Enhancing quality of ruminant feed through fungal treatment: Usage of bamboo shoot residues.

In this investigation, we explore the harnessing of bamboo shoot residues (BSR) as a viable source for ruminant feed through fungal treatment, with the overarching objective of elevating feed quality and optimizing bamboo shoot utilization. The white-rot fungi (Wr.fungi), Aspergillus niger (A.niger), and its co-cultures (A.niger&Wr.fungi) were employed to ferment BSR. And the impact of different fermentation methods and culture time on the chemical composition (Crude protein Ash, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibers), enzyme activity (Cellulase, Laccase, Filter paperase and Lignin peroxidase activities), and rumen digestibility in vitro were assessed. The findings reveal a nota ble 30.39% increase in crude protein in fermented BSR, accompanied by respective decreases of 13.02% and 17.31% in acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fibre content. Enzyme activities experienced augmentation post-fermentation with A.niger&Wr.fungi. Specifically, the peak Cellulase, Laccase, and Lignin peroxidase activities for BSR with Wr.fungi treatment reached 748.4 U/g, 156.92 U/g, and 291.61 U/g, respectively, on the sixth day of fermentation. Concurrently, NH3-N concentration exhibited an upward trend with prolonged fermentation time. Total volatile fatty acids registered a decline, and the Acetate/Propionate ratio reached its nadir after 6 days of fermentation under the A.niger&Wr.fungi treatment. These outcomes furnish a theoretical foundation for the development of ruminant feeds treated via fungal co-culture.

Assessing Contributions of Synthetic Musk Compounds from Wastewater Treatment Plants to Atmospheric and Aquatic Environments.

The high environmental concentrations, persistence, and toxicity of synthetic musk compounds (SMCs) necessitate a better grasp of their fate in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To investigate the importance of WWTPs as pathways of SMCs to the environment, air and wastewater samples were collected at four WWTPs in Ontario, Canada. Polycyclic musks (PCMs) were present at higher concentrations than nitro musks (NMs) and macrocyclic musks (MCMs). Three PCMs [galaxolide (HHCB), tonalide (AHTN), and iso-E super (OTNE)] were the most abundant compounds (0.30-680 ng/m3 in air, 0.40-15 µg/L in influent, and 0.007-6.0 µg/L in effluent). Analyses of multiyear data suggest that risk management measures put in place have been effective in reducing the release of many SMCs into the environment. The highest removal efficiency, up to almost 100% of some SMCs, was observed for the plant with the longest solid retention time. A fugacity-based model was established to simulate the transport and fate of SMCs in the WWTP, and good agreement was obtained between the measured and modeled values. These findings indicate that the levels of certain SMCs discharged into the atmospheric and aquatic environments were substantial, potentially resulting in exposure to both humans and wildlife.

Non cancer causes of death after gallbladder cancer diagnosis: a population-based analysis.

Mortality from non cancer causes in patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC) still unclear. This study evaluated the causes and risk factors of non cancer death during different follow-up periods after GBC diagnosis. Non cancer causes of death for GBC patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2017 in Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database were analyzed and standardized mortality rates (SMR) for each non cancer death were calculated. Predictors for non cancer death were identified through multivariate competing risk analysis. A total 11,927 GBC patients were identified for further analysis, 9393 died during follow up. The largest proportion of non cancer deaths occurred > 3 years after diagnosis (39.4%). Most common non cancer cause were cardiovascular disease (43.3%), followed by other cause of death (34.4%) and infectious diseases (8.6%). Compared with US general population, GBC patients has higher risk of death from disease of heart (SMR, 1.58; 95%CI, 1.41-1.75), septicemia (SMR,3.21; 95%CI, 2.27-4.40), diabetes mellitus (SMR,1.97; 95%CI, 1.43-2.63), alone with other causes. Non cancer causes accounted for a significant proportion of deaths during the follow-up period after GBC diagnosis. The risk of non cancer death is higher in GBC patients than in the general population. Our study provides comprehensive assessment of death from non cancer cause in GBC patients, which has important implications for health management in GBC patients.

2L polyethylene glycol combined with castor oil versus 4L polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation before colonoscopy among inpatients.

Inpatients are more likely to have inadequate bowel preparation compared to outpatients. Although experts recommend 4L split polyethylene glycol (PEG) preparation, bowel preparation with castor oil (CaO) was recently found to reduce the volume of solution required. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cleansing effect and safety of 2L-PEG with Cao in bowel preparation among inpatients. Our study retrospectively analyzed the medical records and colonoscopy reports of inpatients (n = 1251) who underwent colonoscopy in the Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, and the inpatients were divided into 2L-PEG-CaO and 4L-PEG group according to different bowel preparation protocols. Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) is used to assess bowel preparation efficacy before colonoscopy. Furthermore, we also calculated other outcomes, such as polyp or adenoma detection rates and adverse events. A total of 1251 patients undergoing colonoscopy were included in this study, 738 were taken 4L-PEG and 513 2L-PEG-CaO. Both inpatients groups were matched for baseline characteristics. The 2L-PEG-CaO group was significantly higher than the 4L-PEG group on both BBPS (7.26 ± 1.75 vs 7.06 ± 1.58, P = .043) and adequate bowel cleansing rates (83.2% vs 77.4%, P = .011). Regarding adverse events, the 4L-PEG group was significantly higher than the 2L-PEG-CaO group on the incidence of abdominal fullness (6.4% vs 9.6%, P = .045) and adverse events (33.7% vs 28.5%, P = .048). The 2L split PEG with CaO preparation increased quality of bowel cleansing and improved tolerance in inpatients. Bowel preparation with 2L-PEG-CaO is suitable alternative to traditional 4L split PEG bowel preparation for colonoscopy of inpatients.

Non-beany flavor soymilk fermented by lactic acid bacteria: Characterization, stability, antioxidant capacity and in vitro digestion.

LAB fermentation could reduce the beany flavor, the sensitization of soymilk and improve the digestibility of soymilk, easy to be accepted by consumers. This study evaluated the characterization, stability, in vitro digestion and antioxidant capacity of soymilk fermented by different Lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The results showed that fat content of L.plantarum-S (0.77 g/100 mL) was the lowest, which proved that L.plantarum had a significant effect on lipid degradation, the protein content of L.delbrueckii-S (23.01 mg/mL) was higher. L.delbrueckii-S and L.paracasei-S were more acceptable to people, as well as high overall ratings. L.paracasei fermented soymilk has better suspension stability and smaller particle size. The fermented soymilk showed higher free amino acids (FAA) content, peptide content and stronger antioxidant activity than soymilk after digestion. The soymilk fermented by L. plantarum contained higher FAA content and L.delbrueckii contained the highest peptide content compared with other strains. L.acidophilus-S and L.rhamnosus-S showed stronger DPPH scavenging rate and FARP, which were 57.03 % and 52.78 % stronger than unfermented soymilk, respectively. These results may be provided a theoretical basis for the strain screening of fermented soymilk.

The success rate of cannulation of needle-knife precut is superior to continuing wire-guided after difficult biliary cannulation with pancreatic stent placement.

BACKGROUND: Difficult biliary cannulation and unintended pancreatic cannulation exist in biliary interventions during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Wire-guided cannulation over a pancreatic stent (PS-WGC) and needle-knife precut over a pancreatic stent (PS-NKP) may facilitate biliary cannulation. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of PS-NKP and PS-WGC following guidewire passage into the pancreatic duct. METHODS: A total of 304 patients who inserted a pancreatic stent and continued cannulation using wire-guided (PS-WGC) or needle-knife precut (PS-NKP) from October 2018 to November 2021 in three centers were ultimately enrolled in this study. The success rate of cannulation and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Results of the success rate of cannulation in the PS-NKP (n = 98) group were significantly higher compared with the PS-WGC (n = 206) group (96.9% vs. 89.8%; P < 0.05). The overall adverse events were 10.2% (31/304), and PS-NKP had lower (PEP) rates compared with the PS-WGC (3.1% vs. 10.7%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The PS-NKP group is superior to the PS-WGC group in terms of the effectiveness and safety of continued cannulation. Using needle-knife precut, especially early use, over the pancreatic stent to continue cannulation reduced PEP compared with PS-WGC.

Seasonal variations of airborne phthalates and novel non-phthalate plasticizers in a test residence in cold regions: Effects of temperature, humidity, total suspended particulate matter, and sources.

As a class of plasticizers widely used in consumer products, some phthalate esters (PAEs) have been restricted due to their adverse health effects and ubiquitous presence, leading to the introduction of alternative non-phthalates plasticizers (NPPs) to the market. However, few studies focus on the influence of environmental parameters on the presence of these plasticizers and the potential human health risks for people living in poorly ventilated indoor spaces in cold regions. We investigated the trends of PAEs and NPPs in air in a typical indoor residence in northern China for over one year. The air concentrations of PAEs were significantly higher than those of NPPs (p < 0.05), indicating that PAEs are still the dominant plasticizers currently being used in the studied residence. PAEs showed seasonal fluctuation patterns of the highest levels found in summer and autumn. The temperature and relative humidity dependence for most PAEs and NPPs decreased with decreasing vapor pressure. Concentrations of the high molecular weight NPPs and PAEs positively correlated with total suspended particles (TSP). It is worth noting that the peak concentrations of PAEs and NPPs were found when the haze occurred in autumn. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested the diverse applications of PAEs and NPPs in the indoor environment. The hazard index (HI) values observed in this study were all below international guidelines (<1); however, the average carcinogenic risk (CR) values for some compounds exceeded acceptable levels (One in a million), which raised concerns about the possibility of carcinogenicity for people living indoors for long periods of time in cold regions.

Analysis of hope level and its influencing factors in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine hope level and its influencing factors in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. METHODS: We selected 93 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis from a Chinese university hospital based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A general information questionnaire and Herth Hope Index were used, and multiple linear regression identified factors associated with the patients' hope level. RESULTS: The participants' average hope level was 32.01 ± 6.14 (moderate). The hope score's highest and lowest dimensions were "interconnectedness" (11.29 ± 2.17) and "temporality and future" (10.12 ± 2.28), respectively. Multiple linear regression showed that education level and monthly per capita income were independent influencing factors (p < .05). These variables explained 38.3% of the variation in hope. CONCLUSION: The participants' hope level was not optimal. Thus, medical staff should pay special attention to patients with low education level and poor economic status, and guide them to adopt a positive attitude.

Accumulations and equilibrium conditions of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in the indoor window film and the estimation of concentrations in air.

The study of the fate of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in the interior environment is vital because of the growing use of OPEs. Organic films on glass are both sink and sources of indoor pollutants. Indoor window films have been employed as passive air samplers to collect OPEs in the indoor air. Nevertheless, little is known about the development and equilibrium condition of OPEs on indoor window films during the film formation process. In this study, the concentrations of twelve OPEs in indoor window films from different buildings on a university campus and the growth thickness of the films as a function of sampling time were investigated in different seasons. Ten out of the 12 OPEs were detected in window film with >50 % frequency. Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), which are chlorinated and toxic OPEs, were the dominant OPEs found in the winter. The majority of OPEs in window films exhibited linear growth patterns within 77 days. Temperature, humidity, ventilation, and seasonality all affected the concentrations of various OPEs in the window films. Low molecular weight OPEs, such as tri-n-butyl phosphate and TCEP, attained equilibrium between indoor air and window films within 49 or 77 days. The indoor air concentrations of OPEs were estimated from their film concentrations based on the theoretical approach for the passive air sampler. In winter, the predicted gas-phase air concentrations of OPEs (3.7 ng/m3 for TECP) were significantly lower than or comparable to summer (11 ng/m3, p < 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to combine uncertainty and sensitivity analysis to understand the behaviors of OPEs in indoor film and air.

Establishing a rabbit model of perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disease. The aetiology and pathogenesis of CD are still unclear. Anal fistula is the main complication of CD and is a difficult problem to solve at present. The main limitation of developing new therapies is bound up with the short of preclinical security and effectiveness data. Therefore, an ideal animal model is needed to establish persistent anal fistula and an inflamed rectal mucosa. AIM: To improve the induction method of colitis and establish a reliable and reproducible perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease animal model to evaluate new treatment strategies. METHODS: Twenty male New Zealand rabbits underwent rectal enema with different doses of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid to induce proctitis. Group A was treated with an improved equal interval small dose increasing method. The dosage of group B was constant. Seven days later, the rabbits underwent surgical creation of a transsphincteric fistula. Then, three rabbits were randomly selected from each group every 7 d to remove the seton from the fistula. The rabbits were examined by endoscopy every 7 days, and biopsy forceps were used to obtain tissue samples from the obvious colon lesions for histological analysis. The disease activity index (DAI), colonoscopy and histological scores were recorded. Perianal endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was used to evaluate the healing of fistulas. RESULTS: Except for the DAI score, the colonoscopy and histological scores in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (P < 0.05). In the ideal model rabbit group, on the 7th day after the removal of the seton, all animals had persistent lumens on EUS imaging, showing continuous full-thickness high signals. Histological inspection of the fistula showed acute and chronic inflammation, fibrosis, epithelialization and peripheral proctitis of the adjoining rectum. CONCLUSION: The improved method of CD colitis induction successfully established a rabbit perianal fistula CD preclinical model, which was confirmed by endoscopy and pathology.

Uncovering global-scale risks from commercial chemicals in air.

Commercial chemicals are used extensively across urban centres worldwide1, posing a potential exposure risk to 4.2 billion people2. Harmful chemicals are often assessed on the basis of their environmental persistence, accumulation in biological organisms and toxic properties, under international and national initiatives such as the Stockholm Convention3. However, existing regulatory frameworks rely largely upon knowledge of the properties of the parent chemicals, with minimal consideration given to the products of their transformation in the atmosphere. This is mainly due to a dearth of experimental data, as identifying transformation products in complex mixtures of airborne chemicals is an immense analytical challenge4. Here we develop a new framework-combining laboratory and field experiments, advanced techniques for screening suspect chemicals, and in silico modelling-to assess the risks of airborne chemicals, while accounting for atmospheric chemical reactions. By applying this framework to organophosphate flame retardants, as representative chemicals of emerging concern5, we find that their transformation products are globally distributed across 18 megacities, representing a previously unrecognized exposure risk for the world's urban populations. More importantly, individual transformation products can be more toxic and up to an order-of-magnitude more persistent than the parent chemicals, such that the overall risks associated with the mixture of transformation products are also higher than those of the parent flame retardants. Together our results highlight the need to consider atmospheric transformations when assessing the risks of commercial chemicals.

Fishing line assisted endoscopic placement of multiple plastic biliary stents for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Stent migration is one of the most common complications during the placement of multiple plastic biliary stents (MPBS) under endoscopy. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of the fishing line assisted (FLA) method for preventing the complication. METHODS: Patients with unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) who undergone endoscopic placement of MPBS using the FLA or conventional method from May 2018 to April 2021 in our center were enrolled in the study. The endpoints of this study were the stent migration rate, technical success rates, adverse events rates, times of stent migration, and the procedure time. RESULTS: FLA group (N = 19) and conventional group (N = 22) had similar baseline characteristics of the patients. The technical success rates (100% vs. 95.5%; P > 0.05), ERCP-related adverse events rates (5.3% vs. 4.5%; P > 0.05), and the stent-related adverse events rates (0% vs. 4.5%; P > 0.05) were no significant differences between the FLA and conventional groups. MPBS inserted using the conventional method consumed more time (median, 33.9 min vs. 15.6 min; P < 0.05) method and increased the times of stent migration (median, 3 times vs. 0 times; P < 0.05) than using the FLA method. Even if no statistical difference was detected in the stent migration rate between groups, this rate was lower in the FLA group than the conventional group (0% vs. 13.6%; P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FLA method is an effective technique for MPBS implantation to prevent stent migration during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP). The method should be applied to patients with unresectable MHBO who need to place MPBS.

Differences in the physicochemical, digestion and microstructural characteristics of soy protein gel acidified with lactic acid bacteria, glucono-δ-lactone and organic acid.

This study evaluated the differences in the physicochemical, digestion and microstructure of soy protein gels acidified with Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) and citric acid. The maximum acidification rate was as follows: citric acid > GDL > L. casei. The gelation points of L. casei-induced gel (LC gel) and GDL-induced gel (GDL gel) occurred at 74 min and 55 min; however, gelation point of citric acid-induced gel (CA gel) was not detected because acidification was too fast. LC gel showed the high gel hardness (20.40 ± 2.23 g) and water holding capacity (84.58 ± 0.59%). At the end of intestinal digestion, the average particle size of the LC gel was the largest, but there was no significant difference between GDL gel and CA gel. The microstructure of the GDL gel was found to be the densest. Acidification rate was the "key step" of acid-induced gels, while both the proteolytic and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production capacity were involved in LC gel.

Tissue sampling for biliary strictures using novel elbow biopsy forceps.

We aim to evaluate the safety and feasibility of novel elbow biopsy forceps with a prebent head for sampling biliary strictures in our institution. A total of 24 patients (15 males and 9 females) with biliary stricture who underwent biliary biopsy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using novel elbow biopsy forceps from June 2019 to August 2020 were retrospectively included. The novel biopsy forceps had a head angulation of 30 degrees and were able to cannulate the bile duct and approach the biliary strictures easily to obtain adequate samples. The technical success rate, incidence of adverse events, and consistency of pathological and surgical specimens were assessed. This device was used successfully in all patients. A total of 52 biopsy specimens were obtained from 24 patients, and all specimens could be used for histopathological examination. Seventeen patients were diagnosed with malignancy based on biopsies, and all of them underwent surgical treatment. The histopathological findings of the biopsy specimens were in accordance with the postoperative pathology diagnoses. One of the seven patients was diagnosed with a benign lesion that was proven to be malignant during surgical treatment in the follow-up period. Two patients experienced a single episode of acute pancreatitis and recovered shortly after appropriate treatment. No patients experienced biliary perforation or biliary bleeding. Biopsy using novel elbow forceps in patients with biliary stenosis is feasible and safe. The novel device and related biopsy technique may be widely applied for biliary disease differentiation.

Occurrence and partitioning of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in indoor air and dust: a 15-month case study in a test home.

Ten polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 16 novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) were measured in air and dust samples collected in a test home in Harbin, China, from January 2017 to June 2018. The PBDE and NBFR concentrations in indoor air were in the ranges of 0.598-14.5 pg m-3 and 9.28-686 pg m-3, respectively. The ranges of the PBDE and NBFR concentrations in indoor dust were 221-1060 ng g-1 and 71.9-1160 ng g-1, respectively. Brominated flame retardant (BFR) concentrations in indoor air were affected by the temperature, relative humidity (RH), and ventilation. The BFR concentrations in indoor dust did not show temperature dependence. All dust samples were sieved into 6 size fractions (F1-F6: 1000-2000 µm, 500-1000 µm, 250-500 µm, 125-250 µm, 63-125 µm, and < 63 µm). The mass percentage of BFRs in F6 was the highest. The BFR concentrations did not increase constantly with a particle size decrease, and the concentrations in F2 were higher than those in F3. The partitioning behavior of BFRs illustrates that the dust-air partitioning coefficient approximately approached equilibrium within F5, F6, and the total dust fraction (FA) in the test home when logKOA was between 9.1 and 11.32. Air-dust fugacity fractions were calculated, and the results suggested that most of the BFRs were mainly transferred from air to dust in the indoor environment for F1-F6.

Seasonal variation and influence factors of organophosphate esters in air particulate matter of a northeastern Chinese test home.

To investigate the seasonal variation of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in air particulate matter (PM) and the corresponding influence factors in indoor environment, 104 indoor PM samples were collected in a test home, Harbin, China, from March 2017 to March 2018. The Σ12OPEs concentrations ranged from 0.41 ng/m3 to 940 ng/m3. Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) was the most abundant OPE and accounted for 83.2% of the total OPEs. The Σ12OPEs concentrations in spring and summer were higher than those in autumn and winter. Outdoor total suspended particles (TSP) were the main factor that affected the concentration variation of OPEs in PM samples in the test home. Comparisons of the gas/particle (G/P) partitioning equilibrium models indicated that the Dachs-Eisenreich (D-E) model estimates were more reliable than the other models in this study. The particle fractions of OPEs with log KOA > 10.51 that predicted by all four models generally well matched the measured OPE particle fractions in the literatures. To OPEs with lower molecular weight, inhalation was the main exposure route and ingestion contributed mostly to OPEs with higher molecular weight. In addition, the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) and carcinogenic risks (CRs) posed by OPEs were all below the recommended values, indicating that the current OPE levels in the test home were within the safe thresholds.

Organophosphate flame retardants in college dormitory dust of northern Chinese cities: Occurrence, human exposure and risk assessment.

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are widely added to consumer products and building materials, which may pose potential health risk to humans. But information on their contamination and human exposure in the indoor environment especially dormitories in northern China is rare. In this study, twelve OPFRs were investigated in college dormitory dust that collected from Harbin, Shenyang, and Baoding, in northern China. Indoor dust samples were also collected from homes and public microenvironments (PMEs) in Harbin for comparison. The median ∑OPFR concentrations in dormitory dust in Shenyang samples (8690 ng/g) were higher than those in Baoding (6540 ng/g) and Harbin (6190 ng/g). The median ∑OPFR concentrations in home dust (7150 ng/g) were higher than in dormitory and PME dust (5340 ng/g) in Harbin. Tris(2­chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) were the most abundant chlorinated OPFRs, while triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) and tris(2­butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) were the dominant non-chlorinated OPFRs. The daily intakes of ∑OPFR were estimated, with the median values for female students (2.45 ng/kg-day) higher than those for male students (2.15 ng/kg-day) while were similar to adults (2.45 ng/kg-day) in homes. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) of these OPFRs from indoor dust in Harbin were all below the recommended values. The calculated non-carcinogenic hazard quotients (10-8-10-3) from OPFRs were much lower than the theoretical risk threshold. Meanwhile, carcinogenic risk (CR) of tri­n­butyl phosphate (TNBP), TCEP, tris(2­ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP), and tris(1,3­dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) were also estimated. The highest carcinogenic risk of TCEP for gender-specific and age-specific category range from 1.75 × 10-7 to 2.46 × 10-7 from exposure to indoor dust indicated a low potential carcinogenic risk for human exposure.

Assessment of human indoor exposure to PAHs during the heating and non-heating season: Role of window films as passive air samplers.

The study of indoor organic film on planar surfaces has been shown to be important to assess the transport and fate of organic pollutants in indoor environments. Limited research showed the relationship between equilibrium status of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the growth days for indoor window films. To accomplish this goal, indoor window film samples were collected in relation to film growth days in Northeast China. PAHs were frequently detected in window films collected during heating season (H-season), with concentrations significantly higher than that of non-heating season (NH-season). Accumulation characteristics of PAH suggested that PAH concentrations (ng/m2 film) were growing near-linearly with time. Partitioning status for PAHs between gas and window films under different accumulation stage from 1 to 11 weeks was investigated during the two seasons. The equilibrium status of PAHs in the films suggested that the octanol-air partition coefficient (logKOA) of the targeted PAHs should be approximately <12 in order to reached the equilibrium stage within 11 weeks of growth. For all the growth days, the proportion of samples that reached equilibrium status for PAHs in the indoor window film samples were further calculated. The total air concentration of the target PAHs were predicted, giving median values of 900 and 240 ng/m3 in H-season and NH-season, respectively. Human health risk posed by PAHs was calculated in this research showing greater risks found for H-season than NH-season. The estimated incremental lifetime cancer risks were considered as safe with values lower than the WHO recommended guideline.

Protective effect of Letinous edodes foot peptides against ethanol­induced liver injury in L02 cells.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect and mechanism of Letinous edodes foot peptides on ethanol­induced L02 cells. A cell model of ethanol­induced damage was established in vitro to study the effects of the Letinous edodes foot peptides on human L02 hepatocytes. The expression and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), following treatment were examined to determine the anti­alcoholism and hepatoprotective functions of Letinous edodes foot peptides. Taking Letinous edodes foot peptides prior to ethanol exposure was more beneficial, which significantly increased SOD activity and the mRNA expression of ADH and ALDH suppressed by ethanol. In addition, the intracellular MDA content, and AST and ALT activity decreased in ethanol­induced L02 cells pretreated with the peptides, when compared with the control. Furthermore, Letinous edodes foot peptides inhibited the ethanol­induced activation of the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin­6 and tumor necrosis factor­α, and promoted the metabolic regulation factors, AMP­activated protein kinase­α2 and peroxisome proliferator­activated receptor­α.

Occurrence and source apportionment of atmospheric halogenated flame retardants in Lhasa City in the Tibetan Plateau, China.

Active air samples were collected in Lhasa, one of the highest cities in the world (3650m above sea level) located in the Tibetan Plateau, and were analyzed for 38 halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), non-PBDE brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and dechlorane plus (DPs). The median concentrations of PBDEs, NBFRs and DPs were 40, 23 and 0.21pg/m3, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated the common source and/or similar environmental behavior for several HFRs. The Clausius-Clapeyron equation was applied to diagnose the sources of lower molecular weight HFRs (LMW-HFRs), which suggested that the gaseous LMW-HFRs at Lhasa were more controlled by regional or long-range atmospheric transport rather than the temperature-driven evaporation from local contaminated surfaces. Finally, the potential source contribution function model was applied to assess the influences of air parcels on the atmospheric concentrations of HFRs in Lhasa, which suggested that the sources of higher molecular weight HFRs (HMW-HFRs) were mostly originated from local emissions, while the others were originated from long-range atmospheric transport.