The relationship between serum levels of epidermal growth factor and ß-human chorionic gonadotropin and the type and prognosis of ectopic pregnancy.

PURPOSE: This work aimed to explore the relationship between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) and ectopic pregnancy types and impact on prognosis. METHODS: Twenty women with normal pregnancies (NPs) were recruited as control group, and twenty women each with tubal pregnancy (TP) and cervical pregnancy (CP) were recruited. Blood samples were collected to detect EGF and ß-HCG. Data on length of hospital stay and incidence of complications were collected. The differences in serum EGF and ß-HCG levels were compared among groups and within various types of ectopic pregnancy using analysis of variance and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: Serum EGF and ß-HCG were notably lower in TP and CP group vs. controls (P < 0.05). In subgroup analysis within the types of ectopic pregnancy, serum EGF levels were drastically higher in TP group vs. CP group (P < 0.05). Serum EGF levels were negatively correlated with pregnancy outcomes and incidence of complications (P < 0.05). In patients with TP and CP, serum EGF and ß-HCG recovery time and hospital stay differed drastically (P < 0.05). Serum EGF and ß-HCG levels showed optimal cutoff values identified at 2.65 µg/L and 11,745.35 IU/L, respectively. The corresponding area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.885 and 0.841. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of EGF may be associated with the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy and may impact the type of ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and the incidence of complications. Further clinical research is warranted to investigate these findings.

[Effect of Bushen Tiaojing Recipe and Xiaoyao Pill on adenohypophysis and ovary in androgen-induced sterile rats: a comparative study].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Bushen Tiaojing Recipe (BTR) and Xiaoyao Pill (XYP) on the morphology and sex hormones secretion of adenohypophysis and ovaries in androgen-induced sterile rats (ASR). METHODS: Fifty 9-day old SD female rats randomly recruited from total 60 rats were subcutaneously injected with testosterone propionate to establish the ASR model. And the rest 10 rats were recruited as the normal group. Thirty successfully modeled rats were recruited and randomly divided into the model group, the BTR group (administered with BTR suspension), and the XYP group (administered with XYP suspension), 10 in each group. Five weeks later, rats were decapitated in the proestrus. Serum levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were detected by radioimmunoassay. The morphologies of adenohypophysis and ovary were observed after HE staining. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, serum E2 and T levels increased, while FSH and LH levels decreased in the model group (all P < 0.01). The morphology of adenohypophysis and ovary was abnormal in the model group. Compared with the model group, serum E2 and T levels decreased, while FSH and LH levels increased in the BTR group and the XYP group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Besides, E2 and T levels in the BTR group and FSH levels in the XYP group restored to normal (all P > 0.05). The damaged structure of adenohypophysis and ovary got restored to different degrees. CONCLUSION: BTR and XYP both could improve ovulation failure.

Migration and Accumulation Simulation Prediction of PPCPs in Urban Green Space Soil Irrigated with Recycled Water: A Review.

The presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in reclaimed water introduces an ongoing challenge as they infiltrate green space soils during irrigation, leading to a gradual buildup that poses considerable ecological risks. The simulation and forecasting of PPCPs accumulation in soil are pivotal for proactive ecological risk management. However, the majority of research efforts have predominantly concentrated on the vertical transport mechanisms of PPCPs in the soil, neglecting a holistic perspective that integrates both vertical and lateral transport phenomena, alongside accumulation dynamics. To address this gap, this study introduces a comprehensive conceptual model that encapsulates the dual processes of vertical and lateral transport, coupled with accumulation of PPCPs in the soil environment. Grounded in the distinctive properties of green space soils, we delve into the determinants governing the vertical and lateral migration of PPCPs. Furthermore, we consolidate existing simulation methodologies for contaminant transport, aiming to establish a comprehensive model that accurately predicts PPCPs accumulation in green space soils. This insight is critical for deducing the emission threshold of reclaimed water necessary for the protection of green space soils, informing the formulation of rational irrigation strategies, and anticipating future environmental risks. It provides a critical theoretical basis for more informed decision-making in the realm of urban water reuse and pollution control.