Objective To construct an animal model of dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)with heart failure toxin syndrome that conforms to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome and identify potential biomarkers or intervention targets for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Methods Fifteen male SD rats were divided into a blank control,doxorubicin,or DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group using a random number table method,with five rats per group.The doxorubicin group received intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin at a dose of 1.25 mg/kg,administered on the first and fourth days of each week,along with a standard diet.The DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group,in addition to the doxorubicin treatment,was given 42％white liquor(10 mL/kg)via gavage every other day,along with a 45％high-fat feed and 10％fructose water.The blank control group received intraperitoneal injection of an equivalent volume of phosphate-buffered saline at the same time points as the doxorubicin group,along with a standard diet.The model was established for 10 weeks.At the fourth and tenth weeks of modeling,echocardiography was performed to measure left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),fractional shortening(FS),systolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPWs),diastolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness,systolic left ventricular internal diameter(LVIDs),and diastolic left ventricular internal diameter(LVIDd);macroscopic changes in fur color of the rats were assessed using the red-green-blue colorimetric method.After modeling,the open field test was conducted to evaluate the exercise tolerance of the rats,and the grip strength test was performed to assess changes in forelimb grip strength.Hematoxylin-eosin,Masson,and wheat germ agglutinin staining were used to evaluate pathological changes in cardiac tissue.Bulk RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in the hearts of rats between the blank control and the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome groups.Using DCM,the Blue value of rat fur color,and forelimb grip strength as phenotypic traits,weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)was performed to screen for characteristic module gene sets(MEs)associated with DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Overlapping analysis was performed on DEGs,immune-related gene sets,and MEs,and the intersecting genes were identified as potential biomarkers or intervention targets for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.The sensitivity and specificity of these targets were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results Compared with the blank control group,at the tenth week of modeling,the LVEF,FS,and LVPWs of rats in the doxorubicin group and the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group decreased,whereas LVIDs and LVIDd increased,and the movement distance of the open field test and forelimb grip strength were reduced(P＜0.05).At the 10th week of modeling,the Blue value of fur color in the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group was significantly lower than that of the blank control and doxorubicin groups(P＜0.05).Compared with the blank control group,rats in the doxorubicin and DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome groups exhibited significant cardiac dilation and increased immune cell infiltration in cardiac tissue,accompanied by collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Bulk RNA sequencing identified 2,003 DEGs,including 1,082 downregulated genes and 921 upregulated genes.WGCNA results revealed that the MEturquoise module had the strongest positive correlation with DCM and the strongest negative correlation with the Blue value and forelimb grip strength.The overlapping analysis identified four intersecting genes:bone morphogenetic protein 6(Bmp6),serine-threonine-protein kinase 1(Pak1),proto-oncogene JunD(JunD),and S100 calcium-binding protein A3(S100A3).ROC curve analysis demonstrated that these four genes exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Conclusion The rat model constructed by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin combined with a high-fat feed,fructose water,and white liquor gavage closely aligns with the characteristics of the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Bmp6,JunD,Pak1,and S100A3 are potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for DCM heart failure toxin syndrome.

Abstract CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β(C/EBPβ) is a transcription factor that plays a vital role in diverse biological processes,including cell proliferation,cell apoptosis,inflammation,and immune regulation.It is expressed in female reproductive organs such as the ovary and uterus,and it serves as a critical regulator of both physiological functions and pathological conditions.This review comprehensively summarizes the significant contributions of C/EBPβ to physiological processes such as follicular development and decidualization,as well as its involvements and mechanisms in reproductive disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome,endometriosis,and ovarian tumors,aiming to provide a potential research target in the field of reproduction.

Objective To analyze the clinical distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of Ralstonia mannitolilytica strains isolated from clinical specimens at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai.The results could inform better clinical treatment of R.mannitolilytica.Methods A total of 47 R.mannitolilytica isolated from January 2022 to August 2024 were collected.The clinical data of patients from whom these strains were isolated were reviewed and analyzed.Results The 47 strains of R.mannitolilytica were mainly isolated from hematology department(85.1％,40/47)and intensive care unit(4.3％,2/47).In the 47 patients with R.mannitolilytica isolate,83.0％had hematological disease and 85.1％stayed in hospital for at least 28 days.Overall,63.8％of the 47 patients used antibiotics for at least 3 weeks and 76.6％of the patients used at least three types of antibiotics during hospital stay.All of the 47 R.mannitolilytica strains were resistant to aztreonam,while 84.6％,83.3％,70.4％,and 69.6％of the strains were resistant to meropenem,ticarcillin-clavulanate acid,ceftazidime,and piperacillin-tazobactam,respectively,58.7％,55.8％,52.2％,and 42.2％of the strains were resistant to amikacin,tobramycin,cefepime,and imipenem,respectively.In contrast,88.1％,83.3％,82.9％,67.4％and 60.5％of the strains were susceptible to minocycline,doxycycline,cotrimoxazole,ciprofloxacin,and levofloxacin,respectively.Conclusions Most of the R.mannitolilytica strains were multi-drug resistant.The bacteria is more prevalent in patients with hematological disorders and long-term treatment with multiple broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.

Objective:To analyze the morphology and molecular biology of Rhodococcus erythropolis isolated from blood culture, and clarify its microbiological characteristics, clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods:Strain F1069 was isolated and cultured. Then, it was analyzed by morphology, physiological tests, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing analysis.Results:The colonies of Rhodococcus erythropolis were light yellow, moist, round, and raised, and had neatly-edged margins after being cultured for 48 h. They could turn orange-red after a prolonged cultivation time. The strain was gram-positive bacillus without spores and was negative in acid-fast staining. The strain was identified as Rhodococcus erythropolis by MALDI-TOF MS, and the result was confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The F1069 strain contained the RbpA resistance gene and multiple virulence genes. Conclusions:Cases of Rhodococcus erythropolis infection are rare. The diagnosis of such cases depends on the pathogen detection results, especially molecular biology methods. A definitive diagnosis enables rapid guidance for clinical anti-infection treatment.

Objective: This study aimed to construct an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis and to evaluate it comprehensively. Methods: The HFpEF mouse model was constructed using a combination of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and a high-fat diet. According to the random number table method, SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, L-NAME, high-fat diet, and model groups, 10 in each group. Comprehensive observations and data collection on macroscopic signs (e.g., fur condition, mental state, stool and urine, oral and nasal condition, paw and body condition, etc.) and cardiac function were performed after 10 and 16 weeks of model induction. Additionally, the syndrome evolution was elucidated based on diagnostic criteria for clinical syndromes of heart failure. Furthermore, pathological and molecular biological examinations of myocardial tissue were performed to assess the stability and reliability of the model. Results: Mice in the model group showed typical characteristics of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, as well as syndrome of internal heat accumulation, including lethargy, slow response, dull paw color and oral/nasal color, exercise intolerance, abnormal platelet activation, dry feces, and dark yellow urine. The time window for these syndromes was between 10 and 16 weeks post-modeling. Cardiac function assessments revealed severe diastolic dysfunction, concentric myocardial hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis in the model group. Pathological examinations showed a significantly increased collagen deposition in the myocardial interstitium, enlarged cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and sparse coronary microvasculature in the model group. Molecular biological analyses indicated marked activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory pathway and significantly elevated inflammation levels in the myocardial tissue of the model group. Although mice in the L-NAME and high-fat diet groups also showed certain manifestations of qi deficiency syndrome, the substantial cardiac damage was relatively limited compared to the control group. Conclusion This study has constructed an animal model of HFpEF that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this model are consistent with the manifestations of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, toxin syndrome, and syndrome of internal heat accumulation. Moreover, it can stably simulate the HFpEF state and reflect phenotypic changes in human disease. This model provides a suitable experimental platform to explore the pathogenesis of HFpEF, evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment regimens, and promote in-depth research on TCM syndromes of heart failure.

Objective: To investigate the role and mechanism of the heat-clearing and detoxifying drug Laggerae Herba in regulating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and improve chronic heart failure induced by transverse aortic arch constriction in mice. Methods: Twenty-four male ICR mice were divided into the sham (n=6) and transverse aortic arch constriction groups (n=18) according to the random number table method. The transverse aortic arch constriction group underwent transverse aortic constriction surgery to establish models. After modeling, the transverse aortic arch constriction group was further divided into the model, captopril, and Laggerae Herba groups according to the random number table method, with six mice per group. The captopril (15 mg/kg) and Laggerae Herba groups (1.95 g/kg) received the corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the sham operation and model groups were administered the same volume of ultrapure water by gavage once a day for four consecutive weeks. After treatment, the cardiac function indexes of mice in each group were detected using ultrasound. The heart mass and tibia length were measured to calculate the ratio of heart weight to tibia length. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the pathological changes in myocardial tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial cell hypertrophy. Prussian blue staining was used to observe the iron deposition in myocardial tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and glutathione (GSH) contents in mice serum. Colorimetry was used to detect the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mice serum. Western blotting was used to detect the Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) protein expressions in mice cardiac tissue. Results: Compared with the sham group, in the model group, the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) of mice decreased, the left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) increased, the left ventricular anterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVAWs) and left ventricular posterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVPWs) decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length increased, the myocardial tissue morphology changed, myocardial fibrosis increased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells increased, iron deposition appeared in myocardial tissue, the serum NT-proBNP and MDA levels increased, the GSH level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the captopril and Laggerae Herba groups, the EF, FS, and LVAWs increased, the LVESV and LVESD decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length decreased, the myocardial cells were arranged neatly, the degree of myocardial fibrosis decreased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells decreased, the serum NT-proBNP level decreased, and the GSH level increased. Compared with the model group, the LVPWs increased, the iron deposition in myocardial tissue decreased, the serum MDA level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue increased (P<0.05) in the Laggerae Herba group. Conclusion Laggerae Herba improves the cardiac function of mice with chronic heart failure caused by transverse aortic arch constriction, reduces the pathological remodeling of the heart, and reduces fibrosis. Its mechanism may be related to Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway-mediated ferroptosis.

Objective: To analyze the implementation status and challenges of sex education in special education schools, so as to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective promotion strategies. Methods: From November 2023 to January 2024, a census survey was conducted among 120 in service teachers from 7 special education schools in Luzhou. The questionnaire covered the current status of sex education in schools, teachers attitudes and knowledge toward sex education, and their coping methods for students inappropriate sexual behaviors. Results: About 77.5% of teachers reported having provided sex education to students, but 93.2% indicated a lack of specialized sex education textbooks for special children, 90.4% reported no full time teachers for sex education, and the methods of sex education were relatively limited (50.0% mainly based on lecture method). Nearly 95.8% of teachers held a positive attitude toward sex education, with 98.3% supporting its implementation. Only 26.7% of teachers demonstrated a good grasp of sex education knowledge, with the best understood topic being "recognition and protection of private parts" (21.6%). When dealing with students inappropriate sexual behaviors, the active response rate of teachers was 23.9%, with the highest active response rate observed for "intentionally hugging or kissing the opposite sex" (39.7%). Conclusions The special education schools in Luzhou lack comprehensive sex education curricula, teaching materials and full time teachers, sufficient knowledge among teachers, and adequate proactive responses to students inappropriate sexual behaviors. Greater emphasis should be placed on sex education for special children, including the training of dedicated teachers, to provide comprehensive and high quality sex education services for special children.

Objective To analyze the clinical distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of Ralstonia mannitolilytica strains isolated from clinical specimens at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai.The results could inform better clinical treatment of R.mannitolilytica.Methods A total of 47 R.mannitolilytica isolated from January 2022 to August 2024 were collected.The clinical data of patients from whom these strains were isolated were reviewed and analyzed.Results The 47 strains of R.mannitolilytica were mainly isolated from hematology department(85.1％,40/47)and intensive care unit(4.3％,2/47).In the 47 patients with R.mannitolilytica isolate,83.0％had hematological disease and 85.1％stayed in hospital for at least 28 days.Overall,63.8％of the 47 patients used antibiotics for at least 3 weeks and 76.6％of the patients used at least three types of antibiotics during hospital stay.All of the 47 R.mannitolilytica strains were resistant to aztreonam,while 84.6％,83.3％,70.4％,and 69.6％of the strains were resistant to meropenem,ticarcillin-clavulanate acid,ceftazidime,and piperacillin-tazobactam,respectively,58.7％,55.8％,52.2％,and 42.2％of the strains were resistant to amikacin,tobramycin,cefepime,and imipenem,respectively.In contrast,88.1％,83.3％,82.9％,67.4％and 60.5％of the strains were susceptible to minocycline,doxycycline,cotrimoxazole,ciprofloxacin,and levofloxacin,respectively.Conclusions Most of the R.mannitolilytica strains were multi-drug resistant.The bacteria is more prevalent in patients with hematological disorders and long-term treatment with multiple broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.

Objective To construct an animal model of dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)with heart failure toxin syndrome that conforms to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome and identify potential biomarkers or intervention targets for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Methods Fifteen male SD rats were divided into a blank control,doxorubicin,or DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group using a random number table method,with five rats per group.The doxorubicin group received intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin at a dose of 1.25 mg/kg,administered on the first and fourth days of each week,along with a standard diet.The DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group,in addition to the doxorubicin treatment,was given 42％white liquor(10 mL/kg)via gavage every other day,along with a 45％high-fat feed and 10％fructose water.The blank control group received intraperitoneal injection of an equivalent volume of phosphate-buffered saline at the same time points as the doxorubicin group,along with a standard diet.The model was established for 10 weeks.At the fourth and tenth weeks of modeling,echocardiography was performed to measure left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),fractional shortening(FS),systolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPWs),diastolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness,systolic left ventricular internal diameter(LVIDs),and diastolic left ventricular internal diameter(LVIDd);macroscopic changes in fur color of the rats were assessed using the red-green-blue colorimetric method.After modeling,the open field test was conducted to evaluate the exercise tolerance of the rats,and the grip strength test was performed to assess changes in forelimb grip strength.Hematoxylin-eosin,Masson,and wheat germ agglutinin staining were used to evaluate pathological changes in cardiac tissue.Bulk RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in the hearts of rats between the blank control and the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome groups.Using DCM,the Blue value of rat fur color,and forelimb grip strength as phenotypic traits,weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)was performed to screen for characteristic module gene sets(MEs)associated with DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Overlapping analysis was performed on DEGs,immune-related gene sets,and MEs,and the intersecting genes were identified as potential biomarkers or intervention targets for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.The sensitivity and specificity of these targets were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results Compared with the blank control group,at the tenth week of modeling,the LVEF,FS,and LVPWs of rats in the doxorubicin group and the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group decreased,whereas LVIDs and LVIDd increased,and the movement distance of the open field test and forelimb grip strength were reduced(P＜0.05).At the 10th week of modeling,the Blue value of fur color in the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome group was significantly lower than that of the blank control and doxorubicin groups(P＜0.05).Compared with the blank control group,rats in the doxorubicin and DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome groups exhibited significant cardiac dilation and increased immune cell infiltration in cardiac tissue,accompanied by collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Bulk RNA sequencing identified 2,003 DEGs,including 1,082 downregulated genes and 921 upregulated genes.WGCNA results revealed that the MEturquoise module had the strongest positive correlation with DCM and the strongest negative correlation with the Blue value and forelimb grip strength.The overlapping analysis identified four intersecting genes:bone morphogenetic protein 6(Bmp6),serine-threonine-protein kinase 1(Pak1),proto-oncogene JunD(JunD),and S100 calcium-binding protein A3(S100A3).ROC curve analysis demonstrated that these four genes exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Conclusion The rat model constructed by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin combined with a high-fat feed,fructose water,and white liquor gavage closely aligns with the characteristics of the DCM with heart failure toxin syndrome.Bmp6,JunD,Pak1,and S100A3 are potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for DCM heart failure toxin syndrome.

Objective:To analyze the morphology and molecular biology of Rhodococcus erythropolis isolated from blood culture, and clarify its microbiological characteristics, clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods:Strain F1069 was isolated and cultured. Then, it was analyzed by morphology, physiological tests, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing analysis.Results:The colonies of Rhodococcus erythropolis were light yellow, moist, round, and raised, and had neatly-edged margins after being cultured for 48 h. They could turn orange-red after a prolonged cultivation time. The strain was gram-positive bacillus without spores and was negative in acid-fast staining. The strain was identified as Rhodococcus erythropolis by MALDI-TOF MS, and the result was confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The F1069 strain contained the RbpA resistance gene and multiple virulence genes. Conclusions:Cases of Rhodococcus erythropolis infection are rare. The diagnosis of such cases depends on the pathogen detection results, especially molecular biology methods. A definitive diagnosis enables rapid guidance for clinical anti-infection treatment.