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This study introduces an innovative approach to pressure sensing in sports training using amorphous silicon nanostructure-based sensors. These sensors demonstrated high sensitivity (0.75 Ω/kPa) and a broad pressure detection range (1–100 kPa), making them ideal for capturing the nuances of athletic movements. Their compact size (5 mm×5 mm) and superior durability (over 5000 cycles with minimal performance variation) allowed for seamless integration into athletic shoes and attire. The sensors effectively captured pressure patterns in running, such as heel strikes peaking at 300 kPa, and cycling, revealing a 200 kPa increase in the perineal region during posture shifts. Comparative analysis highlighted the advantages of amorphous silicon nanostructure sensors over existing technologies, including higher sensitivity, wider pressure range, smaller size, and better durability. The integration of these sensors provided invaluable data for optimizing training regimes and preventing injuries. The study also delved into the physical and chemical characterization of the nanostructures, confirming their uniform size distribution, surface morphology, and amorphous nature, which contributed to their exceptional sensing performance. The findings underscore the immense potential of amorphous silicon nanostructure sensors in revolutionizing athletic performance analysis and injury prevention, offering a significant upgrade over current technologies in terms of accuracy, adaptability, and user-friendliness. This research paves the way for more sophisticated, precise, and athlete-centric pressure sensing solutions, transforming the landscape of sports technology and biomechanical assessment.

Abstract The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) contributes significantly to treatment resistance in various cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite this, the relationship between cancer stemness and immunity remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify potential immunotherapeutic targets and sensitive drugs for CSCs in HNSCC. Using data from public databases, we analyzed expression patterns and prognostic values in HNSCC. The stemness index was calculated using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssgsea) algorithm, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to screen for key stemness-related modules. Consensus clustering was then used to group samples for further analysis, and prognosis-related key genes were identified through regression analysis. Our results showed that tumor samples from HNSCC exhibited higher stemness indices compared to normal samples. WGCNA identified a module highly correlated with stemness, comprising 187 genes, which were significantly enriched in protein digestion and absorption pathways. Furthermore, we identified sensitive drugs targeting prognostic genes associated with tumor stemness. Notably, two genes, HLF and CCL11, were found to be highly associated with both stemness and immunity. In conclusion, our study identifies a stemness-related gene signature and promising drug candidates for CSCs of HNSCC. Additionally, HLF and CCL11, which are associated with both stemness and immunity, represent potential targets for immunotherapy in HNSCC.

The loss of sesame capsule seed prior to harvest poses a significant economical challenge in mechanized production. The metabolites involved in capsule closure are still unclear. Using comparative metabolome and transcriptome analysis, this work investigated the molecular regulation and enrichment pathways in two sesame types of indehiscent capsule WanZhi28 (ND) and dehiscent capsule WanZhi2 (WZ2). The findings demonstrated that genes and metabolites were significantly enriched in lignin synthesis-related pathways. Furthermore, data suggests that lipid and sugar metabolism may have an impact on capsule closure. Apart from its function in cell signaling, the latter may contribute to the glycosylation of lignin monomers, while the former may provide ATP for cellular microtubule movement. This work concurrently focused on a large number of differentially expressed transcription factors linked to the sesame capsule's anti-cleft mechanism, providing new evidence for the discovery and use of functional markers and genes for capsule dehiscence. The identification of key pathways and regulatory mechanisms offers valuable information for developing strategies to mitigate seed loss during harvest, ultimately contributing to more efficient and profitable sesame production.

ABSTRACT Under the conservation tillage model, corn stubble with a complex structure has become the main obstacle for the operation of tillage tools. To better design relevant tillage tools as a reference, this study established a discrete element model of corn stubble. The intrinsic parameters and partial contact parameters of corn single root (CSR) were obtained through physical experiments, and the maximum shear force (Fmax) of CSR was tested. Fmax was used as the response value, Plackett-Burman test, steepest climbing test, and Box-Behnken test were used to determine the optimal parameters of the discrete element model. The results showed that the coefficient of friction of CSR-CSR, the coefficient of friction of CSR-steel, and the bonded disk radius all had significant effects on Fmax (P

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have emerged as a potential strategy for tumor treatment due to their ability to selectively replicate in tumor cells, induce apoptosis, and stimulate immune responses. However, the therapeutic efficacy of single OVs is limited by the complexity and immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). To overcome these challenges, engineering OVs has become an important research direction. This review focuses on engineering methods and multi-modal combination therapies for OVs aimed at addressing delivery barriers, viral phagocytosis, and antiviral immunity in tumor therapy. The engineering approaches discussed include enhancing in vivo immune response, improving replication efficiency within the tumor cells, enhancing safety profiles, and improving targeting capabilities. In addition, this review describes the potential mechanisms of OVs combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and summarizes the data of ongoing clinical trials. By continuously optimizing engineering strategies and combination therapy programs, we can achieve improved treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.

Abstract Background Intracranial extraventricular ependymoma (IEE) is an ependymoma located in the brain parenchyma outside the ventricles. IEE has overlapping clinical and imaging characteristics with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) but different treatment strategy and prognosis. Therefore, an accurate preoperative diagnosis is necessary for optimizing therapy for IEE. Methods A retrospective multicenter cohort of IEE and GBM was identified. MR imaging characteristics assessed with the Visually Accessible Rembrandt Images (VASARI) feature set and clinicopathological findings were recorded. Independent predictors for IEE were identified using multivariate logistic regression, which was used to construct a diagnostic score for differentiating IEE from GBM. Results Compared to GBM, IEE tended to occur in younger patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified seven independent predictors for IEE. Among them, 3 predictors including tumor necrosis rate (F7), age, and tumor‐enhancing margin thickness (F11), demonstrated higher diagnostic performance with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of more than 70% in distinguishing IEE from GBM. The AUC was 0.85, 0.78, and 0.70, with sensitivity of 92.98%, 72.81%, and 96.49%, and specificity of 65.50%, 73.64%, and 43.41%, for F7, age, and F11, respectively. Conclusion We identified specific MR imaging features such as tumor necrosis and thickness of enhancing tumor margins that could help to differentiate IEE from GBM. Our study results should be helpful to assist in diagnosis and clinical management of this rare brain tumor.

Aiming at the problems of uneven mixing and low production efficiency of domestic silage mixer, a double- helix TMR (Total Mixed Rations) preparation mixer for silage straw feed was designed to replace the traditional vertical single-helix mixer. The performance tests and parameter optimization were carried out on this preparation machine. By analyzing the mixing process and mechanism of the diets in the mixing chamber, the key factors affecting the mixing performance and the range were determined. It was found that the greater the stirring speed of the churn, the greater the angle of material lift, the more conducive to improving the material lifting capacity of the churn device. The mixing characteristics of the preparation machine and the movement of material were numerically simulated using EDEM simulation software, and the mixing effect of the preparation machine was verified. The three-factor and five-level CCD center combination orthogonal rotary test in the prototype was carried out with stirring speed of the churn, mixing time and filling coefficient as influencing factors, mixing uniformity, roughage particle size and ton material energy consumption as evaluation indexes. The test results showed that the contribution of each factor to the mixing uniformity in descending order was filling coefficient, stirring speed and mixing time, to the roughage particle size was stirring speed, mixing time and filling coefficient, and to the ton material energy consumption was filling coefficient, mixing time and stirring speed. The optimal working parameters for mixing performance by comprehensive optimization could be concluded as stirring speed of 48.59 r/min, mixing time of 14.98 min, and filling coefficient of 70%. In addition, the mixing uniformity, roughage particle size and ton material energy consumption were obtained as 91.11%, 72.13% and 2.99 kW·h/t. The relative error for all evaluation indexes between the experimental results with round parameter combination and the predicted value was verified to be less than 3%. It can be seen the double-helix TMR preparation mixer can meet the demand for efficient mixing of silage straw feed, which obviously provides data reference and technical support for the design and selection of operating parameters of TMR preparation machines.

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks first among primary liver cancers, and its mortality rate exhibits a consistent annual increase. The treatment of HCC has witnessed a significant surge in recent years, with the emergence of targeted immune therapy as an adjunct to early surgical resection. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has shown promising results in other types of solid tumors. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate interactions between different types of TILs and their impact on HCC, elucidate strategies for targeting neoantigens through TILs, and address the challenges encountered in TIL therapies along with potential solutions. Furthermore, this article specifically examines the impact of oncogenic signaling pathways activation within the HCC tumor microenvironment on the infiltration dynamics of TILs. Additionally, a concise overview is provided regarding TIL preparation techniques and an update on clinical trials investigating TIL-based immunotherapy in solid tumors.

Previous studies have shown significant associations between home environmental factors and childhood eczema. However, few studies have compared how associations differ in different regions. This study investigated associations between home environmental factors and childhood eczema ever, and related symptoms including itchy rash (IR) and being awakened by itchy rash at night (awake by IR) in 4 cities located in different regions of China, based on cross-sectional investigations during 2010–2012. We used two-step analysis to explore the associations between influencing factors and eczema/related symptoms: first, group Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was conducted to identify important factors among a list of candidates; then, the associations in total study population and in each city were estimated using logistic regression. We found these home environmental factors to be risk factors for eczema or related symptoms: large residence size, shared room, air cleaner at home, abnormal smell, perceived dry air, visible mold or damp stains, cooking with coal or wood, painted wall, incense, mice, new furniture during pregnancy, abnormal smell at birth, window condensation at birth and environmental tobacco smoke at birth. Environmental protective factors were rural house location and window ventilation. Associations of factors with eczema/related symptoms differed across cities. For example, air conditioning was protective for eczema in Beijing and awakening by IR in Shanghai with ORs of 0.70 (95%CI: 0.52, 0.95) and 0.33 (95%CI: 0.14, 0.81) respectively, but not significant in other cities. Our results have implications for improving home environments to reduce the risk of childhood eczema/related symptoms in different regions of China.

Summary: Background: High-level exposure to indoor air pollutants (IAPs) and their corresponding adverse health effects have become a public concern in China in the past 10 years. However, neither national nor provincial level burden of disease attributable to multiple IAPs has been reported for China. This is the first study to estimate and rank the annual burden of disease and the financial costs attributable to targeted residential IAPs at the national and provincial level in China from 2000 to 2017. Methods: We first did a systematic review and meta-analysis of 117 articles from 37 231 articles identified in major databases, and obtained exposure–response relationships for the candidate IAPs. The exposure levels to these IAPs were then collected by another systematic review of 1864 articles selected from 52 351 articles. After the systematic review, ten IAPs with significant and robust exposure–response relationships and sufficient exposure data were finally targeted: PM2·5, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, radon, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and p-dichlorobenzene. The annual exposure levels in residences were then evaluated in all 31 provinces in mainland China continuously from 2000 to 2017, using the spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression model to analyse indoor originating IAPs, and the infiltration factor method to analyse outdoor originating IAPs. The disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to the targeted IAPs were estimated at both national and provincial levels in China, using the population attributable fraction method. Financial costs were estimated by an adapted human capital approach. Findings: From 2000 to 2017, annual DALYs attributable to the ten IAPs in mainland China decreased from 4620 (95% CI 4070–5040) to 3700 (3210–4090) per 100 000. Nevertheless, in 2017, IAPs still ranked third among all risk factors, and their DALYs and financial costs accounted for 14·1% (95% CI 12·3–15·6) of total DALYs and 3·45% (3·01–3·82) of the gross domestic product. Specifically, the rank of ten targeted IAPs in order of their contribution to DALYs in 2017 was PM2·5, carbon monoxide, radon, benzene, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide, formaldehyde, toluene, and p-dichlorobenzene. The DALYs attributable to IAPs were 9·50% higher than those attributable to outdoor air pollution in 2017. For the leading IAP, PM2·5, the DALYs attributable to indoor origins are 18·3% higher than those of outdoor origins. Interpretation: DALYs attributed to IAPs in China have decreased by 20·0% over the past two decades. Even so, they are still much higher than those in the USA and European countries. This study can provide a basis for determining which IAPs to target in various indoor air quality standards and for estimating the health and economic benefits of various indoor air quality control approaches, which will help to reduce the adverse health effects of IAPs in China. Funding: The National Key Research and Development Program of China and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

In order to realize the rapid nondestructive grade evaluation of Imperial Chrysanthemum, machine vision technology was applied to intelligently grade five grades of Imperial Chrysanthemum in this paper. Firstly, the grading device was designed according to the quality characteristics of Imperial Chrysanthemum, and different grading standards were set according to the color, shape, integrity and other characteristics of Imperial Chrysanthemum. Secondly, the image preprocessing of Imperial Chrysanthemum was completed by using image graying, image denoising and image enhancement technology. Thirdly, RGB model was used to complete the color feature extraction and recognition of Imperial Chrysanthemum, and the image integrity judgment and flower diameter calculation of Imperial Chrysanthemum were completed through image segmentation and edge detection technology, so as to obtain the prediction level of Imperial Chrysanthemum. Finally, a set of Imperial Chrysanthemum intelligent grading system was developed based on Microsoft Visual Studio 2017 platform to realize real-time visual operation. The results showed that the overall classification accuracy of the Imperial Chrysanthemum intelligent grading system designed in this paper reached 97.6%, and the average grading speed was more than 5 times that of manual classification. It was superior to the traditional manual classification in reliability, speed, work efficiency and robustness. This study provided a practical case and technical reference for the application of machine vision technology in the field of scented tea grading.

Ambient temperature and relative humidity can affect asthma symptoms. Apparent temperature is a measure of temperature perceived by humans that takes into account the effect of humidity. However, the potential link between personal exposures to apparent temperature and asthma symptoms has not been investigated. We conducted a panel study of 37 asthmatic children, aged 5-11 years, during an early spring season (average daily ambient temperature: 14°C, range: 7-18°C). Asthma symptoms were measured 4 times for each participant with a 2-week interval between consecutive measurements using the Childhood Asthma-Control Test (C-ACT). Average, minimum, and maximum personal apparent temperature exposures, apparent temperature exposure variability (TV), and average ambient temperature were calculated for the 12 hours, 24 hours, week, and 2 weeks prior to each visit. We found that a 10°C lower in 1-week and 2-week average & minimum personal apparent temperature exposures, TV, and average ambient temperature exposures were significantly associated with lower total C-ACT scores by up to 2.2, 1.4, 3.3, and 1.4 points, respectively, indicating worsened asthma symptoms. Our results support that personal apparent temperature exposure is potentially a stronger driver than ambient temperature exposures for the variability in asthma symptom scores. Maintaining a proper personal apparent temperature exposure could be an effective strategy for personalized asthma management.

In view of the large amount of wheat straw coverage and the difficulty with the high-speed working process used in traditional rotary tillage row cleaner. A row cleaner with staggered disc teeth for no-till planting was designed. It was determined that installation with a forward inclination α, horizontal declination β, and forward speed v0 of the machine were the main factors affecting the straw cleaning rate Y1 and working resistance Y2, and the range of values for structural parameters and motion parameters of the row cleaner were determined. Taking α, β, and v0 as the factors and Y1 and Y2 as the response indexes, using EDEM 2018 software to simulate the straw cleaning process under different parameters and determine the influence of each parameter on the straw cleaning performance. After performing a soil bin test, the results showed that there was no straw entanglement and blockage, and the passability was better than that of the traditional flat disc separated row cleaner. When α was 70°, β was 30°, v0 was 8 km/h, and the embedded depth h of the soil (straw) was 55 mm, the average straw cleaning rate was the highest, which was 90.59%. This study provides a new idea for the design of high-speed corn no-till planters in the Huang-Huai-Hai area of China.

Background: Although mounting evidence has associated air pollution and environmental temperature with children’s health problems, it is unclear whether there is an interaction between these factors on childhood asthma. Objectives: To explore the effects of temperature-pollution interactions during pre- and post-natal periods on asthma among pre-schoolers. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 39,782 pre-schoolers was performed during 2010–2012, in seven cities in China. Exposure to three temperature indicators (TI) and three critical ambient air pollutants, including particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as proxies of industrial and vehicular air pollution, was estimated by an inverse distance weighted (IDW) method. Two-level logistical regression analysis was used to examine the association between both pre- and post-natal exposure and childhood asthma in terms of odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI). Results: Asthma prevalence in pre-schoolers at age of 3–6 years (6.9 %) was significantly associated with traffic-related air pollutant (NO2) exposure, with ORs (95 % CI) of 1.17 (1.06, 1.28), 1.19 (1.05–1.34) and 1.16 (1.03–1.31) for an IQR increase in NO2 exposure during lifetime, pregnancy, and entire postnatal period respectively. Furthermore, childhood asthma was positively associated with exposure to increased temperature during lifetime, pregnancy, and entire postnatal period with ORs (95 % CI) = 1.89 (1.66, 2.16), 1.47 (1.34, 1.61), and 1.15 (1.11, 1.18) respectively, while was negatively associated with decreased temperatures. Childhood asthma was positively related with exposure to extreme heat days (EHD) during postnatal period particularly in first year of life respectively with ORs (95 % CI) = 1.23 (1.04, 1.46) and 1.26 (1.07, 1.47), but was not related with extreme cold days (ECD) exposure. A combination of high air pollutant levels and high temperatures significantly increased the risk of asthma during both pre- and post-natal periods. Strikingly, we found a significantly positive interaction of temperature and PM10 or SO2 on asthma risk among boys and younger children. Conclusions: Prenatal and postnatal exposure to ambient air pollution and high temperatures are independently and jointly associated with asthma risk in early childhood.

Background: Increasing prevalence of childhood allergic rhinitis(AR) needs a deeper understanding on the potential adverse effects of early life exposure to air pollution. Objectives: The main aim was to evaluate the effects of maternal exposure to PM2.5 and chemical constituents during pregnancy on preschool children’s AR, and further to explore the modification effects of regions and exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: A multi-center population-based study was performed in 6 cities from 3 regions of China in 2011–2012. Maternal exposure to ambient PM2.5 and main chemical constituents(BC, OM, SO42−, NO3−, NH4+) during pregnancy was assessed and a longitudinal prospective analysis was applied on preschool children’s AR. The modification effects of regions and exclusive breastfeeding were investigated. Results: A total of 8.8% and 9.8% of children reported doctor-diagnosed allergic rhinitis(DDAR) and current hay fever, respectively, and 48.6% had less than 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding. The means of PM2.5 during pregnancy were 52.7 μg/m3, 70.3 μg/m3 and 76.4 μg/m3 in the east, north and central south of China, respectively. Multilevel log-binomial model regression showed that each interquartile range(IQR) increase of PM2.5 during pregnancy was associated with an average increase in prevalence ratio (PR) of DDAR by 1.43(95% confidence interval(CI): 1.11, 1.84) and current hay fever by 1.79(95% CI: 1.26, 2.55), respectively. Among chemical constituents, black carbon (BC) had the strongest associations. Across 3 regions, the eastern cities had the highest associations, followed by those in the central south and the north. For those equal to or longer than 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, the associations were significantly reduced. Conclusions: Children in east of China had the highest risks of developing AR per unit increase of maternal exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy, especially BC constituent. Remarkable decline was found in association with an increase in breastfeeding for ≥6 months, in particular in east of China.

The V-shaped toothed roller cotton stalk puller has a low removal ratio and weak pulling effect. Hence, we constructed a simplified mathematical model of the V-shaped tooth roller stalk puller based on elastic collision theory and simple beam theory and conducted a mechanical analysis based on this model to explore the causes of pulling errors and fractures. Specifically, the V-shaped tooth plates of the machine were optimized in an orthogonal experiment with the rotational speed, cogging angle, and ground clearance as the influencing factors, and the removal ratio as the evaluation index. This experiment was designed to enable analysis of the physical characteristics of cotton stalks, and the forces applied during the pulling process. Additionally, a V-shaped toothed roller-type stalk-pulling test bench was constructed. The results revealed that, unlike the cogging angle, the ground clearance significantly affected the removal ratio. Furthermore, the highest removal ratio (i.e., 97%) was achieved when the ground clearance was −20 mm, the rotational speed was 300 rpm, and the cogging angle was 32.5°. An L9 (34) orthogonal field experiment was also conducted with the rotational speed, cogging angle, and ground clearance as the influencing factors to investigate their respective influences on the stalk removal ratio. The results revealed that the ground clearance most significantly influenced the ratio, followed by the rotational speed, and cogging angle. The ground clearance and rotational speed of the V-shaped toothed roller were each found to significantly influence the ratio. Furthermore, a ground clearance of −20 mm, rotational speed of 300 r/min, and cogging angle of 25° yielded an average removal ratio of 98.27%. Through this research, the mechanism of toothed roller stalk pulling is further deepened and the toothed series stalk pulling technology provides theoretical support.

Abstract Introduction Renal interstitial fibrosis, an important pathological feature of kidney aging and chronic renal failure, is regulated by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We have previously demonstrated low expression of miR-133b in MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) in aged rats. However, miR-133b can mediate the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubules induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). We investigated the effect of miR-133b for the treatment of geriatric renal interstitial fibrosis and evaluated its target genes. Methods We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect miR-133b expression induced during EMT of HK2 cells by TGF-β1 at different concentrations (0, 6, 8, and 10 ng/mL) and at different time points (0, 24, 48, and 72 h). The target genes of miR-133b were validated using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. In vitro experiments were performed to evaluate mRNA and protein expression of miR-133b targets, E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), fibronectin, and collagen 3A1 (Col3A1), in HK2 cells transfected with miR-133b under TGF-β1 stimulation. A 24-month-old unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model was established and injected with transfection reagent and miR-133b into the caudal vein. The target gene of miR-133b and other parameters mentioned above such as mRNA and protein expression levels and renal interstitial fibrosis were detected at 7 and 14 days. Results miR-133b expression gradually decreased with an increase in TGF-β1 concentration and treatment time, and the miR-133b mimic downregulated connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression. The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed CTGF as a direct target of miR-133b. Transfection of the miR-133b mimic inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT of HK2 cells; this effect was reversed by CTGF overexpression. miRNA-133b expression significantly increased (approximately 70–100 times) in mouse kidney tissues after injection of the miRNA-133b overexpression complex, which significantly alleviated renal interstitial fibrosis in mice with UUO. Conclusion miR-133b exerted targeted inhibitory effects on CTGF expression, which consequently reduced TGF-β1-induced EMT of HK2 cells and renal interstitial fibrosis in aged mice with UUO.

Abstract Background Handgrip strength (HGS) has been widely studied in clinical and epidemiological settings, but the relationship between HGS and pulmonary function is still controversial. This study analysed pulmonary function and HGS stratified by sex and age in a healthy Chinese Han population, as well as the associations between HGS and pulmonary function parameters. Methods HGS was measured by a Jamar dynamometer and pulmonary function was tested using a portable spirometer. Frequencies and variables are presented as percentages and means ± standard deviations, respectively. Chi-square tests were used for comparisons of categorical variables, and Student’s t-tests or Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for continuous variables. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to analyse the normally distributed variables, and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to analyse the non-normally distributed variables. Multivariate linear regression models were employed to explore the relationships between HGS and parameters of pulmonary function. The statistical significance was set at p

The molecular mechanisms underlying the associations between air pollution exposure and adverse cardiopulmonary effects remain to be better understood. Altered amino acid metabolism may plays an important role in the development of cardiopulmonary diseases and may be perturbed by air pollution exposure. To test this hypothesized molecular mechanism, we conducted an association analysis from an existing intervention study to examine the relations of air pollution exposures with amino acids in 43 Chinese healthy adults. Plasma levels of amino acids were measured using a UPLC-QqQ-MS system. Time-weighted personal exposure to O3, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 over four time windows, i.e., 12 h, 24 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks, were calculated using the measured indoor and outdoor concentrations coupled with the time-activity data for each participant. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate the associations between air pollutants at each exposure window and amino acids by controlling for potential confounders. We observed significant associations between exposures and plasma concentrations of amino acids, with the direction of associations varying by amino acid and air pollutant. While there is little evidence of associations for NO2 and SO2, the associations with amino acids were fairly pronounced for exposure to PM2.5 and O3. In particular, independent O3 (12- and 24-hour) associations were observed with changes in the amino acids that were related to the urea cycle, including aspartate, asparagine, glutamate, arginine, citrulline, and ornithine. Our findings indicated that air pollution may cause acute perturbation of amino acid metabolism, and that O3 and PM2.5 may affect the metabolism of amino acids in different pathways.Main finding: Acute air pollution exposure might affect the perturbation of amino acid metabolism, and in particular, was associated with amino acids in relation to the urea cycle.

Background: The ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has placed the healthcare system and student training under considerable pressure. However, the plights of healthcare students in the COVID-19 period have drawn limited attention in China.Methods: A cross-sectional on-line survey was undertaken between January and March 2020 to explore the COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey among Chinese healthcare students. Demographic information and data on KAP were obtained using a self-reported questionnaire. The percentage KAP scores were categorized as good or poor. Independent predictors of good knowledge of COVID-19 were ascertained to use a logistic regression model.Results: Of the 1,595 participants, 85.9% (1,370) were women, 53.4% were junior college students, 65.8% majoring in nursing, and 29.8% had received training on COVID-19. The overall median percentage for good KAP was 51.6% with knowledge of 28.3%, attitude 67.8%, and practice 58.6%, respectively. Independent predictors of good knowledge of COVID-19 were being students ≥25 (95% CI = 0.27–0.93, P = 0.02), those taking bachelor degrees (95% CI = 1.17–2.07, P = 0.00), and those having participated in COVID-19 treatment training.Conclusions: The result of this study revealed suboptimal COVID-19-related KAP among healthcare students in China. To effectively control future outbreaks of COVID-19, there is a need to implement public sensitization programs to improve the understanding of COVID-19 and address COVID-19-related myths and misconceptions, especially among healthcare students.

During 2010–2012, we conducted an observational study on household environment and health outcomes among 40,010 preschool children from seven cities of China. Here we examined associations of six dampness-related indicators (visible mold spots, visible damp stains, damp clothing and/or bedding, water damage, condensation on windowpane, moldy odor) in the current residence and three dampness-related indicators (visible mold spots, condensation on windowpane, moldy odor) in the early residence with childhood asthma and rhinitis. In the multi-level logistic regression analyses, visible mold spots and visible damp stains in the current residence were significantly associated with the increased odds of doctor-diagnosed asthma and allergic rhinitis during lifetime-ever (adjusted odd ratios (AORs) range: 1.18–1.35). All dampness-related indicators were significantly associated with increased odds of wheeze and rhinitis during lifetime-ever and in the past 12 months (AORs range: 1.16–2.64). The cumulative numbers of damp indicators had positively dose-response relationships with the increased odds of the studied diseases. These associations for wheeze and rhinitis were similar between northern children and southern children. Similar results were found in the sensitive analyses among children without a family history of allergies and among children without asthma and allergic rhinitis. For 3–6 years-old children in mainland of China in 2011, we speculated that about 90,000 (2.02%) children with asthma and about 59,000 (1.09%) children with allergic rhinitis could be attributable to exposing to visible mold spots in the current residence. Our results suggested that early and lifetime exposures to household dampness indicators are risk factors for childhood asthma and rhinitis. Keywords: Home, Dampness, Asthma, Rhinitis, Children, China

We studied indoor sources of indoor particulate matter (PM), outdoor air pollution and antibiotic use in relation to asthma, rhinitis and eczema among pre-school children and investigated synergistic effects between PM and antibiotics use. Children (3-6y) from randomly selected day care centres in seven cities across China were included (n = 39,782). Data on ambient temperature and air pollution were collected from local monitoring stations. Data on indoor PM sources (ETS, burning of incense or mosquito coils and biomass for cooking), antibiotics use and health (doctor diagnosed asthma and rhinitis, lifetime eczema, current wheeze and current rhinitis) were assessed by a parental questionnaire. Associations were calculated by multilevel logistic regression. Asthma diagnosis was associated with outdoor temperature, NO2 and burning mosquito coils. Rhinitis diagnosis was associated with NO2, ETS, gas cooking and burning biomass for cooking. Lifetime eczema was associated with temperature, PM10, NO2, ETS, biomass cooking and burning mosquito coils. Burning incense was associated with current wheeze and current rhinitis. Children using antibiotics had more asthma, wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema. Excluding children with respiratory infections did not change associations with antibiotics use. Antibiotics use enhanced the effects of ETS and PM10 (a synergistic effect). In conclusion, a warmer climate, outdoor NO2 and PM10, ETS, gas cooking and burning biomass, incense and mosquito coils can increase the risk of asthma, wheeze, rhinitis and eczema among pre-school children in China. Antibiotics use is a risk factor for childhood asthma, wheeze, rhinitis and eczema and ETS and outdoor PM10 can enhance the effect.

Objective: Few longitudinal studies exist on childhood exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution and respiratory illness in China. We studied associations between indoor and outdoor environment and prevalence, onset and remission of wheeze and rhinitis among children across China. Methods: Children (3–6 y) were recruited from randomized day care centres in six cities. The main data analysis was restricted to children not moving since birth (N = 17,679). Data on wheeze, rhinitis and the home environment were assessed by a parental questionnaire. Prevalence in the first two years of life (baseline) and the last year (follow-up) was used to calculate onset and remission. Outdoor PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 at the day care centre were modelled from monitoring station data. Associations were calculated by multilevel logistic regression. Results: Prenatal NO2 was associated with decreased remission of wheeze and increased prevalence and increased onset of rhinitis. Prenatal PM2.5 was associated with increased prevalence of wheeze. Postnatal NO2 and postnatal PM10 were associated with increased prevalence and lower remission of wheeze and rhinitis. Mould, window pane condensation, renovation and cockroaches at home were associated with increased prevalence and increased onset of wheeze and rhinitis. Gas cooking was associated with increased onset of rhinitis. Children of mothers with industrial work had more wheeze. Conclusions: Outdoor PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 can increase childhood wheeze and rhinitis. Dampness and mould can increase onset and decrease remission. Crowdedness, cockroaches at home and emissions from new building materials and gas cooking can be risk factors for wheeze and rhinitis. Keywords: Asthma, Rhinitis, Dampness, PM2.5, Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), Renovation

The prognosis of patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma is dismal. Platinum-based chemotherapy is still the main first-line treatment for advanced urothelial carcinoma, while immunotherapy can be used as a first-line treatment option for people who cannot tolerate platinum. Immunotherapy is preferred in the second-line treatment of bladder urothelial carcinoma. PD-1 inhibitors (Pembrolizumab, nivolumab and atezolizumab) and PD-L1 inhibitors (Ddurvalumab and avelumab) have not been approved for the treatment of advanced urothelial cancer in China. We describe a patient with advanced urothelial carcinoma experienced disease progression after gemcitabine chemotherapy. Following a treatment of domestic PD-1 inhibitor (sintilimab), the patient achieved a durable complete response with mild toxicity. This case indicates that PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab might be a second-line treatment choice for advanced urothelial carcinoma.

Given a large fraction of people’s exposure to urban PM2.5 occur indoors, reducing indoor PM2.5 levels may offer a more feasible and immediate way to save substantial lives and economic losses attributable to PM2.5 exposure. We aimed to estimate the premature mortality and economic loss reductions associated with achieving the newly established Chinese indoor air guideline and a few hypothetical indoor PM2.5 guideline values. We used outdoor PM2.5 concentrations from 1497 monitoring sites in 339 Chinese cities in 2015, coupled with a steady-state mass balance model, to estimate indoor concentrations of outdoor-infiltrated PM2.5. Using province-specific time-activity patterns for urban residents, we estimated outdoor and indoor exposures to PM2.5 of outdoor origin. We then proceeded to use localized census-based concentration-response models and the value of statistical life estimates to calculate premature deaths and economic losses attributable to PM2.5 exposure across urban China. Finally, we estimated potentially avoidable mortality and corresponding economic losses by meeting the current 24-hour based guideline and various hypothetical indoor limits for PM2.5. In 2015 in urban areas of mainland China, the city-specific annual mean outdoor and indoor PM2.5 concentrations ranged 9–108 μg/m3 and 5–56 μg/m3, respectively. Indoor exposures contributed 62%–91% daily and 68%–83% annually to the total time-weighted exposures. The potential reductions in total deaths and economic losses for the scenario in which daily indoor concentrations met the current guideline of 75 μg/m3, 37.5 μg/m3, and 25 μg/m3 were 16.9 (95% CI: 0.7–62.1) thousand, 87.7 (95% CI: 9.7–197.7) thousand, and 165.5 (95% CI: 30.8–304.0) thousand, respectively. The corresponding reductions in economic losses were 5.7 (95% CI: 0.2–34.8) billion, 29.4 (95% CI: 2.4–109.6) billion, and 55.2 (95% CI: 7.7–168.0) billion US Dollars, respectively. Deaths and economic losses would be reduced exponentially within the range of 0–75 μg/m3 for hypothetical indoor PM2.5 limits. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of reducing indoor concentrations of outdoor-originated PM2.5 in saving substantial lives and economic losses in China. The analysis provides quantitative evidence to support the implementation of an indoor air quality guideline or standard for PM2.5.

The long-term effects of ambient PM2.5 and chemical constituents on childhood pneumonia were still unknown. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30,315 children in the China Children, Homes, Health (CCHH) project, involving 205 preschools in six cities in China, to investigate the long-term effects of PM2.5 constituents on lifetime-ever diagnosed pneumonia. Information on the lifetime-ever pneumonia and demographics were collected by validated questionnaires. The lifetime annual average ambient PM2.5, ozone and five main PM2.5 constituents, including SO42−, NO3−, NH4+, organic matter (OM) and black carbon (BC), were estimated according to preschool addresses by a combination of satellite remote sensing, chemical transport modeling and ground-based monitors. The prevalence of lifetime-ever diagnosed pneumonia was 34.5% across six cities and differed significantly among cities (p = 0.004). The two-level logistic regression models showed that the adjusted odds ratio for PM2.5 (per 10 µg/m3) and its constituents (per 1 µg/m3)-SO42−, NO3−, NH4+, and OM were 1.12 (95% CI:1.07–1.18), 1.02 (1.00–1.04), 1.06 (1.04–1.09), 1.05 (1.03–1.07) and 1.09 (1.06–1.12), respectively. Children in urban area, aged

BackgroundOur previous study showed that guanine nucleotide exchange factor T (GEFT) was highly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and CRC patients with high GEFT expression had a poor prognosis, and suggested the close link of GEFT expression and CRC tumorigenesis/metastasis. In this text, the roles and upstream regulatory mechanisms of GEFT in the development and progression of CRC were further investigated.MethodsExpression levels of GEFT mRNA and LINC00355 was measured by RT-qPCR assay. Protein levels of lin-28 homologue A (LIN28A) and GEFT were determined by western blot assay. Cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities were assessed by CCK-8, Transwell migration and invasion assays, respectively. The effect of GEFT knockdown on CRC tumorigenesis was examined by mouse xenograft experiments in vivo. GEFT mRNA stability was examined by actinomycin D assay. The relationships of LINC000355, LIN28A, and GEFT were explored by RNA pull down and RIP assays.ResultsGEFT was highly expressed in CRC tissues and cell lines. GEFT knockdown inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and hindered CRC xenograft tumor growth. GEFT overexpression alleviated the detrimental effects of LINC00355 loss on CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. LINC00355 promoted GEFT expression and enhanced GEFT mRNA stability via LIN28A. LIN28A knockdown weakened the promotive effect of LINC00355 on CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.ConclusionLINC00355 facilitated CRC tumorigenesis and progression by increasing GEFT expression via LIN28A, deepening our understanding on roles and upstream regulatory mechanisms of GEFT in CRC development and progression.

Background: Ozone (O3) exposure has been associated with biomarkers of platelet activation and oxidative stress. The metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) plays an important role in platelet activation and oxidative stress. However, AA metabolic pathways have not been examined in relation to O3 and other air pollutants. Methods: Early morning urine and fasting blood were longitudinally collected up to four times from 89 healthy adults (22–52 years old, 25 women) in Changsha City, China. We measured three urinary AA metabolites, namely 11-dehydro-Thromboxane B2 (11-dhTXB2) produced from the arachidonic cyclooxygenase pathway, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) from the CYPs pathway, and 8-isoprostane from the non-enzymatic pathway. Urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured as indicators of oxidative damage to lipids and DNA, respectively. We measured soluble P-selectin (sCD62p) concentrations in plasma as an indicator of platelet activation. Indoor and outdoor air pollutants were measured and combined with participants’ time-activity pattern to calculate personal exposure to O3, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 averaged over 12-hour, 24-hour, 1-week, and 2-week periods prior to biospecimen collection, respectively. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the relationships of AA metabolites with air pollutant exposures, plasma sCD62p, and urinary MDA & 8-OHdG. Results: We found that a 10% increase in 12 h and 24 h O3 exposure were associated with increases in urinary11-dhTXB2 by 1.4% (95%, 0.1% to 2.6%) and 1.3% (0.05% to 2.5%), respectively. These associations remained robust after adjusting for co-pollutant exposures. No significant associations were observed between 11-dhTXB2 and other pollutants or between O3 exposures and other AA metabolites. All the three AA metabolites were significantly and positively associated with urinary MDA and 8-OHdG, whereas only urinary 11-dhTXB2 was significantly and positively associated with plasma sCD62p. Conclusions: A metabolite of AA from the cyclooxygenase pathway was positively associated with short-term O3 exposure, and with a plasma marker of platelet activation and two urinary markers of oxidative stress. The results suggest that O3 exposure may contribute to increased platelet activation and oxidative damages via altering the metabolism of AA.

Background: Few Chinese population studies exist on early life risk factors for furry pet allergy. Objectives: We studied childhood respiratory symptoms when in contact with furry pets in relation to early life exposure. Moreover, we studied similar environmental associations for rhinitis not related to furry pets. Methods: Children aged 3–6 y from day care centres in seven Chinese cities participated (N = 39,782). Parents answered a questionnaire on home environment and children’s health, including rhinoconjunctivitis and wheeze when in contact with furry pets, and diagnosed rhinitis. Prenatal and postnatal outdoor temperature, PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 were calculated using data from monitoring stations. Associations were estimated by multilevel logistic regression. Results: Totally 2% had cats, 4% dogs, and 3.2% had rhinoconjunctivitis or wheeze when in contact with furry pets (FP symptoms). Moreover, 1.1% had furry pet related diagnosed rhinitis and 7.5% had diagnosed rhinitis not related to furry pets (other diagnosed rhinitis). Prenatal PM2.5 and PM10, especially in second trimester, and a colder climate were risk factors for FP symptoms. ETS, dampness and mould, condensation on windows in wintertime, and cats and dog keeping were associated with FP symptoms. Breast feeding and frequent window opening were protective. Similar indoor associations were found for furry pet related diagnosed rhinitis. ETS, dampness and mould, window condensation, urbanization and mechanical exhaust ventilation were risk factors for other diagnosed rhinitis. Cooking with an electric stove and early life exposure to animals (cats, dogs, farm environment during pregnancy) were protective for diagnosed rhinitis not related to furry pets. Conclusions: Prenatal outdoor PM10 and PM2.5 can be risk factors for symptoms suggestive of furry pet allergy. Early life dampness and mould can be risk factors for rhinitis related and not related to furry pets. Exposure to animals (cats, dogs, farm environment) may reduce diagnosed rhinitis not related to furry pets.

Background: The importance of airway mechanics has been increasingly recognized in pediatric asthma. However, no studies have examined responses of airway mechanics to air pollution exposure in asthmatic children. Methods: In this panel study involving indoor air filtration manipulation that created a large gradient of personal exposure to PM2.5, the airway mechanics and lung function of 43 asthmatic children 5–13 years old in a suburb of Shanghai were measured four times within 3 consecutive months. Concentrations of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and ozone were coupled with individual time-activity data to calculate personal exposures. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the relationships of personal exposure with indicators of airway mechanics and lung function, respectively. Results: An interquartile range (IQR) increase in 24-hour average PM2.5 personal exposure (30.3 µg/m3) in the prior day was associated with significant increases in small airway resistance (R5-R20) of 15.8%, total airway resistance (R5) of 6.3%, and airway inflammation (FeNO) of 9.6%. These associations were stronger in children with lower blood eosinophil counts (

The main aim was to study associations between asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among adults across China and dampness and mold at home. Young adults (N = 40,279) in eight cities in China answered a questionnaire in 2010–2012 (response rate 75.0%). Data on asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and the home environment was assessed by the questionnaire. Climate data was obtained from China Meteorological Administration and the website of Weather Underground. Health associations were analyzed by two-level logistic regression models, adjusting for covariates. Totally 1.6% had asthma, 6.6% allergic rhinitis and 2.2% eczema. Mold odor was associated with asthma (OR = 1.90) and allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.25–1.44). Window pane condensation in winter was associated with asthma (OR = 1.39), allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.26–1.58) and eczema (OR = 1.36–1.77). Presence of mold spots or damp stains was related to asthma (OR = 1.58–2.49), allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.35–1.76) and eczema (OR = 1.47–1.70). Water damage was related to asthma (OR = 1.69–1.82), allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.40–1.45) and eczema (OR = 1.44–1.96). Damp bed clothing was related to asthma (OR = 1.23), allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.23) and eczema (OR = 1.35). A higher dampness score was associated with increased odds ratios for diseases. Those living in older buildings had more asthma (OR = 1.39–1.76) and allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.16–1.21). Those living in suburban or rural areas had less asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema as compared to those living in urban areas (OR values from 0.24 to 0.66). Stronger health associations with dampness and mold were found in southern China and in newer buildings (constructed after 2005). In conclusion, dampness and mold at home can be risk factors for asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among adults in China. Living in older buildings can be risk factors for asthma or allergic rhinitis while living in less urbanized areas can be protective. Keywords: Asthma, Allergic rhinitis, Eczema, Dampness, Mold, Climate

Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) of distributed optical fiber sensor is extracted from the Brillouin gain spectrum (BGS), which is often characterized by Lorenz type. However, in the case of complex stress and optical fiber self damage, the BGS will deviate from Lorenz type and be asymmetric, which leads to the extraction error of BFS. In order to enhance the extraction accuracy of BFS, the Lorenz local single peak fitting algorithm was developed to fit the Brillouin gain spectrum curve, which can make the BSG symmetrical with respect to the Brillouin center frequency shift. One temperature test of a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) packaged sensor whose BSG curve is asymmetric was conducted to verify the idea. The results show that the local region curve of BSG processed by the developed algorithm has good symmetry, and the temperature measurement accuracy obtained by the developed algorithm is higher than that directly measured by demodulation equipment. Comparison with the reference temperature, the relative measurement error measured by the developed algorithm and BOTDA are within 4% and 8%, respectively.

Over the past three decades, China has experienced rapid urbanization. The risks to its urban population posed by inhalation exposure to hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) have not been well characterized. Here, we summarize recent measurements of 16 highly prevalent HAPs in urban China and compile their distribution inputs. Based on activity patterns of urban Chinese working adults, we derive personal exposures. Using a probabilistic risk assessment method, we determine cancer and non-cancer risks for working females and males. We also assess the uncertainty associated with risk estimates using Monte Carlo simulation, accounting for variations in HAP concentrations, cancer potency factors (CPFs) and inhalation rates. Average total lifetime cancer risks attributable to HAPs are 2.27 × 10−4 (2.27 additional cases per 10,000 people exposed) and 2.93 × 10−4 for Chinese urban working females and males, respectively. Formaldehyde, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, benzene and 1,3-butadiene are the major risk contributors yielding the highest median cancer risk estimates, >1 × 10−5. About 70% of the risk is due to exposures occurring in homes. Outdoor sources contribute most to the risk of benzene, ethylbenzene and carbon tetrachloride, while indoor sources dominate for all other compounds. Chronic exposure limits are not exceeded for non-carcinogenic effects, except for formaldehyde. Risks are overestimated if variation is not accounted for. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that the major contributors to total variance are range of inhalation rates, CPFs of formaldehyde, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, benzene and 1,3-butadiene, and indoor home concentrations of formaldehyde and benzene. Despite uncertainty, risks exceeding the acceptable benchmark of 1 × 10−6 suggest actions to reduce exposures. Future efforts should be directed toward large-scale measurements of air pollutant concentrations, refinement of CPFs and investigation of population exposure parameters. The present study is a first effort to estimate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of inhalation exposure to HAPs for the large working populations of Chinese cites. Keywords: Air pollution, Exposure, Cancer risk, Outdoor, Indoor, Urban China

Sick building syndrome (SBS) includes general, mucosal and skin symptoms. It is typically associated with an individual's place of work or residence. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of traffic exposure on SBS symptoms in Beijing, China.From January to May, 2011, recruitment occurred at kindergartens in 11 districts in Beijing. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed by teachers to legal guardians of children and then returned to teachers. The questionnaire asked them to recall the presence of 12 SBS symptoms from the previous three months. Living near a highway or main road (within 200 meters) was used as a proxy for traffic exposure. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association between traffic exposure and a higher number of SBS symptoms, controlling for key covariates.There were 5487 valid questionnaires (65.0% response rate). Univariate analysis showed that living near a main road or highway (OR = 1.40), female gender (OR = 1.44), and environmental tobacco smoking (ETS) (OR = 1.13) were significant risk factors for general symptoms. Grandparent's generation (OR = 0.32) and home ownership (owner vs. renter) (OR = 0.89) were significant protective factors. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for the association between living close to a highway and general symptoms remained significant in the multivariable model (aOR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.21: 1.59). ORs and aORs were similar for mucosal and skin symptoms.This study found traffic exposure to be significantly associated with SBS symptoms. This finding is consistent with current literature that indicates an association between adverse health effects and living near highway or main road.

OBJECTIVE: During the last few decades, the prevalence of allergic skin diseases, asthma and rhinitis, has increased worldwide. Introduction of environmental chemicals with aggravation effects may play a part in this increase. The artificial chemical product dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is used in many products used in daily life. Dermal exposure to DBP is a common (but easily neglected) exposure pattern. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study, we examined the aggravation effect of long-term dermal exposure to DBP in a T-helper type 2 (Th2) model of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in mice, and sought the potential molecular mechanisms. Experimental tests were conducted after 40-day dermal exposure to saline or three concentrations of DBP and subsequent three times of sensitization with 0.5% fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) or vehicle. The results of immunological and inflammatory biomarkers (total-immunoglobulin (Ig)E and Th cytokines) as well as histopathological examination and measurement of ear swelling supported the notion that high doses of DBP may promote and aggravate atopic dermatitis. Increased expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in this mouse model suggested that TSLP might be one of the molecular mechanisms of the aggravation effect induced by DBP. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Together, these results indicated that long-term dermal exposure to types of environmental toxins such as phthalates may endow an atopic predisposition in animals or humans. In addition, the high expression of TSLP in the mouse model demonstrated that TSLP might have an important role in the aggravation effect. This result could help to provide effective prevention strategies against atopic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD).

Mass transfer models are useful in predicting the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde from building materials in indoor environments. They are also useful for human exposure evaluation and in sustainable building design. The measurement errors in the emission characteristic parameters in these mass transfer models, i.e., the initial emittable concentration (C 0), the diffusion coefficient (D), and the partition coefficient (K), can result in errors in predicting indoor VOC and formaldehyde concentrations. These errors have not yet been quantitatively well analyzed in the literature. This paper addresses this by using modelling to assess these errors for some typical building conditions. The error in C 0, as measured in environmental chambers and applied to a reference living room in Beijing, has the largest influence on the model prediction error in indoor VOC and formaldehyde concentration, while the error in K has the least effect. A correlation between the errors in D, K, and C 0 and the error in the indoor VOC and formaldehyde concentration prediction is then derived for engineering applications. In addition, the influence of temperature on the model prediction of emissions is investigated. It shows the impact of temperature fluctuations on the prediction errors in indoor VOC and formaldehyde concentrations to be less than 7% at 23±0.5°C and less than 30% at 23±2°C.

OBJECTIVE: To assess health risks associated with inhalation exposure to formaldehyde and benzene mainly emitted from building and decoration materials in newly remodeled indoor spaces in Beijing. METHODS: We tested the formaldehyde and benzene concentrations in indoor air of 410 dwellings and 451 offices remodeled within the past year, in which the occupants had health concerns about indoor air quality. To assess non-carcinogenic health risks, we compared the data to the health guidelines in China and USA, respectively. To assess carcinogenic health risks, we first modeled indoor personal exposure to formaldehyde and benzene using the concentration data, and then estimated the associated cancer risks by multiplying the indoor personal exposure by the Inhalation Unit Risk values (IURs) provided by the U.S. EPA Integrated Risk Information System (U.S. EPA IRIS) and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), respectively. RESULTS: (1) The indoor formaldehyde concentrations of 85% dwellings and 67% offices were above the acute Reference Exposure Level (REL) recommended by the OEHHA and the concentrations of all tested buildings were above the chronic REL recommended by the OEHHA; (2) The indoor benzene concentrations of 12% dwellings and 32% offices exceeded the reference concentration (RfC) recommended by the U.S. EPA IRIS; (3) The median cancer risks from indoor exposure to formaldehyde and benzene were 1,150 and 106 per million (based on U.S. EPA IRIS IURs), 531 and 394 per million (based on OEHHA IURs). CONCLUSIONS: In the tested buildings, formaldehyde exposure may pose acute and chronic non-carcinogenic health risks to the occupants, whereas benzene exposure may pose chronic non-carcinogenic risks to the occupants. Exposure to both compounds is associated with significant carcinogenic risks. Improvement in ventilation, establishment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission labeling systems for decorating and refurbishing materials are recommended to reduce indoor VOCs exposure.

Chamber tests are usually used to determine the source characteristics of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) which are critical to quantify indoor exposure to SVOCs. In contrast to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the sorption effect of SVOCs to chamber surfaces usually needs to be considered due to the much higher surface/air partition coefficients, resulting in a long time to reach steady state, frequently on the order of months, and complicating the mathematical analysis of the resulting data. A chamber test is also complicated if the material-phase concentration is not constant. This study shows how to design a chamber to overcome these limitations. A dimensionless mass transfer analysis is used to specify conditions for (1) neglecting the SVOC sorption effect to chamber surfaces, (2) neglecting the convective mass transfer resistance at sorption surfaces if the sorption effect cannot be neglected, and (3) regarding the material-phase concentration in the source as constant. Several practical and quantifiable ways to improve chamber design are proposed. The approach is illustrated by analyzing available data from three different chambers in terms of the accuracy with which the model parameters can be determined and the time needed to conduct the chamber test. The results should greatly facilitate the design of chambers to characterize SVOC emissions and the resulting exposure.

The diffusion coefficient (D(m)) and material/air partition coefficient (K) are two key parameters characterizing the formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOC) sorption behavior in building materials. By virtue of the sorption process in airtight chamber, this paper proposes a novel method to measure the two key parameters, as well as the convective mass transfer coefficient (h(m)). Compared to traditional methods, it has the following merits: (1) the K, D(m) and h(m) can be simultaneously obtained, thus is convenient to use; (2) it is time-saving, just one sorption process in airtight chamber is required; (3) the determination of h(m) is based on the formaldehyde and VOC concentration data in the test chamber rather than the generally used empirical correlations obtained from the heat and mass transfer analogy, thus is more accurate and can be regarded as a significant improvement. The present method is applied to measure the three parameters by treating the experimental data in the literature, and good results are obtained, which validates the effectiveness of the method. Our new method also provides a potential pathway for measuring h(m) of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) by using that of VOC.

Although copy number variation (CNV) has recently received much attention as a form of structure variation within the human genome, knowledge is still inadequate on fundamental CNV characteristics such as occurrence rate, genomic distribution and ethnic differentiation. In the present study, we used the Affymetrix GeneChip(R) Mapping 500K Array to discover and characterize CNVs in the human genome and to study ethnic differences of CNVs between Caucasians and Asians. Three thousand and nineteen CNVs, including 2381 CNVs in autosomes and 638 CNVs in X chromosome, from 985 Caucasian and 692 Asian individuals were identified, with a mean length of 296 kb. Among these CNVs, 190 had frequencies greater than 1% in at least one ethnic group, and 109 showed significant ethnic differences in frequencies (p

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