Sexual dysfunction in patients with diabetes: association between remnant cholesterol and erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is closely associated with dyslipidemia; however, it is yet unknown how ED and remnant cholesterol (RC) are related. As such, this research sought to explore the correlation between RC and ED among individuals with diagnosed with diabetes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used information from 215 males from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2004. RC was calculated as follows: the values of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were subtracted from the total cholesterol (TC) value, while ED diagnoses were based on self-reports. Weighted logistic regression analyses using both univariate and multivariate approaches were conducted to assess the correlation between RC and ED. RESULTS: After comprehensive adjustment, multivariable logistic regression models revealed a strong correlation between RC and ED in subjects with diabetes (with an odds ratio (OR) of 7.49 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.98-28.37; P = 0.004). On categorizing RC into 3 grades (T1-T3), the OR corresponding to higher RC grade increased. Despite the results not reaching statistical significance upon categorization, a consistent and statistically significant trend (P for trend < 0.05) was observed. CONCLUSION: This study indicated a correlation between increased RC levels and a higher prevalence of ED in diabetic males. RC may serve as a promising predictor of ED in individuals with diabetes. However, additional studies are required to confirm these findings.

The role of estrogen receptors (ERs)-Notch pathway in thyroid toxicity induced by Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) exposure: Population data and in vitro studies.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the exposure level and risk of Di-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) among adults in Jilin Province, China, clarify the impact of DEHP on human thyroid function, and to explore the role of estrogen receptors (ERs)-Notch signaling pathway in the effect of DEHP metabolites on thyroid hormones based on population data and in vitro experiments. METHODS: 312 adults participated in this study. Urinary DEHP metabolites were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS). Two pharmacokinetic models were used to evaluate the estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) of the adults. Multiple linear regression and mediating effect models were used to evaluate the target associations. In cell experiments, thyroid follicular epithelial (Nthy-ori3-1) cells were exposed to mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) for testing. The inhibitions of ERα and Notch pathway were conducted by siRNA and Notch pathway inhibitor DAPT. RESULTS: The detection rate of five DEHP metabolites was 97.1∼100.0%. The HQ value of 0.3% of adults was higher than 1. The levels of urinary DEHP metabolites were significantly correlated with thyrotropin (TSH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) and gene (estrogen receptor α (ERα), Notch1, Dll4) levels. The ERα-Notch pathway played a mediating role in the association between DEHP metabolite levels and FT4. The cell results showed, the levels of FT3 and FT4 in cell supernatant decreased after MEHP exposure, and the downward trend was reversed after ERα and notch pathways were inhibited, notch pathway genes also decreased after ERα inhibition. CONCLUSION: Adults in the Jilin Province of China were widely exposed to DEHP. ERs-Notch pathway played an important role in the effect of DEHP metabolites on thyroid hormones.

Role of formyl peptide receptor 2 in steatosis of L02 cells exposed to Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) can accumulate in the liver and then lead to hepatic steatosis, while the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Inflammation plays an important role in the disorder of hepatic lipid metabolism. This study aims to clarify the role of the inflammatory response mediated by formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) in steatosis of L02 cells exposed to MEHP. L02 cells were exposed to MEHP of different concentrations and different time. A steatosis model of L02 cells was induced with oleic acid and the cells were exposed to MEHP simultaneously. In addition, L02 cells were incubated with FPR2 antagonist and then exposed to MEHP. Lipid accumulation was determined by oil red O staining and extraction assay. The indicators related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory response were measured with appropriate kits. The relative expression levels of FPR2 and its ligand were determined by Western blot, and the interaction of them was detected by co-immunoprecipitation. As a result, MEHP exposure could promote the occurrence and progression of steatosis and the secretion of chemokines and inflammatory factors in L02 cells. MEHP could also affect the expression and activation of FPR2 and the secretion of FPR2 ligands. In addition, the promotion effect of MEHP on the secretion of total cholesterol and interleukin 1ß in L02 cells could be significantly inhibited by the FPR2 antagonist. We concluded that FPR2 might affect the promotion effect of MEHP on steatosis of L02 cells by mediating inflammatory response.

Association between circadian syndrome and the prevalence of kidney stones in overweight adults: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2007-2018.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between circadian syndrome (CircS) and the prevalence of kidney stones in overweight people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted based on the NHANES 2007-2018. Overweight people aged ≥ 20 years were the target population. Three multivariable logistic regression models were built to examine the association between CircS and kidney stones. Subgroup analysis based on age, gender, and race were also employed. Interaction and stratification analysis was also conducted to identify whether some factors modify the association. RESULT: A total of 4,603 overweight participants were included in the study. The multivariable logistic regression suggested that CircS was positively associated with the prevalence of kidney stones (OR = 1.422, 95% CI 1.057 to 1.912). The subgroup analysis showed that the association was more obvious in females (OR = 1.604, 95% CI 1.023 to 2.516) or in the population aged 35 to 49 years old (OR = 2.739, 95% CI 1.428 to 5.254). Additionally, the same trend was present when people were Mexican American (OR = 3.834, 95% CI 1.790 to 8.215) or other races (OR = 4.925, 95% CI 1.776 to 13.656). The interaction and stratification analysis showed that the results above were robust. CONCLUSION: CircS was positively associated with the prevalence of kidney stones in overweight people, especially people as females, aged 35 to 49, and Mexican Americans.

Application of Foot Hallux Contact Force Signal for Assistive Hand Fine Control.

Accurate recognition of disabled persons' behavioral intentions is the key to reconstructing hand function. Their intentions can be understood to some extent by electromyography (EMG), electroencephalogram (EEG), and arm movements, but they are not reliable enough to be generally accepted. In this paper, characteristics of foot contact force signals are investigated, and a method of expressing grasping intentions based on hallux (big toe) touch sense is proposed. First, force signals acquisition methods and devices are investigated and designed. By analyzing characteristics of signals in different areas of the foot, the hallux is selected. The peak number and other characteristic parameters are used to characterize signals, which can significantly express grasping intentions. Second, considering complex and fine tasks of the assistive hand, a posture control method is proposed. Based on this, many human-in-the-loop experiments are conducted using human-computer interaction methods. The results showed that people with hand disabilities could accurately express their grasping intentions through their toes, and could accurately grasp objects of different sizes, shapes, and hardness using their feet. The accuracy of the action completion for single-handed and double-handed disabled individuals was 99% and 98%, respectively. This proves that the method of using toe tactile sensation for assisting disabled individuals in hand control can help them complete daily fine motor activities. The method is easily acceptable in terms of reliability, unobtrusiveness, and aesthetics.

Hippuris vulgaris could replace Myriophyllum aquaticum for efficiently removing water phosphorus under low temperature conditions in China.

Phytoremediation is widely used for the restoration of aquatic environments. However, the phytoremediation effects and mechanisms of special submerged species of native aquatic plants, especially under low-temperature conditions, are not yet clear. In this study, two typical submerged plants, Myriophyllum aquaticum (M. aquaticum; an exotic species) and Hippuris vulgaris (H. vulgaris; a native species), in China were investigated for their phosphorus (P) removal efficiencies (REp) and the related mechanisms of phytophysiology and microorganisms in a low-temperature incubator (10 °C during the day and 2 °C at night). At an initial P level of 0.5 mg L-1, the two plants exhibited similar REp, with the highest values (73.5%-92.1%) observed on days 3-6. After 18 days, the residual P concentration in the water was less than the Grade III limit value (0.2 mg L-1; GB 3838-2002). However, M. aquaticum had a faster REp velocity than H. vulgaris at an initial P level of 3.0 mg L-1, which was attributed to the mechanisms of plant and its interactions with microorganisms. Compared to the control group, the superoxide dismutase activity of H. vulgaris was significantly increased and its catalase activity was decreased, whereas for that of M. aquaticum was the opposite. Micro region X-ray fluorescence analysis revealed that there may be synergic absorption effects between P, S, and K, and antagonistic absorption action between P and Mn in H. vulgaris. In addition, Acinetobacter, Novosphingobium and Pseudomonas were enriched at 3.0 mg L-1 P level with these two plants, but Chlorophyta only accumulated with H. vulgaris, respectively. Overall, the native species, H. vulgaris, could replace the exotic M. aquaticum to efficiently remove P from polluted water at low temperatures. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for submerged plants P removal capabilities, and the protection of local ecosystem diversity at low temperatures.

Recognition of Upper Limb Action Intention Based on IMU.

Using motion information of the upper limb to control the prosthetic hand has become a hotspot of current research. The operation of the prosthetic hand must also be coordinated with the user's intention. Therefore, identifying action intention of the upper limb based on motion information of the upper limb is key to controlling the prosthetic hand. Since a wearable inertial sensor bears the advantages of small size, low cost, and little external environment interference, we employ an inertial sensor to collect angle and angular velocity data during movement of the upper limb. Aiming at the action classification for putting on socks, putting on shoes and tying shoelaces, this paper proposes a recognition model based on the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm of the motion unit. Based on whether the upper limb is moving, the complete motion data are divided into several motion units. Considering the delay associated with controlling the prosthetic hand, this paper only performs feature extraction on the first motion unit and the second motion unit, and recognizes action on different classifiers. The experimental results reveal that the DTW algorithm based on motion unit bears a higher recognition rate and lower running time. The recognition rate reaches as high as 99.46%, and the average running time measures 8.027 ms. In order to enable the prosthetic hand to understand the grasping intention of the upper limb, this paper proposes a Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN) model based on 10-fold cross-validation. The motion state of the upper limb is subdivided, and the static state is used as the sign of controlling the prosthetic hand. This paper applies a 10-fold cross-validation method to train the neural network model to find the optimal smoothing parameter. In addition, the recognition performance of different neural networks is compared. The experimental results show that the GRNN model based on 10-fold cross-validation exhibits a high accuracy rate, capable of reaching 98.28%. Finally, the two algorithms proposed in this paper are implemented in an experiment of using the prosthetic hand to reproduce an action, and the feasibility and practicability of the algorithm are verified by experiment.

Removal effects of aquatic plants on high-concentration phosphorus in wastewater during summer.

Aquatic plants are widely used in depth treatment of wastewater; however, the phosphorus (P) removal mechanisms of aquatic plants at high temperatures in summer are not well understood. Eight aquatic plants, including two floating species (Ludwigia peploides and Hydrocharis dubia) and six emergent species (Lythrum salicaria, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Canna indica, Sparganium stoloniferum, Rotala rotundifolia, and Ludwigia ovalis), were treated with five P solutions (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.5 mg L-1) for 5 weeks in a greenhouse during summer at air temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 °C. H. dubia, L. peploides, L. salicaria, and S. sagittifolia showed high water P removal efficiencies (exceeded 95%). Furthermore, their corresponding residual P concentrations in water were almost lower than the limit value of 0.2 mg L-1 of Grade III in the Chinese Environmental Quality Atandards for Surface Water (GB3838-2002). Plants have different water P removal paths. For example, H. dubia enriched more P with water P concentration increasing significantly. As the culture time increased, the water pH fluctuated significantly in the fall, and then H. dubia used the produced H+ enrich P. L. peploides did not enrich P, but proliferated rapidly, to remove P from water by increasing its fresh weight (FW). L. salicaria and S. sagittifolia showed two paths of enrich-P and FW increase. During the growth process of L. salicaria, the stem diameter and leaf length increased with an increase in P concentration in water or plant or both; however, the height and root length of L. peploides were reduced. Moreover, SOD and CAT activities responded to high P concentrations in water or high temperatures or both, which protected against oxidative damage. These findings could offer theoretical foundation and practical guidance for selection of aquatic plant species in depth treatment of wastewater during summer.

Removal effects of Myriophyllum aquaticum on combined pollutants of nutrients and heavy metals in simulated swine wastewater in summer.

Swine wastewater (SW) treatment by Myriophyllum aquaticum is an important biotechnology for its resource utilization. However, some knowledge gaps remain in compound-pollutant removal in SW, especially in practical applications. To clarify the responses of M. aquaticum to the compound pollutants as well as the related operational parameters in SW treatment, three initial doses (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kg per pond in 150 L simulated SW) of M. aquaticum and a control (no plant; CK) were allocated to 12 ponds under a plastic roof in Nanjing city of Eastern China during 75 days in the summer of 2019. Results showed that M. aquaticum could be used as a pioneer plant to efficiently remove compounded pollutants of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and especially for heavy metals in simulated SW. Compared with CK, M. aquaticum assisted in improving the total N, NH4+-N, NO3--N, NO2--N, and dissolved organic N by 30.1%, 100%, 100%, 97.6%, 20.2%, 39.8% whereas Cu, Zn, and Cd by 50.4%, 36.4% and 47.9% on average during the 75-day experiment in summer, respectively. Moreover, concentrations of Cu and Cd at day 75 were in the ranges of 1.92-2.82 and 0.64-1.47 g kg-1 DW, respectively, exceeding the corresponding limits of the heavy-metal hyperaccumulator. For the operational parameters, the optimized initial dose was 1.0 kg per pond with M. aquaticum harvested after 45 summer days, respectively. Given that M. aquaticum has been widely used as animal feed in recent years and limit values for Cu and Zn in animal feed are not set in China, the toxicities of Cu and Zn should be assessed and the guideline of their limit values needs to be established for safe feed production. Interestingly, NH4+-N could dominate the removal of heavy metals especially Cd in the simulated SW, however, related mechanisms are needed for further study.

Removal effects of different emergent-aquatic-plant groups on Cu, Zn, and Cd compound pollution from simulated swine wastewater.

Aquatic plants play effective in removing heavy metal (HM) as a prominent factor of bioremediations, however, there are still knowledge gaps in species selection and configuration for high removal efficiency (RE) of compound HM and ornamental value. In this study, seven emergent-aquatic-plant species were configured into seven groups and planted in a simulated swine wastewater (SW) with Cu, Zn, and Cd for 75 days in summer. REs of Cu, Zn, and Cd were 45.06-86.93%, 42.40-87.22%, and 73.85-85.52% at day 75, respectively. Higher REs were observed from day 30-45 for Cu and Zn, whereas days 15-30 for Cd. The synergistic removal of Zn and Cu or Zn and Cd was almost observed (p < 0.05). The configuration of G5 (S. tabernaemontani, I. sibirica, and P. cordata) was generally efficient roles in the removal at day 45, with REs of 85.14%, 87.06%, and 83.56% for Cu, Zn, and Cd, respectively. The dry weight of roots, water NH4+-N, temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen acted on heavy-metal removal. During days 45-75, concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Cd in G5 were 0.52-0.66, 0.54-0.65, and 0.23-0.33 mg L-1. The former two were below the limits of Grade Ⅱ (1.0 mg L-1) and the latter was above the limits of Grade Ⅴ (0.1 mg L-1; GB3838-2002). Thus, G5 could be optimal for Cu and Zn removal from simulated SW, however, efficient Cd removal is required to ensure efficient SW recycling.

Suppression of NSDHL attenuates adipogenesis with a downregulation of LXR-SREBP1 pathway in 3T3-L1 cells.

Previous RNA-Seq analyses revealed that NAD(P)H steroid dehydrogenase-like (NSDHL) has a different expression during 3T3-L1 differentiation; however, its roles in adipogenesis are unknown. In the present study, using quantitative real-time PCR, we confirmed that NSDHL knockdown increased the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, but attenuated the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, as evidenced by reduced lipid accumulation and down-regulation of PPARγ gene expression. Further analyses showed that the expression peak of NSDHL was at the early stage of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes differentiation and LXR-SREBP1 signaling pathway was downregulated in NSDHL-knockdown 3T3-L1 cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that NSDHL is a novel modulator of adipogenesis. Moreover, our data provide insight into the complex relationships between sterol sensing, LXR-SREBP1 signaling pathway, and PPARγ in 3T3-L1 cells.

[The elimination method of preloading force for soft tissue based on the linear loading region].

Aiming at the problem of the influence of preloading force on its mechanical response in soft tissue compression experiments, an elimination method of preloading force based on linear loading region is proposed. Unconfined compression experiments under a variety of different preloading forces are performed. The influence of the preloading force on the parameters of constitutive model is analyzed. In the preload phase, the mechanical response of the soft tissue is taken as a linear model. The preloading force is eliminated by taking the preloading phase into account throughout the response process. According to five different preloading forces of the unconfined compression experiments, the elimination method is validated with two different constitutive models of soft tissue, and the error between the models obtained by the preloading force elimination method and the traditional method with the experimental results is compared. The results show that the error obtained by preloading force elimination method is significantly smaller than the traditional method. The preloading force elimination method can eliminate the influence of preloading force on mechanical response to a certain extent, and constitutive model parameters which are closer to the true properties of soft tissue can be obtained.

Improving wheelchair user sitting posture to alleviate lumbar fatigue: a study utilizing sEMG and pressure sensors.

Background: The wheelchair is a widely used rehabilitation device, which is indispensable for people with limited mobility. In the process of using a wheelchair, they often face the situation of sitting for a long time, which is easy to cause fatigue of the waist muscles of the user. Therefore, this paper hopes to provide more scientific guidance and suggestions for the daily use of wheelchairs by studying the relationship between the development of muscle fatigue and sitting posture. Methods: First, we collected surface Electromyography (sEMG) of human vertical spine muscle and analyzed it in the frequency domain. The obtained Mean Power Frequency (MPF) was used as the dependent variable. Then, the pose information of the human body, including the percentage of pressure points, span, and center of mass as independent variables, was collected by the array of thin film pressure sensors, and analyzed by a multivariate nonlinear regression model. Results: When the centroid row coordinate of the cushion pressure point is about 16(range, 7.7-16.9), the cushion pressure area percentage is about 80%(range, 70.8%-89.7%), and the cushion pressure span range is about 27(range, 25-31), the backrest pressure point centroid row coordinate is about 15(range, 9.1-18.2), the backrest pressure area percentage is about 35%(range, 11.8%-38.7%), and the backrest pressure span range is about 16(range, 9-22). At this time, the MPF value of the subjects decreased by a small percentage, and the fatigue development of the muscles was slower. In addition, the pressure area percentage at the seat cushion is a more sensitive independent variable, too large or too small pressure area percentage will easily cause lumbar muscle fatigue. Conclusion: The results show that people should sit in the middle and back of the seat cushion when riding the wheelchair, so that the Angle of the hip joint can be in a natural state, and the thigh should fully contact the seat cushion to avoid the weight of the body concentrated on the buttocks; The back should be fully in contact with the back of the wheelchair to reduce the burden on the waist, and the spine posture can be adjusted appropriately according to personal habits, but it is necessary to avoid maintaining a chest sitting position for a long time, which will cause the lumbar spine to be in an unnatural physiological Angle and easily lead to fatigue of the waist muscles.

Association between magnesium depletion score and the prevalence of kidney stones in the low primary income ratio: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2007-2018.

INTRODUCTION: To explore the association between magnesium depletion score (MgDS) and the prevalence of kidney stones in the low primary income ratio (PIR). METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018. Within the low PIR, people aged ≥20 years with complete information on MgDS and kidney stones questionnaires were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression and stratified logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between MgDS and the prevalence of kidney stones and recurrence of kidney stones by confounding factors adjusted. Stratified and interaction analysis was conducted to find whether some factors modified the association. In addition, sensitive analyses were also conducted to observe the stability. The work has been reported in line with the STROCSS criteria, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JS9/C781. RESULT: A total of 7,600 adults were involved in the study, and the individuals were classified into four groups: 0 points for MgDS (n=3,814), 1 point for MgDS (n=2,229), 2 points for MgDS (n=1,020), and ≥3 points for MgDS (n=537). The multivariable logistic regression suggested that a positive association between MgDS and the prevalence of kidney stones (OR=1.123, 95%CI 1.019 to 1.238) in the fully-adjusted model. Compared with the lowest group, people with ≥3 points of MgDS had a had a significant relationship with kidney stones (OR=1.417, 95%CI 1.013 to 1.983). No significant association was observed between the recurrence of kidney stones and MgDS. The result of the sensitive analysis showed the robustness of the main analysis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of kidney stones is inversely associated with MgDS, which suggests that maintaining a higher MgDS is accompanied by higher prevalence rates of kidney stones in the low PIR.

Endocrine toxicity of atrazine and its underlying mechanisms.

Atrazine (ATR) is one of the most widely utilized herbicides globally and is prevalent in the environment due to its extensive use and long half-life. It can infiltrate the human body through drinking water, ingestion, and dermal contact, and has been recognized as an environmental endocrine disruptor. This study aims to comprehensively outline the detrimental impacts of ATR on the endocrine system. Previous research indicates that ATR is harmful to various bodily systems, including the reproductive system, nervous system, adrenal glands, and thyroi d gland. The toxic effects of ATR on the endocrine system and its underlying molecular mechanisms are summarized as follows: influencing the expression of kisspeptin in the HPG axis, consequently affecting steroid synthesis; disrupting DNA synthesis and meiosis, as well as modifying DNA methylation levels, leading to reproductive and developmental toxicity; impacting dopamine by altering Nurr1, VMAT2, and DAT expression, consequently affecting dopamine synthesis and transporter expression, and influencing other neurotransmitters, resulting in neurotoxicity; and changing adipose tissue synthesis and metabolism by reducing basal metabolism, impairing cellular oxidative phosphorylation, and inducing insulin resistance. Additionally, a compilation of natural products used to mitigate the toxic effects of ATR has been provided, encompassing melatonin, curcumin, quercetin, lycopene, flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and other natural remedies. It is important to note that existing research predominantly relies on in vitro and ex vivo experiments, with limited population-based empirical evidence available.

Diagnostic Value of Lower Extremity Venous Duplication via Digital Subtraction Angiography Guided Venography.

INTRODUCTION: Lower limb venous anomalies, including duplicated veins, are common and have significant impacts on the outcomes and efficacy of venous surgery. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) guided venography, serving as the tertiary diagnostic option for venous disorders, offers valuable informations to clinical practitioners. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 195 patients with suspected venous disease, evaluating 259 limbs with venography imaging. Two experienced interventional vascularists evaluated the images to determine the incidence and characteristics of variances in the femoral, popliteal, great saphenous, and small saphenous veins. Moreover, blood samples were collected to assess the safety of the venography procedure by monitoring changes in renal function. RESULT: Duplication variations were found in the lower limb veins, with the highest prevalence in the femoral vein (11.28%, 22/195), followed by the great saphenous vein (4.1%, 8/195), and the popliteal vein (1.54%, 3/195). No severe contrast agent allergies or postoperative complications were reported. No statistically significant differences were found in creatinine and urea levels pre- and post-operation for patients without duplication variations, those with duplication of the great saphenous, femoral, or popliteal vein (P < .05). CONCLUSION: DSA-guided venography is effective in identifying venous variations in lower limb disease. DFV is the most common recurrent vein, while DPV is the least. Adequate preparation ensures safety, high spatial resolution, dynamic imaging, and low tissue interference.

ATR induces hepatic lipid metabolism disorder in rats by activating IRE1α/XBP1 signaling pathway.

Atrazine (ATR) is a widely used herbicide and due to its persistence in environment and bioaccumulation, it can cause harmful impacts on human health. ATR exposure can lead to disorders of lipid metabolism in the liver, but its underlying mechanism is still unclear. 40 eight-week-old rats were given different doses of ATR (0, 0.5, 5 and 50 mg/kg/d) for 90 days. The liver tissue and serum were collected for histological observation and biochemical analysis. The levels of lipid and oxidative stress were assessed using colorimetry. Changes in MMP and ROS of liver cells were observed through flow cytometry. The expression of mRNA and protein was detected using Real-Time PCR and western blot. The results showed that TC and HDL-C levels in both the liver and serum were increased in the ATR-treated groups. The levels of MDA were accumulated, while the levels of SOD and GSH were depleted in the liver with ATR exposure. The expression of liver lipid metabolism related genes (SCD1, DGAT2, ACC1, PPARγ) was elevated. The liver ERS was activated and the gene expression of IRE1α/XBP1 signal pathway and GRP78, GRP94 in the liver was increased. There was a correlation between the levels of ERS and the levels of lipid metabolism. These results suggested that ATR can activate ERS and promote the expression of IRE1α/XBP1 signaling pathway, and further lead to lipid metabolism disorders in rat liver. This study can provide valuable insights as a reference for the prevention and control of hazards associated with agricultural residues.

Association Between Physical Activity and the Prevalence of Kidney Stones in American Adults: Results From a Multiyear National Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and the prevalence of kidney stones. METHODS: A cross-section study was conducted using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018. PA was evaluated based on the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to elucidate the association between PA (patterns, intensity, duration, and frequency of moderate and vigorous PA) and the prevalence of kidney stones after adjusting for potential confounders. Stratified and interaction analyses were conducted to detect potential effect modifiers. In addition, PA was assessed using metabolic equivalent and physical volume, and followed the regression above. Water intake was obtained from the day 2 dietary recall and was included in the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: A total of 34,390 participants were included in the analysis. The multivariable logistic regression revealed that individuals who engaged in moderate PA for 30-60 minutes per day had a significant inverse association with the prevalence of kidney stones in the fully adjusted model (odds ratio=0.804, 95% confidence interval 0.700 to 0.923), while no more significant finding was observed for other PA parameters. Interaction and stratified analyses indicated no covariate modifying the association. The results above were robust in the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: The duration of moderate PA (30-60 min/d) is inversely associated with the prevalence of kidney stones, while no more significant association was observed between other PA parameters (including patterns, intensity, duration, and frequency of vigorous PA, frequency of moderate PA) and kidney stones.

DEHP induces apoptosis and autophagy of the thyroid via Rap1 signaling pathway: In vivo and in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: DEHP has thyroid toxicity and affects thyroid function. However, the mechanism is unclear. METHODS: The offspring of SD rats were gavaged with different doses of DEHP from in utero to 8 or 12 weeks old. We observed the thyroid morphology with HE and autophagosomes with TEM. The THs levels were tested with ELISA. The apoptosis level was tested by flow cytometry. The levels of apoptosis-related genes, autophagy-related genes and Rap1 pathway genes, were measured with qRT-PCR and Western blot. We established an MEHP-treated Nthy-ori 3-1 cell model and inhibited the Rap1 to verify the mechanism. RESULTS: DEHP could cause pathological damage and ultrastructure damage of thyroids in offspring rats. After DEHP exposure, the THs levels were altered, the apoptosis levels increased, and autophagosomes appeared. DEHP significantly affected the levels of apoptosis-related genes and autophagy-related genes. DEHP also affected the levels of Rap1 pathway, which was correlated with the levels of apoptosis and autophagy. After inhibiting Rap1 in Nthy-ori 3-1 cells, the THs levels were altered. Rap1 pathway was inhibited and the levels of apoptosis and autophagy were down-regulated. CONCLUSION: DEHP could induce the apoptosis and autophagy of the thyroid, and Rap1 signaling pathway may play a significant role.