ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish a monocrotaline （MCT）-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension （PAH） rat model to systematically evaluate the protective effect of Xiao Qinglongtang （XQLT） on right cardiac function in model rats and further elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanism. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the normal group， model group， XQLT low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （XQLT-L/M/H）， and the beraprost sodium tablet group （BST）. Except for the normal group， rats in all other groups were given a single subcutaneous injection of MCT （60 mg·kg^-1） to induce PAH. Three weeks after injection， rats in the XQLT-L/M/H groups were administered XQLT intragastrically at 3.07， 6.14， 12.28 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively. Rats in the BST group received beraprost sodium at 12.6 μg·kg^-1·d^-1， and rats in the model group received an equal volume of saline. All treatments lasted for 3 weeks. Right ventricular systolic pressure （RVSP） was measured by right ventricular catheterization. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. The right ventricle was weighed to calculate the right ventricular hypertrophy index （RVHI）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， Masson staining， and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe myocardial morphology. Serum metabolomic changes were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS）. Data-independent acquisition （DIA） proteomics was used to detect differentially expressed （DE） proteins in the right ventricle， and Western blot was used to measure the expression of uncoupling protein 3 （UCP3）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit p110α （PIK3CA）， L1 cell adhesion molecule （L1CAM）， and quinone oxidoreductase （CRYZ）. UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the chemical components of XQLT. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed significantly increased RVSP and RVHI （P<0.05）， along with pathological changes in myocardial morphology. Compared with the model group， all XQLT-treated groups exhibited reductions in RVSP and RVHI as well as significant improvements in cardiac function and myocardial morphology. Among the XQLT groups， XQLT-M showed the most pronounced effects （P<0.05）， comparable to the BST group. Serum metabolomics revealed 105 differential metabolites in the XQLT groups versus the model group ［variable importance in projection （VIP） >1， P<0.05］， including 58 upregulated and 47 downregulated metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that XQLT intervention downregulated phenylalanine metabolism （P<0.01） and upregulated unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis （P<0.05）. Proteomics analysis showed that 982 DE proteins were identified in the MCT groups versus the normal group， including 455 upregulated and 527 downregulated proteins （|fold change （FC）| >1.3， P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， 237 DE proteins were identified in the XQLT groups， including 124 upregulated and 113 downregulated proteins （|FC| >1.3， P<0.05）， with 57 overlapping DE proteins. KEGG enrichment suggested that XQLT mainly modulated pathways related to mineral absorption， ribosomal biogenesis， peroxisomes， glycolysis/gluconeogenesis， spliceosomes， and thyroid hormone signaling. Western blot analysis showed that， compared with the model group， XQLT increased the expression of UCP3， PIK3CA， and L1CAM， while decreasing the expression of CRYZ （P<0.05）. ConclusionXQLT exerts a protective effect on right heart function in MCT-induced PAH rats， and its mechanism is associated with maintaining myocardial homeostasis and alleviating right ventricular remodeling.

Objective To investigate the registration rate and trend of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with diabetes mellitus (PTB-DM) in Wuhan from 2020 to 2024, and to provide scientific evidence for formulating PTB-DM prevention and control policies. Methods PTB-DM case data in Wuhan (2020-2024) were collected through the Infectious Disease Registration and Management Information System. Joinpoint regression model was employed to analyze the trend of registration rates of PTB-DM among the general population and across different regions, genders, and age groups. ARIMA model was used to predict the short-term prevalence of PTB-DM. Results Among 26275 pulmonary tuberculosis cases registered in Wuhan (2020-2024), 2669 cases (10.16%) were PTB-DM. The average annual registration rate of PTB-DM was 3.96/100,000, increasing from 2.74/100,000 in 2020 to 5.40/100,000 in 2024 (APC=19.07%, 95% CI:12.99%-26.92%, P<0.001). The PTB-DM registration rates showed an upward trend across different regions, genders, and age groups in Wuhan, with higher registration rates observed in near urban area, males, and individuals aged 60~64 and 65 years and above (χ²=99.566, P<0.001; χ²=781.891, P<0.001; χ²=2211.930, P<0.001). ARIMA model predicted that the prevalence of PTB-DM in Wuhan would remain stable and fluctuating in the short time. Conclusion PTB-DM registration rate in Wuhan increases from 2020 to 2024. Near urban area, males, and elderly populations are high risk groups. Future efforts should focus on strengthening the prevention and control of PTB-DM among these populations.

Objective: The treatment of asymmetric maxillary hypoplasia and dental crowding secondary to unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) is often challenging.This study introduced an asymmetric tooth-borne distractor in anterior maxillary segmental distraction osteogenesis and used three-dimensional finite element analysis to evaluate its potential for clinical application in cases of asymmetrical maxillary hypoplasia. Methods: A cone-beam computed tomography scan of a late adolescent with UCLP was used to construct a three-dimensional finite element model of the teeth and maxillary structures. An asymmetric distractor model was used to simulate conventional distraction osteogenesis and asymmetric distraction osteogenesis (ADO) to evaluate the resultant stress distribution and displacement. Results: Postoperatively, both distraction methods resulted in anterior maxillary segment advancement with a slight upward movement. ADO yielded a greater increase in the dental arch length on the cleft side and induced rotation of the anterior maxillary segment, potentially improving midline deviation. Both methods showed similar stress distributions, with higher stress concentrations on the cleft side. Conclusions ADO may offer clinical advantages in correcting asymmetrical maxillary hypoplasia in patients with UCLP by facilitating asymmetrical expansion and rotation of the maxilla. Further research is needed to generalize these findings to other clinical presentations.

Objective:To analyze the clinical features and diagnostic process of ring chromosome syndrome.Methods:Clinical data of 9 children with ring chromosome syndrome who were treated at the Children′s Medical Center of Peking University First Hospital from September 2009 to May 2025, were summarized and analyzed in a case series study. The data included clinical manifestations, types of epileptic seizures, genetic testing, treatment outcomes, and follow-up results, et al.Results:Among the 9 children with ring chromosome syndrome, there were 6 girls and 3 boys, including 4 children with ring chromosome 20 syndrome, 3 children with ring chromosome 14 syndrome, and 1 child each with ring chromosome 13 and 17 syndrome. All 9 children had de novo chromosomal variations. Among them, 3 children of ring chromosome 20 syndrome were mosaic, and the remaining 6 children were non-mosaic. All 9 children exhibited diverse clinical features, especially those with ring chromosome 20 syndrome, which presented with specific manifestations. The 4 children with ring chromosome 20 syndrome all had acute epileptic seizures as the initial symptom, with onset ages of 67, 39, 17, and 96 months, and all had focal seizures. One child with ring chromosome 20 syndrome had non-convulsive status epilepticus. Development of all 4 children with ring chromosome 20 syndrome was normal before seizure onset, but 3 children showed regression after onset. No physical deformities were observed in 4 children with ring chromosome 20 syndrome, and 2 children were misdiagnosed, 3 children underwent whole exome sequencing and copy number variation analysis in their families, with no abnormalities detected. All 4 children with ring chromosome 20 syndrome were diagnosed through chromosomal karyotype analysis, the intervals between onset and diagnosis were 2, 81, 19 and 13 months, respectively. Follow-up showed that epileptic seizures were not controlled in all 4 children with ring chromosome 20 syndrome. The other 5 children were characterized by developmental delay as the initial symptom, followed by epileptic seizures between 3 and 24 months of age. Developmental regression of the other 5 children did not occur after onset, 2 of them had microcephaly, and 3 had wide-set eyes. No misdiagnoses were reported in these 5 children, and the intervals between onset and diagnosis were 7, 3, 55, 3, and 106 months, respectively. Follow-up showed that epileptic seizures were controlled in these 5 children. Conclusions:Ring chromosome 20 syndrome typically manifest with epilepsy as the initial symptom and are refractory to drug treatment, their early development is entirely normal. Ring chromosome 13, 14, and 17 syndrome are characterized by developmental delay from an early age, followed by the onset of epileptic seizures, which are easily controlled. Conventional whole exome sequencing and copy number variation analysis in families rarely detect ring chromosome abnormalities. Early chromosomal karyotype analysis is essential for the diagnosis of ring chromosome syndrome.

Objective:To investigate the long-term prognosis and related factors in children with multiphasic myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).Methods:A bidirectional cohort study was conducted. This study included 41 children with MOGAD who were treated at the Children′s Medical Center of Peking University First Hospital between January 2013 and December 2024, with a disease duration of ≥5 years. Demographic characteristics, clinical episodes, therapy, and prognostic indicators (including the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and modified Rankin scale (mRS)) were collected. Children were stratified into relapse and non-relapse groups based on the presence or absence of relapse within 5 years of the last follow-up. χ2 test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze factors associated with relapse. The Log-rank test was used to compare relapse-free rates between children with disease onset 0-<5 years and those with onset at 5-10 years. Results:A total of 41 children were enrolled, including 20 boys and 21 girls. The age at onset was 5.3 (3.8, 8.5) years, the age at last follow-up was 16.1 (13.2, 17.5) years, and the disease duration was 9.4 (8.1, 10.9) years. The annualized relapse rate (ARR) during follow-up was 0.34 (0.19, 0.56) times/year. The duration to first relapse was 0.8 (0.4, 1.5) years. At the last follow-up, the EDSS score was 0.0 (0.0, 0.0) score, and the mRS score was 0 (0, 0) score. A total of 40 children (98%) experienced relapses within the first 5 years after onset, while only 1 child (2%) relapsed at 6.7 years. The relapse rate between 5-10 years was lower than that between 0-<5 years ( HR=0.27, 95% CI 0.16-0.47, P<0.001). A total of 25 children (61.0%) exhibited clustered relapses during the disease course. There were 20 children (49%) in non-relapse groups, who were aged 16.6 (14.8, 17.6) years, disease duration 9.8 (9.3, 10.8) years at the last follow-up. Among those 20 children, 15 children (75%) had discontinued corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. The relapse group had higher clinical event rates and ARR compared to the relapse-free group (both P<0.01), the age at last follow-up was yonger ( P<0.05), while no significant differences were observed in age at onset, disease duration, or timing of immunosuppressant use (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Pediatric multiphasic MOGAD generally has a favorable prognosis, about half of patients remain relapse-free for ≥5 years at last follow-up. Relapses predominantly occur early in the disease course (mostly within 5 years of onset) and often exhibit a clustered pattern.

Objective:To explore the genetic and clinical characteristics of epilepsy related with ATP6V1A gene heterozygous variants.Methods:A case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 10 children of epilepsy associated with ATP6V1A gene variants who were admitted to the Children′s Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital from January 2019 to December 2024 was collected. The characteristics of children′ gene variation, clinical phenotype, auxiliary examination results, treatment and prognosis were analyzed.Results:Among the 10 children, there were 4 boys and 6 girls. All 10 children with ATP6V1A gene variants were de novo heterozygous variants, including 1 case of mosaic variant. A total of 9 different variants were identified and 7 variants have not been reported previously. The age at epilepsy onset was 28 (9, 48) months. Five children experienced their first seizure as a fever induction. The types of epileptic seizures included focal seizures in 6 children, epileptic spasms in 5 children, tonic spasms and atonic seizures in 1 child respectively. Three children had 2 seizure types. Global developmental delays were exhibited in 8 children, 2 of whom manifested autism spectrum disorder phenotypes. Two children showed normal development. Electroencephalography revealed slowed background activity in 5 children. Interictal epileptiform discharges were recorded in 9 cases, including hypsarrhythmia, focal, multifocal or generalized discharges. Clinical seizures were captured in 4 children. Brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities were found in 4 children, including frontotemporal cortical dysplasia, prominent sulci, delayed myelination of white matter, dysplasia of the corpus callosum, bilateral ventricular enlargement, and cerebral atrophy. Five children were diagnosed with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), and 4 of them were diagnosed with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome. At the last follow-up, the age was 78 (25, 120) months. Seizures were controlled in 6 children, while 4 children had uncontrolled seizures despite treatment with ≥3 anti-seizure medications. Conclusions:All children with ATP6V1A gene related epilepsy harbored de novo heterozygous missense variants, with few showing mosaic variants. Seizure onset age ranged widely from the neonatal period to childhood. The predominant seizure types were focal seizures and epileptic spasms. The phenotypic spectrum may exhibit DEE, while a minority maintain normal development.

Objective:This study investigates the utility of ultrasound in diagnosing eosinophilic fasciitis (EF).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and ultrasound data of 109 EF patients seen at the center between January 1, 2006, and March 31, 2024. The diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound for EF was evaluated by comparing forearm fascia ultrasound findings among EF patients, systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, and healthy controls (HC).Results:Among the 109 EF patients (male-to-female ratio 2.2︰1), the median age of onset was 36 (29, 48) years, with a median disease duration of 7 (3, 12) months. The study also included 20 SSc patients [median age 49 (35, 61) years] and 20 HC individuals [median age 48 (29, 54) years]. Ultrasound assessments of forearm fascia in EF patients revealed a median fascial thickness of 1.9 (1.4, 2.4) mm. The median fascial thickness was 0.8 (0.7, 0.9) mm in SSc patients and 0.7 (0.5, 0.9) mm in HC individuals. Fascial thickness in EF patients was greater than in SSc ( Z=-11.16, P<0.001) and HC groups ( Z=-11.87, P<0.001). There was a correlation between fascia thickness and C-reactive protein ( r=0.148, P=0.004), erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( r=0.143, P=0.005), and immunoglobulin G ( r=0.120, P=0.020) in EF patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated a sensitivity of 84.0% and specificity of 95.9% for EF diagnosis, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.921 and a cut-off value of 1.005 mm. Conclusion:Ultrasound detection of forearm fascial thickening (>1 mm) aids in diagnosing eosinophilic fasciitis, indicating that ultrasound is a supplementary diagnostic tool for EF.

Objective:To summarize the genotype and clinical phenotype characteristics of children with epilepsy associated with the SCN1B gene encoding the sodium channel β1 subunit. Methods:The genotypes and clinical phenotypes of patients with SCN1B variants among suspected genetic epilepsy cases treated at the Children′s Medical Center of Peking University First Hospital between May 2016 and July 2024 were analyzed. These variants were identified using next-generation sequencing and subsequently validated by Sanger sequencing or quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods. Results:A total of 17 patients were analyzed, including 8 males and 9 females. Ten cases of missense variations (including 2 with the same variations), 4 cases of deletion variations, and 1 case each of nonsense variations, splice site variations, and exons 4-5 deletions were identified. Among them, 6 cases had novel SCN1B variations. The variants in 11 cases were inherited from 1 parent. Eleven types of gene variants have not been reported yet. Onset of epilepsy ranged from 3 months to 5 years and 3 months old (median age: 14 months). Types of seizures included generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) in 14 cases, focal seizures in 9 cases, myoclonic seizures in 3 cases, atypical absence seizures in 2 cases and epilepsy spasms, tonic seizures and atonic seizures in 1 case each. Eleven cases had diverse seizure types. Fourteen cases (14/17) demonstrated fever sensitivity. Electroencephalography revealed focal discharges in 3 cases, coinciding with focal and generalized discharges in 3 additional cases, and multifocal discharges in 6 cases. Seizures were identified in 4 cases: 1 case of myoclonic seizures, 1 case of GTCS, 1 case of atypical absence seizures, and 1 case exhibiting both myoclonic and tonic seizures. Nine cases (9/17) were diagnosed with genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus, 1 case diagnosed with myoclonic epilepsy in infancy and 1 diagnosed with infant epileptic spasms syndrome. There were 2 cases of nonspecific developmental epileptic encephalopathy, while the remaining 4 cases could not be diagnosed with a specific epileptic syndrome. Effective antiseizure medications (ASMs) included valproate in 8 cases, levetiracetam in 5 cases, topiramate in 3 cases, clobazam in 2 cases, clonazepam and vigabatrin in 1 case each. Sodium channel blockers exacerbated seizures in 3 cases, specifically oxcarbazepine in 2 cases and lamotrigine in 1 case. At the last follow-up, seizures were controlled for at least 6 months in 14 patients (14/17), while seizures remained uncontrolled in 3 patients despite trialing 2 or more ASMs. Thirteen patients exhibited normal development, while 4 experienced developmental delays. Conclusions:The heterozygous variants in children with SCN1B gene-related epilepsy include missense, deletion, nonsense, splice site variants, and exon deletions. The correlation between different genetic variants and clinical phenotypes remains unclear. These variants are associated with epilepsy onset from infancy to early childhood, presenting with various seizure types, with GTCS being the most common. Phenotypic manifestations can vary significantly in severity, ranging from benign febrile seizures or febrile seizures plus to developmental epileptic encephalopathy. Valproic acid demonstrates the highest effectiveness rate, while the use of sodium channel blockers may worsen seizures in certain patients, necessitating cautious administration.

Objective:To summarize the clinical phenotype and genetic features of patients with relapsing encephalopathy with cerebellar ataxia (RECA) caused by ATP1A3 gene R756 variants. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on patients carrying the ATP1A3 gene R756 variants, identified by whole-exome sequencing of family members, at Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University and Children's Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital from August 2005 to February 2024. Their clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging, electrophysiological and genetic characteristics were summarized. Results:A total of 13 RECA patients were enrolled in this study, including 8 males and 5 females. The age of onset was 8 months to 5 years, with a median age of onset of 18 months. All of 13 patients presented paroxysmal episodes of neurological decompensations triggered by fever and residual symptoms following the acute phase. During acute attack stage, ataxia was observed in all 13 cases, muscle weakness in 12 cases, dysarthria in 12 cases, altered consciousness in 10 cases, dysphagia in 10 cases, dystonic episodes in 4 cases, abnormal eye movement in 2 cases, choreoathetosis in 2 cases, and epileptic seizures in 1 case. All 13 patients had residual symptoms during the nonparoxysmal period, of whom 9 patients had ataxia, 9 patients had dysarthria, 4 patients had dystonia, 3 patients had cognitive disorders, and 1 patient had epileptic seizures. All 13 cases had ATP1A3 missense variants, and variant c.2266C>T/p.R756C was found in 6 cases, c.2267G>A/p.R756H in 5 cases, and c.2267G>T/p.R756L in 2 cases. Nine cases carried de novo variants, 4 with inherited variants. Conclusions:RECA caused by variants of ATP1A3 in residue 756 typically presents with an acute onset during infancy or early childhood, precipitated by febrile episodes and characterized by recurrent episodes of ataxia, with bulbar paralysis, muscle weakness and altered consciousness. Recurrence is common, and the most common persistent symptoms are cerebellar ataxia and dysarthria. A few patients have cognitive impairment. Three types of ATP1A3 gene variants R756C, R756H and R756L are related with RECA, and R756C is the most common variant.

Objective:To explore the hemodynamic characteristics of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in atherosclerotic stenosis using four-dimensional flow (4D Flow) MRI, and combining high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (HR VW-MRI) to analyze the relationship between hemodynamics and the degree of stenosis, as well as the morphological characteristics of plaques.Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 24 patients with middle cerebral artery(MCA) M1 atherosclerotic stenosis and 10 age and sex matched healthy controls (HC group) were prospectively recruited from September 2018 to March 2021 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. All subjects underwent MRI examination. The hemodynamic of MCA were collected by 4D Flow MRI, and the hemodynamic parameters of proximal and distal MCA stenosis were calculated by blood flow post-processing software, including average blood flow rate (FR avg), average blood flow velocity (V avg), peak blood flow velocity (V pk), time average wall shear stress (TAWSS), minimum wall shear stress (WSS min) and oscillatory shear index (OSI). The differences in hemodynamic parameters among the proximal and distal ends of MCA stenosis and the HC group were compared using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis H test. The stenosis rate and characteristics of MCA plaque were analyzed by HR VW-MRI, including remodeling index (RI), normalized wall index (NWI) and plaque length. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between stenosis rate and hemodynamic parameters. Taking the stenosis rate as the control variable, partial correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between plaque morphological characteristics and hemodynamic parameters. Results:There were statistically significant differences in FR avg, V avg, V pk, TAWSS, OSI, WSS min among the proximal and distal stenosis of MCA and HC groups ( P<0.05). The proximal end of the MCA stenosis had significantly higher FR avg, V avg, TAWSS and WSS min than those of the distal end of the stenosis ( P<0.01). The FR avg, V avg, V pk, TAWSS, and WSS min in the distal end of MCA stenosis were lower than those in the HC group, while the OSI was higher than that in the HC group ( P<0.01). The correlation analysis results showed that the MCA proximal V pk ( r=-0.425, P=0.027) and distal V pk ( r=-0.538, P=0.004) were negatively correlated with the diameter stenosis rate. When the stenosis rate was taken as the control factor, in the MCA proximal stenosis, V avg ( r=0.553, P=0.003), TAWSS ( r=0.543, P=0.004) and WSS min ( r=0.547, P=0.004) were positively correlated with RI, proximal OSI was negatively correlated with RI ( r=-0.492, P=0.011), and was positively correlated with the plaque length ( r=0.437, P=0.026). At the distal end of the stenosis, V pk was negatively correlated with NWI ( r=-0.556, P=0.003), OSI was negatively correlated with RI ( r=-0.511, P=0.008), NWI ( r=-0.390, P=0.049). TAWSS was positively correlated with RI ( r=0.393, P=0.047). Conclusions:The 4D Flow MRI demonstrates characteristic hemodynamic changes in the proximal and distal ends of the stenotic MCA. The local hemodynamic characteristics of the stenotic MCA are correlated with plaque morphological parameters, including lumen stenosis, plaque load, and RI. It suggests an interaction between the occurrence and development of MCA plaque and local hemodynamic changes.