The key metabolic signatures and biomarkers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced blood glucose elevation in chinese individuals exposed to diesel engine exhaust.

Due to the complexity of environmental exposure factors and the low levels of exposure in the general population, identifying the key environmental factors associated with diabetes and understanding their potential mechanisms present significant challenges. This study aimed to identify key polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contributing to increased fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations and to explore their potential metabolic mechanisms. We recruited a highly PAH-exposed diesel engine exhaust testing population and healthy controls. Our findings found a positive association between FBG concentrations and PAH metabolites, identifying 1-OHNa, 2-OHPh, and 9-OHPh as major contributors to the rise in FBG concentrations induced by PAH mixtures. Specifically, each 10 % increase in 1-OHNa, 2-OHPh, and 9-OHPh concentrations led to increases in FBG concentrations of 0.201 %, 0.261 %, and 0.268 %, respectively. Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed significant alterations in metabolic pathways among those exposed to high levels of PAHs, including sirtuin signaling, asparagine metabolism, and proline metabolism pathway. Toxic function analysis highlighted differential metabolites involved in various dysglycemia-related conditions, such as cardiac arrhythmia and renal damage. Mediation analysis revealed that 2-aminooctanoic acid mediated the FBG elevation induced by 2-OHPh, while 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and hypoxanthine acted as partial suppressors. Notably, 2-aminooctanoic acid was identified as a crucial intermediary metabolic biomarker, mediating significant portions of the associations between the multiple different structures of OH-PAHs and elevated FBG concentrations, accounting for 16.73 %, 10.84 %, 10.00 %, and 11.90 % of these effects for 1-OHPyr, 2-OHFlu, the sum concentrations of 2- and 9-OHPh, and the sum concentrations of total OH-PAHs, respectively. Overall, our study explored the potential metabolic mechanisms underlying the elevated FBG induced by PAHs and identified 2-aminooctanoic acid as a pivotal metabolic biomarker, presenting a potential target for intervention.

Exposome-Wide Ranking to Uncover Environmental Chemicals Associated with Dyslipidemia: A Panel Study in Healthy Older Chinese Adults from the BAPE Study.

BACKGROUND: Environmental contaminants (ECs) are increasingly recognized as crucial drivers of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the comprehensive impact spectrum and interlinking mechanisms remain uncertain. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to systematically evaluate the association between exposure to 80 ECs across seven divergent categories and markers of dyslipidemia and investigate their underpinning biomolecular mechanisms via an unbiased integrative approach of internal chemical exposome and multi-omics. METHODS: A longitudinal study involving 76 healthy older adults was conducted in Jinan, China, and participants were followed five times from 10 September 2018 to 19 January 2019 in 1-month intervals. A broad spectrum of seven chemical categories covering the prototypes and metabolites of 102 ECs in serum or urine as well as six serum dyslipidemia markers [total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein (Apo)A1, ApoB, and ApoE4] were measured. Multi-omics, including the blood transcriptome, serum/urine metabolome, and serum lipidome, were profiled concurrently. Exposome-wide association study and the deletion/substitution/addition algorithms were applied to explore the associations between 80 EC exposures detection frequency >50% and dyslipidemia markers. Weighted quantile sum regression was used to assess the mixture effects and relative contributions. Multi-omics profiling, causal inference model, and pathway analysis were conducted to interpret the mediating biomolecules and underlying mechanisms. Examination of cytokines and electrocardiograms was further conducted to validate the observed associations and biomolecular pathways. RESULTS: Eight main ECs [1-naphthalene, 1-pyrene, 2-fluorene, dibutyl phosphate, tri-phenyl phosphate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, chromium, and vanadium] were significantly associated with most dyslipidemia markers. Multi-omics indicated that the associations were mediated by endogenous biomolecules and pathways, primarily pertinent to CVD, inflammation, and metabolism. Clinical measures of cytokines and electrocardiograms further cross-validated the association of these exogenous ECs with systemic inflammation and cardiac function, demonstrating their potential mechanisms in driving dyslipidemia pathogenesis. DISCUSSION: It is imperative to prioritize mitigating exposure to these ECs in the primary prevention and control of the dyslipidemia epidemic. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13864.

Novel scoring system incorporating lipoproteins to predict outcomes of epithelial ovarian cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy worldwide. While common prognostic factors are identified, the impact of serum lipoproteins remains controversial. This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the association between specific lipoprotein levels and prognosis. METHODS: Clinical data of 420 participants with epithelial ovarian cancer registered at Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, between January 2014 and April 2021 were included. Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to assess prognosis, estimated by hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A novel prognostic model incorporating lipoproteins was developed for evaluating the prognosis. Meta-analysis was applied to assess the impact of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) on prognosis. RESULTS: Among 420 patients, those in advanced stages exhibited higher low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p=0.008) and lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (p<0.001), with no significant differences in total cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Elevated LDL-C level was significantly associated with worse overall survival (HR 1.72; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.58; p=0.010) and progression free survival (HR 1.94; 95% CI 1.46 to 2.58; p<0.001), whereas higher HDL-C level was linked to better overall survival (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.85; p=0.004) and progression free survival (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.81; p<0.001). A novel prognostic model, low density lipoprotein cholesterol-high density lipoprotein cholesterol-fibrinogen-lactate dehydrogenase-prealbumin-Fe-stage (LH-FLPFS), was established to enhance prognostic predictive efficacy. The meta-analysis further suggested that higher LDL-C level was associated with worse overall survival (HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.39 to 2.38; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, preoperative LDL-C and HDL-C levels emerged as potential prognostic factors for ovarian cancer. Establishment of a novel prognostic model, LH-FLPFS, holds promise for significantly improving prognostic predictive efficacy.

New species and new records of Laccaria (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from Northern Thailand.

Two new species Laccariapseudoalba and L.subroseoalbescens are described and illustrated, based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis. Two new records, Laccariaumbilicata and L.yunnanensis from Thailand, are also reported. Laccariasubroseoalbescens is characterized by small basidiomata, stipe equal with an enlarged base, and nearly subclavate, pale pink to light orange. Laccariapseudoalba is characterized by pale orange to orange white pileus, has umbo when young on the pileus, and fistulose stipe of the pale to pastel red color. Phylogenetic analysis based on sequence data from rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA (ITS), nuc 28S rDNA (28S), RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2), and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α) are provided as further evidence. Molecular analysis confirms the phylogenetic positions of the two new species and two new records. The differences in characteristics of these two new species and closely related species are discussed herein.

Environmentally relevant concentration PFNA promotes degradation of SMAD7 to drive progression of ovarian cancer via TGF-ß/SMADs signaling pathway.

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), an acknowledged environmental endocrine disruptor, is increasingly utilized as a substitute for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Despite its growing use, limited research has been conducted to investigate its potential impact on tumorigenesis and progression, and the potential molecular mechanisms. Earlier studies linked perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure to breast and gynecological cancer progression in humans, lacking a clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms, notably in ovarian cancer. Our investigation into PFNA's effects at environmental concentrations (0.25-2 mM) showed no significant impact on cell proliferation but a notable increase in invasion and migration of ovarian cancer cells. This led to alterations in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, including Claudin1, Vimentin, and Snail. Notably, PFNA exposure activated the TGF-ß/SMADs signaling pathway. Crucially, SMAD7 degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system emerged as PFNA's pivotal molecular target for inducing EMT, corroborated in mouse models. In summary, this study presented evidence that environmentally relevant concentrations of PFNA could induce SMAD7 degradation via the proteasome pathway, subsequently activating the TGF-ß/SMADs signaling pathway, and promoting EMT in ovarian cancer. These results illuminated the association between PFNA exposure and metastasis of ovarian cancer.

Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Three Novel Species of Sanguinoderma (Ganodermataceae, Basidiomycota) from Yunnan Province, China.

Sanguinoderma (Ganodermataceae) is recognized as a valuable medicinal resource in Taiwan, China. Additionally, it serves as a traditional folk medicine for treating neurotic epilepsy in Malaysia. This study involved the collection of six specimens of Sanguinoderma from Yunnan Province, China. Employing multigene phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences, including internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nuclear large subunit (LSU), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU), nuclear small subunit (nSSU) and morphological examinations, three new species, viz. Sanguinoderma concentricum, S. dehongense and S. ovisporum, are introduced. Sanguinoderma concentricum is characterized by a central stipe basidiomata, an orbicular to suborbicular pileus, a grayish-yellow surface with alternating concentric zones and wavy margin-like petals and regular pileipellis cells (4-8 × 17-28 µm). Sanguinoderma dehongense is characterized by a long stipe and flabelliform basidiomata, a dark-grayish yellow-to-dark-yellow pileus surface, irregular pileipellis cells and wavy margin and ellipsoid basidia (8-11 × 9-13 µm). Sanguinoderma ovisporum is characterized by a reniform basidiomata, a heterogeneous context and ovoid basidiospores (7.5-8.6 × 5.5-7.2 µm). A detailed description and illustrations of these new species are provided, as well as a morphological comparison with similar taxa.

Graphene Intermediate Layer for Robust and Spectrum-Extended Cu Photocathode Activated with Cs and O.

Developing an effective method to stably enhance the quantum efficiency (QE) and extend the photoemission threshold of Cu photocathodes beyond the ultraviolet region could benefit the photoinjector for ultrafast electron source applications. The implementation of a 2D material protective layer is considered a promising approach to extending the operating lifetime of photocathodes. We propose that graphene can serve as an intermediate layer at the interface between photocathode material and low-work-function coating. The role of oxygen in the Cs/O activation process on the Cu surface is altered by the graphene interlayer. Besides, the few-layer graphene (FLG) surface could be more likely to induce the formation of Cs2O. Thus, the graphene-Cu composite photocathode can achieve an ultralow surface work function of down to 0.878 eV through Cs/O activation. The photoemission performance of the composite cathode with a FLG interlayer is significantly enhanced. The photocathode has an extended spectral response to the near-infrared region and a higher QE. At 350 nm, its QE is more than twice that of the cesiated bare Cu, reaching 0.247%. After degradation, the graphene-Cu cathode can be fully restored by reactivation, with remarkably enhanced stability. In addition, the composite cathode can be operated reliably under a poor vacuum pressure of over 4 × 10-6 Pa. This study validates a new method for incorporating 2D materials into photocathodes, offering novel approaches to explore robust and spectrum-extended photocathodes.

Multigenerational effects of disperse blue 79 at environmentally relevant concentrations on zebrafish (Danio rerio) fecundity: An integrated approach.

The brominated azo dye (BAD) Disperse Blue (DB79) is a widespread environmental pollutant. The long-term toxicological effects of DB79 and the mechanisms thereof must be understood to allow assessment of the risks of DB79 pollution. A dual-omics approach employing in silico analysis, bioinformatics, and in vitro bioassays was used to investigate the transgenerational (F0-F2) toxicity of DB79 in zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations and identify molecular initiating events and key events associated with DB79-induced fertility disorders. Exposure to 500 µg/L DB79 decreased fecundity in the F0 and F1 generations by > 30 % and increased the condition factor of the F1 generation 1.24-fold. PPARα/RXR and PXR ligand binding activation were found to be critical molecular initiating events associated with the decrease in fecundity. Several key events (changes in fatty acid oxidation and uptake, lipoprotein metabolism, and xenobiotic metabolism and transport) involved in lipid dysregulation and xenobiotic disposition were found to be induced by DB79 through bioinformatic annotation using dual-omics data. The biomolecular underpinnings of decreased transgenerational fertility in zebrafish attributable to BAD exposure were elucidated and novel biomolecular targets in the adverse outcome pathway framework were identified. These results will inform future studies and facilitate the development of mitigation strategies.

Factors affecting patency time and semen quality in a single-armed microsurgical vasoepididymostomy.

ABSTRACT: Although microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (MVE) is an effective treatment for epididymal obstructive azoospermia, some patients may experience delayed patency or suboptimal semen parameters after patency. However, research into patency time, semen quality postpatency, and associated influencing factors remains limited. This study aimed to address these issues by evaluating 181 patients who underwent at least one-sided MVE employing asingle-armed longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy technique, with a follow-up period of over 12 months for 150 patients. The overall patency rate was 75.3%, with 86.0% of patients achieving patency within 6 months following MVE. Unexpectedly, factors such as age, history of epididymitis, duration of surgery, side of anastomosis, sperm motility in epididymal fluid, and the site of anastomosis showed no correlation with patency time. Nonetheless, our univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that only the site of anastomosis was positively correlated with and could independently predict postoperative total motile sperm count. Therefore, the site of anastomosis might serve as a predictor for optimal postoperative semen quality following the MVE procedure.

Association between Personal Abiotic Airborne Exposures and Body Composition Changes among Healthy Adults (60-69 Years Old): A Combined Exposome-Wide and Lipidome Mediation Approach from the China BAPE Study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggested that abiotic airborne exposures may be associated with changes in body composition. However, more evidence is needed to identify key pollutants linked to adverse health effects and their underlying biomolecular mechanisms, particularly in sensitive older adults. OBJECTIVES: Our research aimed to systematically assess the relationship between abiotic airborne exposures and changes in body composition among healthy older adults, as well as the potential mediating mechanisms through the serum lipidome. METHODS: From September 2018 to January 2019, we conducted a monthly survey among 76 healthy adults (60-69 years old) in the China Biomarkers of Air Pollutant Exposure (BAPE) study, measuring their personal exposures to 632 abiotic airborne pollutions using MicroPEM and the Fresh Air wristband, 18 body composition indicators from the InBody 770 device, and lipidomics from venous blood samples. We used an exposome-wide association study (ExWAS) and deletion/substitution/addition (DSA) model to unravel complex associations between exposure to contaminant mixtures and body composition, a Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model to assess the overall effect of key exposures on body composition, and mediation analysis to identify lipid intermediators. RESULTS: The ExWAS and DSA model identified that 2,4,5-T methyl ester (2,4,5-TME), 9,10-Anthracenedione (ATQ), 4b,8-dimethyl-2-isopropylphenanthrene, and 4b,5,6,7,8,8a,9,10-octahydro-(DMIP) were associated with increased body fat mass (BFM), fat mass indicators (FMI), percent body fat (PBF), and visceral fat area (VFA) in healthy older adults [Bonferroni-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDRBH)<0.05]. The BKMR model demonstrated a positive correlation between contaminants (anthracene, ATQ, copaene, di-epi-α-cedrene, and DMIP) with VFA. Mediation analysis revealed that phosphatidylcholine [PC, PC(16:1e/18:1), PC(16:2e/18:0)] and sphingolipid [SM, SM(d18:2/24:1)] mediated a significant portion, ranging from 12.27% to 26.03% (p-value <0.05), of the observed increase in VFA. DISCUSSION: Based on the evidence from multiple model results, ATQ and DMIP were statistically significantly associated with the increased VFA levels of healthy older adults, potentially regulated through lipid intermediators. These findings may have important implications for identifying potentially harmful environmental chemicals and developing targeted strategies for the control and prevention of chronic diseases in the future, particularly as the global population is rapidly aging. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13865.

Experimental Study of the Flexural Performance of GFRP-Reinforced Seawater Sea Sand Concrete Beams with Built-In GFRP Tubes.

The use of seawater sea sand concrete (SSSC) and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) has broad application prospect in island and coastal areas. However, the elastic modulus of FRP reinforcement is obviously lower than that of ordinary steel reinforcement, and the properties of SSSC are different from that of ordinary concrete, which results in a limit in the bearing capacity and stiffness of structures. In order to improve the flexural performance of FRP-reinforced SSSC beams, a novel SSSC beam with built-in glass FRP (GFRP) tubes was proposed in this study. Referring to many large-scale beam experiments, one specimen was used for one situation to illustrate the study considering costs and feasibility. Firstly, flexural performance tests of SSSC beams with GFRP tubes were conducted. Then, the effects of the GFRP tubes' height, the strength grades of concrete inside and outside the GFRP tubes, and the GFRP reinforcement ratio on the flexural behaviors of the beams were investigated. In addition, the concept of capacity reserve was proposed to assess the ductility of the beams, and the interaction between the concrete outside the GFRP tube, the GFRP tube and concrete inside the tube was discussed. Finally, the formulas for the normal section bearing capacity of beams with built-in GFRP tubes were derived and verified. Compared to the beam without GFRP tubes, under the same conditions, the ultimate bearing capacities of the SSSC beam with 80 mm, 100, and 200 mm height GFRP tubes were increased by 17.67 kN, 24.52 kN, and 144.42 kN, respectively.

Novel mutations in LRRC23 cause asthenozoospermia in a nonconsanguineous family.

ABSTRACT: The cause of asthenozoospermia (AZS) is not well understood because of its complexity and heterogeneity. Although some gene mutations have been identified as contributing factors, they are only responsible for a small number of cases. Radial spokes (RSs) are critical for adenosine triphosphate-driven flagellar beating and axoneme stability, which is essential for flagellum motility. In this study, we found novel compound heterozygous mutations in leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 23 ( LRRC23 ; c.1018C>T: p.Q340X and c.881_897 Del: p.R295Gfs*32) in a proband from a nonconsanguineous family with AZS and male infertility. Diff-Quik staining and scanning electron microscopy revealed no abnormal sperm morphology. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining showed that these mutations suppressed LRRC23 expression in sperm flagella. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy showed the absence of RS3 in sperm flagella, which disrupts stability of the radial spoke complex and impairs motility. Following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, the proband's spouse achieved successful pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby. In conclusion, our study indicates that two novel mutations in LRRC23 are associated with AZS, but successful fertility outcomes can be achieved by in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer techniques.

Personal exposure to airborne organic pollutants and lung function changes among healthy older adults.

Epidemiological evidence on the impact of airborne organic pollutants on lung function among the elderly is limited, and their underlying biological mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Herein, a longitudinal panel study was conducted in Jinan, Shandong Province, China, involving 76 healthy older adults monitored over a span of five months repetitively. We systematically evaluated personal exposure to a diverse range of airborne organic pollutants using a wearable passive sampler and their effects on lung function. Participants' pulmonary function indicators were assessed, complemented by comprehensive multi-omics analyses of blood and urine samples. Leveraging the power of interaction analysis, causal inference test (CIT), and integrative pathway analysis (IPA), we explored intricate relationships between specific organic pollutants, biomolecules, and lung function deterioration, elucidating the biological mechanisms underpinning the adverse impacts of these pollutants. We observed that bis (2-chloro-1-methylethyl) ether (BCIE) was significantly associated with negative changes in the forced vital capacity (FVC), with glycerolipids mitigating this adverse effect. Additionally, 31 canonical pathways [e.g., high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) signaling, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and heme and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis] were identified as potential mechanisms. These findings may hold significant implications for developing effective strategies to prevent and mitigate respiratory health risks arising from exposure to such airborne pollutants. However, due to certain limitations of the study, our results should be interpreted with caution.

Ocular surface changes in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris.

AIM: To investigate ocular surface disorders and tear function changes in patients with acne vulgaris and explore the potential relationship between acne vulgaris and dry eye. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included right eyes of 53 patients with acne vulgaris and 54 healthy controls. The participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. The following ocular surface-related parameters were measured: tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), Schirmer I test (SIT), lipid layer thickness (LLT) score of the tear film, meibum score, meibomian gland orifice obstruction score, the ratio of meibomian gland loss, conjunctival hyperemia score, and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score. RESULTS: The stability of the tear film decreased in acne vulgaris patients. In the acne group, the TMH and NIBUT were lower, whereas the OSDI, meibum score, meibomian gland orifice obstruction score, ratio of meibomian gland loss, and conjunctival hyperemia score were higher compared with controls (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the CFS score, SIT, or LLT score between the groups (P>0.05). In two dry eye groups, the TMH, NIBUT, and LLT score were lower in the acne with dry eye (acne-DE) group, and the meibum score, meibomian gland orifice obstruction score, ratio of meibomian gland loss and conjunctival hyperemia score in the acne-DE group were higher (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between OSDI, SIT, and CFS score (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris are more likely to experience dry eye than those without acne vulgaris. Reduced tear film stability and meibomian gland structure dysfunction are more pronounced in patients with moderate-to-severe acne and dry eye.

Long intergenic non-coding RNA 01126 activates IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway to promote periodontitis pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVES: Periodontitis seriously affects oral-related quality of life and overall health. Long intergenic non-coding RNA 01126 (LINC01126) is aberrantly expressed in periodontitis tissues. This study aimed to explore the possible pathogenesis of LINC01126 in periodontitis. METHODS: Inflammatory model of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) was established. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing assay, and flow cytometry were utilized to detect biological roles of LINC01126. Binding site of miR-655-3p to LINC01126 and IL-6 was predicted. Then, subcellular localization of LINC01126 and the binding ability of miR-655-3p to LINC01126 and IL-6 in HGFs were verified. Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were utilized to detect tissue morphology and proteins expression of clinical samples. RESULTS: LINC01126 silencing can alleviate cell inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis, reduce cell apoptosis, and promote cell migration. As a "sponge" for miR-655-3p, LINC01126 inhibits its binding to mRNA of IL-6, thereby promoting inflammation progression and JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western Blot, and IHC results of clinical tissue samples further confirmed that miR-655-3p expression was down-regulated and IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 was abnormally activated in periodontitis tissues. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, serving as an endogenous competitive RNA of miR-655-3p, LINC01126 promotes IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation, thereby promoting periodontitis pathogenesis.

Co-production of fermentable sugars and highly active lignin from eucalyptus via a mild preprocessing with diethylene glycol and chromic chloride.

Eucalyptus was pretreated with diethylene glycol catalyzed by 0.02 mol/L CrCl3 for 10 min, resulting in 91 % delignification and 98 % cellulose recovery, with trace fermentation inhibitors generated. After the mild pretreatment, the accessibility and affinity of cellulase to eucalyptus was enhanced, especially since enzyme adsorption rate increased by 1.6-fold. Therefore, glucose yield of pretreated eucalyptus was 7.9-fold higher than that of untreated eucalyptus after hydrolyzed 48 h, in which the maximum glucose concentration reached 62 g/L from eucalyptus by adding Tween 80. According to the characterization analysis, the structure of the eucalyptus lignin-carbohydrate complexes structure was destroyed during the pretreatment, while lignin fragments was likely reacted with diethylene glycol to form the stabilized aromatic ethers. Moreover, the extracted Deg-lignin exhibited better performances than commercial alkali lignin such as higher fluorescence intensity, less negative surface charge, and lower particle size. The mild pretreatment method with diethylene glycol and CrCl3 provided a promising approach for co-production of fermentable sugars and high activity lignin from lignocellulosic biomass.

High-Entropy Alloy Activating Laves-Phase Network for Multi-Component Metallic Coatings with High Hardness.

The low hardness and poor wear resistance of laser-cladding 316L stainless steel impose significant constraints on its practical applications. In this study, a strategy for strengthening laser-cladding 316L stainless steel with WMoTaNb refractory high-entropy alloy as a reinforcement material is proposed. The results confirm that the coating primarily comprises a body-centered cubic (BCC) Fe-based solid solution, a network-distributed hexagonal Fe2X (X = W, Mo, Ta, and Nb) Laves phase, and a diffusely distributed face-centered cubic (FCC) (Ta, Nb)C phase. The Fe-based solid solution distributes along columnar and fine dendrites, while the Laves phase and (Ta, Nb)C phase are in the inter-dendrites. The presence of a significant number of network Laves phases exhibiting high strength and hardness is the primary factor contributing to the enhancement of coating microhardness. The hardness of the composite coating is increased by nearly twice compared to that of the 316L coating, resulting in an improved wear resistance. The present work can shed light on designing and fabricating 316L stainless steel coating with enhanced hardness and wear resistance.

Single-cell insights into mouse testicular toxicity under peripubertal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

Male fertility depends on normal pubertal development. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a potent antiandrogen chemical, and exposure to DEHP during peripuberty can damage the developing male reproductive system, especially the testis. However, the specific cellular targets and differentiation processes affected by DEHP, which lead to testicular toxicity, remain poorly defined. Herein, we presented the first single-cell transcriptomic profile of the pubertal mouse testis following DEHP exposure. To carry out the experiment, 2 groups (n = 8 each) of 3-week-old male mice were orally administered 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt or 100 mg/kg body weight DEHP daily from postnatal day 21-48, respectively. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, a total of 31 distinct cell populations were identified, notably, Sertoli and Leydig cells emerged as important targets of DEHP. DEHP exposure significantly decreased the proportions of Sertoli cell clusters expressing mature Sertoli markers (Sox9 and Ar), and selectively reduced the expression of testosterone synthesis genes in fetal Leydig cells. Through cell-cell interaction analyses, we observed changed numbers of interactions in Sertoli cells 1 (SCs1), Leydig cells 1 (LCs1), and interstitial macrophages, and we also identified cell-specific ligand gene expressions in these clusters, such as Inha, Fyn, Vcam1, and Apoe. Complementary in vitro assays confirmed that DEHP directly reduced the expression of genes related to Sertoli cell adhesion and intercellular communication. In conclusion, peripubertal DEHP exposure reduced the number of mature Sertoli cells and may disrupt testicular steroidogenesis by affecting the testosterone synthesis genes in fetal Leydig cells rather than adult Leydig cells.

Association between anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations and sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) is commonly performed to retrieve sperm in the testes for assisted reproductive techniques in patients with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia (iNOA). However, the success rate of sperm retrieval varies among individuals. We aim to investigate the association between clinical parameters and sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with iNOA. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science from database inception to August 2, 2023. The main measure was whether sperm retrieval was successful in patients with iNOA who underwent mTESE. Pooled estimates of the sperm retrieval rate and weighted mean differences were calculated using random-effects models. The overall sperm retrieval rate was 36.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.5%-46.0%, I2 = 95.0%) in nine studies comprising 1892 patients with iNOA. No significant differences were found in age, testicular volume, serum total testosterone concentrations, or inhibin B concentrations between positive and negative sperm retrieval outcomes. Lower anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in patients with iNOA were associated with a positive outcome of mTESE (weighted mean differences: -2.70; 95% CI: -3.94--1.46, I2 = 79.0%). In conclusion, this study shows a significant relationship between anti-Müllerian hormone and sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with iNOA, while age, testicular volume, total testosterone, and inhibin B show no significant association. These findings have important implications for assessing the potential success of sperm retrieval and selecting appropriate treatment strategies in patients with iNOA.

Acute Effects of Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Its Constituents on Sex Hormone Among Postmenopausal Women - Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei PLADs, China, 2018-2019.

What is already known on this topic?: Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was linked to endocrine hormone disruption in the reproductive system. Nonetheless, it was unclear which specific components of PM2.5 were primarily responsible for these associations. What is added by this report?: The study presented the initial epidemiological evidence that brief exposure to PM2.5 can elevate estradiol levels in postmenopausal women. Various particle components had unique effects, with water-soluble ions and specific inorganic elements like Ag, As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn, and Tl potentially playing significant roles in increasing estradiol levels. What are the implications for public health practice?: The study established that the prevalence of air pollution, along with its specific components, has been recognized as a novel risk factor affecting the balance of sex hormones.