Background In recent years, the detection rate of thyroid nodules in China's occupational population has shown an upward trend. The prevalence of this disease needs to be taken seriously and targeted measures should be taken to address its influencing factors. Objective To analyze the detection and influencing factors of thyroid nodules among adult male workers in coal mining enterprises in Shanxi Province, and provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of thyroid nodules. Methods A total of 5195 adult male workers from coal mining enterprises who ordered physical examination provided by the Xishan Coal Electricity (Group) Corporation Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Institute in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province from May 2023 to December 2023 were selected as research subjects. A questionnaire survey, physical examination, ultrasound examination, and biological sample collection and testing were conducted. Thyroid nodules were diagnosed based on ultrasound results, classified and evaluated according to the Chinese-Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (C-TIRADS), and the crude detection rate and standardized detection rate of thyroid nodules in adult male coal mine workers in Shanxi Province wereestimated. Occupational history and occupational exposure information were retrieved from their annual occupational health examination reports provided by the employer. Logistic regression modeling was used to analyze the influencing factors of thyroid nodule. Results A total of 1688 cases of thyroid nodules were detected, with a crude detection rate of 32.49% and an age-standardized detection rate of 31.17%. The cases (constitution ratio) of thyroid nodules by category in the detected cases was as follows: 358 cases (21.21%) were classified as category 2, 1261 cases (74.70%) as category 3, 67 cases (3.97%) as category 4a, and 2 cases (0.12%) as category 4b. The results of logistic regression showed that the duration of exposure to occupational hazards for 11-20 years, 21-30 years, ≥31 years, average monthly working>26 days, and shift work were positively correlated with the detection of thyroid nodules (P<0.05), and the associated ORs (95%CIs) were 1.29 (1.01, 1.65), 1.55 (1.20, 1.99), 1.68 (1.26, 2.55), 1.19 (1.00, 1.40), and 1.15 (1.02, 1.29), respectively. Conclusion The duration of exposure to occupational hazards, average monthly working days, and shift work are influencing factors of thyroid nodules. Intervention measures should be developed based on these influencing factors to prevent the occurrence of thyroid nodules.

Five meroterpenoids, rhodonoids K-M (1-2), daurichromene E (3), and grifolins A-B (4-5), together with seven known compounds (6-12), were isolated from Rhododendron anthopogonoides. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated through comprehensive analysis of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), ultraviolet (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. Their absolute configurations were determined by comparing experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra with computed values. Notably, compounds 1 and 3 demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells. These compounds markedly suppressed the mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) while also down-regulating the protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
Mice ; Rhododendron/chemistry* ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Terpenes/isolation & purification* ; Molecular Structure ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology* ; Cyclooxygenase 2/immunology* ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/immunology* ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Interleukin-6/immunology* ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Interleukin-1beta/immunology*

Objective:To observe the electrosensitization of Sifeng(EX-UE10)in children with constipation due to excessive heat in intestine.Methods:The meridian values of Sifeng(EX-UE10)in 80 children with constipation due to excessive heat in intestine and in 80 healthy children were measured using a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)meridian detector,and the variation rule of the point meridian values was analyzed by SPSS version 26.0 statistical software.Results:The meridian values of Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger in the observation group were statistically different from those in the control group(P<0.01).There was no statistical difference in the meridian value of Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the little finger between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Electrosensitization occurs at Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger in children with constipation(syndrome of excessive heat in intestine),and thus the treatment can focus on stimulating the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger.

Virus-like particles(VLPs)are hollow nanoparticles composed of one or several virus structural proteins,which have a morphological structure similar to natural viruses but do not contain any genetic material.Due to the excellent innate immunogenicity and safety of VLPs,they are often used in the development of tumor vaccines.In addition,compared with traditional drug delivery vectors,VLPs have better biocompatibility and strong targeting ability,making them highly valued in the delivery of anti-tumor drugs.In recent years,the efficient delivery of gene editing tools using VLPs has provided new possibilities for tumor treatment.VLPs can inhibit tumor growth and spread through various mechanisms,such as activating immune responses to suppress tumor growth,stimulating the body's immune system,promoting the expression of tumor associated antigens,and enhancing the body's ability to recognize and clear tumor cells.These studies not only broaden the application scope of VLPs in the field of anti-tumor therapy,but also provide a broader prospect for future research and application.This article reviewed the research progress of VLPs derived from different viruses in preventive or therapeutic vaccines and drug delivery carriers,and explored new development strategies.

Objective:To observe the electrosensitization of Sifeng(EX-UE10)in children with constipation due to excessive heat in intestine.Methods:The meridian values of Sifeng(EX-UE10)in 80 children with constipation due to excessive heat in intestine and in 80 healthy children were measured using a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)meridian detector,and the variation rule of the point meridian values was analyzed by SPSS version 26.0 statistical software.Results:The meridian values of Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger in the observation group were statistically different from those in the control group(P<0.01).There was no statistical difference in the meridian value of Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the little finger between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Electrosensitization occurs at Sifeng(EX-UE10)of the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger in children with constipation(syndrome of excessive heat in intestine),and thus the treatment can focus on stimulating the index finger,middle finger,and ring finger.

Organoids have become an important technological platform in cancer research,but simulating the primary tumor tissue structure and function still presents problems.The development of gene-editing technology,especially when combined with tumor organoids,provides a new approach for accurately and comprehensively simulating the in vivo characteristics of tumor models.Introducing specific gene mutations or correcting mutations in tumor organoids through gene-editing technology can allow detailed analysis of the mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression,as well as exploring potential therapeutic targets,accelerating the drug-screening process,and providing new insights for personalized cancer treatment.This article reviews the formation of tumor organoids and the technical aspects of gene-editing strategies,emphasizing their unique applications and prospects in tumor organoids.We also propose that accurately simulating the in vivo microenvironment,promoting the standardization and stability of organoid gene-editing technology,and optimizing the efficiency of gene editing can accelerate the application of organoids in precision medicine research.

Organoids have become an important technological platform in cancer research,but simulating the primary tumor tissue structure and function still presents problems.The development of gene-editing technology,especially when combined with tumor organoids,provides a new approach for accurately and comprehensively simulating the in vivo characteristics of tumor models.Introducing specific gene mutations or correcting mutations in tumor organoids through gene-editing technology can allow detailed analysis of the mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression,as well as exploring potential therapeutic targets,accelerating the drug-screening process,and providing new insights for personalized cancer treatment.This article reviews the formation of tumor organoids and the technical aspects of gene-editing strategies,emphasizing their unique applications and prospects in tumor organoids.We also propose that accurately simulating the in vivo microenvironment,promoting the standardization and stability of organoid gene-editing technology,and optimizing the efficiency of gene editing can accelerate the application of organoids in precision medicine research.

Virus-like particles(VLPs)are hollow nanoparticles composed of one or several virus structural proteins,which have a morphological structure similar to natural viruses but do not contain any genetic material.Due to the excellent innate immunogenicity and safety of VLPs,they are often used in the development of tumor vaccines.In addition,compared with traditional drug delivery vectors,VLPs have better biocompatibility and strong targeting ability,making them highly valued in the delivery of anti-tumor drugs.In recent years,the efficient delivery of gene editing tools using VLPs has provided new possibilities for tumor treatment.VLPs can inhibit tumor growth and spread through various mechanisms,such as activating immune responses to suppress tumor growth,stimulating the body's immune system,promoting the expression of tumor associated antigens,and enhancing the body's ability to recognize and clear tumor cells.These studies not only broaden the application scope of VLPs in the field of anti-tumor therapy,but also provide a broader prospect for future research and application.This article reviewed the research progress of VLPs derived from different viruses in preventive or therapeutic vaccines and drug delivery carriers,and explored new development strategies.

Objective:To analyze the trends in refractive error and ocular biological parameters in elementary school students over 5 years, and to investigate the patterns of change before and after myopia onset.Methods:A cohort study was adopted.A total of 1 986 first-grade students from the Anyang Childhood Eye Study were enrolled in this cohort study and their right eye data were taken for analysis, including 1 126 boys and 860 girls.Every year, cycloplegic autorefraction was performed with 1% cyclopentolate eyedrops to obtain the spherical equivalent (SE).The axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, mean corneal curvature (Km) and other parameters were obtained by ocular biometry.The lens refractive power (LP) was calculated using the Bennett formula.The subjects were assigned to persistent myopia group, non-myopia group and new onset myopia group.According to the age of myopia onset, the new onset myopia group was subdivided into the 8-, 9-, 10-, 11- and 12-year-old myopia groups to compare the differences in refractive error and ocular bioparameters among groups at different time points of follow-up.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University (No.TRECKY2018-030).Written informed consent form was obtained from the guardians of each subject.Results:All children had a gradual SE drift toward myopia and a gradual increase in the AL with age, and there were significant differences in SE and AL between adjacent follow-up ages within the three groups (all at P<0.05).The earlier the onset of myopia, the higher the myopia SE and the longer the AL of the eye at the same follow-up age, the differences in SE between adjacent groups were statistically significant (all at P<0.05), and the differences in AL between adjacent groups at the follow-up age of 8 to 12 years were statistically significant (all at P<0.05).In the nonmyopia group, SE drifted toward emmetropia at a slow and steady rate of (-0.23±0.27)D/year, and AL also increased slowly and steadily at (0.18±0.13)mm/year.In the new onset myopia group, the changes in SE in the third, second, and first years before myopia onset were (-0.32±0.25), (-0.45±0.33), and (-0.98±0.44)D, and the increases in AL were (0.25±0.12), (0.32±0.15), and (0.48±0.19)mm, respectively.Both SE and AL change rates began to accelerate before myopia onset and slowed down after myopia onset, with statistically significant differences in the overall comparison of SE and AL change rates at different time intervals before and after myopia onset (all at P<0.001).The AL at myopia onset in boys was (24.11±0.70)mm, which was longer than (23.60±0.66)mm in girls ( t=159.71, P<0.01).LP decreased with age in all groups, with a faster rate before the age of 9 years and a slower rate after the age of 9 years.The mean decrease rate in LP was (-0.48±0.19), (-0.44±0.20), (-0.49±0.16), (-0.51±0.18), and (-0.48±0.19)D/year in the persistent myopia group and 8~11-year-old myopia group, respectively, which were significantly faster than -0.42±0.17 D/year in 12-year-old myopia group and (0.37±0.15)D/year in nonmyopia group (all at P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in Km among groups at different follow-up ages (all at P>0.05). Conclusions:The AL begins to grow at an accelerated rate 3 years before myopia onset, and the increase rate of the AL slows down after the onset of myopia, but it is still significantly faster than that of non-myopic children.In this process, the decrease in LP plays a compensatory role; there is no significant change in corneal curvature.The AL of males at the onset of myopia is longer than that of females at the same age.AL is an important indicator for the prevention and control of myopia.It is important to consider gender differences and to pay more attention to the growth rate when assessing AL.

Objective:To systemically evaluate the characteristics of cytokine levels in intraocular fluid of neovascular glaucoma (NVG).Methods:Literature on the detection of cytokine levels in NVG published before June 2022 was searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang databases, and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP).Two investigators independently completed the literature search, inclusion, and data extraction following the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Quantitative analyses were performed using Stata 16.0 software.Study heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test, and effects were combined using the appropriate effect model to complete the meta-analysis. Results:A total of 24 studies were screened, including 771 NVG cases and 727 age-related cataract cases (control group).The standardized mean difference ( SMD) of the combined effect value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mass concentration in the aqueous humor between the two groups was 8.79, with a 95% confidence interval ( CI) of 6.43 to 11.14.The SMD of interleukin-6 (IL-6) between the two groups was 12.50, with a 95% CI of 9.41 to 15.58.The VEGF and IL-6 levels in aqueous humor and vitreous humor were significantly higher in NVG group than in control group (all at P<0.05).The pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) level in aqueous humor was lower in NVG group than in control group ( SMD: -3.03, 95% CI: -5.50--0.55, P<0.05).The levels of IL-8 ( SMD: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.14-6.85), erythropoietin (EPO) ( SMD: 9.62, 95% CI: 0.44-18.79), placental growth factor (PIGF) ( SMD: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.38-3.86), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) ( SMD: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.87-4.87) were all significantly higher in NVG group than in control group (all at P<0.05).There was no significant difference in IL-1β level in aqueous humor between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In NVG patients, VEGF, IL-6, IL-8, EPO, PIGF, TNF-α levels are obviously increased and PEDF level is obviously decreased.These biomarkers can be used as potential predictors or therapeutic targets for NVG.