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.

Objectives:To investigate the safety and efficacy of concomitant mitral valvuloplasty(MVP)and implantation of domestic third-generation magnetically levitated Corheart 6 left ventricular assist device(LVAD). Methods:Clinical data of 13 end-stage heart failure patients who underwent Corheart 6 LVAD implantation and MVP at Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Mortality and complication events during hospitalization and at follow-up were collected,and changes in myocardial injury biomarkers,renal function,hemodynamics,and echocardiographic indices were observed. Results:There were no perioperative deaths and no MVP-related complications in these patients.During a mean follow-up of(14.2±5.6)months,2 patients died due to COVID-19 pneumonia and cardiac arrest respectively,11 cases(84.6%)survived.There were no recurrences of moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation in the survived patients.Compared with preoperative value,higher cardiac output,lower central venous pressure,pulmonary artery systolic pressure(PASP),and mean pulmonary artery pressure(PAMP)were evidenced at 24 h and 72 h postoperatively,estimated glomerular filtration rate was also reduced at 1 week post operation(all P<0.010).High-sensitive troponin T level was significantly increased at 1 week post operation and then reduced at 1 month post operation,but still not returned to pre-operative level([125.5±281.9]pg/ml at baseline,[1 295.6±654.6]pg/ml at 1 week post operation and[278.0±300.5]pg/ml at 1 month post operation).Echocardiography showed that compared with preoperative period,the left ventricular ejection fraction tended to be higher at 1 and 6 months postoperatively(both P>0.017),whereas left ventricular end-diastolic dimension,PASP,and PAMP were significantly reduced(all P<0.010). Conclusions:Domestic third-generation magnetically levitated Corheart 6 LVAD implantation with concomitant MVP is safe and feasible,there is no recurrence of moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation,a significant reduction in pulmonary artery pressure,and significant hemodynamic improvement in early to mid-term postoperatively are observed in survived patients.

BACKGROUND:Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis can cause severe pain,which significantly affects the patient's quality of life and psychological health.Studies have found that medical ozone can effectively alleviate pain due to temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis,but its analgesic effect and mechanism are still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of medical ozone on pain relief in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and the potential mechanisms. METHODS:Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=6 per group):control group,model group,air group,and medical ozone group.A sodium iodate-induced rat model of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis was established in all groups except for the control group.After 1 week of modeling,rats in the air group and medical ozone group were injected with clean air and medical ozone,respectively,in the temporomandibular joint.The injection frequency for the air group and medical ozone group was once a week for three times in total.The von Frey mechanized pain measurement technique was used to assess the mechanical pain threshold of the temporomandibular joint in rats before and 28 days after modeling.ELISA was utilized to detect interleukin-1β in both serum and temporomandibular joint fluid at 28 days after modeling.Histopathologic changes of the temporomandibular joint were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin staining.Additionally,the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and cyclooxygenase 2 in the temporomandibular joint were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the mechanical pain thresholds of the temporomandibular joint in the model group were decreased at 1,3,7,14,21,and 28 days after modeling(P<0.01);and compared with the model and air groups,the mechanical pain thresholds of the temporomandibular joint in the medical ozone group were increased at 28 days after modeling(P<0.01).Compared with the control group,the level of interleukin 1β in the serum and joint fluid of rats in the model group was elevated(P<0.01);compared with the model and air groups,the level of interleukin 1β in the serum and joint fluid of rats in the medical ozone group was decreased(P<0.01).Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed derangement and degeneration of the cartilage structure in the model group and the air group,while the derangement of the cartilage structure in the medical ozone group was less than that in the model group and the air group.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and cyclooxygenase 2 in the temporomandibular joints of rats in the model group was elevated compared with that in the control group(P<0.01);the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and cyclooxygenase 2 in the temporomandibular joints of rats in the medical ozone group was decreased compared with that in the model group and the air group(P<0.01,P<0.05).These findings suggest that medical ozone can alleviate the pain caused by osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joints in Sprague-Dawley rats by reducing the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α,interleukin 1β,and cyclooxygenase 2.

Objective To study the relationship between economic level and cognitive level of the elderly, and to test the mediating effect of social participation between the two. Methods SPSS 26.0 was used for data processing. Ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between economic level, social participation and cognitive level. The mediation effect test was used to test the mediating effect of social participation between economic level and cognitive level. Results In the OLS regression model, model 2 showed that the estimation of economic level was 0.000 003 52, model 3 showed that the estimation of social participation was -0.316 907 5, and model 4 showed that the economic level was -0.000 003 39, all of which were significant at the level of 1%. The mediating effect size of social participation was 0.298 295 45, and the robustness test showed that the correlation coefficient between economic level and cognitive level orientation was 0.000 002 15, which was highly significant at the 1% level. Conclusion There is a positive correlation between the economic level and cognitive level of the elderly, and there is a positive correlation between the social participation and cognitive level of the elderly. The economic level of the elderly improves their cognitive level through the mediating effect of social participation, and the impact effect of social participation is 29.83%.

Objective To investigate the effect of medical ozone injection therapy on temporomandibular joint(TMJ)osteoarthritis and its pain in SD rats.Methods Fifity-four rats were randomly assigned according to a random number table into three groups:con-trol group,model group,and medical ozone group,with 18 rats in each group.In the control group,only physiological saline was in-jected during modeling;in the model group,only sodium iodoacetate was injected for modeling;in the medical ozone group,after in-jecting sodium iodoacetate into the joint cavity for modeling for one week,medical ozone was then injected into the joint cavity for inter-vention at a frequency of once a week,totaling 5 times.One week(week 2 after modeling),3 weeks(week 4 after modeling),and 5 weeks(week 6 after modeling)after medical ozone injections,6 rats from each group were euthanized.Mechanical withdrawal thresh-old of rats in each group was assessed before euthanasia,and the expression levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)in joint fluid of rats in each group were measured after euthanasia.Gross observation and modified Mankin's scoring were performed on TMJ cartilage of rats in each group after stained with Pelletier score and Safranin O-Fast Green.Results During the same time period,compared to the control group,the model group showed a significant decrease in the mechanical pain threshold of the TMJ in rats at 1 week,3 weeks,and 5 weeks(P＜0.01).The expression levels of IL-1β in the TMJ fluid increased(P＜0.01),and the Pelletier score and modified Mankin's score of TMJ cartilage increased(P＜0.01).In comparison to the model group,the medical ozone group exhibited a significant increase in the mechanical pain threshold of the TMJ in rats after 3 weeks and 5 weeks of medical ozone injections(P＜0.01).The expression levels of IL-1β in the TMJ fluid decreased(P＜0.01),and the Pelletier score and modified Mankin's score of TMJ cartilage decreased(P＜0.01).However,there were no statistically significant difference in the measured parameters in the TMJ cavity after 1 week of medical ozone injection(P＞0.05).Within the medical ozone group,compared to the 1-week treatment,the mechanical pain threshold of the TMJ increased(P＜0.01)and the expression levels of IL-1β in the TMJ fluid decreased at 3 weeks and 5 weeks(P＜0.01).However,there was no statistically significant difference in the Pelletier score and modified Mankin's score of TMJ cartilage(P＞0.05)between different treatment duration.Additionally,there were no statistically signif-icant differences in the mechanical pain threshold of the TMJ,expression levels of IL-1β in the TMJ fluid,Pelletier score,and modi-fied Mankin's score of TMJ cartilage between the medical ozone group at 3 weeks and 5 weeks(P＞0.05).Conclusion Medical ozone treatment for more than 3 weeks can improve temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and its associated pain in rats.

Background::Gastric cancer (GC), a malignant tumor with poor prognosis, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide; consequently, identifying novel therapeutic targets is crucial for its corresponding treatment. NUF2, a component of the NDC80 kinetochore complex, promotes cancer progression in multiple malignancies. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential of NUF2 as a therapeutic target to inhibit GC progression. Methods::Clinical samples were obtained from patients who underwent radical resection of GC at Lanzhou University Second Hospital from 2016 to 2021. Cell count assays, colony formation assays, and cell-derived xenotransplantation (CDX) models were used to determine the effects of NUF2 on GC progression. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of NUF2 or quercetin on cell cycle progression and apoptosis. A live-cell time-lapse imaging assay was performed to determine the effect of NUF2 on the regulation of mitotic progression. Transcriptomics was used to investigate the NUF2-associated molecular mechanisms. Virtual docking and microscale thermophoresis were used to identify NUF2 inhibitors. Finally, CDX, organoid, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were used to examine the efficacy of the NUF2 inhibitor in GC. Results::NUF2 expression was significantly increased in GC and was negatively correlated with prognosis. The deletion of NUF2 suppressed GC progression both in vivo and in vitro. NUF2 significantly regulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, promoted G2/M phase transition, and inhibited apoptosis in GC cells. Additionally, quercetin was identified as a selective NUF2 inhibitor with low toxicity that significantly suppressed tumor growth in GC cells, organoids, CDX, and PDX models. Conclusions::Collectively, NUF2-mediated G2/M phase transition and apoptosis inhibition promoted GC progression; additionally, NUF2 inhibitors exhibited potent anti-GC activity. This study provides a new strategy for targeting NUF2 to suppress GC progression in clinical settings.

The prevalence of heart failure(HF) is increasing worldwide, and mitral regurgitation(MR) is a common manifestation in patients with end-stage HF. Currently, the indications for concomitant surgical intervention of significant preoperative MR during left ventricular assist device(LVAD) implantation are still controversial. Based on discussing the etiology, classification, and pathophysiology of functional MR in patients with end-stage HF, this paper reviews the relevant factors affecting the prognosis of such patients and the progress of research related to whether to perform mitral valve surgery to intervene in significant MR during LVAD implantation, to provide a further reference for clinical practice.

Objective:To determine the risk factors for development of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).Methods:The clinical data of patients with ICC or CHC confirmed by pathology at Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Of 225 patients with ICC or CHC, there were 90 males and 135 females, aged (58.7±10.4) years old. Based on the pathological type, there were 172 patients in the ICC group and 53 patients in the CHC group. The healthy control group was selected from 450 individuals who underwent routine health examination in the same hospital, and there were 189 males and 261 females, aged (56.7±9.3) years old. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of ICC and CHC.Results:The risk factors of ICC included hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (+ )/hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) (+ ) ( OR=9.373, 95% CI: 4.784-18.363, P<0.001), hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV-Ab) (+ ) ( OR=7.151, 95% CI: 1.195-42.776, P=0.031), diabetes mellitus ( OR=3.118, 95% CI: 1.733-5.612, P<0.001) and hepatolithiasis ( OR=18.650, 95% CI: 5.210-66.767, P<0.001). The risk factors of CHC included HBsAg (+ )/anti-HBc(+ )( OR=54.891, 95% CI: 17.434-172.822, P<0.001) and HCV-Ab (+ ) ( OR=37.785, 95% CI: 5.720-249.611, P<0.001). Conclusion:HBV infection, HCV infection, hepatolithiasis, diabetes mellitus and cirrhosis were risk factors for ICC. HBV and HCV infection were risk factors of CHC.

Objective:To analyze the expression of mucin 1 (MUC1) and Ki67 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and to explore the correlations between the expression of MUC1 and Ki67 and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of ICC patients.Methods:Clinical data of 398 patients with ICC admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2013 to March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 104 patients were included in this study, including 67 males and 37 females, aged (56.6±9.3) years. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of MUC1 and Ki67 in cancer tissues. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to study the prognostic factors of ICC patients.Results:The expression of MUC1 was low in 65 patients and high in 39 patients. Ki67 expression was low in 52 patients and high in 52 patients. High expression of MUC1 was correlated with lymph node metastasis ( P<0.05), while high expression of Ki67 was correlated with tumor nodes number, lymph node metastasis and vascular invasion (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that ICC patients with high MUC1 expression ( HR=2.321, 95% CI: 1.420-3.792, P<0.001) and high Ki67 expression ( HR=2.012, 95% CI: 1.247-3.247, P=0.004) showed a poor prognosis after hepatectomy. ICC patients with high MUC1 expression ( HR=1.664, 95% CI: 1.058-2.618, P=0.028) and high Ki67 expression ( HR=1.883, 95% CI: 1.168-3.035, P=0.009) had a poor prognosis after hepatectomy. Conclusion:High expression of MUC1 and Ki67 is correlated with tumor growth and metastasis. MUC1 and Ki67 are independent risk factors for prognosis of ICC patients after hepatectomy.

Objective To study the relationship between the red blood cell distribution width-standard deviation（RDW SD） and the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke（IS）. Methods We conducted a retrospective case-control study in 187 patients with recurrent IS who were admitted to neurology department of affiliated hospital of Inner Mongolia medical university，the time of first-ever IS and other baseline characteristic were recorded. The relationship between recurrent IS time and RDW-SD was analyzed by polynomial regression analysis. 187 patients were divides into two groups according to the quartile level of RDW-SD. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the cumulative risk of recurrent IS in different groups，and log rank method（χ2 test） was used to compare the differences between groups to study the relationship between RDWSD and recurrent IS risk.Results The results from polynomial regression analysis showed that there was a significant U shaped correlation between RDW-SD level and the recurrent IS time，and its regression coefficient was significantly different from 0 at P<0.05.The median RDW-SD of 187 patients with recurrent IS was 41.80 FL.According to the RDW-SD quartile level，187 patients were divided into 2 groups，including 98 patients corresponding to the highest quartile and the lowest quartile（Q1+Q4）and 89 patients corresponding to the second and third quartiles（Q2+Q3）. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis illustrated that the patients with the first quartile and the firth quartile（Q1+Q4）of RDW SD levels had a significantly increased cumulative risk of recurrent IS compared to patients with middle quartile（Q2+Q3）of RDW-SD levels（Log Rank=5.047，P=0.02），especially for female patients（Log Rank=6.143，P=0.013）.For male patients，the cumulative risk of recurrent IS was higher in patients with Q1+Q4 group than patients in Q2+Q3 group，but no significant difference was found among two groups（Log Rank=1.325，P=0.25）.Conclusion AU shaped association was found between RDW SD levels and the cumulative risk of recurrent IS，especially for female patients.