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.

Background The prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA) among Chinese residents has been increasing annually, with occupational populations facing a higher risk of HUA due to shift work or obesity. Objective To investigate the impact of shift work and obesity on HUA among coal miners, and to provide scientific data for the prevention of HUA in this occupational group. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 25619 workers from a coal mining group in 2023 as the study population, using a questionnaire survey and occupational health check-ups. Workers who were retired or on medical leave, as well as those who provided incomplete responses to the questionnaire or did not complete anthropometric measurements or blood tests, were excluded. A total of 23173 participants were included in the study. An unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between HUA and selected factors such as shift work status, years of shift work, daily shift work hours, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and visceral adiposity index (VAI), as well as the interaction between obesity and shift work on HUA. Restricted cubic spline functions were used to analyze the dose-response relationship between years of shift work, daily shift work hours, and HUA. Results The average age of the included workers was (42.38 ± 9.82) years. A total of 6735 workers reported positive HUA, with a positive rate of 29.1%, and the prevalence was higher in men compared to women (31.8% vs. 13.9%). After adjusting for confounding factors, the restricted cubic spline model revealed a nonlinear dose-response relationship between years of shift work, daily shift work duration, and HUA: ① When the years of shift work exceeded 3.25 years, the risk of HUA in workers gradually increased with longer work duration. At 20 years of shift work, the risk increase showed a "saturation effect," meaning that the risk of HUA no longer increased with additional years of shift work. ② When daily shift work duration was below 10 h, the risk of HUA increased with the length of shift work, but after exceeding 10 h, the risk stabilized. After adjusting for confounding factors, the logistic regression model showed that, compared to non-shift workers, shift workers, those with 10-20 years and over 20 years of shift work experience, as well as those working less than 8 h and more than 8 h per day, had a higher risk of HUA, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.14 (95%CI: 1.06, 1.22), 2.42 (95%CI: 2.20, 2.67), 2.23 (95%CI: 2.00, 2.48), 1.41 (95%CI: 1.29, 1.54), and 1.90 (95%CI: 1.75, 2.06), respectively. Additionally, compared to individuals with normal obesity indices, those with overweight and obesity based on BMI, high and very high VAI and excessive WHtR had a higher risk of HUA, with ORs of 2.01 (95%CI: 1.85, 2.17), 3.51 (95%CI: 3.20, 3.84), 1.42 (95%CI: 1.32, 1.54), 2.10 (95%CI: 1.91, 2.30), and 1.82 (95%CI: 1.69, 1.97), respectively. The interaction analysis showed no interaction between shift work and obesity index (both P_s < 0.001). Conclusion Shift work, longer shift work years, and longer daily shift work hours increase the risk of HUA among coal miners. Additionally, the role of obesity in the development of HUA cannot be ignored.

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.

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.

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.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is a common type of pancreatic cancer that is insidious,develops rapidly,and is highly malignant.Traditional treatment strategies are ineffective for PDAC because of its rich extracellular matrix(ECM).Cancer-associated fibroblast(CAF)are the most important component of the ECM,and interact with other immune components in the tumor microenvironment(TME)by secreting numerous effector molecules to form an immunosuppressive TME,which may then allow cancer cells to evade immune system surveillance,promote tumor growth,invasion,and metastasis,and induce ECM remodeling and drug resistance.This review summarizes research progress on the application of targeted CAF in PDAC immunotherapy.We focus on exploring research strategies that promote the transition of TME from an immunosuppressive to an immune-activated state through depleting CAF,inhibiting effector molecules secreted by CAF,reprogramming CAF,and limiting CAF-induced ECM remodeling.This review aims to support the production of more effective therapeutic strategies and provide new method for the immunotherapy of PDAC.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is a common type of pancreatic cancer that is insidious,develops rapidly,and is highly malignant.Traditional treatment strategies are ineffective for PDAC because of its rich extracellular matrix(ECM).Cancer-associated fibroblast(CAF)are the most important component of the ECM,and interact with other immune components in the tumor microenvironment(TME)by secreting numerous effector molecules to form an immunosuppressive TME,which may then allow cancer cells to evade immune system surveillance,promote tumor growth,invasion,and metastasis,and induce ECM remodeling and drug resistance.This review summarizes research progress on the application of targeted CAF in PDAC immunotherapy.We focus on exploring research strategies that promote the transition of TME from an immunosuppressive to an immune-activated state through depleting CAF,inhibiting effector molecules secreted by CAF,reprogramming CAF,and limiting CAF-induced ECM remodeling.This review aims to support the production of more effective therapeutic strategies and provide new method for the immunotherapy of PDAC.

Objective To investigate the value of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid(Gd-EOB-DTPA)enhanced MRI in preoperative prediction of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters(VETC)pattern in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods A total of 234 patients diagnosed with HCC by pathology were analyzed retrospectively.A total of 101 VETC-positive HCC patients and 133 VETC-negative HCC patients were included.All patients were divided into training group and validation group according to 7︰3.The training group data were used to construct a prediction model for VETC-positive HCC.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to verify the diagnostic efficiency of the model.Calibration curve was drawn to verify the calibration of the model.Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis predicted the independent risk factors for VETC-positive HCC:portal phase peripheral washout[odds ratio(OR)6.493],necrosis or severe ischemia(OR 4.756),targetoid transitional phase or hepatobiliary phase(OR 0.307),and lesion to liver signal intensity ratio(LLR)on arterial phase(OR 0.074).The AUC of the training group in predicting VETC-positive HCC was 0.790[95%confidence interval(CI)0.720-0.859].The AUC of the validation group in predicting VETC-positive HCC was 0.779(95%CI 0.668-0.889).The calibration curve diagram showed that the calibration curve(the slope was 0.91)almost coincides with the ideal curve,indicating that the prediction model had better calibration.Conclusion The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI can be used to predict VETC-positive HCC preoperatively,the independent risk factors of VETC include portal phase peripheral washout,necrosis or severe ischemia,targetoid transitional phase or hepatobiliary phase,and LLR on arterial phase.

Objective To investigate the value of the liver imaging reporting and data system v2018(LI-RADS v2018)and other imaging features in predicting preoperative risk and postoperative prognosis of isolated macrotrabecular-massive hepatocellular carcinoma(MTM-HCC).Methods Patients with isolated hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)confirmed by pathology after preoperative MRI examination were selected,and all patients were randomly assigned to a training group(n=146)and a validation group(n=62)in a 7∶3 ratio.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen independent prognostic factors of MTM-HCC and construct a nomogram.Patients were stratified into high-risk and low-risk subgroups based on the nomogram scores.Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Log-rank tests were used to compare the recurrence-free survival(RFS)among different subgroups of patients.Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that intratumoral vessels[odds ratio(OR)=3.480,95％confidence interval(CI)1.110-10.912,P=0.032],arterial phase hypovascular component ≥20％(OR=4.615,95％CI 1.728-12.321,P=0.002),and corona enhancement(OR=4.814,95％CI 1.816-12.766,P=0.002)were independent predictors of MTM-HCC.The nomogram constructed based on these indicators demonstrated area under the curve(AUC)of the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was 0.834 and 0.764 for predicting MTM-HCC in the training and validation groups,respectively.The RFS predicted by the nomogram was significantly different between the high-risk and low-risk subgroups and both the pathologically confirmed MTM-HCC positive and negative groups(P＜0.05).Conclusion Intratumoral vessels,arterial phase hypovascular component ≥20％,and corona enhancement are independent predictors of MTM-HCC.The constructed nomogram based on these predictors demonstrates good diagnostic efficacy for MTM-HCC and has significant prognostic value for patients'RFS.