Divergent Evolutionary Rates of Primate Brain Regions as Revealed by Genomics and Transcriptomics.

Although the primate brain contains numerous functionally distinct structures that have experienced diverse genetic changes during the course of evolution and development, these changes remain to be explored in detail. Here we utilize two classic metrics from evolutionary biology, the evolutionary rate index (ERI) and the transcriptome age index (TAI), to investigate the evolutionary alterations that have occurred in each area and developmental stage of the primate brain. We observed a higher evolutionary rate for those genes expressed in the non-cortical areas during primate evolution, particularly in human, with the highest rate of evolution being exhibited at brain developmental stages between late infancy and early childhood. Further, the transcriptome age of the non-cortical areas was lower than that of the cerebral cortex, with the youngest age apparent at brain developmental stages between late infancy and early childhood. Our exploration of the evolutionary patterns manifest in each brain area and developmental stage provides important reference points for further research into primate brain evolution.

Radiomics and dosiomics for predicting radiation-induced hypothyroidism and guiding intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

To guide individualized intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), we developed and prospectively validated a multiview radiomics risk model for predicting radiation-induced hypothyroidism in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. And simulated radiotherapy plans with same dose-volume-histogram (DVH) but different dose distributions were redesigned to explore the clinical application of the multiview radiomics risk model. The radiomics and dosiomics were built based on selected radiomics and dosiomics features from planning computed tomography and dose distribution, respectively. The multiview radiomics risk model that integrated radiomics, dosiomics, DVH parameters, and clinical factors had better performance than traditional normal tissue complication probability models. And multiview radiomics risk model could identify differences of patient hypothyroidism-free survival that cannot be stratified by traditional models. Besides, two redesigned simulated plans further verified the clinical application and advantage of the multiview radiomics risk model. The multiview radiomics risk model was a promising method to predict radiation-induced hypothyroidism and guide individualized IMRT.

Tanshinol alleviates ischemia-induced myocardial fibrosis via targeting ERK2 and disturbing the intermolecular autophosphorylation of ERK2Thr188.

Myocardial fibrosis is the fundamental remodeling process in myocardial ischemia (MI) and also the major contributor of heart failure and death. Tanshinol (Danshensu in Chinese, DSS), a major ingredient of salvia mitiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae) root, exerted significant cardio protection effects. In this study, we aimed to identify the action target and then uncover the mechanism of DSS alleviating myocardial fibrosis. The pharmacological activities of DSS protecting ischemic cardiac was assessed and the myocardial proteomics was carried out. To identify the target of DSS, a cellular thermal shift assay combined with LC-MS identification was conducted. Surface plasmon resonance assay, molecular dynamics simulation and pharmacological and molecular biology approaches were adopted to explore the action mechanisms of DSS. Our results revealed that DSS effectively alleviated MI-induced left ventricle dysfunctions and the increasements of circulating myocardial markers. Besides, DSS significantly reversed the proteomic profile related to myocardial fibrotic processes and the ERK2 was identified as a crucial cellular target of DSS. DSS abated the temperature-dependent denaturation of ERK2 in a dose-dependent manner and the KD value of DSS and ERK2 was 60.19 µM. After Ang II stimulation, DSS suppressed the phosphorylation of Thr188 rather than the classic residues in TEY motif. DSS interfered the ERK2 homo-dimerization and then blocked the intermolecular autophosphorylation at Thr188 site. Thereout, DSS inhibited the nuclear translocation of ERK2 and the expression of downstream fibrotic biomolecules. Collectively, our results demonstrated that DSS targeted ERK2 and suppressed the intermolecular autophosphorylation at Thr188 residue, thus protecting ischemic myocardia from fibrosis remodeling.

Particle transfer mediates dermal exposure of consumers to plasticizers in eraser and pen accessories.

Dermal exposure to chemicals released from daily consumer products is a rising concern, particularly for children who are susceptible to unintentional hand-to-mouth transfer and related chemical exposure risk. However, chemical transfer induced by tiny particles of intact products has yet to be adequately addressed. The objective of the present study was to determine the potentiality of particles release from intact erasers and pen grips upon dermal contact by measuring the migration rates of the embedded plasticizers (phthalates and its alternatives). The results showed that billions of particles were released from erasers (0.6-1.2 × 109) and pen grips (0.2-1.6 × 108) upon dermal contact at ambient temperature, with sizes mainly smaller than 1 µm. The composition of eraser leachates was identical to that of the corresponding bulk eraser, as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis. Migrated hydrophobic plasticizers may be used as indicators of particle release from erasers and pen grips. The potentiality of particle release was negatively correlated with the total plasticizer contents (r = -0.51; p < 0.05) for both erasers and pen grips. These findings indicated that particles directly released from school supplies and accessories could be a non-negligible source of human exposure to plasticizers.

Integrative Omics Reveals Rapidly Evolving Regulatory Sequences Driving Primate Brain Evolution.

Although the continual expansion of the brain during primate evolution accounts for our enhanced cognitive capabilities, the drivers of brain evolution have scarcely been explored in these ancestral nodes. Here, we performed large-scale comparative genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic analyses to investigate the evolutionary alterations acquired by brain genes and provide comprehensive listings of innovatory genetic elements along the evolutionary path from ancestral primates to human. The regulatory sequences associated with brain-expressed genes experienced rapid change, particularly in the ancestor of the Simiiformes. Extensive comparisons of single-cell and bulk transcriptomic data between primate and nonprimate brains revealed that these regulatory sequences may drive the high expression of certain genes in primate brains. Employing in utero electroporation into mouse embryonic cortex, we show that the primate-specific brain-biased gene BMP7 was recruited, probably in the ancestor of the Simiiformes, to regulate neuronal proliferation in the primate ventricular zone. Our study provides a comprehensive listing of genes and regulatory changes along the brain evolution lineage of ancestral primates leading to human. These data should be invaluable for future functional studies that will deepen our understanding not only of the genetic basis of human brain evolution but also of inherited disease.

Concurrent chemotherapy using taxane plus cisplatin versus cisplatin alone in high-risk nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with suboptimal response to induction chemotherapy.

Background: Detectable Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA levels and unsatisfactory tumor response to induction chemotherapy (IC) could be used to guide the risk-adapted treatment strategy of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC) before concurrent chemoradiotherapy. We aim to compare the efficacy and safety of concurrent chemotherapy using taxane plus cisplatin [double-agent concurrent chemotherapy (DACC) group] with those of cisplatin alone [single-agent concurrent chemotherapy (SACC) group] in high-risk LANPC. Methods: Overall, 197 LANPC patients with detectable EBV DNA or stable disease (SD) after IC were retrospectively included. Potential confounders between the DACC and SACC groups were adjusted by propensity score matching. Short-term efficacy and long-term survival were assessed in the two groups. Results: Although the objective response rate of the DACC group was marginally higher than that of the SACC group, the difference was not significant (92.7% versus 85.3%, p = 0.38). Concerning long-term survival, DACC did not show superiority to SACC after patient matching: 3-year progression-free survival: 87.8% versus 81.7%, p = 0.80; overall survival: 97.6% versus 97.3%, p = 0.48; distant metastasis-free survival: 87.8% versus 90.5%, p = 0.64, and; locoregional relapse-free survival: 92.3% versus 86.9%, p = 0.77. The incidence of grade 1-4 hematological toxicities was significantly higher in the DACC group. Conclusion: Due to the small sample size, we do not have sufficient evidence that concurrent chemotherapy using taxane plus cisplatin provides additional survival benefits in LANPC patients with an unfavorable response (detectable EBV DNA levels or SD) after IC. But concurrent taxane and cisplatin chemotherapy is associated with a higher rate of hematologic adverse events. Further clinical trials will be required to establish evidence and identify more effective treatment modalities for high-risk LANPC patients.

Phylogenomic analyses provide insights into primate evolution.

Comparative analysis of primate genomes within a phylogenetic context is essential for understanding the evolution of human genetic architecture and primate diversity. We present such a study of 50 primate species spanning 38 genera and 14 families, including 27 genomes first reported here, with many from previously less well represented groups, the New World monkeys and the Strepsirrhini. Our analyses reveal heterogeneous rates of genomic rearrangement and gene evolution across primate lineages. Thousands of genes under positive selection in different lineages play roles in the nervous, skeletal, and digestive systems and may have contributed to primate innovations and adaptations. Our study reveals that many key genomic innovations occurred in the Simiiformes ancestral node and may have had an impact on the adaptive radiation of the Simiiformes and human evolution.

The cognitive dysfunction of claustrum on Alzheimer's disease: A mini-review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases characterized by cognitive deficits and dementia. AD entails predominant pathological characteristics including amyloid beta (Aß) plaque formation, neurofibrillary entanglements, and brain atrophy, which gradually result in cognitive dysfunctions. Studies showed that these pathological changes are found in a myriad of brain structures, including the claustrum (CLA), a nucleus that penetrates deeply into the brain and is extensively interconnected to various brain structures. The CLA modulates many aspects of cognitive functions, with attention, executive function, visuospatial ability, language, and memory in particular. It is also implicated in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, of which one worthy of particular attention is AD-related cognitive impairments. To inspire novel AD treatment strategies, this review has summarized the CLA functionality in discriminative cognitive dysfunctions in AD. And then propose an array of potential mechanisms that might contribute to the cognitive impairments caused by an abnormal CLA physiology. We advocate that the CLA might be a new promising therapeutic target in combination with existing anti-AD drugs and brain stimulation approaches for future AD treatment.

Benefit of [18F] FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis and salvage treatment of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To compare PET/CT, MRI and ultrasonography in detecting recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and identify their benefit in staging, contouring and overall survival (OS). METHODS: Cohort A included 1453 patients with or without histopathology-confirmed local recurrence, while cohort B consisted of 316 patients with 606 histopathology-confirmed lymph nodes to compare the sensitivities and specificities of PET/CT, MRI and ultrasonography using McNemar test. Cohorts C and D consisted of 273 patients from cohort A and 267 patients from cohort B, respectively, to compare the distribution of PET/CT-based and MRI-based rT-stage and rN-stage and the accuracy of rN-stage using McNemar test. Cohort E included 30 random patients from cohort A to evaluate the changes in contouring with or without PET/CT by related-samples T test or Wilcoxon rank test. The OS of 61 rT3-4N0M0 patients staged by PET/CT plus MRI (cohort F) and 67 MRI-staged rT3-4N0M0 patients (cohort G) who underwent similar salvage treatment were compared by log-rank test and Cox regression. RESULTS: PET/CT had similar specificity to MRI but higher sensitivity (93.9% vs. 79.3%, P < 0.001) in detecting local recurrence. PET/CT, MRI and ultrasonography had comparable specificities, but PET/CT had greater sensitivity than MRI (90.9% vs. 67.6%, P < 0.001) and similar sensitivity to ultrasonography in diagnosing lymph nodes. According to PET/CT, more patients were staged rT3-4 (82.8% vs. 68.1%, P < 0.001) or rN + (89.9% vs. 69.3%, P < 0.001), and the rN-stage was more accurate (90.6% vs. 73.8%, P < 0.001). Accordingly, the contours of local recurrence were more precise (median Dice similarity coefficient 0.41 vs. 0.62, P < 0.001) when aided by PET/CT plus MRI. Patients staged by PET/CT plus MRI had a higher 3-year OS than patients staged by MRI alone (85.5% vs. 60.4%, P = 0.006; adjusted HR = 0.34, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: PET/CT more accurately detected and staged recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and accordingly complemented MRI, providing benefit in contouring and OS.

Dosiomics Risk Model for Predicting Radiation Induced Temporal Lobe Injury and Guiding Individual Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the value of dose distribution-based dosiomics and planning computed tomography-based radiomics to predict radiation-induced temporal lobe injury (TLI) and guide individualized intensity modulated radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 5599 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were enrolled, including 2503, 1072, 988, and 1036 patients in the training, validation, prospective test, and external test cohorts, respectively. The concordance index (C-index) was used to compare the performance of the radiomics and dosiomics models with that of the quantitative analyses of normal tissue effects in the clinic and Wen's models. The predicted TLI-free survival rates of redesigned simulated plans with the same dose-volume histogram but different dose distributions for same patient in a cohort of 30 randomly selected patients were compared by the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. RESULTS: The radiomics and dosiomics signatures were constructed based on 30 selected computed tomography features and 10 selected dose distribution features, respectively, which were important predictors of TLI-free survival (all P <.001). However, the radiomics signature had a low C-index. The dosiomics risk model combining the dosiomics signature, D1cc, and age had favorable performance, with C-index values of 0.776, 0.811, 0.805, and 0.794 in the training, validation, prospective test, and external test cohorts, respectively, which were better than those of the quantitative analyses of normal tissue effects in the clinic model and Wen's model (all P <.001). The dosiomics risk model can further distinguish patients in a same risk category divided by other models (all P <.05). Conversely, the other models were unable to separate populations classified by the dosiomics risk model (all P > .05). Two simulated plans with the same dose-volume histogram but different dose distributions had different TLI-free survival rates predicted by dosiomics risk model (all P ≤ .002). CONCLUSIONS: The dosiomics risk model was superior to traditional models in predicting the risk of TLI. This is a promising approach to precisely predict radiation-induced toxicities and guide individualized intensity modulated radiation therapy.

[Regulatory Effect of Vitamin D on Renin Expression at Maternal-Fetal Interface].

Objective: To investigate the regulatory effect and mechanism of vitamin D on the local renin-angiotensin system at maternal-fetal interface in the pathological process of preeclampsia (PE). Methods: The mRNA and protein expression of renin in decidua of normal pregnancy and PE placentas was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. Normal decidual tissues were treated with active and inactive vitamin D for 48 h in vitro and the expressions of renin and vitamin D deactivating enzyme CYP24A1 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. Normal decidual stromal cells and glandular epithelial cells were isolated and purified, and identified by immunocytochemical staining. RT-PCR was used to examine the mRNA of vdr, cyp27 b1, cyp24 a1, and renin in the two types of cells and in decidual tissue, and the mRNA products were subjected to gel electrophoresis. These two cell types were treated with active and inactive vitamin D in vitro and the expressions of renin and vitamin D deactivating enzyme CYP24A1 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. Decidual gland epithelial cells were treated with protein kinase A (PKA) activator forskolin or inhibitor H89 to explore the interaction between PKA pathway and vitamin D in the regulation of renin expression. Results: The expression of renin in PE decidua was significantly higher than that of normal control at transcriptional and translational levels ( P<0.05). Vitamin D treatment could significantly down-regulate the expression of renin in normal decidua tissues ( P<0.05), while it significantly up-regulated CYP24A1 expression ( P<0.001). Decidual stromal cells and gland epithelial cells were successfully isolated from decidual tissue. Compared with that in decidual stromal cells, the mRNA level of vitamin D-related molecules in gland epithelial cells was more similar to that in decidual tissue. Active or inactive vitamin D treatment significantly inhibited the expression of renin in glandular epithelial cells ( P<0.05), but the expression of renin in decidual stromal cells was not affected. However, the treatment of active or inactive vitamin D in these two kinds of cells significantly increased the expression of CYP24A1 ( P<0.001). Active vitamin D could significantly inhibit the upregulation of renin by PKA agonist forskolin, and could inhibit the expression of renin through synergy with PKA inhibitor H89. Conclusion: The expression of renin in placental decidua is up-regulated in patients with PE, and the activation of local renin-angiotensin system at the maternal-fetal interface may be involved in the pathogenesis of PE. Vitamin D can specifically down-regulate renin expression in human decidual gland epithelial cells by competing with the PKA pathway. Vitamin D supplementation may have potential value for clinical intervention of PE.

Reconstruction of complex chest wall defects: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Chronic radiative chest wall ulcers are common in patients undergoing radiation therapy. If not treated early, then symptoms such as erosion, bleeding and infection will appear on the skin. In severe cases, ulcers invade the ribs and pleura, presenting a mortality risk. Small ulcers can be repaired with pedicle flaps. Because radioactive ulcers often invade the thorax, surgeons need to remove large areas of skin and muscle, and sometimes ribs. Repairing large chest wall defects are a challenge for surgeons. CASE SUMMARY: A 74-year-old female patient was admitted to our department with chest wall skin ulceration after radiation therapy for left breast cancer. The patient was diagnosed with chronic radioactive ulceration. After multidisciplinary discussion, the authors performed expansive resection of the chest wall ulcers and repaired large chest wall defects using a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap combined with a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) patch. The patient was followed-up 6 mo after the operation. No pigmentation or edema was found in the flap. CONCLUSION: DIEP flap plus HDPE patch is one of the better treatments for radiation-induced chest wall ulcers.

The new mitochondrial uncoupler BAM15 induces ROS production for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant proliferative disease of myeloid hematopoietic origin and cannot be treated appropriately at present. This is due to the fact that leukemia cells are not sensitive to some of the traditional chemotherapy drugs. Or some chemotherapeutic drugs are too toxic to normal cells, affecting their wide clinical application. In this study, we identified BAM15 as a novel mitochondrial uncoupling agent by screening a library of small molecule compounds that inhibit AML cell activity. BAM15 significantly inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in AML cells while at the same time being less cytotoxic to normal cells. The mechanism may be related to the disturbance of the ROS production balance. In vivo investigations revealed that BAM15 effectively suppressed AML progression and prolonged the survival time of mice. In addition, we found that BAM15 can be used in combination with cytarabine to enhance its anti-cancer activity and inhibit the activity of primary cells in AML. Therefore, we identified BAM15 as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of AML.

High APOBEC1 Complementation Factor Expression Positively Modulates the Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration of Endometrial Cancer Cells Through Regulating P53/P21 Signaling Pathway.

Background: APOBEC1 complementation factor (A1CF) is a component of the apolipoprotein-B messenger RNA editing complex that participates in various cellular processes and acts as an oncogene in many cancers. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the roles of A1CF and its potential mechanism in endometrial cancer (EC). Materials and Methods: Gene expression prolife was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Then Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were conducted to assess the prognostic value of A1CF in EC. Cell Counting Kit-8, plate clone formation, and transwell assays were used to estimate the functions of A1CF on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of EC cell. The gene set enrichment analysis was used to analyze the pathway that is enriched by A1CF, whereas quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were utilized to detect the mRNA and protein expression involved. Results: It was detected that the upregulated A1CF was enriched in P53/P21 signaling pathway and tightly associated with patients' age, stage, and death. Besides, high A1CF expression led to a shorter overall survival of patients and predicted a poor prognosis in EC. The overexpression of A1CF promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration of EC cells, whereas the depletion of A1CF suppressed these processes. Moreover, P21 and P53 were reduced whereas cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were induced along with the increasing of A1CF. However, the effects of silencing A1CF on these protein expressions were on the contrary. Conclusion: A1CF was highly expressed and closely related to the prognosis and progression of EC through the regulation of P53/P21 signaling pathway, providing a possible new therapy target site for EC.

Does the institutional environment influence corporate social responsibility? Consideration of green investment of enterprises-evidence from China.

Green investment, as a socially responsible investment, conforms to the concept of ecological civilization. It is considerable to promote enterprises to make green investment. This article is based on 211 questionnaires for employees of various enterprises in China, using STATA.14 for descriptive statistical analysis, logistical regression analysis, and trend analysis. It aims to explore the impact of government-led institutional environment on enterprises from five aspects. This study examines that the institutional environment has a positive effect on enterprise' green investment from the legal and cultural aspects, but it has no significant impact from the political, economic, and financial aspects. Finally, this paper provides policy advice that can promote the construction of institutional environment to encourage enterprises to make green investment.

Neuroglobin expression and function in the temporal cortex of bilirubin encephalopathy rats.

Bilirubin encephalopathy (BE) is a neurological syndrome in newborns, mainly caused by neuronal injury due to excessive oxidative stress produced by unconjugated bilirubin (UCB). Neuroglobin (NGB) can protect the brain by removing oxidative stress species, but its expression and significance in BE are not clear. To address this question, the neonatal BE model was established by injecting UCB into the cerebellomedullary cistern of 7-day-old SD rats. Rats were divided into a sham and BE 6 hr group, BE 12 hr group, BE 24 hr group, and BE 7 d group according to UCB action times. Hematoxylin/eosin and Nissl staining, and electron microscopy were employed to observe the pathological and ultrastructural changes of nerve cells in each group. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect NGB expression sites and cell types. Western blotting and quantitative PCR served to detect NGB expression and test the mitochondrial apoptosis signal pathway. The results confirm that UCB can lead to pathological damage and ultrastructural changes in rats' temporal cortex, increasing the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, Cyt c, Caspase-3, and neuronal NGB. UCB promotes NGB expression with an increase in action time and reach a peak at 12 hr. In summary, brain damage induced by UCB will cause an increase in NGB expression, the increasing NGB can inhibit neuron apoptosis in early BE phases. Therefore, promoting the expression of endogenous NGB, to act as a neuroprotective agent may be a potential treatment strategy for BE.

Spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the late frost damage risk to shrubby tea trees in tea region, southwest China from 1971 to 2020.

Understanding the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the risk of late frost damage has scientific guiding significance for optimizing the regional agricultural production layout and varie-ty tuning. Based on the daily meteorological data of 65 weather stations in the southwest China tea region from 1971 to 2020, we analyzed variation characteristics of the last frost date (LFD), tea bud open date (BOD), and their relationships, constructed frost damage probability index and frost damage severity index of spring shoots of shrubby tea trees, and analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution chara-cteristics of the late frost damage risk of shrub tea trees in the southwest tea region. The results showed that both the BOD and LFD had a significant ahead of trend from 1971 to 2020 and the early rate of the LFD was relatively faster than that of the BOD in the southwest tea region. The number of days that the tea buds were exposed to late frost damage after germination showed an non-significant declining trend. The risk of late frost damage of shrubby tea trees in most parts of the southwest tea region showed a declining trend, but Guizhou tea planting region showed an insignificant increasing trend. The risk of late frost damage to shrubby tea trees was high in the western marginal mountai-nous areas of Sichuan tea region, and the junction of Guizhou and Yunnan tea region. The risk of late frost damage was at low level in Sichuan Basin, southern Yunnan tea region, and southern Guizhou tea region. The risk of late frost damage to shrubby tea trees in the northern and central-eastern parts of Yunnan tea region showed an obvious decreasing trend, but increased significantly in the central and eastern parts of Guizhou tea region.

A Novel Personal Passive Sampler for Collecting Gaseous Phthalates.

Dermal absorption of gaseous chemicals is an important contributor to increased health risk and has yet to be adequately addressed due to the lack of available sampling techniques. In the present study, a novel personal passive sampler consisting of a housing (embracing a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) disk as the sorbent phase, a membrane filter, and a stainless-steel mesh) and a watchband (traditional wristband) was constructed and used to characterize gaseous phthalates (PAEs) near the air-skin interface. In a real-life setting, the utility of the passive sampler was validated by comparing the composition profiles of PAEs in the PDMS disks and in active samples and watchbands. The compositions of PAEs were consistent in disks and gaseous constituents from ambient air, with low-molecular-weight (<306 g mol-1) PAEs accounting for 87-100% and approximately 100%, respectively. Appreciable amounts of diisononyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, dinonyl phthalate, and skin lipid (e.g., squalene) were detected in watchbands but not in disks. Apparently, the passive sampler can prevent particles and skin-related chemicals from adhering to the disk and collect gaseous PAEs only. The vast majority of PAEs in watchbands was associated with nongaseous constituents. The present study demonstrated that the sampling strategy is a key factor in exposure assessment.