Esophageal cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor of the digestive tract in China, and radical surgery remains the cornerstone of its comprehensive treatment. However, multifactorial challenges such as postoperative gastrointestinal tract reconstruction, traumatic stress, and tumor-related metabolic disturbances render esophageal cancer patients highly susceptible to malnutrition. Perioperative nutritional support therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing surgical safety, improving clinical outcomes, and elevating patients' quality of life by regulating metabolic homeostasis, preserving organ function, and optimizing the immune microenvironment. This article reviews the mechanisms underlying malnutrition in esophageal cancer, methods for nutritional status assessment, and precision intervention pathways based on multi-omics evaluations. The aim is to strengthen clinicians' awareness of standardized perioperative nutritional management for esophageal cancer patients and promote its clinical implementation, thereby facilitating postoperative recovery and improving long-term quality of life.

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its treatment continues to face major challenges such as therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence. Pyroptosis, a newly characterized form of programmed cell death, induces tumor cell death through gasdermin-mediated membrane pore formation and is accompanied by the release of inflammatory mediators, thereby playing complex roles in lung cancer initiation, progression, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Active components and herbal formulas derived from traditional Chinese medicine can modulate pyroptosis-related signaling pathways through multi-target mechanisms, showing potential advantages in inducing lung cancer cell death, inhibiting proliferation and migration, and reversing chemoresistance. This review systematically summarizes relevant studies from domestic and international sources, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, its roles in lung cancer development and tumor microenvironment remodeling, and the current research progress on traditional Chinese medicine-based interventions targeting pyroptosis, with the aim of providing references for the prevention and treatment of lung cancer using traditional Chinese medicine.

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.

Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction （清肠温中方， QWD） in treating ulcerative colitis （UC）. MethodsA total of 100 male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a pseudo-germ-free group （n=45） and a conventional group （n=55） using a random number table. Pseudo-germ-free model was established by giving antibiotic treatment and subsequently subjected to acute UC induction. After the model was successfully established， the 45 pseudo-germ-free acute UC mice were randomly allocated to a pseudo-germ-free model group， a pseudo-germ-free QWD group， and a pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group， with 15 mice in each group. The 55 conventional mice were randomly divided into a normal control group （n=10）， as well as a conventional model group， a conventional QWD group， and a conventional mesalazine group， with 15 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group， acute UC models were established in all other groups. Mice in the control group received no intervention. From day 32 of the experiment， mice in the pseudo-germ-free QWD group and the conventional QWD group were administered with QWD granules at a dose of 9.71 g/（kg·d） by gavage with deionized water， while those in the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group and the conventional mesalazine group were given mesalazine enteric-coated tablets at a dose of 151.67 mg/（kg·d） by gavage. Mice in the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 25 of the experiment， six mice were randomly selected from both the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional group to measure body weight， and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to compare differences in gut microbiota， including operational taxonomic units （OTUs）， Shannon index， Observed_species index， and phylogenetic diversity （PD whole tree）. On day 39， body weight was measured in all groups， and the disease activity index （DAI） was evaluated. Colon length and colon wet weight were recorded. Histopathological changes in colonic tissues were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining， and histological injury scores were determined. In addition， the expression levels of mucopolysaccharides and mucin 2 （MUC2） in colonic tissues were measured. ResultsOn day 25， there was no significant difference in body weight between the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional microbiota group （P＞0.05）. Compared to the conventional microbiota group， the pseudo-germ-free group showed significantly reduced OTUs， Shannon index， Observed_species index， and PD whole tree （P＜0.01）. On day 39， compared to the normal control group， mice in the conventional model group showed a significant decrease in the body weight and an increase in DAI， along with increased colon wet weight， shortened colon length， markedly elevated histopathological scores， and reduced expression of mucopolysaccharides and MUC2 （P＜0.01）. In contrast， no significant differences were observed in these parameters in the pseudo-germ-free model group （P＞0.05）. Compared to the conventional model group， the conventional QWD group showed significant improvement in all measured parameters， whereas the conventional mesalazine group showed reductions only in DAI scores and colon wet weight （P＜0.01）. No statistically significant differences were observed among the pseudo-germ-free model group， the pseudo-germ-free QWD group， and the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group （P＞0.05）. ConclusionQWD may promote the reconstruction of the intestinal mucus barrier by regulating the intestinal flora， thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on acute UC.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction （清肠温中方， QWD） in treating ulcerative colitis （UC）. MethodsA total of 100 male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a pseudo-germ-free group （n=45） and a conventional group （n=55） using a random number table. Pseudo-germ-free model was established by giving antibiotic treatment and subsequently subjected to acute UC induction. After the model was successfully established， the 45 pseudo-germ-free acute UC mice were randomly allocated to a pseudo-germ-free model group， a pseudo-germ-free QWD group， and a pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group， with 15 mice in each group. The 55 conventional mice were randomly divided into a normal control group （n=10）， as well as a conventional model group， a conventional QWD group， and a conventional mesalazine group， with 15 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group， acute UC models were established in all other groups. Mice in the control group received no intervention. From day 32 of the experiment， mice in the pseudo-germ-free QWD group and the conventional QWD group were administered with QWD granules at a dose of 9.71 g/（kg·d） by gavage with deionized water， while those in the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group and the conventional mesalazine group were given mesalazine enteric-coated tablets at a dose of 151.67 mg/（kg·d） by gavage. Mice in the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 25 of the experiment， six mice were randomly selected from both the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional group to measure body weight， and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to compare differences in gut microbiota， including operational taxonomic units （OTUs）， Shannon index， Observed_species index， and phylogenetic diversity （PD whole tree）. On day 39， body weight was measured in all groups， and the disease activity index （DAI） was evaluated. Colon length and colon wet weight were recorded. Histopathological changes in colonic tissues were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining， and histological injury scores were determined. In addition， the expression levels of mucopolysaccharides and mucin 2 （MUC2） in colonic tissues were measured. ResultsOn day 25， there was no significant difference in body weight between the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional microbiota group （P＞0.05）. Compared to the conventional microbiota group， the pseudo-germ-free group showed significantly reduced OTUs， Shannon index， Observed_species index， and PD whole tree （P＜0.01）. On day 39， compared to the normal control group， mice in the conventional model group showed a significant decrease in the body weight and an increase in DAI， along with increased colon wet weight， shortened colon length， markedly elevated histopathological scores， and reduced expression of mucopolysaccharides and MUC2 （P＜0.01）. In contrast， no significant differences were observed in these parameters in the pseudo-germ-free model group （P＞0.05）. Compared to the conventional model group， the conventional QWD group showed significant improvement in all measured parameters， whereas the conventional mesalazine group showed reductions only in DAI scores and colon wet weight （P＜0.01）. No statistically significant differences were observed among the pseudo-germ-free model group， the pseudo-germ-free QWD group， and the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group （P＞0.05）. ConclusionQWD may promote the reconstruction of the intestinal mucus barrier by regulating the intestinal flora， thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on acute UC.

Renal fibrosis is the common pathological endpoint of many forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet the mechanisms determining effective repair versus persistent fibrotic remodeling remain incompletely understood. Peritubular capillaries (PTCs) are not merely passive targets of fibrotic injury, but form a dynamic vascular microenvironment linking regional perfusion, oxygen delivery, tubular metabolism, endothelial barrier integrity, pericyte support, immune-cell trafficking, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. We propose that PTC abnormalities should not be interpreted simply as reduced capillary density, but as a multidimensional disturbance of microvascular structure and function. Structural vascular preservation does not necessarily indicate effective microcirculation: anatomically detectable capillaries may still exhibit impaired perfusion, barrier dysfunction, abnormal endothelial-pericyte interactions, disturbed oxygen metabolism, or reduced network connectivity. Conversely, increased angiogenesis does not necessarily signify successful vascular repair if vessels remain immature, poorly perfused, or inadequately integrated into the existing network. To organize these abnormalities, we conceptualize PTC remodeling into four predominant but nonexclusive states: endothelial barrier disruption with inflammatory adhesion; endothelial-pericyte uncoupling with no-reflow; dysregulated angiogenesis with network simplification; and capillary rarefaction with fibrotic matrix locking. These states are not sequential stages of CKD. They may coexist within the same kidney, overlap within the same anatomical region, and vary with disease etiology, injury phase, vascular compartment, and treatment exposure. We further propose six dimensions for evaluating PTC status—structural presence, functional perfusion, barrier integrity, pericyte coupling, oxygen metabolism, and network connectivity—so that vascular quantity, function, and reparative capacity are assessed separately rather than inferred from a single endothelial marker or capillary-density measurement. Mechanistically, these states converge on a bidirectional microvascular-fibrotic feedback loop. Barrier disruption facilitates leukocyte recruitment and alters vascular paracrine signaling. Endothelial-pericyte uncoupling compromises capillary stability, whereas abnormal pericyte contraction may increase local vascular resistance and contribute to no-reflow before overt capillary loss. Dysregulated angiogenesis may generate vessels that fail to mature or connect to an effective perfusion network. Progressive capillary rarefaction compromises oxygen delivery, while sustained tubular transport demand and mitochondrial dysfunction may aggravate regional oxygen supply-demand mismatch. Injured tubules, immune cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts communicate through soluble mediators, extracellular vesicles, direct cell contact, and cell-matrix signaling. Importantly, fibrosis is not merely a downstream consequence of microvascular injury. Altered ECM may increase diffusion distance, modify mechanotransduction, impair endothelial survival and migration, and restrict capillary reopening and regeneration. We use the term matrix locking to describe this sustained constraint on vascular repair, while emphasizing that current evidence does not establish irreversible disease in humans. This framework also has therapeutic implications. PTC-directed treatment should not be reduced to increasing vessel number or uniformly promoting angiogenesis. Instead, intervention should be matched to the dominant and potentially reversible abnormality: preserving endothelial barrier function; restoring endothelial-pericyte stability and reducing pathological microvascular resistance; normalizing angiogenesis so that vascular growth is accompanied by maturation, barrier competence, network integration, and effective perfusion; and, in advanced rarefaction, relieving matrix-related constraints while supporting vascular regeneration. The context- and time-dependent effects of signaling through VEGF, Tie2, PDGF-B/PDGFRβ, eNOS/NO, and related pathways indicate that the same molecular signal may exert different effects depending on disease context and timing. Therapeutic efficacy should therefore be evaluated by restoration of effective microcirculation and tissue function rather than by isolated molecular changes or capillary counts alone. Despite increasing mechanistic evidence, the translational basis for this framework remains limited. Most causal and interventional data derive from animal or cell models, whereas human evidence is largely limited to pathological observations, patient-sample associations, and prognostic studies. Currently available circulating and urinary candidate biomarkers generally lack sufficient specificity for PTC injury or state assignment, and no standardized quantitative thresholds have been externally validated. The four-state model should therefore be regarded as a hypothesis-generating analytical framework rather than a clinicopathological classification system. Future studies should integrate spatially resolved tissue phenotyping, blood and urine biomarkers, and dynamic microcirculatory assessment in longitudinal cohorts. They should test reproducibility, assess prognostic value beyond conventional pathology, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and proteinuria, and determine whether changes in PTC status precede or mediate therapeutic benefit. Linking reproducible microvascular phenotypes to defined mechanisms, treatment response, and long-term renal outcomes will be essential to determine whether state-directed assessment and restoration of the PTC microenvironment can ultimately inform patient stratification and therapeutic decision-making.

Objective: To analyze the results of national external quality assessment (EQA) for transfusion compatibility test from 2018 to 2023, with the aim of providing references for improving laboratory testing quality and ensuring the safety of clinical blood transfusion. Methods: Three EQA programs were conducted annually, each distributing 22 quality assessment samples. Participating transfusion laboratories were required to complete testing within specified deadlines and to submit results along with documentation of testing methodologies, reagents, and equipment used. National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL) conducted statistical analysis of laboratory results, evaluated testing outcomes and related circumstances, and provided feedback to participating laboratories. EQA data from transfusion laboratories across China from 2018 to 2023 were collected and systematically analyzed. Results: From 2018 to 2023, the qualification rates for all five items (ABO forward typing, ABO reverse typing, Rh blood group typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching) were 67.59%, 77.11%, 77.38%, 72.78%, 79.96%, and 85.16%, respectively. The mean qualification rates for ABO forward typing, ABO reverse typing, RhD blood group typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching over the past six years were 96.25%±0.59%, 90.45%±4.52%, 96.05%±0.71%, 90.88%±2.86%, and 88.34%±3.48%, respectively. The qualification rates in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 all showed a stable trend of "blood stations>tertiary hospitals>secondary hospitals". The mean qualification rate of laboratories in secondary hospitals from 2018 to 2023 was significantly lower than those of laboratories in tertiary hospitals and blood stations (P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed between laboratories in tertiary hospitals and blood stations (P>0.05). The micro column agglutination method was the most widely used in all five tests. In the four test items, namely ABO forward typing, ABO reverse typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching, there was a statistically significant difference in the qualification rate of micro column agglutination method compared to other methods (P<0.05). There was a statistical difference in the qualification rate between manual and automated detection using micro column agglutination method in the cross-matching tests (P<0.05), whereas no significant difference was noted for the other test items (P>0.05). Conclusion: From 2018 to 2023, the number of laboratories participating in EQA activities has been increasing year by year, and the qualification rate has shown an overall upward trend. The type of laboratory is a key factor affecting the qualification rate, and the testing capabilities of some laboratories still need to be improved. The micro column agglutination method is widely used in transfusion compatibility tests. The established EQA program effectively monitors quality issues in laboratories, drives continuous improvement, and ensures sustained enhancement of testing standards to safeguard clinical blood safety.

Objective:To investigate the nutritional risk status of children in PICU and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:From July 2021 to February 2023,all children aged 1 to 18 years admitted to PICU of Beijing Children's Hospital were investigated by using the pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Scoring tool(PYMS)and the clinical data questionnaire.Results:A total of 492 children in PICU were enrolled.The first nutritional risk screening results showed that there were 32 cases of no/low nutritional risk(6.5%),76 cases of medium risk(15.4%),and 384 cases of high risk(78.1%).The incidence of medium/high nutritional risk was as high as 93.5%.The PYMS score of nutritional risk in PICU was(2.61±1.42).The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that weight,fever time before admission,white blood cells,body mass index,primary diagnosis,father's education,and diet before illness were the main influencing factors of nutritional risk of children in PICU(P<0.05).Conclusion:Children in PICU are in a state of high nutritional risk.It is suggested that children in PICU should carry out nutritional screening in a standardized manner,identify children with high nutritional risk and its influencing factors early.To actively conduct nutritional assessment and nutritional intervention could improve the clinical outcome of children in PICU.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of cytokeratin 19 fragment(CYFRA21-1),squa-mous cell carcinoma antigen(SCC),neuron-specific enolase(NSE)combined with fibrinogen(FIB)in patho-logical type and lymph node metastasis of lung cancer.Methods A total of lung cancer patients admitted to Deyu Medical Maanshan General Hospital from September 2022 to March 2024 were selected as the lung canc-er group,including 14 cases of lung squamous cell carcinoma,36 cases of lung adenocarcinoma,8 cases of small cell lung cancer,39 cases of lymph node metastasis and 19 cases of no lymph node metastasis.In addition,45 patients with benign pulmonary lesions in Deyu Medical Ma'anshan General Hospital during the same period were selected as the control group.The levels of CYFRA21-1,SCC,NSE and FIB were compared between the two groups.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of CY-FRA21-1,SCC,NSE combined with FIB for pathological type and lymph node metastasis of lung cancer.Re-sults The levels of CYFRA21-1,NSE,SCC and FIB in lung cancer group were higher than those in control group(P<0.05).There were statistically significant differences in CYFRA21-1,NSE,SCC and FIB levels in patients with different pathological types of lung cancer(P<0.05).The levels of FIB and NSE levels in pa-tients with small cell lung cancer were higher than those in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma.The levels of CYFRA21-1 and SCC in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma were higher than those in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and small cell lung cancer(P<0.05).The levels of CYFRA21-1,NSE,SCC and FIB in patients with lymph node metastasis were higher than those in patients without lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of CYFRA21-1,NSE,SCC and FIB alone and in combination were 0.795,0.620,0.672,0.757 and 0.812,re-spectively.The AUC of combined detection in the diagnosis of lung cancer,lung adenocarcinoma,lung squa-mous cell carcinoma,small cell lung cancer and lymph node metastasis were 0.812,0.837,0.786,0.922 and 0.875,respectively.Conclusion CYFRA21-1,SCC,NSE combined with FIB can improve the diagnostic value of pathological type and lymph node metastasis of lung cancer.