ObjectiveBased on the clinical characteristics of chronic gouty arthritis （CGA） in both traditional Chinese and western medicine， this study aims to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing CGA animal models， providing recommendations for establishing animal models that align with the pathological characteristics of CGA and the manifestations of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. MethodsBy comprehensively retrieving Chinese and international databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure， Wanfang， VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database （VIP）， and PubMed， all relevant literature on CGA animal models was collected. Based on the guidelines， the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and western medicine were summarized and organized. The evaluation indicators for the CGA model were constructed with reference to existing evaluation modes， and the CGA animal models were analyzed to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing models. ResultsThe current methods used to construct CGA animal models mainly include monosodium urate crystal induction， high-protein diet induction （poultry lack urate oxidase）， and high-fat diet combined with urate oxidase inhibitors and joint injection. Based on 11 pieces of included literature， the traditional Chinese and western medicine scoring data of each model were extracted， and the average scoring values of all models were ultimately calculated. The results show that the average clinical concordances of existing CGA animal models in both traditional Chinese and western medicine are 43.33% and 64.44%， respectively. Among them， the model with the highest clinical concordance rate is the one with a high-fat diet combined with potassium oxonate to induce hyperuricemia plus joint injection， achieving 83.33% clinical concordance in western medicine and 60% in traditional Chinese medicine. This model aligns well with the pathogenic characteristics and pathological changes of clinical CGA. ConclusionAlthough current CGA animal models can simulate some pathological characteristics of CGA， they struggle to comprehensively reflect the complex pathological processes of CGA and the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Therefore， in the future， it is necessary to establish the CGA animal models that incorporate the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and western medicine and formulate the uniform model evaluation criteria， providing more precise tools for CGA mechanism research and the development of traditional Chinese medicine.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of Huazhuo SanJie Chubi presciption （HSCD） on chronic gouty arthritis （CGA） rats with low-grade inflammation and to explore the underlying mechanism with a focus on macrophage polarization. MethodsThe 41 male 6-week-old SD rats were randomly allocated， using the random number table， to a normal group （n=8） and a model group （n =33）. CGA with low-grade inflammation was induced in the model group by daily gavage of potassium oxonate （250 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） and hypoxanthine （300 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， combined with intra-articular injection of a monosodium urate （MSU） crystal suspension （50 μL， 25 g·L^-¹） into the left ankle twice weekly. After 4 weeks of modeling， 3 rats were randomly selected from each group for model validation. The remaining successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group， an HSCD group （10.35 g·kg^-1·d^-1， gavage once daily）， an M1 polarization agonist group （L-methionine sulfoximine， 300 mg·kg^-1， subcutaneous injection every other day）， an M1 polarization agonist + HSCD group， an M2 polarization inhibitor group （PD0325901， 10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1， gavage once daily）， and M2 polarization inhibitor + HSCD group. The corresponding drug or drug combination was administered according to group assignment， whereas rats in the normal and model groups received 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium （CMC-Na） vehicle （10.35 g·kg^-1·d^-1， gavage once daily）. All interventions were continued for four weeks. During the intervention period， except for the normal group， potassium oxonate （250 mg·kg⁻¹） and hypoxanthine （300 mg·kg^-1） were co-administered by gavage every other day to maintain the model. At the end of treatment， serum uric acid （SUA）， ankle joint diameter and joint swelling index were measured. The levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 （CCL2）， S100 calcium-binding protein A8/A9 （S100A8/A9）， interleukin-10 （IL-10） and arginase-1 （Arg-1） in serum and joint fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. High-frequency ultrasound was used to assess MSU deposition in the ankle joint. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to evaluate synovial histopathological changes. Quantitative Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of the M1 macrophage polarization markers inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） and the M2 macrophage polarization marker scavenger receptor cysteine-rich type 1 protein M130 （CD163） in synovial tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed significantly elevated SUA level and joint swelling index， and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines， CCL2， and S100A8/A9 in both serum and joint fluid （P<0.05）， accompanied by MSU deposition and synovial inflammation in the ankle joint. The mRNA and protein expression levels of macrophage polarization M1/M2 markers iNOS and CD163 in synovial tissues were also significantly up-regulated （P<0.05）. Compared with model group， rats in HSCD group had significantly lower SUA levels， attenuated joint swelling， reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines， and decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in both serum and joint fluid， accompanied with alleviated MSU deposition and synovial inflammation （P<0.05）. HSCD markedly downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of M1 marker iNOS （P<0.05）， whereas it had no significant effect on the expression of M2 marker CD163. Compared with the M1 polarization agonist group， the M1 polarization agonist + HSCD group showed significantly reduced joint swelling， lower serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines， and decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in joint fluid （P<0.05）. In addition， synovial inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis were attenuated， and iNOS mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05）. Compared with the M2 polarization inhibitor group， the M2 polarization inhibitor + HSCD group exhibited reduced joint swelling， decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in joint fluid and ameliorated synovial inflammation （P<0.05）， whereas the levels of anti-inflammatory mediators （IL-10， Arg-1） and CD163 mRNA and protein expression were not significantly increased. ConclusionHSCD alleviates low-grade inflammation in CGA rats， at least in part， by inhibiting macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype.

Objective:To analyse the effect of ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy and the coaxial biopsy needle tract radiofrequency ablation on patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who are considered to be at risk of bleeding.Methods:The data of 117 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent coaxial biopsy needle tract radiofrequency ablation after ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy in Peking University First Hospital from March 2019 to April 2023 were retrospectively analysed. There were 95 males and 22 females, with the age of (62.0±11.8) years. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the following variables: the pre-puncture platelet count, the international standardised ratio, anticoagulation therapy, the haemoglobin (Hb) level, the success rate of the liver puncture, the qualified rate of liver puncture specimens, the number of puncture samples, the length of hospital stay, the Hb level after puncture, bleeding within 10 days post-operation, and complications after ablation, including biliary fistula, hemothorax and organ perforation.Results:Among the 117 patients, 60 cases (51.3%) had an international normalized ratio >1.1, 40 cases (34.2%) had thrombocytopenia, that is, <150×10 9/L, and 17 cases (14.5%) received continuous anticoagulation therapy before the operation. It is evident that all 117 patients successfully completed the ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy, and that all liver biopsy specimens were qualified. The absence of biliary fistula, hemothorax, organ perforation or death in the patients post-ablation was noted. According to the adverse event evaluation criteria, version 5.0, 113 cases (96.6%) were classified as grade 1 and 4 cases (3.4%) were classified as grade 3. The Hb concentration of patients with minor bleeding (grade 1) prior to puncture was (119.7±22.2) g/L, which was significantly higher than the Hb concentration of patients with severe bleeding (grade 3), (76.0±10.4) g/L ( t=3.92, P=0.010). A meticulous examination of the data revealed that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to pre-puncture platelet count, pre-puncture international standardised ratio, pre-puncture proportion of receiving anticoagulant drugs, length of hospital stay and number of puncture samples (all P>0.05). Conclusion:For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are at risk of bleeding, ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy followed by coaxial biopsy needle tract radiofrequency ablation can obtain satisfactory liver tissue samples and is relatively safe. There were differences in hemoglobin levels before puncture among patients with different bleeding after puncture.

Hereditary liver diseases refer to liver metabolic disorders caused by gene mutations. The existing clinical treatments are mostly symptomatic therapies，delaying liver damage and improving patients' lives. With the development of gene therapy technology，it has become possible to treat genetic diseases by modifying known gene mutations. This review briefly introduces several common gene therapies（including recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors，CRISPR/Cas9，antisense oligonucleotides，lipid nano particle-mRNA），and discusses the latest research progress，ongoing challenges and potential solutions of gene therapy for hereditary liver diseases through the relevant preclinical studies and drug clinical trials of hereditary liver diseases. In order to promote the further development of gene therapy and provide reference for the treatment of other complex diseases.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of three different surgical timings of modified cervical cerclage in twin pregnant women with cervical insufficiency.Methods:The clinical data of 73 twin pregnant women who underwent modified cervical cerclage and had pregnancy outcomes in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao) from April 2014 to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different timings of surgery, they were divided into prophylactic cerclage group, ultrasound-indicated cerclage group (further divided into cervical length (CL)≤15 mm and 15 mm10 mg/L was a risk factor for preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation ( OR=5.230, 95% CI: 1.616-16.929; P=0.006). Conclusions:In twin pregnant women with cervical insufficiency, prophylactic cerclage has the same surgical effect as ultrasound-indicated cerclage, while both prophylactic cerclage and ultrasound-indicated cerclage could significantly improve maternal and fetal outcomes compared with emergency cerclage. Twin pregnancies with CL≤15 mm might benefit from cervical cerclage. Postoperative CRP>10 mg/L is an independent risk factor for preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of primary autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (PACA) patients with autoantibodies.Methods:Patients from the Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (from March 2013 to December 2023) who met the modified diagnostic criteria of PACA were collected. Cell based assay and tissue based assay were used to detect anti-cerebellar antibodies. The clinical features, results of neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid examinations and the prognosis of the patients were analyzed. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score≤2 at the last follow-up was defined as a favorable prognosis. Exacerbation of cerebellar ataxia after clinical improvement or stabilization for at least 2 months was defined as relapse.Results:A total of 20 patients were included, including 7 males. The onset age was 48.4 (22.8, 59.3) years. Gait ataxia was the most common cerebellar symptom. Extracerebellar neurological abnormalities included pyramidal sign, peripheral neuropathy/radiculopathy and diplopia. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid white blood cells and positive specific oligoclonal bands were observed in 4/16 and 7/15 of patients, respectively. The brain magnetic resonance imaging examination of the patients showed that 8 patients had no obvious abnormalities, 9 patients showed cerebellar atrophy, and 3 patients showed abnormal signals in the brain or cerebellum. A total of 9 different anti-cerebellar antibodies were detected in the patient′s serum and (or) cerebrospinal fluid, with the most common being anti-Homer-3 antibodies ( n=7). After immunotherapy, 13/17 of patients improved. After 37.5 (21.0, 93.0) months of follow-up, the median mRS score of the patients was 3, and 8 patients (8/20) achieved good prognosis and 6 patients experienced disease recurrence. Conclusions:The clinical manifestations of PACA patients have certain heterogeneity, and positive anti-neuroantibodies and meeting PACA diagnostic criteria are the main basis for diagnosing the disease. Immunotherapy is effective for most patients, but there is still a considerable proportion of patients who have not achieved a good long-term functional prognosis.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics, RAN-binding protein 2 ( RANBP2) gene variations, and prognosis in Chinese acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) patients. Methods:A retrospective analysis of ANE cases registered in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital Encephalitis Registry System from 2022 to 2024, involving patients from Peking Union Medical College Hospital and other hospitals, was conducted. A descriptive study was performed on the clinical characteristics, treatments and prognosis, cerebrospinal fluid examination results, and imaging findings of these patients based on adjusted ANE diagnostic criteria. Whole-exome sequencing technology was used to detect gene mutations in these patients.Results:A total of 18 ANE cases were included, ranged in age from 2 to 72 [20(5, 43)] years. The male-to-female ratio was 4∶5. All patients were found with precipitating infections including COVID-19, influenza A virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. All patients presented with fever, with varying degrees of consciousness disturbance observed in 16 cases, and seizures in 10 cases. All patients underwent lumbar puncture, with normal or mildly elevated white cell counts [3(2, 13)×10 6/L] and mildly to moderately elevated protein levels [1.90(0.92, 4.65) g/L]. A total of 6 patients were found with extremely elevated interleukin-6 level [950(164, 2 000) pg/ml] in cerebrospinal fluid. Bilateral symmetric thalamic lesions were typical imaging features of ANE, while involvement of other areas such as cortical and subcortical white matter, brainstem, and cerebellum was also observed. A total of 14 patients performed genetic tests while 4 patients were identified with RANBP2 gene mutations (c.1754C>T in 3 cases, c.1966A>G in 1 case). All patients received immunotherapy, and 7 patients died at discharge while other patients presented with neurological sequelae of varying degrees. Conclusions:ANE is a rare and severe parainfectious encephalopathy that can occur in both children and adults. Clinically, it is characterized by rapidly progressing encephalopathy following systematic infection, with bilateral symmetric thalamic lesions. The detection of RANBP2 gene mutations could help make the diagnosis.

Objective:To investigate the treatment regimens, therapeutic effects, and adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in the treatment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with PML who received ICI treatment at the Department of Neurology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 2020 to September 2024. The patients′ demographic characteristics, baseline immune status, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, treatment regimens, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.Results:A total of 2 male patients with PML, aged 40 and 59 years, received ICI treatment. One patient had underlying combined immunodeficiency, while the other had acute myeloid leukemia subtype M2 and had previously undergone umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation. Both patients were treated with pembrolizumab (dosage range: 2-3 mg/kg, administered every 3-4 weeks), receiving a total of 2-4 courses of treatment. In terms of therapeutic effects, both patients showed significant improvement. Regarding adverse events, 1 patient experienced immune-related adverse event (irAE) of immune-related pneumonia combined with immune-related hypophysitis.Conclusions:ICI may be an effective treatment option for PML. However, the use of ICI may be accompanied by the occurrence of irAE, necessitating close monitoring during treatment.

Objective:To explore the relationship between the dynamic alterations of immune cell subsets in a patient with autoimmune encephalitis and the clinical relapses.Methods:For a patient with multiple relapses of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis superimposed with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease who visited Peking Union Medical College Hospital on July 18, 2018, the lymphocyte subsets were monitored dynamically over a long period and the relationship between lymphocyte subsets and the relapses was summarized.Results:The 38-year old male patient experienced a total of 5 episodes (including 4 relapses) during the six-year immunotherapy and follow-up process, and responded well to first-line and maintenance immunotherapy. His relapses occurred during drug reduction. Finally, the neurological symptoms resolved after rituximab treatment. A total of 39 tests of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were conducted during the follow-up, and 5 peaks of elevated CD19 positive B cells, 9 peaks of elevated CD3 positive T cells and 11 peaks of elevated natural killer cells were observed. The peak period of peripheral blood CD19 positive B cells exactly coincided with clinical relapses. While the consistency rates of clinical relapse and the peaks of peripheral blood CD3 positive T cells and natural killer cells were 5/9 and 2/11, respectively.Conclusions:The dynamic alterations of CD19 positive B cells in peripheral blood are correlated with the clinical relapse of autoimmune encephalitis and can predict clinical relapse.