Objective To explore whether there is a causal relationship between intestinal flora and esophageal cancer. Methods Summary statistics of intestinal flora and esophageal cancer were obtained from the Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) database. Five methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median estimation, Mendelian randomization (MR)-Egger regression, single mode, and weighted mode, were used for analysis, with IVW as the main analysis method. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the reliability of MR results. Results In the IVW method, Oxalobacteraceae [OR=1.001, 95%CI (1.000, 1.002), P=0.023], Faecalibacterium [OR=1.001, 95%CI (1.000, 1.002), P=0.028], Senegalimassilia [OR=1.002, 95%CI (1.000, 1.003), P=0.006] and Veillonella [OR=1.001, 95%CI (1.000, 1.002), P=0.018] were positively correlated with esophageal cancer, while Burkholderiales [OR=0.999, 95%CI (0.998, 1.000), P=0.002], Eubacterium oxidoreducens [OR=0.998, 95%CI (0.997, 0.999), P=0.038], Romboutsia [OR=0.999, 95%CI (0.998, 1.000), P=0.048] and Turicibacter [OR=0.998, 95%CI (0.997, 0.999), P=0.013] were negatively correlated with esophageal cancer. Sensitivity analysis showed no evidence of heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy and reverse causality. Conclusion Oxalobacteraceae, Faecalibacterium, Senegalimassilia and Veillonella increase the risk of esophageal cancer, while Burkholderiales, Eubacterium oxidoreducens, Romboutsia and Turicibacter decrease the risk of esophageal cancer. Further studies are needed to explore how these bacteria affect the progression of esophageal cancer.

Objective To investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection on the early clinical outcomes of patients undergoing valve replacement. Methods Perioperative data of patients who underwent single valve replacement at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical University from January to February 2023 were consecutively collected. Based on COVID-19 infection status, patients were divided into a COVID-19 group and a non-COVID-19 group. The perioperative data were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 136 patients were included, comprising 53 males and 83 females, with a mean age of (53.4±10.2) years. There were 32 patients receiving aortic valve replacements, 102 mitral valve replacements, and 2 tricuspid valve replacements. The COVID-19 group comprised 70 patients, and the non-COVID-19 group included 66 patients. No statistical difference was observed in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups [9.09% (6/66) vs. 11.43% (8/70), P=0.654]. However, the COVID-19 group had longer postoperative mechanical ventilation duration [1 201.00 (1 003.75, 1 347.75) min vs. 913.50 (465.50, 1 251.00) min, P=0.001] and ICU stay [3 (2, 3) days vs. 2 (2, 3) days, P<0.001] compared to the non-COVID-19 group. Additionally, troponin I [4.76 (2.55, 7.93) ng/mL vs. 2.66 (1.19, 5.65) ng/mL, P=0.001] and brain natriuretic peptide [608.50 (249.75, 1 150.00) pg/mL vs. 192.00 (100.93, 314.75) pg/mL, P<0.001] levels were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group. Conclusion For patients with single valve disease undergoing elective surgery, short-term outcomes after recovery from COVID-19 infection are favorable, with no significant increase in in-hospital mortality or postoperative complication rates.

Objective To analyze and compare the disease burden, trends, and influencing factors of lung cancer in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in China and globally from 1990 to 2021, providing a reference for the prevention and treatment of lung cancer in China. Methods Indicators of lung cancer disease burden in different genders and age groups in 204 countries or regions from 1990 to 2021 were retrieved and standardized from GBD 2021 database. The Joinpoint regression model was used to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of the standardized rates of lung cancer in AYAs in China and globally from 1990 to 2021; changes in incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates due to population growth, aging, and epidemiological changes were analyzed; differences in lung cancer disease burden in AYAs in different socio-demographic index (SDI) regions were analyzed; and the influencing factors of lung cancer in AYAs in China and globally were explored. Results From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) (AAPC=−0.18%, P<0.001), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) (AAPC=−0.62%, P<0.001), and age-standardized DALYs rate (AAPC=−0.62%, P<0.001) of lung cancer in AYAs in China showed a downward trend, consistent with the global trend, but the decline in China was relatively small. During this period, the age-standardized rates of various indicators of lung cancer in males in China and globally were higher than those in females, and the burden of lung cancer in Chinese males was heavier. However, due to the significant downward trend in males, the gap in lung cancer burden between males and females was narrowing. At the same time, from 2013 to 2021, the ASIR [annual percent change (APC)=2.01%, P<0.001], ASMR (APC=1.46%, P<0.001), and standardized DALYs rate (APC=1.46%, P<0.001) in China showed an upward trend. From 1990 to 2021, among the main influencing factors for the incidence, mortality, and DALYs rates of lung cancer in Chinese AYAs, the contribution of aging was upward-pushing, while the increase in global indicators was mainly attributed to population growth. The global burden of lung cancer in AYAs was overly concentrated in high SDI regions. Although the gap in lung cancer burden between high SDI and low SDI regions was narrowing, it remained widespread. Globally, smoking, environmental PM2.5, insufficient fruit intake, second-hand smoke, and indoor air pollution were prominent risk factors. Conclusion From 1990 to 2021, the global and Chinese AYAs lung cancer incidence and mortality rates generally show a downward trend, but the female lung cancer burden relatively increases, especially in young women without a history of smoking. Continued efforts are needed to reduce the burden of lung cancer in AYAs, especially the specific risk for young women.

Objective To introduce a modified technique of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction using a handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve crafted from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and to summarize the early single-center experience. Methods Patients with complex congenital heart diseases (CHD) who underwent RVOT reconstruction with a handmade ePTFE bicuspid pulmonary valve due to pulmonary regurgitation at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from April 2021 to February 2022 were selected. Postoperative artificial valve function and right heart function indicators were evaluated. Results A total of 17 patients were included, comprising 10 males and 7 females, with a mean age of (18.18±12.14) years and a mean body weight of (40.94±19.45) kg. Sixteen patients underwent reconstruction with a handmade valved conduit, with conduit sizes ranging from 18 to 24 mm. No patients required mechanical circulatory support, and no in-hospital deaths occurred. During a mean follow-up period of 12.89 months, only one patient developed valve dysfunction, and no related complications or adverse events were observed. The degree of pulmonary regurgitation was significantly improved post-RVOT reconstruction and during follow-up compared to preoperative levels (P<0.001). Postoperative right atrial diameter, right ventricular diameter, and tricuspid regurgitation area were all significantly reduced compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). Conclusion The use of a 0.1 mm ePTFE handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve for RVOT reconstruction in complex CHD is a feasible, effective, and safe technique.

Objective : To investigate the prevalence of negative emotions in hospitalized youth patients with type 2 diabetes(T2DM) and its correlation with coping strategies and psychological resilience. Methods : 141 youth T2DM patients who met the research standards were selected. Blood glucose related indicators, blood pressure, body mass index(BMI), diabetes chronic complications screening results and other data were collected. The basic information and disease related information questionnaire, self-rating depression scale(SDS), self-rating anxiety scale(SAS), diabetes distress scale(DDS), medical coping modes questionnaire(MCMQ) and Connor-Davidson resilience scale(CD-RISC) were completed. Results: Among 141 hospitalized youth T2DM patients, 37.6% were combined with depression, 32.6% were combined with anxiety, and 35.5% were combined with diabetic distress(DD). Univariate analysis showed that systolic blood pressure(P<0.01), educational level, and the form of hospitalization expenses(P<0.05) were significantly correlated with depression. Marital status(P<0.01), family residence, blood glucose monitoring methods, and the last fasting blood glucose(P<0.05) were significantly correlated with anxiety. BMI, whether it was first diagnosed or treated(P<0.01), gender, occupation, disease course, weekly blood glucose monitoring frequency, and the presence of chronic complications(P<0.05) were significantly correlated with DD. In multivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure(P<0.01), educational level, and the form of hospitalization expenses were significantly correlated with depression, marital status(P<0.05) was significantly correlated with anxiety; BMI and weekly blood glucose monitoring frequency(P<0.01) were significantly correlated with DD. SDS, SAS, total scores and dimensions of DDS were negatively correlated with the total score and dimensions of CD-RISC(rs=-0.182--0.467, P<0.05 or 0.01), and positively correlated with the yielding coping strategies(rs=0.177-0.271,P<0.05 or 0.01). SAS,total scores and dimensions of DDS were positively correlated with avoiding coping strategies(rs=0.237-0.419,P<0.05 or 0.01). The total and dimensions of CD-RISC were positively correlated with facing coping strategies(rs=0.215-0.349,P<0.05 or 0.01),and negatively correlated with yielding coping strategies(rs=-0.234--0.325,P<0.01). Conclusion More than 30% of hospitalized youth T2DM may experience negative emotions such as depression,anxiety,and DD. The occurrence of negative emotions in such patients may be related to disease management or socio-economic issues such as systolic blood pressure,educational level,hospitalization expenses,marital status,BMI,and frequency of blood glucose monitoring,as well as decreased psychological resilience and negative coping strategies.

Cancer therapy continues to face major challenges, including drug resistance, toxicity, and tumor heterogeneity, which highlight the need for multitarget strategies. This review examines the molecular compatibility theory in integrative oncology, which combines traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with systems biology to address these limitations. TCM formulas, such as Banxia Xiexin decoction and Qiqin Huchang formula, contain bioactive compounds (e.g., quercetin and berberine) that modulate interconnected pathways (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B and mitogen-activated protein kinase) and the tumor microenvironment, thereby promoting apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and regulating immune responses. The theory modernizes TCM’s “Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi” principle by optimizing herb combinations through network pharmacology and omics technologies. For instance, Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao (Huang Qi)–Curcuma phaeocaulis Val. (E Zhu) pairs co-target hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha to suppress metastasis, while artificial intelligence-driven models predict synergistic interactions such as quercetin–cyclin-dependent kinase 1 inhibition. Clinical studies have shown improved outcomes; for instance, modified Banxia Xiexin decoction reduces chemotherapy-induced toxicity in gastric cancer, and Xihuang pill enhances immunotherapy via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3–programmed death-ligand 1 modulation. Despite these advances, challenges remain in standardization and mechanistic validation. Future research should prioritize single-cell sequencing, organoid models, and international collaboration to refine personalized therapies and translate TCM into evidence-based oncology. By integrating empirical knowledge with modern science, molecular compatibility theory provides a robust framework for multitarget drug development and the advancement of integrative cancer therapies.

Objective To explore the indication, surgical technique, and clinical efficacy of the cross bar based on the Nuss procedure in pectus excavatum. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent cross bar based on the Nuss procedure from August 2023 to August 2024 in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 88 patients including 85 males and 3 females with a mean age of (17.56±5.20) years were enrolled. All operations were performed successfully without intraoperative cardiac injury, pericardial injury or diaphragmatic injury. The mean operation time was (147.65±47.75) min. The mean blood loss was (13.30±9.06) mL. The mean postoperative hospitalization stay was (4.81±1.55) days, without perioperative death. Six (6.82%) patients developed early postoperative complications, including 3 patients of pleural effusion, 1 patient of subcutaneous hematoma, 1 patient of suffocation and 1 patient of bar rotation. The postoperative outcomes were excellent in 71 (80.68%) patients, good in 16 (18.18%) patients and moderate in 1 (1.13%) patient. The excellent and good rate was 98.86%. Conclusion The cross bar technique is safe and convenient, with satisfactory results. It is worth promoting in clinical application.

[摘 要] 目的：探讨小檗碱（BBR）联合XAV939对骨肉瘤MG-63细胞迁移与凋亡的影响及其可能的机制。方法：培养MG-63细胞，分别加入20~120 μmol/L的BBR和5~60 μmol/L的XAV939，通过CCK-8法测定BBR和XAV939的细胞毒性，采用Chou-Talalay分析法计算两药的联合指数，确定后续实验的干预剂量；将MG-63细胞随机分为空白对照（NC）组、BBR组、XAV939组和BBR+XAV939联合组，采用划痕愈合实验、Transwell小室法检测BBR与XAV939单独或联合处理对MG-63细胞迁移能力的影响，Hoechst 33258染色、JC-1染色及Annexin Ⅴ-FITC/PI双染流式细胞术检测对细胞线粒体膜电位和凋亡的影响，免疫荧光法检测BAX蛋白的表达，WB法检测对细胞中MMP-2表达的影响，qPCR法检测对MMP-2基因表达的影响。结果：BBR和XAV939以剂量依赖方式抑制MG-63细胞的增殖，选定30 μmol/L BBR、7.5 μmol/L XAV939用于后续实验。与NC组相比，BBR（30 μmol/L）、XAV939（7.5 μmol/L）及BBR+XAV939联合处理细胞24 h后，MG-63细胞迁移能力显著降低、凋亡细胞显著增加（均P<0.05），线粒体膜电位下降（P<0.01），MMP-2的基因表达和MMP-2、BAX蛋白水平均降低（均P<0.05），并且，联合组的效应明显强于单药处理且（P<0.05或P<0.01）。结论：BBR和XAV939单独或联合应用可以抑制骨肉瘤MG-63细胞的迁移、促进凋亡，其机制可能与迁移相关蛋白MMP-2的表达降低，凋亡相关蛋白BAX的水平增加有关。

Objective : To investigate the possible mechanism of metformin (Met) -induced cardiomyocyte autoph- agy in protecting myocardial injury in septic mice． Methods : The model of myocardial injury in septic mice was es- tablished by cecal ligation and puncture ( CLP) ．Sixty Kunming mice were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group) ，model group ( CLP group) ，model + dimethyl sulfoxide ( DMSO) group ( CLP + DMSO group) ，model + metformin (Met) group (Met group) ，model + Met + 3-methyladenine (3-MA) group (Met + 3- MA group) ，model + Met + compound C ( CC) group (Met + CC group) ，with 10 mice in each group．The Met， Met + 3-MA and Met + CC groups were intraperitoneally injected with Met (200 mg / kg) once a day for 2 weeks be- fore modeling．The Met + 3-MA group was intraperitoneally injected with 3-MA ( 10 mg / kg) 1 h before surgery. The Met + CC group was intraperitoneally injected with CC (20 mg / kg) 30 min before surgery．The model was es- tablished 24 h after the last injection of Met．The heart and blood of all mice were collected 24 h after surgery．The Western blot technique was employed to assess the relative expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) isoforms，namely LC3 I and LC3 II，autophagy effector protein 1 (Beclin-1) ，ubiquitin-bind- ing protein 62 (p62) ，B-cell lymphoma / leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) ，Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) ，adenosine mono- phosphate (AMP) kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) ．Myocardial pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining．The changes of myocardial mitochondria and autophagosomes were observed by electron microscopy．Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of myocardium． Electron microscopy was used to observe the changes of myocardial mitochondria and autophago- somes. Results : Compared with Sham group，the relative protein expression of Beclin-1，p62，p-AMPK / AMPK and LC3 II / LC3 I in CLP and CLP + DMSO groups had no statistical significance，but Bax increased and Bcl-2 de- creased in CLP group (P＜0. 01) ．Compared with CLP group，the relative expression of Beclin-1 protein and LC3 II / LC3 I in Met group increased and p62 decreased (P＜0. 01) ，Bax decreased and Bcl-2 increased (P＜0. 01) . Compared with Met group，the relative protein expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 II / LC3 I in Met + 3-MA group de- creased and p62 increased (P＜0. 05) ，Bax increased and Bcl-2 decreased (P＜0. 05) ．Besides，the relative pro- tein expression of p-AMPK / AMPK in Met + CC group decreased (P＜0. 05) ．HE staining showed that there was no disorder in myocardial fibers in Sham group，and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated the myocardial fibers of CLP group in a clear disorder．The Met group showed vacuolar changes in the myocardium，while the Met + 3-MA group showed disordered arrangement of myocardial fibers and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltra- tion．Under electron microscopy，the morphology of myocardial mitochondria in the Sham group was normal，while in the CLP group，the arrangement of mitochondrial cristae was disordered with vacuolar changes，and occasional autophagosomes were observed．Mitochondria in Met group showed slight swelling and a large number of autophago- somes．The mitochondria in the Met + 3-MA group showed significant swelling with a small amount of autophago- somes． Conclusion The protective effect of metformin on myocardial injury in septic mice can reduce cardiomyo- cyte apoptosis and improve mitochondrial damage by activating AMPK signaling pathway to induce autophagy.

Objective To comprehensively analyze the clinical outcomes of total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) in the treatment of functional single ventricle combined with heterotaxy syndrome (HS). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients with functional single ventricle and HS who underwent TCPC (a HS group) in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital between 2004 and 2021. The analysis focused on postoperative complications, long-term survival rates, and identifying factors associated with patient survival. Early and late postoperative outcomes were compared with matched non-HS patients (a non-HS group). Results Before propensity score matching, 55 patients were collected in the HS group, including 42 males and 13 females, with a median age of 6.0 (4.2, 11.8) years and a median weight of 17.0 (14.2, 28.8) kg. Among the patients, there were 53 patients of right atrial isomerism and 2 patients of left atrial isomerism. Eight patients underwent TCPC in one stage. TCPC procedures included extracardiac conduit (n=39), intracardiac-extracardiac conduit (n=14), and direct cavopulmonary connection (n=2). Postoperative complications included infections in 27 patients, liver function damage in 19 patients, and acute kidney injury in 11 patients. There were 5 early deaths. The median follow-up time was 94.7 (64.3, 129.8) months. The 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rates were 87.2%, 85.3%, and 74.3%, respectively. After propensity score matching, there were 45 patients in the HS group and 81 patients in the non-HS group. Compared to the non-HS group, those with HS had longer surgical and mechanical ventilation time, higher infection rates (P<0.05), and a 12.9% lower 10-year survival rate. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified asplenia was a risk factor for mortality (HR=8.98, 95%CI 1.86-43.34, P=0.006). Conclusion Compared to non-HS patients, patients with HS have lower survival rates after TCPC, and asplenia is an independent risk factor for the survival of these patients.