Phthalate exposure and subfecundity in preconception couples: A nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Phthalates (PAEs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals ubiquitously found in the environment. This study aimed to examine the association between exposure of PAEs and subfecundity in preconception couples. METHODS: This is a nested case-control study based on preconception cohort. Preconception couples with intention to conceive were enrolled and followed up until a clinically confirmed pregnancy or 12 menstrual cycles of preparation for conception. A total of 107 couples with subfecundity- time to pregnancy (TTP) more than 12 menstrual cycles, and 144 couples ≤12 cycles were included in the analysis. The levels of PAE metabolites in one spot urine samples were detected and compared between the groups. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model were used to examine the joint effects of couples' exposure to PAEs on subfecundity. RESULTS: Using the multivariate binary logistic regression model, compared to the lowest quartile of urinary ∑PAEs concentration group, both preconception females (aOR=2.42, 95% CI: 1.10-5.30, p=0.027) and males (aOR=2.99, 95% CI: 1.36-6.58, p=0.006) in the highest quartile group had an increased risk of subfecundity, and a dose-response relationship was observed between PAEs and the risk of subfecundity. The WQS analyses found that co-exposure to PAE mixture was a risk factor for subfecundity in preconception female (aOR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.38-2.26, p<0.001), male (aOR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.20-2.08, p=0.001), and couple (aOR=2.39, 95% CI: 1.61-3.52, p<0.001). The BKMR model found a positive combined effect of mixed exposure to PAEs on the risk of subfecundity. CONCLUSIONS: PAEs increase the risk of subfecundity in preconception couples. Our research reinforced the need of monitoring PAE exposure for the purpose of improving human reproductive health.

Multi-beam single-photon-counting three-dimensional imaging lidar.

Photon-counting laser ranging has attracted a lot of research interest for its application in the altimeter. In this letter, we report a large scale multi-beam photon-counting laser imaging system by using 100 laser beams in linear array as the light source. Taking advantage of a 100-channel low-noise high-efficiency single-photon detector, the three-dimensional image of remote targets could be constructed rapidly according to the time-of-flight measurement. This system provides a solution for a high-speed, high-resolution, low energy-consumption pushbroom airborne or spaceborne laser altimeter.

High-speed photon-counting laser ranging for broad range of distances.

We demonstrate a high-speed photon-counting laser ranging system with laser pulses of multiple repetition rates to extend the unambiguous range. In the experiment, the laser pulses of three different repetition rates around 10 MHz were employed to enlarge the maximum unambiguous range from 15 m to 165 km. Moreover, the range of distances was increased as well, enabling the measurement on different targets of large separation distance with high depth resolution. An outdoor photon-counting laser ranging up to 21 km was realized with high repetition rate, which is beneficial for the airborne and satellite-based topographic mapping.