With the rapid advancements in surgical and interventional therapies, over 90% of children with congenital heart disease can now survive into adulthood with appropriate treatment. As a rapidly expanding population, adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients often present with complex anatomical abnormalities and post-procedural complications, posing significant long-term management challenges for clinicians. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association jointly released the 2025 guidelines for the management of adult congenital heart disease, which represents a comprehensive and fundamental update following the inaugural 2008 edition. This new guideline not only integrates the latest evidence-based data but also marks a paradigm shift in ACHD management, from a disease-centered approach to a patient-centered lifelong continuum of care. This article aims to provide an interpretation of the guidelines from the perspective of a cardiac surgeon to provide references for the management of various disease subtypes.

Objective To evaluate the impact of an integrated management mode of prenatal diagnosis-postnatal treatment for congenital heart disease (CHD) on perioperative and long-term outcomes of the arterial switch operation (ASO), and to analyze the efficacy of ASO in a single center. Methods This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 183 children who underwent ASO at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from 2018 to 2024. The cohort included 106 (57.9%) patients of transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum (TGA/IVS), 61 (33.3%) patients of transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect (TGA/VSD), and 16 (8.7%) patients of Taussig-bing anomaly (TBA). Perioperative indicators were compared between 91 patients in the prenatal-postnatal integrated management group (an integrated group) and 92 patients in the traditional management group (a non-integrated group). Long-term survival and reoperation rates were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results The overall perioperative mortality rate was 4.9% (9/183), showing a downward trend year by year. The primary cause of perioperative mortality was low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), which occurred in 12 patients (6.6% incidence) with a mortality rate of 75.0%. The integrated group had a higher proportion of males (89.0% vs. 72.8%, P<0.05) and lower body weight [3.1 (2.7, 3.3) kg vs. 3.3 (3.0, 3.7) kg, P<0.05] compared to the non-integrated group. The age at surgery was significantly earlier in the integrated group [7 (3, 10) d vs. 14 (9, 48) d, P<0.05], and all children in the integrated group underwent ASO within the optimal surgical window (100.0% vs. 82.6%, P<0.05). Intraoperatively, cardiopulmonary bypass time [173 (150, 207) min vs. 186 (159, 237) min, P<0.05] and aortic cross-clamp time [100 (90, 117) min vs. 116 (97, 142) min, P<0.05] were significantly shorter in the integrated group. Although the integrated group had longer postoperative mechanical ventilation time [145 (98, 214) h vs. 116 (77, 147) h, P<0.05] and higher 48-hour maximum vasoactive inotropic score [15 (10, 21) points vs. 12 (8, 16) points, P<0.05], there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of severe complications (LCOS, necrotizing enterocolitis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) or mortality rate (3.3% vs. 6.5%, P=0.51) between the two groups, despite earlier surgical intervention and a higher proportion of critically ill cases in the integrated group. The length of hospital stay in the emergency surgery group was significantly shorter than that in the elective surgery group [20 (15, 28) d vs. 25 (21, 30) d, P<0.05], suggesting that early surgery may be of potential benefit. A total of 163 patients were successfully followed up for a median of 4.7 years, with a 5-year survival rate of 95.1% and a freedom from reintervention survival rate of 95.1%. There were no late deaths, and the most common postoperative complication was pulmonary artery stenosis. Conclusion The integrated management model allowed critically ill children with lower body weights to safely undergo surgery, significantly optimizing the timing of surgery and shortening intraoperative times. The long-term risk of reoperation after ASO is primarily concentrated on pulmonary artery stenosis, necessitating long-term follow-up and monitoring.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To explore the clinical value of autologous umbilical cord whole blood(UCB) priming of the cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) circuit in neonatal cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease(CHD).Methods:This prospective non-randomized controlled trial included neonates undergoing CHD surgery at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from August 2024 to January 2025. The experimental group used autologous UCB for CPB circuit priming, while the control group used adult allogeneic blood(AAB) priming when UCB was unavailable. Preoperative characteristics, intraoperative CPB and aortic cross-clamping(ACC) times, postoperative ICU stay duration, mechanical ventilation time, and hospitalization length were compared.Results:There were no significant differences in preoperative baseline characteristics between the two groups( P>0.05). At the end of surgery, red blood cell count(RBC), hemoglobin level(Hb), and creatine kinase(CK) showed no significant differences between the groups( P> 0.05). Additionally, perioperative left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) demonstrated no statistically significant variations( P>0.05). At surgery completion, the UCB group exhibited lower hematocrit(HCT) and higher blood lactic acid(Lac) levels but these differences resolved by 6 hours postoperatively( P>0.05). The UCB group had higher maximum vasoactive-inotropic scores(VISmax) within 48 hours and longer ICU stays, though total hospitalization and mechanical ventilation durations showed no significant differences( P>0.05). Conclusion:Autologous UCB priming reduces AAB requirements and has minimal impact on postoperative cardiac and pulmonary function recovery, or homeostasis., which is safe and feasible. This study provides evidence supporting the clinical application of UCB priming in CPB circuits.

Objective:To investigate the influence of contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT)on dose calculation in magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-guided online adaptive radiotherapy(oART)based on the electron density(ED)assignment method for rectal cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical data of 15 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer at middle-low segments,who admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital between December 2023 and April 2025.All patients underwent both plain computed tomography(PCT)and CECT scans during location.The average HU and ED value of all organs that were extracted from PCT and CECT images in the treatment plan system were obtained,and the influences of contrast agent of intake on image characteristics of the structure of each organ(small intestine,femoral head,bladder)were analyzed.PCT was used as referred image to design reference plan(Pref).The synthetic CT(sCT)was simulated and generated on the basis of PCT and CECT,respectively.The beam flow field that was same with Pref was used to recalculate dose on sCT,and then,the online plan(PPCT)based on PCT,and the online plan(PCECT)based on CECT were obtained,respectively,which can simulate the online dose calculation of MRI-guided online adaptive radiotherapy(oART).The Pref was used as reference to compare dosimetric parameters for target region and organ at risk(OAR)through dose volume histogram(DVH)and planed evaluation indicators.Additionally,three dimension(3D)slicer software was used to perform γ analysis for the results of dose distribution,and explore the differences among PPCT,PCECT and Pref on dose distribution.Results:In terms of image characteristics,the HU values of soft-tissue organs(intestine,bladder,spinal cord,soft tissue)and planning target volume(PTV)in CECT were higher than those in PCT,and the differences of them were statistically significant(Zintestines=-2.188,Zbladder=-3.196,tspinal cord=-3.767,tsoft tissue=-10.083,tPTV=-4.693,P<0.05),while its influence was less on bone tissue.The statistical results of ED were consistent with those of HU.Regarding to dosimetric parameters,there was no statistically significant difference in target coverage rate between PPCT and Pref(P>0.05),and the D50%of the PPCT[(2724.25±19.91)cGy]was higher than that of the Pref[(2718.99±21.13)cGy],and the difference was statistically significant(t=-3.679,P=0.002).However,the target coverage rate of PCECT was 94.65(94.04,95.27)%,and the difference of that between PCECT and Pref was statistically significant(Z=-2.158,P=0.031).For OAR,the differences of Dmax value of the small intestine,and the V20 of the left femoral head between PPCT and Pref were significant(Z=-2.556,-2.529,P<0.05).The differences of the Dmax of small intestine,and the D50%of bladder between PCECT and Pref were significant(t=-4.821,2.171,P<0.05).The comparative γ passed rates of PPCT,PCECT and Pref under the standards of 3 mm/3%and 2 mm/2%were all above 95%,and the differences were not significant(P>0.05).Conclusions:The influence of CECT on dose calculation in MRI-guided oART based on ED assignment method for rectal cancer is relatively small,which can be directly used in the design of reference plan,but the maximum dose of radiation-sensitive organs such as the small intestine should be paid attention.

Colorectal cancer stands as a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally,with liver metastases being a significant determinant of patient prognosis.Conventional diagnostic methods,includ-ing imaging studies and biomarker testing,frequently exhibit inadequate sensitivity and specificity,underscoring the necessity for more advanced technologies.Recent advancements in genomics,transcriptomics,proteomics,me-tabolomics,and epigenomics have revolutionized our understanding of the biological mechanisms driving colorectal cancer.These methodologies enable comprehensive analyses of genetic mutations,gene expression profiles,protein modifications,and metabolic reprogramming,all of which are pivotal to the metastatic process.This article high-lights the advanced capabilities of artificial intelligence(AI)technologies in processing complex multi-omics data,thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting personalized treatment strategies.It also addresses the challenges AI encounters in multi-omics analyses,such as ensuring data quality,improving model interpretability,and facilitating clinical translation.Additionally,it explores the potential integration of emerging technologies like single-cell sequencing and spatial omics into large-scale,multicenter studies to further enhance the clinical utility of these tools.

Objective:To analyze the current policy design of outpatient benefit policies for patients with hypertension and diabetes(H&D)in urban and rural residents in China,and to provide references for optimizing the outpatient benefit mechanism for patients with H&D.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on the basic features of General Outpatient Benefit(GOB),Outpatient Medication Guarantee Mechanisms for Hypertension and Diabetes(OMGM-H&D)and Outpatient Benefit for Patient with Chronic and Special Diseases(OB-C&S),focusing on deductibles,policy reimbursement ratios,and maximum payment limits.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the data.Results:A total of 334 regions were surveyed,of which 253 regions(75.34％)had implemented all three policies.Regional analysis revealed significant differences(P<0.001)in reimbursement ratios for GOB and the OMGM-H&D between the eastern,central,and western regions,with the western region having notably higher ratios than the eastern and central regions.However,no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the reimbursement ratios for OB-C&S across regions. Regarding deductibles,no significant regional difference (P>0.05) was found for GOB,but significant differences (P<0.05) existed for the OMGM-H&D and OB-C&S. Additionally,the annual maximum payment limits for all three policies showed significant regional variations (P<0.001). Conclusions:The outpatient benefits policy for patients with H&D have achieved full coverage nationwide among urban and rural residents in China,but regional equity in benefit levels requires improvement. It is recommended to strengthen data feedback mechanisms and promote provincial-level pooling of medical insurance.

Colorectal cancer stands as a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally,with liver metastases being a significant determinant of patient prognosis.Conventional diagnostic methods,includ-ing imaging studies and biomarker testing,frequently exhibit inadequate sensitivity and specificity,underscoring the necessity for more advanced technologies.Recent advancements in genomics,transcriptomics,proteomics,me-tabolomics,and epigenomics have revolutionized our understanding of the biological mechanisms driving colorectal cancer.These methodologies enable comprehensive analyses of genetic mutations,gene expression profiles,protein modifications,and metabolic reprogramming,all of which are pivotal to the metastatic process.This article high-lights the advanced capabilities of artificial intelligence(AI)technologies in processing complex multi-omics data,thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting personalized treatment strategies.It also addresses the challenges AI encounters in multi-omics analyses,such as ensuring data quality,improving model interpretability,and facilitating clinical translation.Additionally,it explores the potential integration of emerging technologies like single-cell sequencing and spatial omics into large-scale,multicenter studies to further enhance the clinical utility of these tools.

Objective:To investigate the impact of the number of examined lymph nodes (ELN) on survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients with postoperative pathological stage pN3b.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 279 pN3b gastric cancer patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University (September 2008 to April 2023), with 35 patients receiving combination chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy (immunotherapy group) and 244 receiving adjuvant chemotherapy alone (nonimmunotherapy group). Additionally, 422 patients with pN3b from the SEER database (2005 to 2020) were collected as an external validation cohort to determine the optimal cutoff value for the number of lymph nodes examined in the nonimmunotherapy group. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in the nonimmunotherapy group of the Nanfang Hospital cohort, stratified by whether the number of examined lymph nodes was above or below the ELN optimal cutoff value. These findings were subsequently validated in the SEER cohort.Results:The optimal ELN cutoff value (34 nodes) was determined using X-tile software and by constructing an ELN-HR fitting model with inflection point identification. In the nonimmunotherapy group, patients with ELN >34 exhibited significantly prolonged survival compared to ELN ≤34 (median OS: 25.0 (95%CI:20.5-29.5) to 17.0 (95%CI:12.7-21.3) months, P=0.004; median RFS: 19.0 (95%CI:15.6-22.4) to 13.0 (95%CI:9.5-16.5) months, P=0.048). Multivariate Cox analysis also showed ELN >34 to be an independent protective factor for both OS (HR=0.576, 95%CI: 0.397-0.836) and RFS (HR=0.701, 95%CI: 0.492-0.998). In the SEER cohort, ELN >34 was associated with a 5-month OS extension (19 to 14 months, P=0.065), with multivariate analysis supporting its independent prognostic significance (HR=0.729, 95%CI: 0.580-0.915, P=0.006). Notably, in the immunotherapy group, patients with ELN >34 ( n=30) achieved a median OS of 41 months, but the median OS had not been reached in the ELN ≤34 group ( n=5) (1 death at 48 months). Conclusion:Higher ELN (>34) correlates with improved survival in nonimmunotherapy-treated pN3b gastric cancer patients. However, in pN3b gastric cancer patients treated with immunotherapy, the optimal ELN threshold requires further exploration to determine.

Objective:To analyze the association between standardized management of clinical research, initiated by investigators and guided by clinical research management policies in healthcare institutions, and changes in the research behavior of graduate students.Methods:Theses related to cardiovascular health published by graduate students in the Sichuan-Chongqing region of China between January 2019 and June 2024 were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database. Multilevel models were used to analyze changes in ethical compliance awareness, research methodology standardization, and academic collaboration of graduate students before and after policy implementation. Using Shapiro Wilk test and percentage representation.Results:Among the 712 theses included in this study, the proportion of studies with ethical review reports increased from 44.50% to 55.32% following the implementation of standardized management [odds ratio ( OR)=1.80, P=0.017]. Standardized management significantly improved the quality scores of cross-sectional studies and randomized controlled trials ( P<0.001), as well as significantly increased the frequencies of multi-center collaboration ( OR=2.84, P=0.001) and intra-provincial collaboration ( OR=2.80, P=0.001). Conclusions:Standardized clinical research management shows significant association with positive changes in the research behavior of graduate students. Further optimization of management measures is recommended to comprehensively enhance the clinical research capabilities of graduate students.