Monobutyl phthalate induces the expression change of G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 30 in rat testicular Sertoli cells

The aim of the study was to explore whether G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 30 (GPR30) was expressed in rat testicular Sertoli cells and to assess the impact of monobutyl phthalate (MBP) on the expression of GPR30 in Sertoli cells. By using RT-PCR, Western-Blot and immunofluorescent microscopy, the expression of GPR30 in rat Sertoli cells was found at both gene and protein level. Cultures of Sertoli cells were exposed to MBP (10– –1000 mM) or a vehicle. The results indicated that the expression of GPR30 increased at gene and protein levels in Sertoli cells following administration of MBP even at a relatively low concentration. We suggest that changes of GPR30 expression may play an important role in the effects of the xenoestrogen MBP on Sertoli cell function. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2013, Vol. 51, No. 1, 18–24

Parent supervision attributes profile questionnaire (PSAPQ) for young children: Psychometric properties of the Chinese version

Background: In China, thousands of children die from unintentional injury each year: the incidence rate of injury is from 19.4 to 64.3% which is the leading cause of mortality for children. An important factor to injury may be inadequate supervision. Thus, a linguistic and culturally appropriated, validated instrument to measure the supervision of children in Chinese primary caregiver is important and necessary. The purpose of this study was to translate and test the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Parent Supervision Attributes Profile Questionnaire (C-PSAPQ). Methods: This is a two-phase study. In phase I, the C-PSAPQ was produced by for- and back-ward translation. A total of 296 primary caregivers of 3-6 years old children were invited to participate in the second phase of the psychometric study. In order to assess the reliability of the C-PSAPQ, internal consistency and test-retest methods were performed. Additionally, construct validity was examined by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The averaged variance extracted (AVE) and Bootstrap were used to test the convergent and to discriminate validity. The concurrent validity was assessed by evaluating the association between the self-reported C-PSAPQ and naturalistic observations. Results: The Cronbach\u27s α and intraclass correlation coefficients were acceptable for the C-PSAPQ and four subscales. The CFA supported a 4-factor loading model; however, the convergent validity was not acceptable (AVE \u3c .5 for two subscales). The concurrent validity was supported. Conclusions: Due to the unacceptable convergent validity of the C-PSAPQ, an exploratory factor analysis is needed to ensure that the same trait is measured by its indicators in different cultures

Microbial metabolites indole derivatives sensitize mice to D-GalN/LPS induced-acute liver failure via the Tlr2/NF-κB pathway

IntroductionAcute liver failure (ALF) is a clinical condition with many causes, fast progression, and a poor prognosis. Previous research has indicated that microbial factors have a role in ALF, but a clear picture has yet to emerge.MethodsTo investigate the specific involvement of microbial metabolites in ALF development, we pretreated D-GalN/LPS-induced ALF mice with indole derivatives, an influential class of gut microbial metabolites.ResultsContrary to their typical role as anti-inflammatory agents in the host, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), and indolepropionic acid (IPA) gavage sensitize mice to D-GalN/LPS-induced-ALF with a rapid rise in serum transaminases and histologic lesion. For a clearer picture, we performed comprehensive analysis for the IAA therapy. IAA markedly amplified inflammatory response and cellular damage. The transcriptome analysis indicated the participation of the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway. The structure of gut microbiota in ileum and the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (Tlr2) in the liver were also significantly changed.DiscussionIn conclusion, IAA pretreatment can exacerbate D-GalN/LPS-induced ALF via probable Tlr2/NF-κB pathway involvement and ileac dysbiosis characterized by enriched gram-positive genus with potential pathogenesis. Microbial metabolites IAA may aggravate individual susceptibility to D-GalN/LPS-induced ALF. Further investigation of the underlying mechanism is needed, and intervention with indole derivatives and related commensal species should be undertaken with caution

Pullout Resistance of Reinforcement of Lightweight Cellular Concrete Fill

C2169Lightweight Cellular Concrete (LCC) (also called foam or gas concrete) is a special construction material, which is typically composed of portland cement, water, and air voids created by a foaming agent. This material has been increasingly used as a backfill material for geotechnical applications. This report presents a series of laboratory tests conducted to evaluate the material properties of LCC including density, permeability, compressive strength, shear strength, compressibility, elastic modulus, and Poisson\u2019s ratio with different cement to fly ash ratios and at different ages. LCC specimens used in this research project were cast in the field, and the cement to fly ash ratios used for the production of the specimens ranged from 50:50 to 100:0. Large direct shear box tests were conducted on prismatic specimens with a size of 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 8 inches high, while small direct shear box tests were conducted on cylindrical specimens with a size of 2.5 inches in diameter and 1 inch high. This report also presents a series of pullout tests conducted in the laboratory to investigate pullout resistance of extensible reinforcement (geogrid) and inextensible reinforcement (steel strip) embedded in LCC. Pullout displacements and pullout forces were monitored using linear variable displacement transducers (LVDT) and a load cell during the pullout process. This research project investigated the effects of age, normal stress, LCC type, cold joint, and re-pullout on pullout resistance and calculated the pullout resistance factors F* for geogrid and steel strip embedded in LCC. The laboratory material test results show that the average wet densities of LCC ranged from 30 to 36 pcf at the age of 28 days and the average dry densities ranged from 21 to 24 pcf at the same age. The permeability values of LCC ranged from 2.1 710-5 to 3.0 710-4 in./s and they increased as the cement to fly ash ratio increased. The measured cohesion values of LCC in large direct shear box tests ranged from 33 to 50 psi, while the measured cohesion values in small direct shear box tests ranged from 19 to 37 psi. This report also compares the material properties of LCC measured in this research project with those reported in the literature and shows overall good agreement. The laboratory pullout test results show that for the geogrid embedded in LCC, the maximum pullout force increased as the normal stress increased. For the steel strip embedded in LCC, the maximum pullout force was independent of the normal stress and increased as the age and the cement to fly ash ratio increased. Pullout test results also show that the presence of a cold joint did not reduce the pullout resistance, while the re-pullout test had lower pullout resistance as compared with the original pullout test for the same specimen. The pullout resistance factors F* for steel strips were greater than those for geogrids and these factors decreased as the normal stress increased

Preparation and Application of Starch/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Citric Acid Ternary Blend Antimicrobial Functional Food Packaging Films

Ternary blend films were prepared with different ratios of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/citric acid. The films were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis, as well as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The influence of different ratios of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/citric acid and different drying times on the performance properties, transparency, tensile strength (TS), water vapor permeability (WVP), water solubility (WS), color difference (ΔE), and antimicrobial activity of the ternary blends films were investigated. The starch/polyvinyl alcohol/citric acid (S/P/C1:1:0, S/P/C3:1:0.08, and S/P/C3:3:0.08) films were all highly transparent. The S/P/C3:3:0.08 had a 54.31 times water-holding capacity of its own weight and its mechanical tensile strength was 46.45 MPa. In addition, its surface had good uniformity and compactness. The S/P/C3:1:0.08 and S/P/C3:3:0.08 showed strong antimicrobial activity to Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, which were the food-borne pathogenic bacteria used. The freshness test results of fresh figs showed that all of the blends prevented the formation of condensed water on the surface of the film, and the S/P/C3:1:0.08 and S/P/C3:3:0.08 prevented the deterioration of figs during storage. The films can be used as an active food packaging system due to their strong antibacterial effect

The Development of Early Life Microbiota in Human Health and Disease

The colonization of the human microbiota in early life has long-lasting health implications. The status of the initial intestinal microbiota determines human growth and development from infancy to adulthood, and thus represents a crucial window in our long-term development. This review aims to summarize the latest findings on the symbiotic gut microbiota early in life and its vital role in metabolic-, allergic-, and auto-immune-disorder-related diseases, including obesity, diabetes, allergy, autism, inflammatory bowel disease, and stunting. It discusses the development process and various factors shaping the gut microbiota, as well as the crosstalk between the gut microbiota and the host’s physiological systems (especially intestinal immune development and homeostasis, and the central nervous system in the course of neurodevelopment), during the early life establishment of the gut microbiota, in order to decipher the mechanisms of diseases associated with the intestinal microbiome of early life. In addition, it examines microbiota-targeted therapeutic methods that show promising effects in treating these diseases. The true process of gut microbiome maturation, which depends on genetics, nutrition, and environmental factors, must be scrutinized in order to monitor healthy gut microbiome development and potentially correct unwanted courses by means of intervention via methods such as novel probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation

Exploring the relationship between land use/land cover and apparent temperature in China (1996–2020): implications for urban planning

Abstract In recent decades, rising air temperatures (AT) and apparent temperatures (AP) have posed growing health risks. In the context of China's rapid urbanization and global climate change, it is crucial to understand the impact of urban land use/land cover (LULC) changes on AP. This study investigates the spatial distribution and long-term variation patterns of AT and AP, using data from 834 meteorological stations across China from 1996 to 2020. It also explores the relationship between AT, AP, and LULC in the urban core areas of 30 major cities. Study reveals that AT and AP exhibit overall high spatial similarity, albeit with greater spatial variance in AP. Notably, regions with significant disparities between the two have been identified. Furthermore, it's observed that the spatial range of high AP change rates is wider than that of AT. Moreover, the study suggests a potential bivariate quadratic function relationship between ΔT (the difference between AT and AP) and Wa_ratio and Ar_ratio, indicating the presence of a Least Suitable Curve (LSC), $${\text{W}}_{{\text{a}}} \_{\text{ratio}} = {0}{{.263(}} \pm {0}{{.0269)}} - {0}{{.437(}} \pm {0}{{.0417)}} \times {\text{Ar}}\_{\text{ratio}}$$ W a _ ratio = 0 . 263 ( ± 0 . 0269 ) - 0 . 437 ( ± 0 . 0417 ) × Ar _ ratio . Urban LULC planning should carefully avoid intersecting with this curve. These findings can provide valuable insights for urban LULC planning, ultimately enhancing the thermal comfort of urban residents

Rain Pattern Deeply Reshaped Total Phosphorus Load Pattern in Watershed: A Case Study from Northern China

Excessive phosphorus in aquatic systems poses a threat to ecosystem stability and human health. Precipitation has a profound influence on the phosphorus biogeochemical process; however, it has been inadequately considered at the watershed scale. In this study, the Bayesian latent variable regression model was utilized to quantify the impact of rainfall on the concentration of total phosphorus using daily monitoring data from 2019 to 2021. The results revealed a piecewise linear relationship between total phosphorus concentration and precipitation. It was further inferred that the breakpoint (The total rainfall during a single rainfall event equal to 39.4 ± 0.45 mm) represented the tipping point for the transformation of the primary river runoff generation mechanism. Subsequently, the excess phosphorus load caused by rainfall events was estimated in the Shahe basin by combining the regional nutrient management approach with the results of the Bayesian latent variable regression model. The results indicated that rainfall events were one of the most significant sources of TP loads from 2006 to 2017, accounting for 28.2% of the total. Non-artificial land, including farmland, forests, and grasslands, serves as the primary source of the excess phosphorus load resulting from rainfall events. This study provides insights into how to quantify the phosphorus load resulting from rainfall events at the basin scale, which is valuable for phosphorus management. Environmental managers should prioritize the regulation of phosphorus in non-artificial land moving forward. Implementing hierarchical management based on calibrated curve numbers and soil phosphorus content could prove to be an efficient approach for regulating phosphorus in the watershed