Objective To investigate the expression profile, prognostic value, gene co-expression network, and immunomodulatory role of BRF1 in a pan-cancer context, and to explore its biological functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods The pan-cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was utilized to analyze the differential expression of BRF1 in tumor versus normal tissues, its association with patient survival, pathway enrichment for co-expressed genes, and immune features (including immune checkpoints, cytokines, and immune cell infiltration). The expression profile of BRF1 in ESCC was validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In vitro, BRF1 was knocked down in ESCC cells using siRNA. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed by MTT and Transwell assays, respectively. The expression levels of proliferation- and migration-related proteins were detected by Western blotting. The correlation between BRF1 and ferroptosis was analyzed using TCGA data. Results BRF1 was significantly upregulated in over 20 types of cancer, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma and prostate adenocarcinoma. BRF1 was found to positively regulate the T-cell-mediated cell death pathway in esophageal adenocarcinoma and was associated with the circadian rhythm regulation pathway in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The correlation of BRF1 with immune checkpoints, cytokine networks, and immune cell infiltration was found to be cancer type-specific. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knocking down BRF1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells, accompanied by the downregulation of the proliferation marker PCNA. Cell migration was also significantly impaired, with decreased expression of Vimentin and MMPs and increased expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, the expression of BRF1 was positively correlated with that of ferroptosis-antagonizing genes, such as GPX4, HSPA5, and SLC7A11. Conclusion BRF1 plays complex roles in pan-cancer, participating in the regulation of tumorigenesis, progression, and immune infiltration. BRF1 promotes the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells, a mechanism potentially associated with the regulation of ferroptosis resistance. These findings suggest that BRF1 could be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

Objective To compare the mid- and long-term clinical results of mitral valve plasty (MVP) and mitral valve replacement (MVR) in the treatment of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Methods Patients with FMR who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from 2012 to 2021 were collected. The patients who underwent MVP were divided into a MVP group, and those who underwent MVR into a MVR group. The clinical data and mid-term follow-up efficacy of two groups were compared. Results Finally 236 patients were included. There were 100 patients in the MVP group, including 53 males and 47 females, with an average age of (61.80±8.03) years. There were 136 patients in the MVR group, including 72 males and 64 females, with an average age of (61.29±8.97) years. There was no statistical difference in baseline data between the two groups (P＞0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the extracorporeal circulation time, aortic occlusion time, postoperative hospital and ICU stay, intraoperative blood loss, or hospitalization death (P＞0.05), but the time of mechanical ventilation in the MVP group was significantly shorter than that in the MVR group (P=0.022). The total follow-up rate was 100.0%, the longest follow-up was 10 years, and the average follow-up time was (3.60±2.55) years. There were statistical differences in the left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter and cardiac function between the two groups compared with those before surgery (P<0.05). The postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction in the MVP group was statistically higher than that before surgery (P=0.002), but there was no statistical difference in the MVR group before and after surgery (P=0.658). The left atrial diameter in the MVP group was reduced compared with the MVR group (P=0.026). The recurrence rate of mitral regurgitation in the MVP group was higher than that in the MVR group, and the difference was statistically significant (10.0% vs. 1.5%, P=0.003). There were 14 deaths in the MVP group and 19 in the MVR group. The cumulative survival rate (P=0.605) and cardiovascular events-free survival rate (P=0.875) were not statistically significant between the two groups by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Conclusion The safety, and mid- and long-term clinical efficacy of MVP in the treatment of FMR patients are better than MVR, and the left atrial and left ventricular diameters are statistically reduced, and cardiac function is statistically improved. However, the surgeon needs to be well aware of the indications for the MVP procedure to reduce the rate of mitral regurgitation recurrence.

With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient&#39;s lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.

Objective: To investigate the effect of loss of function of lanosterol synthase( LSS) gene on intestinal function in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease( NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet． Methods: LSS gene heterozygous knockout C57 mice ( LSS + / －) were established using the CRISRP / Cas9 system．After being fed a high-fat diet with 60% fat content for 6 months，the fat deposition in liver tissues was detected by HE and Oil red O staining，the morphological changes of small intestine tissue were detected by HE staining．The changes in total cholesterol content in intestinal tissue were detected by kits．The gastrointestinal motility function of mice was detected by phenol red paste．The intestinal permeability was detected by Evans blue staining，and the expression of LSS，tight junction protein ( Claudin) -1，Claudin-5，cluster of differentiation 36 ( CD36) ，and Niemann-Pick type C1-like 1 protein ( NPC1L1) proteins in small intestinal tissues were detected by Western blot． Results : The results of HE and Oil red O staining of liver tissues showed that liver fat deposition in LSS gene heterozygous knockout mice was lower than that in wild-type mice in the high-fat diet group．The total cholesterol content in intestinal tis- sue of LSS gene heterozygous knockout mice decreased ( P ＜0. 01) ，but no morphological differences were ob- served between the two groups of mice by HE staining of intestinal tissues．The gastrointestinal motility function of LSS gene heterozygous knockout mice did not show significant changes．The intestinal permeability of LSS gene het- erozygous knockout mice in the high-fat diet group decreased as detected by Evans blue ( P＜0. 05) ．The expres- sion levels of Claudin-5 protein in the intestinal tissue of LSS gene heterozygous knockout mice in the high-fat diet group increased ( P ＜0. 05 ) ，while the expression of LSS protein in the intestinal tissues of LSS heterozygous knockout mice decreased ( P ＜0. 05) ． Conclusion In the NAFLD model induced by a high-fat diet，LSS gene heterozygous knockout reduces liver fat deposition induced by a high-fat diet and improves intestinal barrier function by regulating cholesterol metabolism in intestinal tissues and up-regulating the expression of Claudin-5．

Objective    To analyze a new classification of the left apicoposterior segmental bronchus and summarize its clinical significance. Methods     We accessed the computed tomography imaging data of the inpatients treated in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Henan Provincial People&#39;s Hospital between January and November 2021. We observed and classified the branching pattern of the left apicoposterior segmental bronchus (B1+2) using three-dimensional computed tomography bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA) technique. And we filtered out the patients who underwent thoracoscopic left apicoposterior segmentectomy and analyzed their clinical data retrospectively to summarize the instructing significance of different bronchial classification in the accurate and safe operation of left apicoposterior segmentectomy. Results     Finally 240 patients were collected, including 131 males and 109 females with a median age of 51.0 (19.0-77.0) years. The anatomical pattern of the left apicoposterior segmental bronchus was divided into four main types based on the branching pattern of the outer subsegmental bronchi (B1+2c): type Ⅰ 10% (24 patients), type Ⅱ 54% (130 patients) , type Ⅲ 17% (40 patients) , type Ⅳ 18% (43 patients) and other variations 1% (3 patients). Thirty-two patients smoothly underwent thoracoscopic left apicoposterior segmentectomy, including 23 patients of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ receiving LS1+2 resection, the other 9 patients of type Ⅲ and type Ⅳ receiving LS1+2 resection (3 patients), LS1+2c resection (4 patients) and LS1+2(a+b) resection (2 patients). Conclusion     This new classification systematically and concisely elucidates the branching characteristics of the left apicoposterior bronchus. Different branching types are instructive to the left apicoposterior segmentectomy.

Objective Studies on the expression and location of zinc finger protein A20 (A20) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in liver tissues of patients with chronic hepatitis B were conducted, and the relationship between them and liver fibrosis was determined by FibroScan. Methods Studies on A20 and CTGF in liver tissues of 160 patients with chronic hepatitis B were conducted in accordance with the stage of pathological fibrosis and inflammation of the liver, and quantitative immunohistochemistry test was conducted, and statistical analysis was conducted by FibroScan. Results The expressions of A20 and CTGF in liver tissues increased with the aggravation of liver pathological fibrosis and inflammation, and there were significant differences between each stage and the control group (P<0.05), and there were significant differences between adjacent groups (P<0.05). Studies have shown that FibroScan increases along with pathological fibrosis and inflammation in the liver. There are significant differences between the stage and the control group (P<0.05), and no significant differences between the adjacent groups (P>0.05). There was positive correlation between liver A20 and CTGF, r=0.796 (P<0.05). Conclusions In patients with chronic hepatitis B, A20, CTGF and FibroScan are positively correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis, and A20 and CTGF are also positively correlated with the degree of liver inflammation, which can be used as indicators to evaluate the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis, and further guide the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis treatment of patients.

Objective To analyze the long-term outcome of modified Morrow surgery (interventricular septal cardiomyectomy) in the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) in children. Methods The clinical data of the children with HOCM (aged≤14 years) who underwent modified Morrow surgery from January 2010 to August 2022 in Guangdong Provincial People&#39;s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including changes in hospitalization status, perioperative period, and long-term 15-lead electrocardiogram and echocardiography. Results A total of 29 patients were collected, including 22 males and 7 females, aged 10.00 (5.00, 12.00) years. Five (17.9%) patients had New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ. Ventricular septal cardiomyectomy was performed in all patients. All 29 patients survived and their cardiac function recovered after operation. Before discharge, right bundle branch block was observed in 2 patients and left bundle branch block in 6 patients. After surgery, in the left ventricular septal cardiomyectomy, the left atrial diameter decreased (P＜0.001), left ventricular end-systolic diameter increased (P=0.009), the peak pressure gradient of left ventricular outflow tract decreased (P＜0.001), and the thickness of ventricular septum decreased (P＜0.001). The systolic anterior motion of mitral valve disappeared and mitral regurgitent jet area decreased (P＜0.001). The flow velocity and peak pressure gradient of right ventricular outflow tract also decreased in the patients who underwent right ventricular septal cardiomyectomy. The average follow-up of the patients was 69.03±10.60 months. All the patients survived with their NYHA cardiac function grading Ⅰ or Ⅱ. No new-onset arrythmia event was found. Echocardiography indicated that the peak pressure gradient of the left ventricular outflow tract remained low (P<0.001). Moderate mitral regurgitation occurred in 2 patients, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with moderate mitral regurgitation occurred in 1 patient after simple right ventricular septal cardiomyectomy. Conclusion Right ventricular or biventricular obstruction is frequent in the children with HOCM and they usually have more symptoms before surgery. Modified Morrow surgery can effectively relieve outflow tract obstruction and improve their cardiac function. The long-term outcome is satisfactory. However, the posterior wall of the left ventricle remains hypertrophic. Also, there is an increased risk of a conduction block.

Objective     To evaluate the early clinical outcomes of the Renatus® balloon-expandable valve in the treatment of severe aortic stenosis. Methods    From November 2021 to April 2022, a total of 38 patients who received Renatus® balloon-expandable valve for severe aortic stenosis in Guangdong Provincial People&#39;s Hospital were included. There were 22 males and 16 females, with an average age of 73.7±5.3 years. Mean aortic gradient and peak aortic jet velocity at baseline, post-procedure, and follow-up were compared. Clinical outcomes including all-cause mortality, perivalvular leakage, serious adverse cardiovascular events and the occurrence of permanent pacemaker implantation were assessed. Results    All patients completed the procedure successfully without conversion to thoracotomy or perioperative death. The post-implant mean aortic pressure gradient was decreased from 41.5 (27.8, 58.8) mm Hg to 6.0 (3.0, 8.0) mm Hg, and the peak aortic jet velocity was also decreased from 4.1±0.9 m/s to 1.7±0.4 m/s (P<0.001). Pacemakers were required in 2 (5.3%) patients. The median follow-up time was 27.5 (23.0, 87.5) d, with a follow-up rate of 100.0%. The mean aortic gradient was 8.0 (7.0, 10.8) mm Hg and peak aortic jet velocity was 2.0±0.3 m/s, showing significant improvement compared with those in the preoperative period (P<0.001). No severe aortic regurgitation or paravalvular leak was observed. There was no serious cardiovascular adverse event or reoperative event during the study period. Conclusion    Transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the domestic Renatus® balloon-expandable valve system is a safe and effective procedure for selected patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high risk or not candidates for surgical aortic valve replacement.

We reported a 26-year-old male who was diagnosed with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular aneurysm. The location of the hypertrophic myocardium and the extent of resection were accurately assessed preoperatively using 3D modeling and printing technology. Myectomy was performed via transapical approach, and the intraoperative exploration was consistent with the description of the preoperative 3D modeling. The patient underwent the surgery successfully without any complications during the hospitalization, and the cardiopulmonary bypass time was 117 min, the aortic cross-clamping time was 57 min, and the hospital stay time was 7 d. The postoperative echocardiography demonstrated left ventricular cavity flow patency. This case provides a reference for the management of patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Resection is one of the most important treatments for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and routine postoperative follow-up is an effective method for early detection and treatment of recurrent metastases, which can improve patients&#39; quality of life and prognosis. This consensus aims to provide a reference for colleagues responsible for postoperative follow-up of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients in China, and further improve the standardization of the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.