Modulation of glycolipid metabolism in T2DM rats by Rubus irritans Focke extract: Insights from metabolic profiling and ERK/IRS-1 signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) plays a crucial role in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, influencing apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation. It connection to the insulin (INS) signaling cascade and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been established. Rubus irritans Focke, an indispensable herb in Chinese Tibetan medicine for diabetes mellitus treatment, lacks a comprehensive understanding of its effects and pharmacological mechanisms in T2DM. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to elucidate the effects of Rubus irritans Focke extract (Rife) on a T2DM rat model, exploring its impact on glycemic and lipid metabolism, histopathological changes, and its potential targeting of the extracellular regulated protein kinase/insulin receptor substrate-1 (ERK/IRS-1) signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A T2DM rat model was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection (40 mg/kg) in high-fat diet-fed (HFD) male Wistar rats. Rife and metformin (Met) were administered for 4 weeks, and glycemic, lipid metabolism indices, and histopathological changes were assessed. Protein expression of ERK, IRS-1 in rat liver tissues was examined to evaluate the impact on the ERK/IRS-1 pathway. RESULTS: Rife reducing hepatic ERK and IRS-1 protein expression in T2DM rats. Untargeted metabolomics identified 13 potential biomarkers and 4 differential metabolic pathways related to glycolipid metabolism disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Rife demonstrated improved glycolipid metabolism in T2DM rats by inhibiting the ERK/IRS-1 related signaling pathway and influencing multiple metabolic pathways. This study provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic mechanisms of Rife in the context of T2DM.

Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging in Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnosis of Placental Infarction: A Case Report.

Background: Placental infarction refers to a localized area of ischemic villous necrosis resulting from the interruption of maternal blood flow to the intervillous space, which can be attributed to spasm, stenosis, or occlusion of the decidual spiral artery caused by systemic or localized maternal vascular disease. The presence of large placental infarcts may pose significant risks to fetal well-being, including intrauterine growth retardation, fetal distress, and even fetal demise. Although placental infarction is commonly identified during postnatal pathological examinations, its prenatal diagnosis through ultrasound remains challenging and has been rarely reported. Case Presentation: This report presents a case of acute placental infarction diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound using Superb Micro-vascular Imaging (SMI) technology. At 23 weeks' gestation, the ultrasound revealed that the placenta was attached to the left lateral and posterior walls of the uterus, showing localized thickening. Within this area of thickening, there were observed inhomogeneous hypoechoic regions. Superb Micro-vascular Imaging (SMI) revealed an abnormal echogenic region within the thickened placental tissue that lacked microvascular blood flow signals, but showed surrounding vascularity. Visually, this elliptical-shaped echogenic region enveloped by microvascular blood flow. From the 29th weeks of gestation onward, ultrasound suggested that the fetus was small for gestational age. A live baby weighing 2360g was delivered by cesarean section at 37 weeks' gestation. The placenta was approximately 20×18 × 3 cm with large grayish-yellow infarcts. Conclusion: SMI allows rapid screening of large placental infarcts and easy detection of regions without normal vessel trees, thereby reducing missed diagnoses. Infarct area is easily measured by measuring the area surrounded by small blood vessels, especially in acute placental infarction, which is very helpful in accurately determining infarct size.

Floc aging: Crystallization and improving low molecular weight organic removal in re-coagulation.

Iron coagulants have been used extensively in drinking water treatment. This typically produces substantial quantities of insoluble iron hydrolysis products which interact with natural and anthropogenic organic substances during the coagulation process. Previous studies have shown that the removal of low molecular weight (MW) organics is relatively poor by coagulation, which leads to their presence during disinfection, with the formation of halogenated byproducts, and in treated water supplies as potentially biodegradable material. Currently, there is little knowledge about the changes that occur in the nature of coagulant flocs as they age with time and how such changes affect interactions with organic matter, especially low MW organics. To improve this deficiency, this study has investigated the variation of aged flocs obtained from two commonly used iron salts and their impact on representative organic contaminants, natural organic matter (NOM) and tetracycline antibiotic (TC), in a real surface water. It was found that aging resulted in increasing crystallization of the flocs, which can play a beneficial role in activating persulfate oxidant to remove the representative organics. Furthermore, acidification was also found to further improve the removal of low MW natural organics and tetracycline. In addition, the results showed that the low MW fractions of NOM (<1 K Dalton) were substantially removed by the aging flocs. These results are in marked contrast to the poor removal of low MW organic substances by conventional coagulation, with or without added oxidants, and show that aged flocs have a high potential of reuse for re-coagulation and activation of oxidants to reduce low MW organics, and enhance drinking water quality.

Foetal death due to extensive extra-abdominal umbilical vein Varix with umbilical vein thrombosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Foetal anaemia and umbilical vein thrombosis are rare pregnancy complications that can increase the risk of perinatal adverse events, which, in severe cases, can lead to foetal death. During pregnancy, umbilical vein varix (UVV) commonly occurs in the intra-abdominal part of the umbilical vein and is associated with an increased risk of foetal anaemia and umbilical vein thrombosis. However, UVV occurring in the extra-abdominal part of the umbilical vein is rare, especially when accompanied by thrombosis. In this case report, we describe a rare case of an extensive extra-abdominal umbilical vein varix (EAUVV), which ultimately resulted in foetal death due to umbilical vein thrombosis. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we describe a rare case of an extensive EAUVV that was discovered at 25 weeks and 3 days of gestation. During the examination, there were no abnormalities in foetal haemodynamics. The estimated weight of the foetus was only 709 g. In addition to refusing to be hospitalized, the patient refused close monitoring of the foetus. As a result, we were limited to choosing an expectant therapy. The foetus died 2 weeks after diagnosis and was confirmed to have EAUVV with thrombosis after the induction of labour. CONCLUSION: In the case of EAUVV, lesions are extremely rare, and it is very easy for thrombosis to form, which may result in the death of the child. When determining the next step in the treatment of the condition, the degree of UVV, possible complications, gestational age, foetal haemodynamics, and other relevant factors are strongly connected to the clinical therapy decision, and these factors should be considered comprehensively when making a clinical decision. We recommend close monitoring with hospital admission (to facilities capable of handling extremely preterm foetuses) after variability in delivery for worsening haemodynamic status.

Effects of biochars derived from four crop straws on a Cd-polluted cinnamon soil.

Crop straw biochar is an efficient and low-cost alternative amendment for heavy metal immobilization in acidic soil. However, reports on the effect of these biochars on the amendment of actual Cd-polluted calcareous soil are limited. Therefore, four biochars, derived from peanut, rice, maize, and wheat straws, were applied to determine the changes in the chemical properties of alkaline cinnamon soil and effects on Cd immobilization. The results showed that the cation exchange capacity and the contents of organic C, Mehlich-3 K, and Mehlich-3 P in the biochar-amended soil increased by 4.87-22.02%, 68.78-218.83%, 1.9-10.3 times, and 19.18-74.40%, respectively, indicating the potential high performance of biochar in improving soil fertility and productivity. The Community Bureau of Reference sequential extraction results showed that decrease in acid-extractable Cd resulted in a reduced availability of Cd. Thus, crop straw biochar could be a promising alternative for soil Cd decontamination and fertilization.

MiR-22-3p in exosomes increases the risk of heart failure after down-regulation of FURIN.

Heart failure (HF) is often the inevitable manifestation of myocardial ischemia. Hypoxia can induce cardiomyocytes to express many microRNAs (miRNAs), which are highly expressed in exosomes. In addition, miR-22-3p is a marker in heart failure. Therefore, miR-22-3p was taken as the research object to explore its role and mechanism in HF. HF differentially expressed miRNAs were screened by bioinformatic analysis. The HF rats model was constructed and identified by detecting serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and ultrasound analysis [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS)]. The extracted exosomes were identified by transmission electron microscopy, and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Tsg101 and CD63. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction detected miR-22-3p expression in serum, exosomes, and serum without exosomes, while the cardiomyocytes cytotoxicity was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and PKH26 staining. After overexpressing/silencing miR-22-3p in cells, cell viability, apoptosis, and apoptosis-associated markers were detected. Bioinformatic analysis screened the target gene of miR-22-3p, which was verified by dual-luciferase assay. Regulation of miR-22-3p on FURIN was measured by rescue tests. In vivo experiments were verified the above results. MiR-22-3p was identified as the research object. BNP was increased in the model group, while LVEF and LVFS were decreased. MiR-22-3p was overexpressed in HF-treated serum and exosomes. Normal exosomes did not affect cardiomyocyte function, while high concentrations of HF-treated exosomes were cytotoxic. By regulating apoptosis-related genes, overexpressed miR-22-3p inhibited cell activity and promoted cell apoptosis. Silenced miR-22-3p with opposite effects counteracted effects of HF-treated exosomes. FURIN, target gene of miR-22-3p, was negatively regulated by miR-22-3p, while overexpressed FURIN promoted cell activity and inhibited apoptosis. In vivo research was consistent with the results of cell experiments. By regulating FURIN, miR-22-3p in exosomes increases the risk of HF damage.

The role of medium molecular weight organics on reducing disinfection by-products and fouling prevention in nanofiltration.

Nanofiltration (NF) is utilized in water treatment for controlling disinfection by-products formation potential (DBPFP) and disinfection by-products (DBPs). Attention regarding NF-based technology has been paid on membrane fouling of NF and the rejection efficiency of contaminants by NF membranes. Natural organic matter (NOM) presenting in surface waters is one main removal target in drinking water treatment by NF-based technology, and is thereby a contributor to the membrane fouling of NF. In application, pretreatments of other membrane filtration (e.g., microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF)) has been taken prior to NF, resulting in the separation of NOM of specific molecular weight. Meanwhile, it is well known that NOM is composed of organic compounds of different molecular weights. However, the effect of NOM of specific molecular weight has been seldom investigated from the aspects of membrane fouling and the resulting DBPFP after membrane filtration. By using combinations of MF and UF (molecular weight cut-off of 100K or 20K) as pretreatment prior to NF, the NOM of various molecular weight on DBPFP and DBPs in the NF-treated water were investigated. The experiments were conducted with two real-world surface water samples and one tap water sample. It was found that medium molecular weight NOM, defined as NOM that passed UF100K but did not pass UF20K in this study, reduced fouling of the NF membrane. This is supported by the excitation and emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectra, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and flux analysis. In addition, the medium molecular weight NOM also reduced the DBPFP in the NF treated water and eventually the DBPs by participating in forming a protective layer on the NF surface, blocking the transfer of small molecular weight NOM into the NF filtrate, thereby reducing the DBPFP of the NF filtrate since small molecular weight NOM was the major contributor to DBPFP in this study.

Soil surface management of legume cover has the potential to mitigate nitrous oxide emissions from the fallow season during wheat production.

Soil surface management, i.e., mulch by film, straw or cover crop, is very important to water availability in soil on drylands worldwide, especially during the fallow season, when there is a high concentration of soil nitrate nitrogen (N) to produce nitrous oxide (N2O). To determine whether soil surface management affects N2O emissions during the fallow season, we conducted an experiment to compare N2O emissions from a wheat field that received different surface soil management strategies: control (CK), straw mulch and incorporation (SR), planting legume green manure and incorporation (GM), SR plus GM (SR + GM), and plastic film mulch (FM). The results showed that the average hourly N2O emissions during the fallow season were in the order SR (7.4 µg N m-2 h-1), GM (10.7 µg N m-2 h-1), SR + GM (11.7 µg N m-2 h-1), FM (15.5 µg N m-2 h-1), and CK (16.4 µg N m-2 h-1). Correspondingly, reduced total N2O emissions were observed in the SR, GM and SR + GM treatments, with an average reduction of 39.0% (from 302 to 184 g N ha-1) while increased N2O emissions were from the GM and SR + GM treatments in the wheat growing season. Additionally, N2O emissions were related to soil nitrate N content, microbial biomass and moisture. Overall, considering N2O emissions, C and N inputs by plant residues and grain yield, the management of GM has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil C sequestration and soil fertility. These results emphasized the importance of legume green manure to wheat-fallow cropping systems.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Rubus sachalinensis Lévl.

Rubus is a medicinal plant distributed in northern China and has high economic and social value. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast genome sequence of the plant. We determined that the length of the chloroplast genome of Rubus sachalinensis Lévl is found to be 155,787 bp and the GC content is 37.24%. The cp genome sequences contains 132 genes, including 37 tRNA genes, eight rRNA genes, and 87 mRNA genes, respectively. The genomic data can help the classification and evolution of Rubus plants, and provide a theoretical basis for the study of Rubus sachalinensis Lévl.

A Case of Intramural Pregnancy: Differential Diagnosis for Distinguishing from Retained Products of Conception and Gestational Trophoblastic Disease.

Intramural pregnancy refers to the implantation of fertilized eggs in uterine musculature, separated from the uterine cavity and tube. We report a case of intramural pregnancy previously misdiagnosed as retained products of conception and gestational trophoblastic disease. This case highlights the difficulty in the diagnosis of intramural pregnancy. Clinicians should be clear about the risk factors of the disease. Judicious selection of the appropriate imaging modalities is vital to making an accurate diagnosis and providing effective treatment.

[Ultrasound Measurement of Uterus and Ovary from Childhood to Adolescence and Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Precocious Puberty].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the diagnostic value of ultrasound combined with Z-score in various types of precocious puberty of girls. METHODS: Ultrasound was used to measure the uterus and ovary of normal girls aged between 3 and 21, and Z-score model was established. Ultrasound was used to measure the uterus and ovary of girls with central precocious puberty (CPP), peripheral precocious puberty (PPP), premature pubarche (PP), and premature thelarche (PT). The highest age-related variable was selected to calculate the Z value of the above measurements. The best diagnostic cut-off point was obtained by ROC curve. RESULTS: Ovarian volume and uterine body length had the best correlation with age. The ovarian volume and uterine body length of the girls with CPP were longer and larger than those in normal girls. The area under curve (AUC) of ovarian volume was 0.94 and the best diagnostic cut-off value was Z=2.16 (sensitivity 100%, specificity 81.1%). The AUC of uterine body length was 0.845 and the best diagnostic cut-off value was Z=1.14 (sensitivity 91.6%, specificity 84.9%). In the girls with PPP, only the length of uterine body was longer than that of normal girls. The AUC was 0.910 and the best diagnostic cut-off value was Z=1.06 (sensitivity 98.0%, specificity 82.0%). There was no significant difference between the girls with PP, PT and normal girls. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound combined with Z value has certain significance in differentiating CPP from PPP. It is speculated that this method can be used in the treatment and monitoring of precocious puberty.

Facile synthesis of acid-modified UiO-66 to enhance the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions.

The adsorption behavior and mechanism of Cr(VI) on different acid-modified UiO-66s (Form-UiO-66 and Ac-UiO-66) were systematically investigated for the first time through a series of characterizations, and theoretical calculations of batch experiments. The characterization results demonstrate that acid-modified UiO-66 exhibited a larger specific surface area than did unmodified UiO-66. In addition, since the regulator (formic acid) of Form-UiO-66 was the stronger competition, the specific surface area of Form-UiO-66 (1138 m2 g-1) was larger than that of Ac-UiO-66 (915 m2 g-1). Under optimal experimental conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) was 243.9 mg g-1 on Form-UiO-66, and 151.52 mg g-1 on Ac-UiO-66, which was far higher than on the reported unmodified UiO-66 (36.4 mg g-1). The results of pH testing, zeta potential, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicate that Cr(VI) ions were fixed to adsorbent surfaces via electrostatic adsorption. Acid-modified UiO-66 increased the surface active site via the increase in its specific surface area to enhance adsorption capacity of Cr(VI). These results indicated that both the surface charge and specific surface area of the adsorbent primarily determined the Cr(VI) adsorption capacity. Acid modified UiO-66 exhibited enhanced adsorption capacity, stability, and regeneration, compared to traditional adsorbents, and these results provide new insights into adsorption by MOFs.

Degradation of triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) by CoFe2O4-activated peroxymonosulfate oxidation process: Kinetics, pathways, and mechanisms.

The aryl organophosphate flame retardant triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) has been frequently detected in environment and biota, and the potential risks of TPhP to aquatic organisms have also been demonstrated. The degradation of TPhP by CoFe2O4 activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was studied in this work. At initial pH of 7.0, 10 µM TPhP could be removed by 99.5% with 0.25 g/L CoFe2O4 and 0.5 mM PMS after 6 min oxidation, indicating the excellent performance of CoFe2O4 activated PMS process on the treatment of TPhP. The influence of PMS and CoFe2O4 dosage, initial pH, humic acid (HA), and anions (Cl-, NO3-, and HCO3-) on TPhP degradation were investigated systematically. Results showed that the degradation of TPhP was enhanced with increasing PMS concentrations from 0.1 to 1 mM, while it reduced as CoFe2O4 dosage increased. TPhP degradation efficiencies depended on solution pH with neutral pH showing the optimum degradation conditions. Recycling experiment indicated that the CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) possessed high potential for reusability. The radical identification experiments were performed and SO4•- was confirmed as the dominant radicals in TPhP degradation, and activation mechanism of PMS by CoFe2O4 NPs was hence explained. Humic acids (HA) (2-20 mg/L) as the representative organic natural matter existing in environment inhibited TPhP removal. Anions including Cl-, NO3-, and HCO3- all reduced TPhP degradation. In addition, TPhP degradation products were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the degradation pathways of TPhP were proposed accordingly.

Degradation of ketoprofen by sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes: Kinetics, mechanisms, and effects of natural water matrices.

Ketoprofen (KET) is a mostly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that has been frequently detected in wastewater effluents and surface waters. In this study, we investigated the degradation of KET by sulfate radical (SO4-) based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) in aqueous solution. The degradation kinetics, mechanisms, and effects of natural water matrices on thermally activated persulfate (TAP) oxidation of KET were systematically investigated. Increasing the temperature and persulfate (PS) concentrations greatly enhanced the degradation of KET. KET degradation is pH-dependent with an optimum pH of 5.0. Reactions in the presence of radical quenchers revealed the dominant role of SO4- in oxidizing KET. Water matrix significantly influenced the degradation of KET. The common inorganic anions present in natural waters exhibited inhibitory effect on KET degradation, and the inhibition followed the order of Cl- > CO32- > HCO3- > NO3-; however, no significant inhibition of KET degradation was observed in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations. The presence of natural organic matter (NOM) suppressed KET degradation, and the suppression increased as NOM concentration increase. Products identification and mineralization experiments revealed that KET and its degradation intermediates were finally transformed into CO2 and H2O. The results of this study indicated that applying SR-AOPs for the remediation of KET contaminated water matrix is technically possible.

Fetus in fetu: From Prenatal Sonographic Diagnosis to Postnatal Confirmation.

A case of prenatal sonographic diagnosis of fetus in fetu is described. Postnatal laparotomy was performed and the diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination.