divided into control group (n=76) and combination group (n=80) according to their willingness to the treatment. The control group received 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser treatment, while the combination group received additional intense pulsed light therapy on top of the control treatment. Using R software, propensity score matching was performed between the two groups using the caliper matching method at a 1 ∶1 ratio, resulting in 50 patients in each group. The clinical efficacy, erythema index, and skin barrier function, including transdermal water loss (TEWL), pH, a value, lactate acid sting test score, protein content in the tape strip, stratum corneum water content and self-satisfaction of patients were compared between the two groups after the treatment. Difference-in-differences model was used to analyze the effects of combined therapy on self-satisfaction score and erythema index. Results Two months after the treatment, the total effective rate of the combined group (98.00%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (78.00%). The erythema index (185.53±36.65 vs. 216.05±42.59), TEWL (18.23±3.12 vs. 19.75±3.09) and a value (14.98±1.83 vs. 19.63±2.18), lactic acid sting test score (1.85±0.75 vs. 3.28±1.10), and protein content in the tape strip (29.23±6.38 vs. 35.05±7.26) were significantly lower in the combined group than in control group. In contrast, both stratum corneum water content and self-satisfaction score were significantly higher in the combined group than in the controls (49.26±4.98 vs. 38.32±4.82 for water content; 4.63±1.75 vs. 3.75±1.59 for satisfaction score. P<0.05 for both). The results of difference-in-differences analysis showed that the increase in self-satisfaction scores after treatment was 1.367 points higher in the combination group than in the control group, and the reduction in erythema index was 12.167 points greater, indicating a significant therapeutic effect. Conclusions Following treatment with 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser combined with intense pulsed light, patients show a reduction in erythema index, improvement in skin barrier function and patient self-satisfaction scores.

Objective To explore the role of C-C motif chemokine ligand 5(CCL5) in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata, by detecting the expression levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum of patients with alopecia areata at different disease severities, durations, and stages. Methods A total of 58 patients were selected as the study group, and 30 healthy people from the physical examination center served as controls. Expression levels of CCL5 mRNA in PBMCs were detected by RT-PCR, and CCL5 levels in serum were measured by ELISA. Expression levels of CCL5 mRNA in PBMCs and CCL5 levels in serum were compared among alopecia areata patients with different disease severities, durations, and stages, and their correlation with SALT scores was assessed. Results Expression levels of CCL5 mRNA in PBMCs were significantly higher in alopecia areata patients than in controls (Z=-2.95, P<0.05). Patients with severe alopecia areata showed higher expression levels of CCL5 mRNA than those with mild disease and controls. Group with disease duration of either >6-month or ≤6-month had higher levels of CCL5 mRNA than the control group, and patients in the active phase had higher expression levels than those in the stable phase and controls (all P<0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the mild group and controls, between the >6-month and ≤6-month groups, or between the stable phase group and controls (all P>0.05). Comparison of serum CCL5 levels in peripheral blood revealed that the alopecia areata group had significantly higher levels than controls (Z=-3.72, P<0.001). Patients with severe alopecia areata had higher levels than controls, and both active and stable phase patients showed elevated levels compared to controls. Patients with disease duration ≤6-months also had higher levels than controls (all P<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between the mild and severe groups, between active and stable phase groups, between >6-month and ≤6-month duration groups, or between these groups and controls (all P>0.05). Expression levels of CCL5 mRNA in PBMCs of alopecia areata patients were positively correlated with SALT scores (r=0.46, P<0.001), and serum CCL5 levels were also positively correlated with SALT scores (r=0.32,P=0.021). Conclusions CCL5 is correlated with the severity, duration, and clinical stage of alopecia areata, and may serve as a potential biomarker for evaluating treatment efficacy.

Objective To assess the status of syphilis infection and knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among pregnant and postpartum women in Zhongshan city of Guangdong province, and to analyze the factors influencing their knowledge of STDs, providing scientific evidence for future targeted interventions. Methods Stratified sampling was used to recruit pregnant women who visited four medical institutions in Zhongshan city for the first time between 2023 and 2024 for pregnancy registration, prenatal care, or delivery. Syphilis serological tests were conducted, and data were collected through a questionnaire. The questionnaire covered general demographic characteristics, knowledge of STDs, behavioral information, and previous STD history. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software. Results A total of 800 pregnant and postpartum women were included, with a mean age of 29.37±5.31 years. The syphilis infection rate was 1.00%, while the awareness rate of STD knowledge was 55.63%. Higher levels of STD knowledge were associated with higher education (OR=2.113), gestational age less than 11 weeks at enrollment (OR=1.926), and a history of previous pregnancies (OR=1.750). Conclusions The syphilis infection rate among pregnant and postpartum women is still relatively high, and the awareness of sexually transmitted diseases is low, particularly among those with lower educational levels, gestational age beyond 11 weeks, and no history of previous pregnancies. Targeted STD health education should be provided to these populations to enhance their awareness of STD and self-protection.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of secukinumab in treating psoriatic patients with sleep disorders, and its impact on sleep quality. Methods A total of 144 patients diagnosed with psoriasis complicated by sleep disorders at Jinzhou Central Hospital from October 2022 to October 2024 were enrolled and randomly divided into the experimental group and control group, with 72 cases each. The experimental group was treated with secukinumab, while the control group received conventional therapies (Xiaoyin Granules, acitretin, Bixie Xiatare Tablets, calcipotriol ointment, compound glycyrrhizin tablets, and halometasone ointment) for 3 months. The PASI, BSA, DLQI, PSQI, and ISI scores in both groups were recorded at baseline and after 4-, 8-, and 12-week treatment. The PASI improvement rate and its correlation with PSQI scores were calculated. Adverse reactions were observed, and patients were followed up to observe recurrence. Results After 4-, 8-, and 12-week treatment, the BSA, PASI, DLQI, PSQI, and ISI scores in the experimental group were significantly decreased from baseline levels (all P<0.05), and significantly lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05). PASI improvement rate in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between PSQI scores and PASI improvement rate. The incidence of adverse reactions in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.56% vs. 18.06%,²=5.40,P=0.02).During a 3-month follow-up period, the recurrence rate in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.39% vs. 19.44%, χ²=12.58, P<0.05). Conclusions Secukinumab improves skin lesion in psoriatic patients with sleep disorders, effectively reduces skin inflammation, and enhances both quality of life and sleep. It demonstrates high safety, with low rates of adverse reactions and recurrence. As skin lesions improve, patients' sleep quality gradually increases.

We report a case of basaloid follicular hamartoma. A 53-year-old female patient presented with a one-year history of widespread papules on the scalp, occasionally accompanied by itching. Dermatological examination revealed numerous light brown papules, sized approximately 1~3 mm in diameter, diffusely distributed across the scalp, with the highest density in the occipital region. Some papules had coalesced. No hypertrichosis or depressions on the palms and soles were observed. Histopathology of the skin lesion revealed irregular proliferation of basaloid cells, forming multiple cell nests composed of basaloid cells embedded within a fibrous matrix. The nests were irregular in shape, with no significant cellular atypia or evident mitotic figures. Peripheral cells were arranged in a palisading pattern, with no retraction spaces between the nests and surrounding connective tissue. Amyloid deposits were observed within the matrix. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD34 positivity in the fibrous stromal cells surrounding the tumor; Bcl-2 expression was limited to a few basal cells at the outermost layer of the lesion. Diagnosis: basaloid follicular hamartoma. The patient did not respond well to electrolysis and cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, and the rash continued to progress. The patient is still under follow-up.

We report a case of erythroderma induced by apalutamide in a patient with prostate cancer. A 73-year-old man presented with pruritic erythema and scaling on the trunk and limbs for over two months. The patient was diagnosed with prostate cancer six months ago. After regularly taking apalutamide tablets, traditional Chinese medicine, and other medications for two months, he developed red rashes accompanied by itching, which later merged into red plaques, with the lower limbs being most affected. Dermatological examination revealed diffuse erythema and scaling on the trunk and limbs, covering more than 90% of the body surface area. Laboratory tests indicated an elevated absolute eosinophil count. During the first hospitalization, apalutamide was not discontinued, but traditional Chinese medicine was stopped. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and antihistamines, leading to improvement. However, the skin lesions worsened after tapering the corticosteroids. During the second hospitalization, histopathological examination showed liquefaction degeneration of basal cells and dermal lymphocytic infiltration with a small number of eosinophils. The patient's erythroderma was considered to be induced by apalutamide. Apalutamide was discontinued and corticosteroid therapy was continued, resulting in sustained improvement of the skin lesions. The patient is still under follow-up.

The evaluation of anti-wrinkle efficacy in the periocular and perioral areas is a key area of cosmetic research and development and clinical medicine. In recent years, with breakthroughs in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, multispectral imaging, and two-photon microscopy, evaluation methods have gradually shifted from traditional subjective assessments to multidimensional, high-precision objective quantitative analysis. This paper systematically reviews the research progress of subjective assessment methods and objective analysis methods(such as 3D skin detection, dynamic facial expression capture, biomarker detection), focusing on the innovative application of AI algorithms in wrinkle classification and quantification, as well as the potential of the integration of multimodal technologies (such as AI+3D imaging+biomechanical testing) to enhance the reliability of the evaluation. The paper also highlights the limitations of the current research, including the lack of standardization of subjective evaluation, the lack of uniform standards for dynamic wrinkle assessment, and the absence of a population-specific evaluation system for Chinese individuals. It proposes future directions for technological development, such as real-time monitoring of dynamic wrinkles, establishment of multimodal evaluation models, and optimization of detection instruments tailored to Asian skin.