ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure （HF）， providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats， which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group， with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry （UPLC-TQ-S）， and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging （AFADESI-MSI）. Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus （GEO）， a protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed， and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway and Gene Ontology （GO） was performed. Finally， molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets， and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group， the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， while those of proline， ornithine， creatine， creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets， such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme （ACE）， neuronal nitric oxide synthase （NOS1）， 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A （HTR2A）， and epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）， and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway， neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions， and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine， citrulline and HTR2A， as well as between creatine， creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction， potential TCM interventions， such as ginseng and magnolia， were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF， and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways， and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.

ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure （HF）， providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats， which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group， with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry （UPLC-TQ-S）， and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging （AFADESI-MSI）. Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus （GEO）， a protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed， and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway and Gene Ontology （GO） was performed. Finally， molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets， and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group， the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， while those of proline， ornithine， creatine， creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets， such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme （ACE）， neuronal nitric oxide synthase （NOS1）， 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A （HTR2A）， and epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）， and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway， neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions， and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine， citrulline and HTR2A， as well as between creatine， creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction， potential TCM interventions， such as ginseng and magnolia， were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF， and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways， and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.

Cats, owing to their physiological and immunological similarities with humans, have become increasingly valuable as model animals in virology research, drug development, and vaccine evaluation. They are irreplaceable in studies of feline immunodeficiency virus, feline coronavirus, and other related pathogens. However, cats are temperamentally sensitive, exhibit strong stress responses, and possess well-developed nervous systems as well as sharp claws and teeth. Consequently, the biosafety risks associated with infectious experiments using cats in animal biosafety level 2 laboratory (ABSL-2) are significantly higher than those encountered with conventional rodents. Drawing on long-term ABSL-2 operational experience, this article systematically reviews the entire workflow of infectious experiments in laboratory cats — from animal selection, pre-entry preparation, reception and quarantine, housing management, to infectious experimental procedures and incident response — identifying and addressing critical risk points at each stage. For strain selection, SPF-grade shorthair cats with defined genetic backgrounds and docile temperaments are recommended; sex and age should be scientifically matched to experimental objectives. During pre-entry preparation, emphasis is placed on dual-credential personnel management, health surveillance, standardized disinfection of environments and cages, feed and water standards, and robust record-keeping. During reception and quarantine, standardized protocols are established for transport control, appearance inspection, isolation quarantine, pathogen exclusion, and positive-reinforcement training. During infectious experimentation, a "three-fixed" husbandry principle is clearly implemented: dedicated caretakers, fixed feeding/cleaning times, and fixed cage positions. Disinfectant selection, autoclaving of waste, and daily veterinary rounds are rigorously enforced. Operational risk control includes detailed measures for graded personal protection, animal anesthesia and restraint, zoned operation within biosafety cabinets, and disposal of experimental waste. Contingency plans are formulated to address animal death, escape, personnel exposure, and spills of infectious materials. This study provides a reproducible and scalable technical pathway and operational standard for conducting infectious experiments in laboratory cats in ABSL-2 laboratories, offering a reference for other facilities undertaking similar work.

ObjectiveTo prepare rabbit anti-porcine inhibin polypeptide-keyhole limpet hemocyanin(KLH) conjugated polyclonal antibody and evaluate its effect on superovulation in C57BL/6J mice. MethodsNew Zealand white rabbits were immunized with a synthesized porcine inhibin polypeptide conjugated with KLH to produce anti-inhibin serum (AIS, i.e., inhibin polyclonal antibody). Female C57BL/6J mice received intraperitoneal injections of purified AIS in combination with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG), followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) after 48 hours to induce superovulation. Oocytes obtained from superovulation were collected and counted 15 hours post-hCG administration, and the number of 2-cell embryos was assessed 24 hours after in vitro fertilization. ResultsAIS prepared by immunizing New Zealand White rabbits with KLH-conjugated porcine inhibin polypeptide was subjected to titer determination by indirect ELISA, showing titers reaching 1∶ 512 000. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of ammonium sulfate-purified AIS revealed distinct 50 kDa and 25 kDa bands corresponding to the theoretical molecular weights of IgG antibody heavy and light chains, confirming successful production of porcine inhibin polyclonal antibody. Compared with conventional superovulation methods, AIS diluted 10-fold combined with PMSG significantly increased the number of oocytes obtained from superovulation in mice (P<0.05) by approximately 1.5-fold. ConclusionPorcine inhibin polyclonal antibody, as an improved superovulation reagent, can improve superovulation efficiency in C57BL/6J mice, and shows promising prospects for future applications.

BACKGROUND:The preparation of curved root canals is a difficult point in root canal treatment,and the main way used in clinical preparation for curved root canals is to gradually deepen the technique,but this technique is prone to lateral penetration when preparing curved root canals,resulting in treatment failure.In view of this situation,some scholars have proposed the use of touch activation technology to prepare,but there are few studies on the influence of this technology combined with different mechanical nickel-titanium instruments on the forming effect of curved root canals at home and abroad.OBJECTIVE:To observe the shaping effect of WaveOneGold,Trunatomy and M3-Pro mechanized nitinol device preparation root canal by using resin simulated root canal step-down technology and tactile controlled activation.METHODS:60 single-bending resin simulated root canals were divided into 6 groups(r=10)according to the random number table method according to the nitinol instrument used.The A1 group was prepared with step-down+WaveOneGold;the A2 group was prepared with step-down+Trunatomy,and the A3 group was prepared with step-down+M3-Pro.Tactile controlled activation+WaveOneGold was used for preparation in group B1;tactile controlled activation+Trunatomy was used for group B2,and tactile controlled activation+M3-Pro was used for preparation in group B3.After the preparation was completed,the pre-preparation and posterior root canal images are obtained using a dental surgical microscope.The root canal offset was analyzed before and after preparation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When WaveOneGold was used,the root canal deviation at 1,4,and 7 mm from the apex was smaller with the tactile controlled activation technique than with the step-down technique(P＜0.05);when Trunatomy was used,the root canal deviation at 6,8,and 10 mm from the apex was smaller with the tactile controlled activation technique than with the step-down technique(P＜0.05);when M3-Pro was used,the root canal deviation at 1,2,and 3 mm from the apex was smaller with the tactile controlled activation technique than with the step-down technique(P＜0.05).(2)When the step-down technique was used,the root canal deviation at 1,4,5,and 7 mm from the apex was smaller with the Trunatomy than with the other two files(P＜0.05),and the root canal deviation at 1,2,3,and 6 mm from the apex was larger with the M3-Pro machine-made nickel-titanium instrument than with the other two files(P＜0.05);when the tactile controlled activation technique was used,the root canal deviation at 2,5,6,8,and 9 mm from the apex after preparation with the Trunatomy file was smaller than that of the other two groups(P＜0.05),and the root canal deviation at 1,4,5,6,and 7 mm from the apex after preparation with the M3-Pro file was larger than that of the other two groups(P＜0.05).(3)The results showed that the three files could cause root canal deviation when preparing root canals.The three files combined with the tactile controlled activation technique could reduce the root canal deviation at some sites of the root canal.The root canal deviation at some sites of the Trunatomy file was less than that of the other two files.

Based on the theory of "disease of both blood and water" in Essentials from the Golden Cabinet （《金匮要略》）， and in combination with the dynamic syndrome evolution of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction （HFpEF）， this paper systematically clarifies the pathomechanism of HFpEF， characterized by yang deficiency as the root， blood stasis as the pivotal factor and water retention as the manifestation. Accordingly， the therapeutic principles have been proposed， which are warming yang and banking up original qi to consolidate the root， activating blood and unblocking collaterals to smooth the mechanism， and promoting urination and regulating pivot to remove the branch. On this basis， a compound formula structure of "one monarch， one minister and one assistant" is established， forming an integrated intervention strategy that synergistically combines the three methods of warming yang， activating blood， and promoting urination through combined classical formulas. Zhenwu Decoction （真武汤）， which warms yang and dissolves rheum， is used to consolidate the root and directly target the source of yang deficiency， serving as the monarch； Guizhi Fuling Pills （桂枝茯苓丸）， which activates blood， promotes urination and unblocks the pivot， assists in interrupting the binding of blood stasis and water retention， serving as the minister； Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction （葶苈大枣泻肺汤）， which regulates qi， disperses retained fluids， and eliminates the manifestation， alleviates acute water-retention symptoms， serving as the assistant. This compound formula is warming without being drying， diuretic without being drastic， and dispels stasis without consuming blood， thereby achieving the therapeutic effects of warming yang， activating blood， and promoting urination.

Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of pathogens causing infections within 90 days after liver transplantation and the influencing factors of infection. Methods Clinical data of 176 recipients who underwent liver transplantation at the Liver Transplant Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from September 2021 to August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the infection group (n=124) and the non-infection group (n=52) based on whether they developed infection within 90 days after transplantation. The distribution characteristics of pathogens in infected patients were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the influencing factors of infection. Results Among the 176 liver transplant recipients, 124 cases developed 243 episodes of 518 bacterial, fungal, viral or mycoplasma infections within 90 days after transplantation, with an overall infection rate of 70.5% (124/176). The composition of pathogens was mainly Gram-negative bacteria (38.6%, 200/518), followed by Gram-positive bacteria (32.2%, 167/518) and viruses (15.4%, 80/518), and fungi accounted for 13.1% (68/518). Among Gram-negative bacteria, the main pathogen was Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.8%, 35/518), and among Gram-positive bacteria, the main pathogen was Enterococcus faecalis (8.5%, 44/518). Viruses included Epstein-Barr virus (3.7%, 19/518) and cytomegalovirus (3.7%, 19/518), and fungi were mainly Candida albicans (6.8%, 35/518). The most common infection site among the 243 episodes was pulmonary infection (42.0%, 102/243), followed by abdominal infection (22.6%, 55/243) and bloodstream infection (18.1%, 44/243). The infections mainly occurred within 2 weeks after transplantation (60.9%, 148/243). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative infection within 2 weeks, a high preoperative model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and preoperative sarcopenia were independent risk factors for infection within 90 days after liver transplantation (all odds ratio>1, P<0.05). After multivariate correction, the levels of CD4⁺T cells and CD8⁺T cells within 90 days after surgery were independently associated with the occurrence of infection. Low levels of CD4⁺T cells and CD8⁺T cells might be related to an increased risk of infection. Conclusions The infection rate after liver transplantation is high, and the pathogens are mainly Gram-negative bacteria. The lungs are the most common infection site. Preoperative MELD score, preoperative sarcopenia and preoperative infection within 2 weeks are independent risk factors for infection within 90 days after liver transplantation. Regular monitoring of immune indicators CD4⁺T cells and CD8⁺T cells levels after transplantation is helpful to reduce the occurrence of post-transplantation infection.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental defect of enamel that is characterized primarily by abnormal enamel mineralization affecting the first permanent molars and permanent incisors. Due to insufficient mineralization, teeth affected by MIH are prone to post-eruptive breakdown and caries, potentially leading to sequelae such as tooth sensitivity and occlusal problems. The diagnosis of MIH is primarily based on relevant perinatal and infantile medical history, the characteristic distribution of affected teeth, and the morphological features of the enamel defects. Based on the extent and severity of the enamel defect, MIH is classified as mild or severe. Diagnosis and treatment strategies emphasize early screening, diagnosis, and intervention, prioritizing prevention, providing symptomatic care, and implementing regular recall assessments. Mild MIH predominantly manifests as demineralized enamel opacities or discoloration, typically without significant enamel breakdown. Treatment focuses on caries prevention and aesthetic restoration, employing techniques such as remineralization, micro-abrasion, resin infiltration, bleaching, fluoride application, and fissure sealants. Severe MIH typically presents with extensive enamel opacities accompanied by substantial enamel breakdown and may be complicated by caries and tooth sensitivity. Management primarily involves restoring the structural defects or, for teeth that cannot be preserved, extraction followed by orthodontic treatment. Comprehensive management often requires a multimodal approach integrating various therapeutic modalities to restore both the function and aesthetics of the affected teeth and overall dentition. This article provides a review of advancements in diagnosis and the treatment strategies for MIH, offering a reference for clinical practice.

Background Health literacy is closely related to mental health, and improving health literacy has been shown to promote mental well-being. However, whether occupational stress among workers in mining and manufacturing is associated with their occupational health literacy remains inconclusive. Objective To study the levels of occupational health literacy and occupational stress among workers in three industrial sectors (metal ores mining, metal smelting, and manufacture of non-metallic mineral products) in Gansu Province, and to analyze the correlation between them. Methods Between May and December 2024, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to survey workers from 73 large, medium, and small and micro sized enterprises across the aforementioned industries in Gansu Province. Participants’ occupational health literacy and occupational stress levels were assessed. The LASSO regression model was applied to identifykey factors influencing occupational stress, and subsequently a multilevel random intercept mixed-effects logistic model was used to study factors influencing occupational stress and to explore the relationship between occupational health literacy and occupational stress. Results A total of 3611 workers across the three industries were surveyed, among whom 1031 (28.55%) experienced occupational stress. Workers with adequate occupational health literacy—whether assessed in terms of overall literacy or specific dimensions—demonstrated a significantly lower prevalence of occupational stress compared to those without adequate literacy (P<0.05). Through the LASSO regression analysis, it was found that the factors closely related to occupational stress were dimension one (occupational health legal knowledge), dimension two (basic knowledge of occupational health protection), and dimension four (healthy working methods and behaviors) of occupational health literacy, gender, average monthly income, and night shifts. The results from the three-level random intercept mixed-effects logistic regression model indicated that dimensions one (OR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.58, 0.82), two (OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.58, 0.87), and four (OR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.67, 0.98) of occupational health literacy were negatively correlated with the risk of occupational stress. Workers with an average monthly income of 3001–≤5000, 5001–≤7000, and ≥7001 yuan reported occupational stress risks that were 61% (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.45, 0.81), 56% (OR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.41, 0.78), and 36% (OR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.24, 0.53) of those with an average monthly income ≤3000 yuan, respectively. Male workers (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.32, 2.10) and those on night shifts (OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.90, 2.76) had a higher risk of occupational stress. The random effects variance showed that the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.12. Conclusion There is a negative correlation between occupational stress and occupational health literacy among workers in mining and manufacturing. Being male, having a low income, and working night shifts are risk factors affecting workers' occupational stress. It is recommended to focus on these groups of workers and incorporate occupational health literacy into workplace mental health promotion.

BackgroundIndividuals with schizophrenia are prone to higher rates of hospital readmission， presenting significant clinical challenges and imposing considerable social burdens within the mental health domain. In recent years， various risk prediction models have been developed to forecast readmission in patients with schizophrenia and support clinical decision-making， but their predictive performance and clinical applicability require comprehensive evaluation. ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the risk prediction models for readmission in patients with schizophrenia， so as to provide insights for the development of high-performance and highly applicable readmission risk prediction models for patients with schizophrenia. MethodsOn July 5， 2025， a systematic literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases， including PubMed， Embase， Cochrane Library， Web of Science， CINAHL， CNKI， China Biomedical Literature Database， Wanfang Database， and VIP Database， to identify risk prediction models for readmission in patients with schizophrenia. The search period was from the establishment of the databases to July 1， 2025. Two researchers independently performed literature screening， data extraction， risk of bias assessment， and applicability assessment. ResultsA total of 9 studies were included in this review， encompassing 18 risk prediction models for readmission in patients with schizophrenia. Among them， 4 models reported the area under the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve （AUC）， ranging from 0.734 to 0.820， 16 models provided AUC values of 0.642–0.879 for internal validation， and 1 model demonstrated an AUC of 0.841 for external validation. Key predictors included disease duration and the concomitant therapy of antipsychotic medications. The risk of bias was assessed as "high" in all included studies. ConclusionThe development of risk prediction models for readmission in patients with schizophrenia remains in an exploratory stage. Although the model exhibits favorable predictive performance， it is associated with a high risk of bias and insufficient performance evaluation.