Search

Background Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Since meconium microbiome is a critical component for the health of newborns, the aim of this study was to characterize the meconium microbiota in neonates with FGR compared with healthy controls. Methods To avoid bacteria contamination, all included neonates were delivered by elective C-section, with their samples collected in the operation room. We collected meconium samples from 14 neonates affected by FGR and 20 matched healthy newborns. The microbiome profiles were examined by using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing and analyzed with customized bioinformatics pipelines. Results The β-diversity analysis demonstrated that FGR neonates clustered together that was distinct from control subjects. A number of taxa were found to be significantly depleted (e.g., Chryseobacterium) or enriched (e.g., Asticcacaulis) in the FGR group. In addition, the coordination network between various intestinal bacteria was found to be altered in FGR neonates. Conclusions FGR neonates exhibited alterations in the composition and symbiosis of microbiome, which will contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiota and FGR.

Brown tumour represents a serious complication of hyperparathyroidism. Definitive diagnosis is based on histological examination, clinical, radiological and laboratory data. Here we report a case of multiple brown tumours localised in collarbone, rib and in the distal ulna due to secondary hyperparathyroidism in a 37-year-old women with chronic renal failure. The clinical management of brown tumour aimed primarily to reduce the elevated parathyroid hormone levels by pharmacological treatment. In our experience, clinicians usually consider brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism is caused by giant cell lesions in maintenance hemodialysis recipients, and multiple brown tumours are rarely seen in these patients.

Orthorhombic CuSCN dendrites and cubic Cu 2 S spheres have been selectively synthesized via a template-free hydrothermal route, using CuCl 2 and 1-butyl-3-methlyimidazole thiocyanate ([BMIM]SCN) as raw materials at different temperatures. The products are characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis). The band gap is estimated to be 2.00 eV based on the results of optical measurements of the porous spheres of Cu 2 S nanostructures.

Cadmium sulfide dendrites were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal treatment from CdCl2 and ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methlyimidazole thiocyanate acted both as sulfur source and surfactant. The product was characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. X-ray powder diffraction studies indicated that the product was well-crystallized hexagonal phase of CdS, and the scanning electron microscopy images showed that the obtained powders consisted of a wealth of well-defined CdS dendritic microstructures with a pronounced trunk and highly ordered branches. The UV–Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements were taken as well. The possible formation mechanism of CdS dendrites was simply proposed in the end.

ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized in ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [BMIM]Cl) by one-step solid-state reaction at room temperature for short time. The structure and morphology of the products were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whose results indicated that the sample was spherical in morphology with diameters of 15–20 nm. The room temperature photoluminescence spectra (PL) showed strong and broad green light emission. In addition, [BMIM]Cl could be collected and reused for subsequent reactions. This method provides a facile, one-step and low-cost route for the synthesis of nanostructures of metal oxides with potential photo-catalysis.

A series of transition-metal sulfide (PbS, CdS, ZnS, CoS, Cu 2 S) compounds were successfully synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method using 1-butyl-3-methlyimidazole thiocyanate ([BMIM][SCN]) as both sulfur source and capping ligand. The resultant products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements in order to determine the crystalline phase of the products. The structural and morphological features of the samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed that the morphologies of PbS and CdS were novel hierarchical dendrites, but rough exterior microspheres of ZnS, CoS and Cu 2 S. A possible reaction process was simply discussed in the end.

Hollow cadmium molybdate microtubes were successfully prepared via a sacrificial template route at a low temperature assisted by a ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3- methylimidazolium chloride. The morphology and properties of the CdMoO4 powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescent spectra techniques (PL), respectively. The forming of microtube precursors plays a key role in the shaping process of hollow structure. The special morphology CdMoO4 showed a distinct optical properties in PL spectra analysis, which can be potentially applied on fabrication of solar batteries and optical devices, and as material encapsulators or carriers.

Dendritic nanostructures of PbS and CdS, as well as microspheres of ZnS, CoS, and Cu2S are hydrothermally prepared from aqueous solutions of MCl2 (M: Cd, Co, Cu) or M(OAc)2 (M: Pb, Zn) and [bmim][SCN] as both sulfur source and capping ligand (autoclave, 200 °C, 24 h).