Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a rare but severe complication of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). MPE typically occurs in advanced disease and is often refractory to radioiodine (RAI) therapy, resulting in poor survival outcomes. We report a rare case of a 52-year-old male with MPE present at the time of DTC diagnosis who demonstrated a favorable response to RAI therapy. The patient underwent three cycles of high-dose RAI (200 mCi each), resulting in sustained disease control. Despite the typical refractoriness of MPE in DTC, this case illustrates that when RAI avidity is preserved, combined treatment with RAI and supportive interventions such as thoracentesis and pleurodesis can lead to improved outcomes. This case highlights the importance of individualized treatment strategies and suggests that even advanced cases with MPE may benefit from aggressive RAI-based therapy when appropriately selected.

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein （I-FABP） in predicting 6-week mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis after successful endoscopic hemostasis for esophagogastric variceal bleeding （EVB）. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 207 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent successful endoscopic treatment for EVB （including ligation and sclerotherapy） in The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University from September 2020 to June 2025， with the endpoint of 6-week bleeding-related mortality. ELISA was used to measure the serum level of I-FABP on admission， and a stratified analysis was performed based on the quartiles of I-FABP measurements. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis， Cox regression analysis， and restricted cubic spline （RCS） curve were used to investigate the association between I-FABP and mortality. Machine learning models were used to further quantify the impact of I-FABP on mortality. The integrated Brier score and an integrated cumulative/dynamic area under the curve were used to assess the importance of time-dependent variables， and the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was used to assess the performance of the predictive model. ResultsDuring the study， 29 patients （14.0%） died within 6 weeks after successful endoscopic hemostasis， with a median time to death of 16 （8—26） days. The mortality group had a significantly higher serum level of I-FABP than the survival group （Z=-3.731， P<0.001）. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that there was a significant difference in 6-week mortality between the groups of patients based on I-FABP quartiles （χ²=12.78， P=0.005）. The multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that an increase in I-FABP （hazard ratio=1.87， P=0.003） was an independent influencing factor for 6-week mortality. The RCS analysis showed a linear relationship between I-FABP and 6-week mortality （P_non-linear=0.280， P_overall=0.029）. Machine learning models showed that there was a dynamic change in the importance of I-FABP over time， and Brier score loss and the loss of cumulative/dynamic area under the curve after permutation showed that I-FABP was an important variable affecting 6-week mortality rate. ConclusionI-FABP level is independently associated with the risk of 6-week mortality endoscopic hemostasis for EVB in patients with liver cirrhosis， and therefore， it can be used as a potential biomarker for poor short-term prognosis.

Tumor immunotherapy has emerged as a highly esteemed and rapidly evolving field in recent years,marked by the development of numerous significant therapeutic approaches. Among these,immune checkpoint inhibitors stand out as a pivotal strategy,attracting considerable attention due to their substantial research progress. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current research advancements in ten key immune checkpoints related to anti-tumor therapy,including PD-1/PD-L1,CTLA-4,LAG-3,TIM-3,TIGIT,and VISTA. By conducting an in-depth analysis of their mechanisms of action,clinical applications,and future research directions,this review aims to offer valuable insights and guidance for optimizing strategies in tumor immunotherapy.

Objective: To analyze the trends in new diagnosis rates of HIV/AIDS cases in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2009 to 2023, so as to provide the basis for improving HIV/AIDS prevention and control strategies. Methods: Data of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Huzhou City from 2009 to 2023 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The new diagnosis rate was calculated as the ratio of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases within one year to the permanent resident population during the same period. The gender, age, and regional distribution characteristics of new diagnosis rates of HIV/AIDS cases were described. The trends were analyzed using average annual percent change (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC). Results: A total of 2 088 new HIV/AIDS cases were reported in Huzhou City from 2009 to 2023, with an average annual new diagnosis rate of 4.53/105. The new diagnosis rates showed an overall increasing trend from 2009 to 2023 (AAPC=12.745%, P<0.05), with rapid growth during 2009 to 2015 (APC=32.734%, P<0.05) but no significant trend during 2015 to 2023 (P>0.05). The average annual new diagnosis rate was significantly higher in males than in females (7.54/100 000 vs. 1.40/100 000, P<0.05). Male new diagnosis rate trend closely mirrored the overall population pattern, while females showed a continuous upward trend without clear inflection point (AAPC=12.575%, P<0.05). Age-specific analysis revealed average annual new diagnosis rates of 2.75/100 000, 6.16/100 000 and 3.83/100 000 for AIDS/HIV cases aged <25, 25-<50 and ≥50 years, respectively. The cases aged <25 years showed no significant trend (P>0.05), while the cases aged 25-<50 and ≥50 years followed patterns similar to the overall population. The average annual new diagnosis rates of HIV/AIDS cases in Wuxing District, Nanxun District, Deqing County, Changxing County and Anji County were 6.54/100 000, 3.43/100 000, 3.45/100 000, 3.56/100 000 and 4.94/100 000, respectively, showing overall upward trends (AAPC=9.672%, 27.599%, 11.800%, 18.896% and 10.254%, all P<0.05). Conclusions The new diagnosis rate of HIV/AIDS cases showed an overall upward trend in Huzhou City from 2009 to 2023. Cases are mainly concentrated among males, people aged 25-<50 years and Wuxing District, making them key targets for HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

Tumor immunotherapy has emerged as a highly esteemed and rapidly evolving field in recent years,marked by the development of numerous significant therapeutic approaches. Among these,immune checkpoint inhibitors stand out as a pivotal strategy,attracting considerable attention due to their substantial research progress. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current research advancements in ten key immune checkpoints related to anti-tumor therapy,including PD-1/PD-L1,CTLA-4,LAG-3,TIM-3,TIGIT,and VISTA. By conducting an in-depth analysis of their mechanisms of action,clinical applications,and future research directions,this review aims to offer valuable insights and guidance for optimizing strategies in tumor immunotherapy.

Objective:To explore the clinical predicting value of serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) in the development of esophageal varices (EV) in patients with chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis.Method:We used case-control study. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 169 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University from September 2020 to October 2023. EV diagnosis and grades were based on gastroscopy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum level of I-FABP on admission. Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation among variables. Contributing factors of EV were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the predictive performance of I-FABP for EV presence.Results:The gastroscopy showed 59 patients without EV. The median of I-FABP in the EV Group was significantly higher than that in the no-EV Group [2.01 (1.39, 2.89) μg/L vs 0.96 (0.77, 1.91) μg/L], and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=5.585, P<0.001). I-FABP showed significant positive correlations between model for end-stage liver disease sore and Von Willebrand Factor Antigen/thrombocyte Ratio ( r=0.523, 0.328, both P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified I-FABP as the independent factor contributing to the presence of EV ( OR=1.73, P=0.045). The area under the curve of I-FABP predicting EV was 0.76. The cut-off was 1.46 μg/L. Conclusion:I-FABP is a potential marker for the formation of EV in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis, and its increased concentration is related to reduced hepatic reserve and portal hypertension.

Objective:To explore the clinical predicting value of serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) in the development of esophageal varices (EV) in patients with chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis.Method:We used case-control study. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 169 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University from September 2020 to October 2023. EV diagnosis and grades were based on gastroscopy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum level of I-FABP on admission. Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation among variables. Contributing factors of EV were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the predictive performance of I-FABP for EV presence.Results:The gastroscopy showed 59 patients without EV. The median of I-FABP in the EV Group was significantly higher than that in the no-EV Group [2.01 (1.39, 2.89) μg/L vs 0.96 (0.77, 1.91) μg/L], and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=5.585, P<0.001). I-FABP showed significant positive correlations between model for end-stage liver disease sore and Von Willebrand Factor Antigen/thrombocyte Ratio ( r=0.523, 0.328, both P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified I-FABP as the independent factor contributing to the presence of EV ( OR=1.73, P=0.045). The area under the curve of I-FABP predicting EV was 0.76. The cut-off was 1.46 μg/L. Conclusion:I-FABP is a potential marker for the formation of EV in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis, and its increased concentration is related to reduced hepatic reserve and portal hypertension.

Background: Self-monitoring of blood glucose is crucial for diabetes management but is often hindered by the discomfort of invasive methods such as finger-pricking. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a promising non-invasive alternative by measuring glucose levels through interactions with light in interstitial fluid. However, chronic diseases may alter NIRS signals, affecting accuracy. This study aimed to evaluate how diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and liver disease influence the correlation between NIRS signals and blood glucose levels. Methods: From April to December 2022, 697 patients at Dankook University Hospital participated. Blood glucose was measured by finger-pricking, followed by simultaneous NIRS readings. Clinical data on comorbidities were collected. Correlations between NIRS wavelengths and glucose levels were analyzed, adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. Regression models and Bland–Altman plots assessed predictive performance. Results: A total of 974 paired glucose and NIRS measurements were obtained. Significant correlations were found at 660 and 1,450 nm. Wavelengths from 660 to 1,300 nm showed consistent negative correlations with glucose, whereas 1,450 nm showed a positive correlation. Multivariate regression identified age, NIR wavelengths, and chronic diseases as significant predictors. The prediction model showed good accuracy for glucose levels below 200 mg/dL (R 2 = 0.24, 3.38% outside Bland–Altman limits) but reduced accuracy at higher levels. Conclusion NIRS-based glucose monitoring is influenced by chronic diseases, underscoring the need to incorporate these factors into future algorithm development. Further studies are warranted to optimize NIRS for clinical application.

Objective: To investigate the epidemilogical characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2014 to 2023, so as to provide the basis for formulating prevention and control measures for the construction of "TB-free city". Methods: The data of pulmonary tuberculosis cases in Huzhou City from 2014 to 2023 was collected through the Infectious Disease Reporting Management System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The onset time, region, and population distribution characteristics of the cases were described. Results: A total of 11 598 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were reported in Huzhou City from 2014 to 2023, with an average annual incidence of 37.42/105. The reported incidence decreased from 47.50/105 in 2014 to 28.36/105 in 2023 (P<0.05), with an annual decline rate of 5.57%. There were 6 304 etiological positive cases, accounting for 54.35%. The peak season for pulmonary tuberculosis cases was from March to September, with the highest seasonal ratio of 112.48% in May. The average annual reported incidence rates in Anji County and Changxing County were relatively high (46.14/105 and 41.15/105). The reported incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis in Huzhou City increased with age (P<0.05), peaking at 97.36/105 in the group aged 75 to <80 years. There were 7 991 male pulmonary tuberculosis cases and 3 607 female cases, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.22∶1. The average annual incidence rates of pulmonary tuberculosis was higher in males than in females (50.39/105 vs. 23.87/105). Farmers were the primary occupation affected, with 6 350 cases accounting for 54.75%. Conclusions The reported incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis in Huzhou City decreased from 2014 to 2023, with a high incidence in spring and summer. The incidence rates in Anji County and Changxing County were higher than Huzhou City's average. Male, elderly residents and farmers were the key populations for pulmonary tuberculosis prevention and control.

Objective To investigate the value of intestinal fatty acid binding protein(I-FABP)in predicting the development and progression of acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 168 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis who were admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University from September 2020 to March 2023.The conditions of the patients with ACLF on admission were observed,and the patients were followed up for 6 months to identify new-onset ACLF cases.ELISA was used to measure the serum level of I-FABP on admission.The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups,and the Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test was used for comparison between multiple groups;the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups;the Jonckheere-Terpstra test was used for trend analysis.The Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between two variables,and the multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for new-onset ACLF during follow-up.The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze the onset of ACLF in different groups,and the log-rank test was used for the analysis of such differences.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and the area under the ROC curve(AUC)were used to investigate the performance of I-FABP in predicting the development and progression of ACLF.Results Among the 168 patients enrolled in this study,there were 43 patients with ACLF and 125 patients without ACLF,among whom 19 developed ACLF during follow-up.The patients with ACLF on admission had a significantly higher level of I-FABP than those without ACLF(Z=4.359,P<0.001).The patients with new-onset ACLF had a significantly higher level of I-FABP than those without new-onset ACLF(Z=3.414,P<0.001).The level of I-FABP increased with the increase in ACLF severity grade(H=17.385,P<0.001,Ptrend<0.001).The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that I-FABP was independently associated with new-onset ACLF during follow-up(hazard ratio=2.138,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.297-3.525,P=0.003),and the tertile of I-FABP showed a good discriminatory ability(χ2=12.16,P<0.001).The ROC curve showed that I-FABP had a good performance in predicting the development and progression of ACLF,with an area under the ROC curve of 0.854(95%CI:0.791-0.903)and 0.747(95%CI:0.661-0.820),respectively,and an optimal cut-off value of 2.07 μg/L and 1.86 μg/L,respectively.Conclusion I-FABP can be used as a biomarker to predict the development and progression of ACLF,and it may help to identify high-risk patients and improve clinical management.