Transthyretin amyloidosis(ATTR),a rare systemic disorder characterized by misfolded transthyretin(TTR)protein aggregation,predominantly affects the heart and peripheral nervous system.Central nervous system(CNS)involv...Transthyretin amyloidosis(ATTR),a rare systemic disorder characterized by misfolded transthyretin(TTR)protein aggregation,predominantly affects the heart and peripheral nervous system.Central nervous system(CNS)involvement in ATTR,especially widespread leptomeningeal amyloidosis(LA),is exceedingly rare.Early diagnosis of CNS‐predominant ATTR is difficult due to nonspecific symptoms and low awareness.This study adopted a dual‐methodology:A single‐case analysis of a CNSpredominant hereditary ATTR(CNS‐ATTR)patient at a tertiary referral center and a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.PubMed and Embase were systematically searched from the start to March 2025 using controlled vocabulary(MeSH/Emtree terms)and Boolean operators for reported CNS‐involved ATTR cases.A systematic review of 79 CNSATTR cases revealed universal leptomeningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)(77/79,97%)and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)protein elevation(66/79,84%).The index case(p.Gly73Ala)showed diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement,grade 3 PYP uptake,and CSF protein 1.88 g/L.In summary,LA associated with ATTR is extremely scarce.A four‐tiered,protocolbased diagnostic algorithm is crucial for patients with unexplained leptomeningeal disorders.展开更多
The paper is to study the qualification right in the homestead system of China,and to put forward the corresponding improvement scheme.By analyzing the definition and nature of homestead land,the paper explores the hi...The paper is to study the qualification right in the homestead system of China,and to put forward the corresponding improvement scheme.By analyzing the definition and nature of homestead land,the paper explores the historical background and development of the homestead land system and emphasizes the importance of the qualification right in ensuring housing rights for rural residents and social stability.Concerning the current status of the qualification right,the paper identifies existing problems and challenges,such as unclear rights to homestead land,difficulties in determining qualification,issues with the distribution of benefits between qualification rights and usage rights,and inheritance and transfer of qualification rights.These issues constrain the fairness and effectiveness of the homestead land system.To improve the qualification right,the paper puts forward measures such as revising legal regulations,adjusting homestead land policies,and enhancing the standardization of management of qualification rights.By optimizing the formulation and implementation of relevant laws and regulations,adjusting homestead policies,and strengthening the regulation of qualification right management,these issues can be addressed,improving the fairness and transparency of the homestead land system.Finally,the paper analyzes the impact of improving the qualification right on rural residents,land utilization,and social stability,offering related suggestions.Improving the qualification right can not only protect the housing rights of rural residents but also promote the rational use of rural land resources and the sustainable development of rural socio-economic conditions.In conclusion,this paper is expected to provide a theoretical support and practical guidance for the improvement of the homestead land system and to promote the sustainable development of rural society.展开更多
In order to solve the lack of relevant evaluation research on the accuracy of HMP155A humidity sensor calibration results in the past, this paper designs the corresponding experimental scheme, and obtains the correspo...In order to solve the lack of relevant evaluation research on the accuracy of HMP155A humidity sensor calibration results in the past, this paper designs the corresponding experimental scheme, and obtains the corresponding calibration results according to the experimental scheme;Then the measurement uncertainty of the indication error in the calibration results is evaluated by GUM, and the corresponding extended uncertainty </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">U</span></i><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">95</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> is obtained. Finally, according to the requirements of JJF1094-2016 characteristic evaluation of measuring instruments, combined with the calibration results and the actual situation of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">U</span></i><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">95</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, the conformity of the indication error of calibration is determined. The result is that each calibration point of the sensor meets the requirements of conformity determination and is within the qualified range. This research effectively makes up for the blank of the previous research on the conformity determination of the indication error of the calibration results and has strong theoretical and practical significance.展开更多
Ultraviolet(UV)assisted zero-valent iron(ZVI)-activated sodium persulfate(PDS)oxidation(UV-ZVI-PDS)was used to treat waste activated sludge(WAS)in this study.The dewaterability performance and mechanism of WAS dewater...Ultraviolet(UV)assisted zero-valent iron(ZVI)-activated sodium persulfate(PDS)oxidation(UV-ZVI-PDS)was used to treat waste activated sludge(WAS)in this study.The dewaterability performance and mechanism of WAS dewatering were analyzed.The results showed that UV-ZVI-PDS can obtain better sludge dewatering performance in a wide pH range(2.0-8.0).When the molar ratio of ZVI/PDS was 0.6,UV was 254nm,PDS dosage was 200 mg/g TS(total solid),pH was 6.54,reaction time was 20 min,the CST(capillary suction time)and SRF(specific resistance to filtration)were decreased by 64.0%and 78.2%,respectively.The molar ratio of ZVI/PDS used in this paper is much lower than that of literatures,and the contents of total Fe and Fe^(2+) in sludge supernatant remained at a low level,as 3.7 mg/L and 0.0 mg/L.The analysis of extracellular polymeric substances(EPS),scanning electron microscope(SEM)and particle size distribution showed that the EPS could be effectively destroyed by UV-ZVI-PDS,the sludge flocs broken down into smaller particles,cracks and holes appeared,and then the bound water was released.At the same time,the highly hydrophilic tightly bound-EPS(TB-EPS)were converted into loosely bound EPS(LB-EPS)and soluble EPS(S-EPS).During sludge pretreated by UV-ZVI-PDS,positively charged ions,such as Fe^(2+),Fe^(3+) and H^(+),produced in the reaction system could reduce the electronegativity of sludge surface,promote sludge particles aggregation,and then enhanced the sludge dewaterability.展开更多
Vascular endothelial growth factor A（Vegfa） signaling regulates vascular development during embryogenesis and organ formation.However,the signaling mechanisms that govern the formation of various arteries/veins in v...Vascular endothelial growth factor A（Vegfa） signaling regulates vascular development during embryogenesis and organ formation.However,the signaling mechanisms that govern the formation of various arteries/veins in various tissues are incompletely understood.In this study,we utilized transcription activator-like effector nuclease（TALEN） to generate zebrafish vegfaa mutants.vegfaa^-/- embryos are embryonic lethal,and display a complete loss of the dorsal aorta（DA） and expansion of the cardinal vein.Activation of Vegfa signaling expands the arterial cell population at the expense of venous cells during vasculogenesis of the axial vessels in the trunk.Vegfa signaling regulates endothelial cell（EC） proliferation after arterial-venous specification.Vegfa deficiency and overexpression inhibit the formation of tip cell filopodia and interfere with the pathfinding of intersegmental vessels（ISVs）.In the head vasculature,vegfaa^-/- causes loss of a pair of mesencephalic veins（MsVs） and central arteries（CtAs）,both of which usually dvelop via sprouting angiogenesis.Our results indicate that Vegfa signaling induces the formation of the DA at the expense of the cardinal vein during the trunk vasculogenesis,and that Vegfa is required for the angiogenic formation of MsVs and CtAs in the brain.These findings suggest that Vegfa signaling governs the formation of diverse arteries/veins by distinct cellular mechanisms in vertebrate vasculatures.展开更多
Liquid-liquid phase separation(LLPS)or biomolecular condensation that leads to formation of membraneless organelles plays a critical role in many biochemical processes.Mechanism study of regulating LLPS is therefore c...Liquid-liquid phase separation(LLPS)or biomolecular condensation that leads to formation of membraneless organelles plays a critical role in many biochemical processes.Mechanism study of regulating LLPS is therefore central to the understanding of protein aggregation and disease-relevant process.We report a fused in sarcoma protein(FUS)-derived low complexity(LC)sequence that undergoes LLPS in the presence of metal ions.The LC protein was constructed by fusing a hexhistidine-tag to the N-terminal low complexity domain(the residues 1–165 in QGSY-rich segment)of FUS.Spontaneous condensation of the intrinsic disordered protein into coacervate droplets was observed in the presence of metal ions that chelate oligohistidine moieties to form protein matrix.We demonstrate the key role of metal ion-histidine coordination in governing LLPS behaviours and the fluidity of biomolecular condensates.By taking advantage of competitive binding using chelators,we show the possibility of regulating dynamic behaviors of disease-relevant protein droplets,and developing a potential approach towards controllable biological encapsulation/release.展开更多
Psoriatic arthritis(PsA) is a rheumatoid factor(RF)-seronegative systemic inflammatory disorder associated with psoriasis.Current treatment for PsA in China is still focused on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs(D...Psoriatic arthritis(PsA) is a rheumatoid factor(RF)-seronegative systemic inflammatory disorder associated with psoriasis.Current treatment for PsA in China is still focused on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs(DMARDs).In this paper,we report two Chinese patients with active longstanding PsA treated with infliximab,a human-mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α).The results show that infliximab acted quickly and effectively in relieving peripheral and axial symptoms and refractory skin lesions,even in recombinant human TNF-α receptor(rhTNFR)-resistant case.The take-home message from our cases is that infliximab is a useful therapeutic option for refractory PsA,especially when a patient has a combination of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.Further local evidence and experience must be accumulated in order to make anti-TNF-α therapy more accessible to PsA patients in China.展开更多
Background: Perimembranous ventricular septal defect combined with right coronary cusp bulge generally should be treated with surgical thoracotomy, owing to the potential aortic regurgitation. However, the minimally i...Background: Perimembranous ventricular septal defect combined with right coronary cusp bulge generally should be treated with surgical thoracotomy, owing to the potential aortic regurgitation. However, the minimally invasive method of transcatheter closure has always attracted the attention of cardiologists and patients. The present study aimed to apply transcatheter occlusion in treating ventricular septal defect with right coronary cusp bulge and further evaluate the clinical effect through follow-up. Materials and methods: A total of 40 children diagnosed as having a ventricular septal defect with right coronary cusp bulge, examined using transthoracic echocardiography and cardiovascular angiography, were enrolled in this study. The ventricular septal defects were closed by placing occluders through transcatheter occlusion treatment. During the operation process, the children underwent angiography and transthoracic echocardiography examinations to check the position of the occlude and the extent of aortic regurgitation. The influence of occlusion on the conduction system was evaluated using a surface electrocardiogram. The children were followed up after their procedures. Results: All 40 patients were immediately and successfully occluded. Three patients with filament residual shunts were observed during the operations. No major surgical complications occurred during the perioperative period. During the follow-up period, the positions of all the occluders were good, the residual shunts in the three patients disappeared, and no new or aggravated aortic regurgitation occurred. Electrocardiogram did not reveal any atrioventricular blocks. Only one patient suffered from an incomplete right bundle branch block. Conclusions: Children diagnosed with ventricular septal defect combined with right coronary cusp bulge could be considered for transcatheter occlusion. With appropriate indications and methods, the effect may be favorable.展开更多
Laterality is a crucial physiological process intricately linked to the cilium-centrosome complex during embryo development.Defects in the process can result in severe organ mispositioning.Coiled-coil domain containin...Laterality is a crucial physiological process intricately linked to the cilium-centrosome complex during embryo development.Defects in the process can result in severe organ mispositioning.Coiled-coil domain containing 141(CCDC141)has been previously known as a centrosome-related gene,but its role in left-right(LR)asymmetry has not been characterized.In this study,we utilize the zebrafish model and human exome analysis to elucidate the function of ccdc141 in laterality defects.The knockdown of ccdc141 in zebrafish disrupts early LR signaling pathways,cilia function,and Kupffer's vesicle formation.Unlike ccdc141-knockdown embryos exhibiting aberrant LR patterns,ccdc141-null mutants show no apparent abnormality,suggesting a genetic compensation response effect.In parallel,we observe a marked reduction inα-tubulin acetylation levels in the ccdc141 crispants.The treatment with histone deacetylase(HDAC)inhibitors,particularly the HDAC6 inhibitor,rescues the ccdc141 crispant phenotypes.Furthermore,exome analysis of 70 patients with laterality defects reveals an increased burden of CCDC141 mutations,with in-vivo studies verifying the pathogenicity of the patient mutation CCDC141-R123G.Our findings highlight the critical role of ccdc141 in ciliogenesis and demonstrate that CCDC141 mutations lead to abnormal LR patterns,identifying it as a candidate gene for laterality defects.展开更多
Activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 on presynaptic neurons is postulated to suppress neu- ~ ~ ~ 2＋ ~ ~ 2＋ rotransmlsslon by decreasing Ca reflux through high voltage-gated Ca channels. However, recent studies...Activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 on presynaptic neurons is postulated to suppress neu- ~ ~ ~ 2＋ ~ ~ 2＋ rotransmlsslon by decreasing Ca reflux through high voltage-gated Ca channels. However, recent studies suggest that cannabinoids which activate cannabinoid receptor type 1 can increase neurotransmitter release by enhancing Ca2＋ influx in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the modulation of intracellular Ca2＋ concentration by the cannabinoid receptor type 1 agonist anandamide, and its underlying mechanisms. Using whole cell voltage-damp and calcium imaging in cultured trigeminal ganglion neurons, we found that anandamide directly caused Ca2＋ influx in a dose-dependent manner, which then triggered an increase of intracellular Ca2＋ concentration. The cyclic adenosine and guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase systems, but not the protein kinase C system, were involved in the increased intracellular Ca2＋concentration by anandamide. This result showed that anandamide increased intracellu- lar Ca2＋ concentration and inhibited high voltage-gated Ca2＋ channels through different signal transduction pathways.展开更多
Blood cells are mainly(~99%)comprised of red blood cells.The most remarkable properties of are their high deformability,which allow they flow through microcapillaries of diameter even smaller than their size.The RBC’...Blood cells are mainly(~99%)comprised of red blood cells.The most remarkable properties of are their high deformability,which allow they flow through microcapillaries of diameter even smaller than their size.The RBC’s remarkable mechanical properties originate from the unique architecture of its membrane.To study the mechanism of RBC’s deformability,a commonly adopted approach is to localize the cytoskeleton protein by immunofluorescence,followed by exploring the changes of cytoskeleton protein during cell deformation.During this process,the fixed treatment of RBC using GA and PFA is of great importance.However,RBC’s deformability is reduced by the fixation process and skeletal protein of membrane is changed accordingly.The flow behavior of red RBCs through the microchannel also changed.Given the difficulty of observing RBC flow in vivo,in vitro simulation by virtue of microfluidic devices provides a feasible alternative.An important physiological phenomenon of the blood flow is the formation of cell free layer(CFL),with RBCs show a tendency to concentrate towards the central axis of the pipeline and move faster than the plasma layer.However,this phenomena is weaken if the stiffness of the membrane increase,which occurs in some disease,such as hereditary spherocytosis and hereditary elliptocytosis.To study the effects of GA and PFA fix treatment on RBC deformability,a microfluidic platform is employed to measuring the CFL and flow velocity of blood flow in this work.The PDMS micro flow channel used is 100 micrometers in width and 50 micrometers in deep.The RBC suspension is fed into the flow channel by the injection pump(NE-1000.USA),and the experiments are observed and recorded by the inverted microscope(IX70,Olympus,Japan)and high-speed camera(Memrecam GX-1,NAC,Japan)system.Three GA concentrations,i.e.,0.000 5,0.000 75,and 0.001 wt.%were used.Meanwhile,the effect of PFA at a concentration of 2wt.%work with GA was also investigated.Images of the flowing RBCs are processed mainly based on Memrecam GXLink.The results show that,the diameter of the RBC be treated is bigger and the shape of the RBC is became more flat after treated.Some of RBCs lost their biconcave structure.When the RBC suspension with 5%Hct flow in the microchannel,the CFL thickness decrease after being treated.And with concentrations of GA increase,the CFL thickness become thinner.The CFL thickness decrease significantly when GA and 2 wt.%PFA work combined.The velocity of RBCs decreases after treated with the GA or/and 2wt.%PFA.GA is known to relieve the dissolution of red blood cells during fluorescence labeling.On the other hand,the crosslinking of the aldehyde group(-cho)of GA with the amino group(-nh2)of RBC membrane protein will change the conformation of the membrane protein and its visco-elastic properties in turn.Then,the transparent fluidity orrheology characteristics of RBC is altered.Since GA and PFA are commonly used to immobilize red blood cells and keep the fluorescence constant,and PFA works similarly as GA,as a result,the variation of membrane protein conformation is intensified,and the membrane becomes stiffer.展开更多
[Objective] The research aimed to study relation between energy consumption and climate change in China. [Method] Climate change characteristics from 1951 to 2009 in China were summarized. Economic and social developm...[Objective] The research aimed to study relation between energy consumption and climate change in China. [Method] Climate change characteristics from 1951 to 2009 in China were summarized. Economic and social developments in China in recent 50 years were analyzed from production and consumption amounts of the energy, energy source composition and energy consumption of the GDP （ten-thousand yuan）. Influences of the energy consumption and economic development on climate change were discussed. [ Result] Annual average temperature of China in- creased obviously from 1951 to 2009, and regional difference was distinct. Increasing trend of the temperature in the north of 35° N was bigger than that in the south. Increasing trend of the temperature in northeast China and Inner Mongolia reached 0.04 ℃/a. The average temperature from 1981 to 2009 was higher than that from 1951 to 1980, and the biggest difference value was more than 2.0 ℃. Mutation of Chinese energy produc- tion and consumption happened in 1985, but average temperature of China had an obvious mutation in 1989, showing temperature mutation lagged behind energy production and consumption mutation. Energy consumption of the GDP （ten-thousand yuan） decreased evidently from 1978 to 1997. Beginning from 1998, the decreasing pace slowed down markedly, and there was a rebound in 2003. Chinese new energy amount was increasing year by year. Because the total energy consumption amount was also increasing, new energy proportion had been maintained about one quarter. The energy consumption increasing model with energy consumption coefficient and the model without energy consumption coefficient were set up in this paper. It was found that Chinese energy structure changed a little after considering energy consumption coefficient. Proportion of the coal de- creased, while proportions of the oil, natural gas and electric power increased. Temperature changing trend was consistent with that of the economic development and energy consumption. Change trend of the average temperature basically presented good positive correlation with effective energy consumption amount, and the maximum correlation coefficient was 80%. [ Conclusion] The research proved the importance of developing clean ＆ efficient energy and carrying out low-carbon economy to relieve climate change of China. It was urgent to carry out low-carbon economy and transform economic growth manner.展开更多
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-dose tibolone therapy on ovarian area, uterine volume and endometrial thickness, and define the cut-off value of endometrial thickness for curettage during uter...The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-dose tibolone therapy on ovarian area, uterine volume and endometrial thickness, and define the cut-off value of endometrial thickness for curettage during uterine bleeding. We followed 619 postmenopausal women, aged 40-60 years, for two years. There were 301 subjects in the low-dose tibolone treatment group and 318 subjects in the control group. The ovarian area, uterine volume and endometrial thickness in all participants were measured by transvaginal ultrasound prior to, one and two years post enrollment, respectively. Endometrial specimens were collected from all subjects with abnormal uterine bleeding during the follow-up period. We found that the uterine volume in the treatment group was greater than that in the control group, and the difference was significant （P〈0.05）, but there were no significant differences in ovarian area and endometrial thickness between the two groups （P〉0.05）. When the cut-off value for endometrial thickness was 7.35 ram, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 79.07%, respectively, and 85.71% and 93.02% when 7.55 mm was set as the cut-offduring tibolone therapy. The results indicate that low-dose tibolone therapy may postpone uterine atrophy and the cut-off value of endometrial thickness may be appropriately adjusted for curettage.展开更多
In this work,we study the development,evolution,and migration of turbulent coherent structures in the turbulent boundary layer at Reτ=630 using time-resolved particle image velocimetry(TR-PIV).Multiple techniques,inc...In this work,we study the development,evolution,and migration of turbulent coherent structures in the turbulent boundary layer at Reτ=630 using time-resolved particle image velocimetry(TR-PIV).Multiple techniques,including multi-scale analysis,conditional averaging,cross-correlation,and spatial-temporal topological analysis are applied to extract the evolution principle,migration trajectory,and convection velocity vector of the targeted coherent structures from a Lagrangian perspective.The spanwise vortex structures with larger scale and intensity at a certain wall-normal height y were the main focus of the present study.In the statistical sense,spanwise vortex structures move away from the wall with the shape changing from a bulge to an ellipse,and finally to a circle.Two straight lines emerge from the mean transfer trajectory curve of the spanwise vortex,in which the horizontal one is located at the viscous sublayer(y^(+)<10),the other is a logarithmic straight line existing in the range of 50<y^(+)<120,and the inclination angle of the tangential migration path is fixed at around 12°.The streamwise convection velocity U_(c)of scaled spanwise vortex structures satisfies U_(c)/U_(∞)=0.5-0.6 below y=0.03δ(i.e.,U^(+)_(c)=11-13 undery^(+)=20).In particular,in the region of 50<y^(+)<120,the velocity growth curves of U_(c)and wall-normal convection velocity V_(c)follow the log-law distribution very well,and the slopes are consistent with that of the log-law region of the turbulent boundary layer.Our observations provide microscopic evidences of the logarithmic-linear distribution of the migration trajectory of spanwise vortex structures.展开更多
β⁃FeOOH modified sludge biochar(FSBC)was prepared and investigated in this work to remove phosphate from water via adsorption.FSBC exhibited superior adsorption performance for phosphate with the maximum adsorption a...β⁃FeOOH modified sludge biochar(FSBC)was prepared and investigated in this work to remove phosphate from water via adsorption.FSBC exhibited superior adsorption performance for phosphate with the maximum adsorption amount of 27.17 mg/g at 25℃.The specific adsorption capacity of FSBC was 57.8%higher than that of commercial activated carbon at pH 5 with the initial phosphate concentration of 10 mg/L.Coexisting anions can inhibit the adsorption of phosphate,but cations(Cr(VI)and Cd^(2+))exhibited some promotion effect.The results of kinetic and isotherm models and characterization analysis in combination indicated chemical adsorption,as electrostatic interaction,metal phosphate precipitation and hydrogen bonding may be the dominant process.The adsorption of phosphate onto FSBC was a monolayer adsorption,and the process was endothermic.After four adsorption/desorption cycles,the adsorption capacity of FSBC for phosphate decreased by 36.4%,which was in a distinct comparison with the 57.5%of SBC.展开更多
In the present work,novel NbC-SiC-C ceramic nanocomposite powders were successfully synthesized by a polymer-derived ceramic approach with the allylhydridopolycarbosilane(AHPCS)and niobium pentachloride(NbCl5)as start...In the present work,novel NbC-SiC-C ceramic nanocomposite powders were successfully synthesized by a polymer-derived ceramic approach with the allylhydridopolycarbosilane(AHPCS)and niobium pentachloride(NbCl5)as starting materials.A single-source-precursor was first synthesized by chemical reaction between AHPCS and NbCl5 and then pyrolyzed at 900℃ to obtain amorphous ceramic powders.After further annealing amorphous ceramics at higher temperatures in the range of 1100-1500℃,the NbC-SiC-C ceramic nanocomposite powders were finally obtained.The single-source-precursor synthesis and polymer-to-ceramic transformation were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra(FT-IR)and thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA).The phase evolution of resulting ceramics was investigated by X-ray diffraction(XRD)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Interestingly,both the NbC@C and SiC@C core−shell structured nanoparticles were in-situ formed at 1300℃ to form NbC-SiC-C ceramic nanocomposites.With the highest NbCl5 content in the feed,the contents of NbC andβ-SiC obtained by Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns from the 1500℃ ceramics are 68.41wt.%and 31.59wt.%,respectively,indicating that the ultra-high temperature resistant NbC is the main phase.In general,the resultant NbC-SiC-C nanocomposite with NbC as main phase can be considered as candidate material for structure−function integrated applications in harsh environment.展开更多
Effective biomarkers are necessary to better understand the human mercury(Hg) exposure levels. However, mismatched biomarker sampling method causes extra uncertainty in assessing the risk of Hg exposure. To compare th...Effective biomarkers are necessary to better understand the human mercury(Hg) exposure levels. However, mismatched biomarker sampling method causes extra uncertainty in assessing the risk of Hg exposure. To compare the differences between hair and fingernail, and further understand the excretion rates of methylmercury(MeHg) and inorganic mercury(IHg) via hair and fingernails, the total mercury(THg), Me Hg, and IHg concentrations in paired hair and fingernail samples were investigated through paired samples collected from two typical mining areas, Wanshan mercury mine area(WMMA) and Hezhang zinc smelting area(HZSA). The positive correlation in THg, MeHg, and IHg concentrations( p < 0.01) between hair and fingernail samples indicated that those two biomarkers can be corrected in application of assessing human Hg exposure. Compared to fingernails, the hair was suggested to be a more sensitive biomarker as the concentration of THg, MeHg and IHg were 2~4 times higher than those in fingernails. Furthermore, the amounts of THg, MeHg, and IHg excreted via hair were 70~226 times higher than that excreted via fingernails, and the hair plays a more important role than fingernails in the excretion of Hg from human bodies. Present study therefore provides some new insights to better understand the fate of human assimilated Hg.展开更多
文摘Transthyretin amyloidosis(ATTR),a rare systemic disorder characterized by misfolded transthyretin(TTR)protein aggregation,predominantly affects the heart and peripheral nervous system.Central nervous system(CNS)involvement in ATTR,especially widespread leptomeningeal amyloidosis(LA),is exceedingly rare.Early diagnosis of CNS‐predominant ATTR is difficult due to nonspecific symptoms and low awareness.This study adopted a dual‐methodology:A single‐case analysis of a CNSpredominant hereditary ATTR(CNS‐ATTR)patient at a tertiary referral center and a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.PubMed and Embase were systematically searched from the start to March 2025 using controlled vocabulary(MeSH/Emtree terms)and Boolean operators for reported CNS‐involved ATTR cases.A systematic review of 79 CNSATTR cases revealed universal leptomeningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)(77/79,97%)and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)protein elevation(66/79,84%).The index case(p.Gly73Ala)showed diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement,grade 3 PYP uptake,and CSF protein 1.88 g/L.In summary,LA associated with ATTR is extremely scarce.A four‐tiered,protocolbased diagnostic algorithm is crucial for patients with unexplained leptomeningeal disorders.
文摘The paper is to study the qualification right in the homestead system of China,and to put forward the corresponding improvement scheme.By analyzing the definition and nature of homestead land,the paper explores the historical background and development of the homestead land system and emphasizes the importance of the qualification right in ensuring housing rights for rural residents and social stability.Concerning the current status of the qualification right,the paper identifies existing problems and challenges,such as unclear rights to homestead land,difficulties in determining qualification,issues with the distribution of benefits between qualification rights and usage rights,and inheritance and transfer of qualification rights.These issues constrain the fairness and effectiveness of the homestead land system.To improve the qualification right,the paper puts forward measures such as revising legal regulations,adjusting homestead land policies,and enhancing the standardization of management of qualification rights.By optimizing the formulation and implementation of relevant laws and regulations,adjusting homestead policies,and strengthening the regulation of qualification right management,these issues can be addressed,improving the fairness and transparency of the homestead land system.Finally,the paper analyzes the impact of improving the qualification right on rural residents,land utilization,and social stability,offering related suggestions.Improving the qualification right can not only protect the housing rights of rural residents but also promote the rational use of rural land resources and the sustainable development of rural socio-economic conditions.In conclusion,this paper is expected to provide a theoretical support and practical guidance for the improvement of the homestead land system and to promote the sustainable development of rural society.
文摘In order to solve the lack of relevant evaluation research on the accuracy of HMP155A humidity sensor calibration results in the past, this paper designs the corresponding experimental scheme, and obtains the corresponding calibration results according to the experimental scheme;Then the measurement uncertainty of the indication error in the calibration results is evaluated by GUM, and the corresponding extended uncertainty </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">U</span></i><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">95</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> is obtained. Finally, according to the requirements of JJF1094-2016 characteristic evaluation of measuring instruments, combined with the calibration results and the actual situation of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">U</span></i><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">95</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, the conformity of the indication error of calibration is determined. The result is that each calibration point of the sensor meets the requirements of conformity determination and is within the qualified range. This research effectively makes up for the blank of the previous research on the conformity determination of the indication error of the calibration results and has strong theoretical and practical significance.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51608166)the China Scholarship Council(No.201906705003).
文摘Ultraviolet(UV)assisted zero-valent iron(ZVI)-activated sodium persulfate(PDS)oxidation(UV-ZVI-PDS)was used to treat waste activated sludge(WAS)in this study.The dewaterability performance and mechanism of WAS dewatering were analyzed.The results showed that UV-ZVI-PDS can obtain better sludge dewatering performance in a wide pH range(2.0-8.0).When the molar ratio of ZVI/PDS was 0.6,UV was 254nm,PDS dosage was 200 mg/g TS(total solid),pH was 6.54,reaction time was 20 min,the CST(capillary suction time)and SRF(specific resistance to filtration)were decreased by 64.0%and 78.2%,respectively.The molar ratio of ZVI/PDS used in this paper is much lower than that of literatures,and the contents of total Fe and Fe^(2+) in sludge supernatant remained at a low level,as 3.7 mg/L and 0.0 mg/L.The analysis of extracellular polymeric substances(EPS),scanning electron microscope(SEM)and particle size distribution showed that the EPS could be effectively destroyed by UV-ZVI-PDS,the sludge flocs broken down into smaller particles,cracks and holes appeared,and then the bound water was released.At the same time,the highly hydrophilic tightly bound-EPS(TB-EPS)were converted into loosely bound EPS(LB-EPS)and soluble EPS(S-EPS).During sludge pretreated by UV-ZVI-PDS,positively charged ions,such as Fe^(2+),Fe^(3+) and H^(+),produced in the reaction system could reduce the electronegativity of sludge surface,promote sludge particles aggregation,and then enhanced the sludge dewaterability.
基金supported by grants from the National Basic Research Program of China (MOST945301)the National Science Foundation of China(Nos.81170152,31471357,and 31530044)the Natural Science Foundation of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(13ZR1457500)
文摘Vascular endothelial growth factor A（Vegfa） signaling regulates vascular development during embryogenesis and organ formation.However,the signaling mechanisms that govern the formation of various arteries/veins in various tissues are incompletely understood.In this study,we utilized transcription activator-like effector nuclease（TALEN） to generate zebrafish vegfaa mutants.vegfaa^-/- embryos are embryonic lethal,and display a complete loss of the dorsal aorta（DA） and expansion of the cardinal vein.Activation of Vegfa signaling expands the arterial cell population at the expense of venous cells during vasculogenesis of the axial vessels in the trunk.Vegfa signaling regulates endothelial cell（EC） proliferation after arterial-venous specification.Vegfa deficiency and overexpression inhibit the formation of tip cell filopodia and interfere with the pathfinding of intersegmental vessels（ISVs）.In the head vasculature,vegfaa^-/- causes loss of a pair of mesencephalic veins（MsVs） and central arteries（CtAs）,both of which usually dvelop via sprouting angiogenesis.Our results indicate that Vegfa signaling induces the formation of the DA at the expense of the cardinal vein during the trunk vasculogenesis,and that Vegfa is required for the angiogenic formation of MsVs and CtAs in the brain.These findings suggest that Vegfa signaling governs the formation of diverse arteries/veins by distinct cellular mechanisms in vertebrate vasculatures.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 22072159 and 22172007)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No. buctrc202015)
文摘Liquid-liquid phase separation(LLPS)or biomolecular condensation that leads to formation of membraneless organelles plays a critical role in many biochemical processes.Mechanism study of regulating LLPS is therefore central to the understanding of protein aggregation and disease-relevant process.We report a fused in sarcoma protein(FUS)-derived low complexity(LC)sequence that undergoes LLPS in the presence of metal ions.The LC protein was constructed by fusing a hexhistidine-tag to the N-terminal low complexity domain(the residues 1–165 in QGSY-rich segment)of FUS.Spontaneous condensation of the intrinsic disordered protein into coacervate droplets was observed in the presence of metal ions that chelate oligohistidine moieties to form protein matrix.We demonstrate the key role of metal ion-histidine coordination in governing LLPS behaviours and the fluidity of biomolecular condensates.By taking advantage of competitive binding using chelators,we show the possibility of regulating dynamic behaviors of disease-relevant protein droplets,and developing a potential approach towards controllable biological encapsulation/release.
文摘Psoriatic arthritis(PsA) is a rheumatoid factor(RF)-seronegative systemic inflammatory disorder associated with psoriasis.Current treatment for PsA in China is still focused on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs(DMARDs).In this paper,we report two Chinese patients with active longstanding PsA treated with infliximab,a human-mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α).The results show that infliximab acted quickly and effectively in relieving peripheral and axial symptoms and refractory skin lesions,even in recombinant human TNF-α receptor(rhTNFR)-resistant case.The take-home message from our cases is that infliximab is a useful therapeutic option for refractory PsA,especially when a patient has a combination of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.Further local evidence and experience must be accumulated in order to make anti-TNF-α therapy more accessible to PsA patients in China.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(Grant number 81470443)
文摘Background: Perimembranous ventricular septal defect combined with right coronary cusp bulge generally should be treated with surgical thoracotomy, owing to the potential aortic regurgitation. However, the minimally invasive method of transcatheter closure has always attracted the attention of cardiologists and patients. The present study aimed to apply transcatheter occlusion in treating ventricular septal defect with right coronary cusp bulge and further evaluate the clinical effect through follow-up. Materials and methods: A total of 40 children diagnosed as having a ventricular septal defect with right coronary cusp bulge, examined using transthoracic echocardiography and cardiovascular angiography, were enrolled in this study. The ventricular septal defects were closed by placing occluders through transcatheter occlusion treatment. During the operation process, the children underwent angiography and transthoracic echocardiography examinations to check the position of the occlude and the extent of aortic regurgitation. The influence of occlusion on the conduction system was evaluated using a surface electrocardiogram. The children were followed up after their procedures. Results: All 40 patients were immediately and successfully occluded. Three patients with filament residual shunts were observed during the operations. No major surgical complications occurred during the perioperative period. During the follow-up period, the positions of all the occluders were good, the residual shunts in the three patients disappeared, and no new or aggravated aortic regurgitation occurred. Electrocardiogram did not reveal any atrioventricular blocks. Only one patient suffered from an incomplete right bundle branch block. Conclusions: Children diagnosed with ventricular septal defect combined with right coronary cusp bulge could be considered for transcatheter occlusion. With appropriate indications and methods, the effect may be favorable.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81970264).
文摘Laterality is a crucial physiological process intricately linked to the cilium-centrosome complex during embryo development.Defects in the process can result in severe organ mispositioning.Coiled-coil domain containing 141(CCDC141)has been previously known as a centrosome-related gene,but its role in left-right(LR)asymmetry has not been characterized.In this study,we utilize the zebrafish model and human exome analysis to elucidate the function of ccdc141 in laterality defects.The knockdown of ccdc141 in zebrafish disrupts early LR signaling pathways,cilia function,and Kupffer's vesicle formation.Unlike ccdc141-knockdown embryos exhibiting aberrant LR patterns,ccdc141-null mutants show no apparent abnormality,suggesting a genetic compensation response effect.In parallel,we observe a marked reduction inα-tubulin acetylation levels in the ccdc141 crispants.The treatment with histone deacetylase(HDAC)inhibitors,particularly the HDAC6 inhibitor,rescues the ccdc141 crispant phenotypes.Furthermore,exome analysis of 70 patients with laterality defects reveals an increased burden of CCDC141 mutations,with in-vivo studies verifying the pathogenicity of the patient mutation CCDC141-R123G.Our findings highlight the critical role of ccdc141 in ciliogenesis and demonstrate that CCDC141 mutations lead to abnormal LR patterns,identifying it as a candidate gene for laterality defects.
基金supported by NIH,grant No.GM-63577NNSF,grant No.30571537,No.30271500+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30271500,30571537 and 813702462010 National Clinical Key Disciplines Construction Grant from the Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China
文摘Activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 on presynaptic neurons is postulated to suppress neu- ~ ~ ~ 2＋ ~ ~ 2＋ rotransmlsslon by decreasing Ca reflux through high voltage-gated Ca channels. However, recent studies suggest that cannabinoids which activate cannabinoid receptor type 1 can increase neurotransmitter release by enhancing Ca2＋ influx in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the modulation of intracellular Ca2＋ concentration by the cannabinoid receptor type 1 agonist anandamide, and its underlying mechanisms. Using whole cell voltage-damp and calcium imaging in cultured trigeminal ganglion neurons, we found that anandamide directly caused Ca2＋ influx in a dose-dependent manner, which then triggered an increase of intracellular Ca2＋ concentration. The cyclic adenosine and guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase systems, but not the protein kinase C system, were involved in the increased intracellular Ca2＋concentration by anandamide. This result showed that anandamide increased intracellu- lar Ca2＋ concentration and inhibited high voltage-gated Ca2＋ channels through different signal transduction pathways.
文摘Blood cells are mainly(~99%)comprised of red blood cells.The most remarkable properties of are their high deformability,which allow they flow through microcapillaries of diameter even smaller than their size.The RBC’s remarkable mechanical properties originate from the unique architecture of its membrane.To study the mechanism of RBC’s deformability,a commonly adopted approach is to localize the cytoskeleton protein by immunofluorescence,followed by exploring the changes of cytoskeleton protein during cell deformation.During this process,the fixed treatment of RBC using GA and PFA is of great importance.However,RBC’s deformability is reduced by the fixation process and skeletal protein of membrane is changed accordingly.The flow behavior of red RBCs through the microchannel also changed.Given the difficulty of observing RBC flow in vivo,in vitro simulation by virtue of microfluidic devices provides a feasible alternative.An important physiological phenomenon of the blood flow is the formation of cell free layer(CFL),with RBCs show a tendency to concentrate towards the central axis of the pipeline and move faster than the plasma layer.However,this phenomena is weaken if the stiffness of the membrane increase,which occurs in some disease,such as hereditary spherocytosis and hereditary elliptocytosis.To study the effects of GA and PFA fix treatment on RBC deformability,a microfluidic platform is employed to measuring the CFL and flow velocity of blood flow in this work.The PDMS micro flow channel used is 100 micrometers in width and 50 micrometers in deep.The RBC suspension is fed into the flow channel by the injection pump(NE-1000.USA),and the experiments are observed and recorded by the inverted microscope(IX70,Olympus,Japan)and high-speed camera(Memrecam GX-1,NAC,Japan)system.Three GA concentrations,i.e.,0.000 5,0.000 75,and 0.001 wt.%were used.Meanwhile,the effect of PFA at a concentration of 2wt.%work with GA was also investigated.Images of the flowing RBCs are processed mainly based on Memrecam GXLink.The results show that,the diameter of the RBC be treated is bigger and the shape of the RBC is became more flat after treated.Some of RBCs lost their biconcave structure.When the RBC suspension with 5%Hct flow in the microchannel,the CFL thickness decrease after being treated.And with concentrations of GA increase,the CFL thickness become thinner.The CFL thickness decrease significantly when GA and 2 wt.%PFA work combined.The velocity of RBCs decreases after treated with the GA or/and 2wt.%PFA.GA is known to relieve the dissolution of red blood cells during fluorescence labeling.On the other hand,the crosslinking of the aldehyde group(-cho)of GA with the amino group(-nh2)of RBC membrane protein will change the conformation of the membrane protein and its visco-elastic properties in turn.Then,the transparent fluidity orrheology characteristics of RBC is altered.Since GA and PFA are commonly used to immobilize red blood cells and keep the fluorescence constant,and PFA works similarly as GA,as a result,the variation of membrane protein conformation is intensified,and the membrane becomes stiffer.
基金Supported by Meteorological Science Research Item in Shanxi Province,China (SXKYBQH20116227)
文摘[Objective] The research aimed to study relation between energy consumption and climate change in China. [Method] Climate change characteristics from 1951 to 2009 in China were summarized. Economic and social developments in China in recent 50 years were analyzed from production and consumption amounts of the energy, energy source composition and energy consumption of the GDP （ten-thousand yuan）. Influences of the energy consumption and economic development on climate change were discussed. [ Result] Annual average temperature of China in- creased obviously from 1951 to 2009, and regional difference was distinct. Increasing trend of the temperature in the north of 35° N was bigger than that in the south. Increasing trend of the temperature in northeast China and Inner Mongolia reached 0.04 ℃/a. The average temperature from 1981 to 2009 was higher than that from 1951 to 1980, and the biggest difference value was more than 2.0 ℃. Mutation of Chinese energy produc- tion and consumption happened in 1985, but average temperature of China had an obvious mutation in 1989, showing temperature mutation lagged behind energy production and consumption mutation. Energy consumption of the GDP （ten-thousand yuan） decreased evidently from 1978 to 1997. Beginning from 1998, the decreasing pace slowed down markedly, and there was a rebound in 2003. Chinese new energy amount was increasing year by year. Because the total energy consumption amount was also increasing, new energy proportion had been maintained about one quarter. The energy consumption increasing model with energy consumption coefficient and the model without energy consumption coefficient were set up in this paper. It was found that Chinese energy structure changed a little after considering energy consumption coefficient. Proportion of the coal de- creased, while proportions of the oil, natural gas and electric power increased. Temperature changing trend was consistent with that of the economic development and energy consumption. Change trend of the average temperature basically presented good positive correlation with effective energy consumption amount, and the maximum correlation coefficient was 80%. [ Conclusion] The research proved the importance of developing clean ＆ efficient energy and carrying out low-carbon economy to relieve climate change of China. It was urgent to carry out low-carbon economy and transform economic growth manner.
基金supported by the Sci-tech Research Development Program of Shaanxi Province (No.2015SF015)
文摘The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-dose tibolone therapy on ovarian area, uterine volume and endometrial thickness, and define the cut-off value of endometrial thickness for curettage during uterine bleeding. We followed 619 postmenopausal women, aged 40-60 years, for two years. There were 301 subjects in the low-dose tibolone treatment group and 318 subjects in the control group. The ovarian area, uterine volume and endometrial thickness in all participants were measured by transvaginal ultrasound prior to, one and two years post enrollment, respectively. Endometrial specimens were collected from all subjects with abnormal uterine bleeding during the follow-up period. We found that the uterine volume in the treatment group was greater than that in the control group, and the difference was significant （P〈0.05）, but there were no significant differences in ovarian area and endometrial thickness between the two groups （P〉0.05）. When the cut-off value for endometrial thickness was 7.35 ram, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 79.07%, respectively, and 85.71% and 93.02% when 7.55 mm was set as the cut-offduring tibolone therapy. The results indicate that low-dose tibolone therapy may postpone uterine atrophy and the cut-off value of endometrial thickness may be appropriately adjusted for curettage.
基金the Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11802195)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12172242,and 11972251)+2 种基金the Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11732010)Sino-German International Cooperation Project supported by Sino-German Science Center(GZ1575)the Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists of Shanxi Province,China(Grant No.201801D221027).
文摘In this work,we study the development,evolution,and migration of turbulent coherent structures in the turbulent boundary layer at Reτ=630 using time-resolved particle image velocimetry(TR-PIV).Multiple techniques,including multi-scale analysis,conditional averaging,cross-correlation,and spatial-temporal topological analysis are applied to extract the evolution principle,migration trajectory,and convection velocity vector of the targeted coherent structures from a Lagrangian perspective.The spanwise vortex structures with larger scale and intensity at a certain wall-normal height y were the main focus of the present study.In the statistical sense,spanwise vortex structures move away from the wall with the shape changing from a bulge to an ellipse,and finally to a circle.Two straight lines emerge from the mean transfer trajectory curve of the spanwise vortex,in which the horizontal one is located at the viscous sublayer(y^(+)<10),the other is a logarithmic straight line existing in the range of 50<y^(+)<120,and the inclination angle of the tangential migration path is fixed at around 12°.The streamwise convection velocity U_(c)of scaled spanwise vortex structures satisfies U_(c)/U_(∞)=0.5-0.6 below y=0.03δ(i.e.,U^(+)_(c)=11-13 undery^(+)=20).In particular,in the region of 50<y^(+)<120,the velocity growth curves of U_(c)and wall-normal convection velocity V_(c)follow the log-law distribution very well,and the slopes are consistent with that of the log-law region of the turbulent boundary layer.Our observations provide microscopic evidences of the logarithmic-linear distribution of the migration trajectory of spanwise vortex structures.
基金Sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51608166)。
文摘β⁃FeOOH modified sludge biochar(FSBC)was prepared and investigated in this work to remove phosphate from water via adsorption.FSBC exhibited superior adsorption performance for phosphate with the maximum adsorption amount of 27.17 mg/g at 25℃.The specific adsorption capacity of FSBC was 57.8%higher than that of commercial activated carbon at pH 5 with the initial phosphate concentration of 10 mg/L.Coexisting anions can inhibit the adsorption of phosphate,but cations(Cr(VI)and Cd^(2+))exhibited some promotion effect.The results of kinetic and isotherm models and characterization analysis in combination indicated chemical adsorption,as electrostatic interaction,metal phosphate precipitation and hydrogen bonding may be the dominant process.The adsorption of phosphate onto FSBC was a monolayer adsorption,and the process was endothermic.After four adsorption/desorption cycles,the adsorption capacity of FSBC for phosphate decreased by 36.4%,which was in a distinct comparison with the 57.5%of SBC.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51872246 and 52061135102)for financial support.
文摘In the present work,novel NbC-SiC-C ceramic nanocomposite powders were successfully synthesized by a polymer-derived ceramic approach with the allylhydridopolycarbosilane(AHPCS)and niobium pentachloride(NbCl5)as starting materials.A single-source-precursor was first synthesized by chemical reaction between AHPCS and NbCl5 and then pyrolyzed at 900℃ to obtain amorphous ceramic powders.After further annealing amorphous ceramics at higher temperatures in the range of 1100-1500℃,the NbC-SiC-C ceramic nanocomposite powders were finally obtained.The single-source-precursor synthesis and polymer-to-ceramic transformation were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra(FT-IR)and thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA).The phase evolution of resulting ceramics was investigated by X-ray diffraction(XRD)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Interestingly,both the NbC@C and SiC@C core−shell structured nanoparticles were in-situ formed at 1300℃ to form NbC-SiC-C ceramic nanocomposites.With the highest NbCl5 content in the feed,the contents of NbC andβ-SiC obtained by Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns from the 1500℃ ceramics are 68.41wt.%and 31.59wt.%,respectively,indicating that the ultra-high temperature resistant NbC is the main phase.In general,the resultant NbC-SiC-C nanocomposite with NbC as main phase can be considered as candidate material for structure−function integrated applications in harsh environment.
基金funded by t he Strategic Priority Research Programs of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Pan-TPE, XDA20040502 )the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41877405 , U1612442 , U1812403 )。
文摘Effective biomarkers are necessary to better understand the human mercury(Hg) exposure levels. However, mismatched biomarker sampling method causes extra uncertainty in assessing the risk of Hg exposure. To compare the differences between hair and fingernail, and further understand the excretion rates of methylmercury(MeHg) and inorganic mercury(IHg) via hair and fingernails, the total mercury(THg), Me Hg, and IHg concentrations in paired hair and fingernail samples were investigated through paired samples collected from two typical mining areas, Wanshan mercury mine area(WMMA) and Hezhang zinc smelting area(HZSA). The positive correlation in THg, MeHg, and IHg concentrations( p < 0.01) between hair and fingernail samples indicated that those two biomarkers can be corrected in application of assessing human Hg exposure. Compared to fingernails, the hair was suggested to be a more sensitive biomarker as the concentration of THg, MeHg and IHg were 2~4 times higher than those in fingernails. Furthermore, the amounts of THg, MeHg, and IHg excreted via hair were 70~226 times higher than that excreted via fingernails, and the hair plays a more important role than fingernails in the excretion of Hg from human bodies. Present study therefore provides some new insights to better understand the fate of human assimilated Hg.
