Background/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues. Results: We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

Panvascular disease， with vascular diseases as the common pathological feature， is mainly manifested as atherosclerosis. Panvascular disease mainly affects the important organs of the heart， brain， kidney， and limbs. It is one of the leading causes of death for Chinese residents at present. Previously， due to the narrow branches of disciplines， too much attention was paid to local lesions， resulting in the neglect of panvascular disease as a systemic one. The fact that panvascular disease has overall pathology and comprehensive and individualized treatment strategies， makes the disease highly compatible with the principles of holism concept and syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. It is believed that blood stasis is the core pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is involved in the whole process of atherosclerosis. The theories of ''blood vessel''， ''meridians''， ''visceral manifestation''， and ''organs-meridians'' in TCM are helpful to comprehensively understand the complexity of panvascular diseases. Moreover， those theories can provide systematic treatment strategies. The TCM syndromes of panvascular diseases evolve from ''phlegm， stasis， stagnation， and deficiency''. Panvascular arteriosclerosis is related to the syndrome of ''stasis and phlegm''， and the treatment mainly promotes blood circulation and removes phlegm. There are different specific drugs and mechanisms of action for coronary atherosclerosis， cerebral atherosclerosis， and renal artery atherosclerotic stenosis. Panvascular venous lesions are related to the syndrome of ''deficiency and stasis'' in TCM， and the TCM treatment mainly invigorates Qi and promotes blood circulation， which can inhibit venous thrombosis， improve venous ulcers， and resist venous endothelial damage. Panvascular microcirculatory lesions are inseparable from the ''stagnation and stasis'' in TCM， and the treatment mainly promotes Qi and dredges collaterals， which has a good effect on coronary microvascular lesions， diabetic microvascular lesions， pulmonary microvascular lesions， and pancreatic microvascular lesions. Panvascular lymphatic lesions are related to the syndrome of ''water and stasis'' in TCM. The treatment method focuses on promoting blood circulation and water excretion， which can promote lymphangiogenesis and enhance lymphatic reflux. In addition， the combination of TCM and modern technology， especially the application of artificial intelligence， can improve the efficiency of early identification and personalized treatment， resulting in early screening and comprehensive management of panvascular diseases. Therefore， TCM will play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of panvascular diseases.

Panvascular disease， with vascular diseases as the common pathological feature， is mainly manifested as atherosclerosis. Panvascular disease mainly affects the important organs of the heart， brain， kidney， and limbs. It is one of the leading causes of death for Chinese residents at present. Previously， due to the narrow branches of disciplines， too much attention was paid to local lesions， resulting in the neglect of panvascular disease as a systemic one. The fact that panvascular disease has overall pathology and comprehensive and individualized treatment strategies， makes the disease highly compatible with the principles of holism concept and syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. It is believed that blood stasis is the core pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is involved in the whole process of atherosclerosis. The theories of ''blood vessel''， ''meridians''， ''visceral manifestation''， and ''organs-meridians'' in TCM are helpful to comprehensively understand the complexity of panvascular diseases. Moreover， those theories can provide systematic treatment strategies. The TCM syndromes of panvascular diseases evolve from ''phlegm， stasis， stagnation， and deficiency''. Panvascular arteriosclerosis is related to the syndrome of ''stasis and phlegm''， and the treatment mainly promotes blood circulation and removes phlegm. There are different specific drugs and mechanisms of action for coronary atherosclerosis， cerebral atherosclerosis， and renal artery atherosclerotic stenosis. Panvascular venous lesions are related to the syndrome of ''deficiency and stasis'' in TCM， and the TCM treatment mainly invigorates Qi and promotes blood circulation， which can inhibit venous thrombosis， improve venous ulcers， and resist venous endothelial damage. Panvascular microcirculatory lesions are inseparable from the ''stagnation and stasis'' in TCM， and the treatment mainly promotes Qi and dredges collaterals， which has a good effect on coronary microvascular lesions， diabetic microvascular lesions， pulmonary microvascular lesions， and pancreatic microvascular lesions. Panvascular lymphatic lesions are related to the syndrome of ''water and stasis'' in TCM. The treatment method focuses on promoting blood circulation and water excretion， which can promote lymphangiogenesis and enhance lymphatic reflux. In addition， the combination of TCM and modern technology， especially the application of artificial intelligence， can improve the efficiency of early identification and personalized treatment， resulting in early screening and comprehensive management of panvascular diseases. Therefore， TCM will play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of panvascular diseases.

Objectives:To evaluate the impact of hemoglobin concentration on 5-year cardiovascular mortality in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy(HOCM).Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed 325 non-surgically treated HOCM patients hospitalized at Fuwai Hospital from October 2009 to December 2014.Baseline information was compared between patients with or without cardiac death.The impact of hemoglobin concentration on 5-year cardiovascular mortality in HOCM patients was analyzed.Results:The median follow-up time was(43.55±19.70)months.During the follow-up period,a total of 29 patients(8.9%)experienced cardiac death.Univariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that hemoglobin concentration was significantly associated with 5-year cardiac mortality in HOCM patients(P<0.001).After adjusting for potential cardiovascular risk factors in multivariate Cox regression analysis,hemoglobin concentration(P=0.011)remained negatively associated with 5-year cardiac mortality in HOCM patient.HOCM patients with decreased hemoglobin level faced a 3.118-fold increase in 5-year cardiac mortality(HR=4.118,95%CI:1.114-14.822,P=0.030).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that HOCM patients with decreased hemoglobin levels had a significantly higher risk of 5-year cardiac mortality(log-rank test,χ2=24.38,P<0.001).Conclusions:Lower hemoglobin concentration is an independent risk factor for 5-year cardiac mortality in patients with HOCM.Compared to patients with normal hemoglobin levels,HOCM patients with decreased hemoglobin level face a 3-fold increase in 5-year cardiac mortality.

Objective:To explore the effect of CO2 fractional laser combined with glucocorticoid(GC)on T follicular helper cell(Tfh)and B cell subsets in patients with advanced vitiligo(VL).Methods:Patients with advanced VL(128 cases)who were treated in Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering from August 2019 to March 2022 were selected as research objects,and divided into group A(64 cases,CO2 fractional laser combined with GC)and group B(64 cases,CO2 fractional laser)according to different treatment methods,clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were compared.Another healthy subjects(64 cases)were selected as control group.Collected clinical data of the three groups of subjects for comparative analysis.Randomized walking model was used to evaluate the effect of CO2 fractional laser combined with GC on immune function and inflammatory response in patients with advanced VL.Results:Compared with group B,group A had a higher clinical total effective rate(P<0.05)and a lower probability of adverse reactions(P<0.05).After treatment,compared with control group,proportion of Tfh2 and Tfh17 in group A had no significant difference(P>0.05),while proportion of Tfh2 and Tfh17 in group B still had significant difference(P<0.05);compared with group B,proportion of Tfh2 in group A after treatment was higher(P<0.05),while proportion of Tfh17 type was lower(P<0.05).After treat-ment,compared with control group,proportion of memory transformed B cell in group B was still significantly different(P<0.05).After treatment,compared with control group,levels of IgA,IgE and IgM in group B were still significantly different(P<0.05);compared with group B,level of IgM in group A was higher after treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,compared with control group,levels of IL-21 and IL-1β in group B were still significantly different(P<0.05);compared with group B,level of IL-10 in group A after treatment was higher(P<0.05),while levels of IL-21 and IL-1β were lower(P<0.05).Evaluation results of random walking model showed that the improvement of immune function and inflammatory reaction in group A was better than that in group B.Conclusion:CO2 fractional laser combined with GC can improve the immune function and inflammatory reaction of patients with advanced VL better after treatment,and the probability of adverse reactions is lower.

Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of bedside transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)-guided atrial septostomy in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)support.Methods Eight patients(2 females and 6 males)who developed pulmonary edema during VA-ECMO treatment between January 2020 and October 2024 were enrolled.All patients underwent bedside TEE-guided atrial septal puncture,followed by gradual balloon dilation using an Inoue balloon(diameter:18-24 mm).The endpoint for dilation was defined as mean left atrial pressure＜15 mmHg.Post-procedure evaluation included assessment of the septal defect size,mean left atrial pressure,and improvement in bilateral pulmonary edema.Results The mean age of all 8 patients was(43.50±16.84)years old.Atrial septostomy was successfully performed in all patients.The mean balloon dilation diameter was(22.75±2.68)mm,resulting in a mean septal defect size of(6.31±0.37)mm.The mean left atrial pressure significantly decreased from(26.63±1.77)mmHg pre-procedure to(12.75±1.28)mmHg post-procedure(P＜0.001).All patients demonstrated marked improvement in bilateral pulmonary edema,and six patients also showed a significant reduction in the severity of mitral regurgitation following the procedure.No procedure-related complications were observed.Conclusions Bedside TEE-guided atrial septostomy is safe and effective for reducing left heart loading during ECMO support and improving pulmonary edema.

Objective:To explore the effect of CO2 fractional laser combined with glucocorticoid(GC)on T follicular helper cell(Tfh)and B cell subsets in patients with advanced vitiligo(VL).Methods:Patients with advanced VL(128 cases)who were treated in Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering from August 2019 to March 2022 were selected as research objects,and divided into group A(64 cases,CO2 fractional laser combined with GC)and group B(64 cases,CO2 fractional laser)according to different treatment methods,clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were compared.Another healthy subjects(64 cases)were selected as control group.Collected clinical data of the three groups of subjects for comparative analysis.Randomized walking model was used to evaluate the effect of CO2 fractional laser combined with GC on immune function and inflammatory response in patients with advanced VL.Results:Compared with group B,group A had a higher clinical total effective rate(P<0.05)and a lower probability of adverse reactions(P<0.05).After treatment,compared with control group,proportion of Tfh2 and Tfh17 in group A had no significant difference(P>0.05),while proportion of Tfh2 and Tfh17 in group B still had significant difference(P<0.05);compared with group B,proportion of Tfh2 in group A after treatment was higher(P<0.05),while proportion of Tfh17 type was lower(P<0.05).After treat-ment,compared with control group,proportion of memory transformed B cell in group B was still significantly different(P<0.05).After treatment,compared with control group,levels of IgA,IgE and IgM in group B were still significantly different(P<0.05);compared with group B,level of IgM in group A was higher after treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,compared with control group,levels of IL-21 and IL-1β in group B were still significantly different(P<0.05);compared with group B,level of IL-10 in group A after treatment was higher(P<0.05),while levels of IL-21 and IL-1β were lower(P<0.05).Evaluation results of random walking model showed that the improvement of immune function and inflammatory reaction in group A was better than that in group B.Conclusion:CO2 fractional laser combined with GC can improve the immune function and inflammatory reaction of patients with advanced VL better after treatment,and the probability of adverse reactions is lower.

Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of bedside transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)-guided atrial septostomy in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)support.Methods Eight patients(2 females and 6 males)who developed pulmonary edema during VA-ECMO treatment between January 2020 and October 2024 were enrolled.All patients underwent bedside TEE-guided atrial septal puncture,followed by gradual balloon dilation using an Inoue balloon(diameter:18-24 mm).The endpoint for dilation was defined as mean left atrial pressure＜15 mmHg.Post-procedure evaluation included assessment of the septal defect size,mean left atrial pressure,and improvement in bilateral pulmonary edema.Results The mean age of all 8 patients was(43.50±16.84)years old.Atrial septostomy was successfully performed in all patients.The mean balloon dilation diameter was(22.75±2.68)mm,resulting in a mean septal defect size of(6.31±0.37)mm.The mean left atrial pressure significantly decreased from(26.63±1.77)mmHg pre-procedure to(12.75±1.28)mmHg post-procedure(P＜0.001).All patients demonstrated marked improvement in bilateral pulmonary edema,and six patients also showed a significant reduction in the severity of mitral regurgitation following the procedure.No procedure-related complications were observed.Conclusions Bedside TEE-guided atrial septostomy is safe and effective for reducing left heart loading during ECMO support and improving pulmonary edema.

Objective:This article introduces a novel technique for totally laparoscopic, right thoracic approach, esophagojejunostomy for digestive tract reconstruction.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who successfully underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic approach at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between February 2022 and March 2022.The surgical procedure was performed as follows:(1)Following total laparoscopic resection of the gastric tumor and lymph node dissection, the specimen was transected distal to the tumor margin. The specimen was then placed into a retrieval bag and extracted through the umbilical observation port.(2)Dissection was continued through the esophageal hiatus to mobilize the esophagus. The tumor-bearing tissue, along with the esophagus, was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus.(3)The jejunum was transected 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. The distal Jejunum was mobilized for 15-20 cm and subsequently delivered into the thoracic cavity through the esophageal hiatus.(4)A Roux-en-Y jejunojejunostomy was constructed 45-50 cm distal to the cut end of the distal jejunal limb; the mesenteric defect was closed, and the duodenal stump was reinforced.(5)The patient was repositioned into the left lateral decubitus position. Port placement was established as follows: the observation port at the 7th intercostal space (ICS) in the right midaxillary line, the main operating port at the 4th ICS in the anterior axillary line, and the assistant operating port at the 9th ICS in the scapular line.(6)The main operating port incision was enlarged. Using a purse-string instrument, the esophagus was clamped and transected at least 5 cm proximal to the upper tumor margin, and the specimen was removed. (7)The distal jejunum was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus. Under total laparoscopic visualization, esophagojejunostomy was completed.Results:Both patients who underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic cavity successfully completed the procedure without conversion to laparotomy, unplanned reoperation, or any intraoperative/postoperative complications. The patients recovered well postoperatively, with no evidence of abdominal or thoracic hemorrhage. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen confirmed the absence of anastomotic leakage or other related complications.Conclusions:The esophagojejunostomy was performed totally laparoscopically via the right thoracic cavity. This approach overcomes the drawback of significant trauma associated with open surgery while ensuring safe esophageal resection margins and thorough lymph node dissection. This technique offers advantages including minimal invasiveness, accelerated postoperative recovery, and a reduced incidence of reflux esophagitis. To our knowledge, no similar method of digestive tract reconstruction has been reported in the literature. Its novelty and clinical potential may offer new therapeutic options for patients with Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).