Human biomonitoring of phthalate exposure in Austrian children and adults and cumulative risk assessment

Phthalates are a class of chemicals widely used as plasticisers in a multitude of common consumer products. Through contact with such products, people are regularly exposed to phthalates, which are suspected to contribute to adverse health effects, particularly in the reproductive system.In the present study, 14 urinary phthalate metabolites of 10 parent phthalates were analysed by HPLC–MS/MS among the Austrian population aged 6–15 and 18–81 years in order to assess phthalate exposure. In the total study population, ranges of urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations were n.d.–2,105 μg/l (median 25 μg/l) for monoethyl phthalate (MEP), n.d.–88 μg/l (10 μg/l) for mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), n.d.–248 μg/l (28 μg/l) for mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), n.d.–57 μg/l (1.8 μg/l) for mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), n.d.–20 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), n.d.–80 μg/l (2.6 μg/l) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (5OH-MEHP), n.d.–57 μg/l (1.9 μg/l) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (5oxo-MEHP), n.d.–219 μg/l (11 μg/l) for mono-(5-carboxy-2-ethylpentyl) phthalate (5cx-MEPP), n.d.–188 μg/l (1.6 μg/l) for 3-carboxy-mono-proply phthalate (3cx-MPP), n.d.–5.5 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-cyclohexyl phthalate (MCHP), n.d.–4.5 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-n-pentyl phthalate (MnPeP), n.d.–3.4 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-n-octyl phthalate (MnOP), n.d.–13 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-isononyl phthalate (MiNP), and n.d.–1.1 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-isodecyl phthalate (MiDP). Generally, children exhibited higher levels of exposure to the majority of investigated phthalates, except to MEP, which was found in higher concentrations in adults and senior citizens at a maximum concentration of 2,105 μg/l. Individual daily intakes were estimated based on urinary creatinine and urinary volume excretion and were then compared to acceptable exposure levels, leading to the identification of exceedances of mainly the Tolerable Daily Intakes (TDI), especially among children. The execution of a cumulative risk assessment based on Hazard Indices showed cause for concern mainly for children, as well as in rare cases for adults.Although phthalate exposure seems to have decreased in previous years, the wide distribution and existing exceedances of acceptable levels indicate that phthalate exposure should be further monitored in order to identify exposure sources and enable appropriate minimisation measures.     

HPV16E6与E-钙黏蛋白在不同宫颈病变组织中的表达与临床病理特征的相关性

目的 探讨人乳头瘤病毒(HPV) 16E6与E-钙黏蛋白在正常宫颈、宫颈上皮内瘤样变(CIN)、宫颈鳞癌中的表达意义.方法 采用免疫组化方法检测30例正常宫颈、34例CIN、60例宫颈鳞癌组织中HPV16E6与E-钙黏蛋白的表达,比较其表达差异,与临床病理特征的相关性.结果 HPV16E6在正常宫颈组织、CIN Ⅰ级、CINⅡ-Ⅲ级、宫颈鳞癌中的阳性表达率逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(x2 =40.166,P=0.000);各组间两两比较除外正常组与CIN Ⅰ组、CIN Ⅰ组与CINⅡ-Ⅲ组(P=0.315,0.483),其余各组间差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).E-钙黏蛋白在正常宫颈、CIN Ⅰ级、CINⅡ-Ⅲ级、宫颈鳞癌组织中的阳性表达率逐渐减少,差异有统计学意义(x2=31.295,P=0.000),各组间两两比较除外正常组与CIN Ⅰ组、CIN Ⅰ组与CINⅡ-Ⅲ组(P=0.056,0.627),其余各组间差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).HPV16E6与E-钙黏蛋白阳性表达率与宫颈癌临床病理分期、肿瘤直径、组织病理学分级、肌层浸润都有关(P＜0.05),但两者的表达与年龄无关(P＞0.05).宫颈鳞癌组和CIN组中HPV16E6与E-钙黏蛋白的表达呈负相关(rs=-0.647,P=0.000).结论 宫颈病变级别增加与HPV16E6和E-钙黏蛋白阳性表达密切相关,提示宫颈癌预后不良;两种蛋白表达可能存在相互作用,且参与了宫颈癌的发生发展.     

HIV感染期间持续性免疫激活与肠道微生物易位关系的研究

由人类获得性免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)感染引起的病理学改变是复杂、多方面的,其中感染过程中导致免疫激活和疾病进展的一个关键因素是微生物易位,在胃肠道表现较早,并出现相应的临床症状。人类和动物感染SIV后,导致细菌易位形成的主要因素包括胃肠黏膜上皮屏障破坏和持续性免疫激活。以下就HIV感染期间持续性免疫激活与肠道微生物易位的关系进行综述。     

Increased detection of G3P[9] and G6P[9] rotavirus strains in hospitalized children with acute diarrhea in Bulgaria

Rotavirus severe disease in children is now vaccine-preventable and the roll-out of vaccination programs globally is expected to make a significant impact in the reduction of morbidity and mortality in children <5 years of age. Rotavirus is also a pathogen of other mammals and birds, and its segmented RNA genome can lead to the emergence of new or unusual strains in human population via interspecies transmission and reassortment events. Despite the efficacy and impact of rotavirus vaccine in preventing severe diarrhea, the correlates of protection remain largely unknown. Therefore, rotavirus strain surveillance before, during and after the introduction of immunization programs remains a crucial for monitoring rotavirus vaccine efficacy and impact. In this context, molecular characterization of 1323 Bulgarian rotavirus strains collected between June 2010 and May 2013 was performed. A total of 17 strains of interest were analyzed by partial sequence analysis. Twelve strains were characterized as G3P[9] and G6P[9] of potential animal origin. Phylogenetic analysis and comparisons with the same specificity strains detected sporadically between 2006 and 2010 revealed the constant circulation of these unusual human strains in Bulgaria, although in low prevalence, and their increased potential for person-to-person spread.     

Identification of the source of A (H10N8) virus causing human infection

A novel H10N8 influenza A virus has been detected in three humans in China since December 2013. Although this virus was hypothesized to be a novel reassortant among influenza viruses from wild birds and domestic poultry, its evolutionary path leading to human infection is unknown. Sporadic surveillance at the live poultry market (LPM) suspected to be the source of infection for the first H10N8 patient has shown a gradual increase in influenza virus prevalence culminating with a predominance of H10N8 viruses. Influenza viruses detected in the LPM up to 8 months prior to human infection contributed genetic components to the zoonotic virus. These H10N8 viruses have continued to evolve within this LPM subsequent to the human infection, and continuous assessments of these H10N8 viruses will be necessary. Serological surveillance showed that the virus appears to have been present throughout the LPM system in Nanchang, China. Reduction of the influenza virus burden in LPMs is essential in preventing future emergence of novel influenza viruses with zoonotic and pandemic potential.     

浅谈药学专业人体解剖生理学的教学体会和教学方法

人体解剖生理学是一门重要的基础课程,在针对药学专业学生的教学过程中存在着一些问题,课时数相对较少,教师教学方法和思维刻板保守,缺乏药学专业知识基础,学生对本课程重视度不够,缺乏足够的学习兴趣。针对这些实际问题,要求教师结合药学专业的学科特点来讲授人体解剖生理学知识,寻找新的教学方法,以提高学生的知识理解能力,培养学生的创新思维和主动学习的意识。     

Hair mercury concentrations and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes among women from a fertility clinic

Total hair mercury (Hg) was measured among 205 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and the association with prospectively collected IVF outcomes (229 IVF cycles) was evaluated. Hair Hg levels (median = 0.62 ppm, range: 0.03–5.66 ppm) correlated with fish intake (r = 0.59), and exceeded the recommended EPA reference of 1 ppm in 33% of women. Generalized linear mixed models with random intercepts accounting for within-woman correlations across treatment cycles were used to evaluate the association of hair Hg with IVF outcomes adjusted for age, body mass index, race, smoking status, infertility diagnosis, and protocol type. Hair Hg levels were not related to ovarian stimulation outcomes (peak estradiol levels, total and mature oocyte yields) or to fertilization rate, embryo quality, clinical pregnancy rate or live birth rate.     

The involvement of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in eugenol-induced cell death in human glioblastoma cells

Eugenol, a natural phenolic constituent of clove oil, has a wide range of applications in medicine as a local antiseptic and anesthetic. However, the effect of eugenol on human glioblastoma is unclear. This study examined whether eugenol elevated intracellular free Ca²⁺ levels ([Ca²⁺]_i) and induced apoptosis in DBTRG-05MG human glioblastoma cells. Eugenol evoked [Ca²⁺]_i rises which were reduced by removing extracellular Ca²⁺. Eugenol-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises were not altered by store-operated Ca²⁺ channel blockers but were inhibited by the PKC inhibitor GF109203X and the transient receptor potential channel melastatin 8 (TRPM8) antagonist capsazepine. In Ca²⁺-free medium, pretreatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ pump inhibitor thapsigargin (TG) or 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) abolished eugenol-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises. The phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 significantly inhibited eugenol-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises. Eugenol killed cells which were not reversed by prechelating cytosolic Ca²⁺ with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM). Eugenol induced apoptosis through increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential, releasing cytochrome c and activating caspase-9/caspase-3. Together, in DBTRG-05MG cells, eugenol evoked [Ca²⁺]_i rises by inducing PLC-dependent release of Ca²⁺ from the endoplasmic reticulum and caused Ca²⁺ influx possibly through TRPM8 or PKC-sensitive channels. Furthermore, eugenol induced the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.     

Comparative examination of adsorption of serum proteins on HSA- and PLGA-based nanoparticles using SDS–PAGE and LC–MS

The behavior of nanosized drug carrier systems under cell culture conditions and therefore also the destiny in the body are highly influenced by the protein corona, which is formed upon entering a biological environment. Some of the adsorbed proteins, named opsonins, lead to a shortened plasma circulation half-life of the nanoparticles. Others are attributed to promote the transport of nanoparticles into other compartments of the body, just to mention two examples. Hence, detailed knowledge concerning the composition of the protein corona is of great importance. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the nanoparticle starting material and the surface modification on the composition of the adsorbed serum proteins in a cell culture environment. Therefore, positively charged nanoparticles based on the biodegradable polymer poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) stabilized with didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DMAB) and negatively charged nanoparticles based on human serum albumin (HSA) were prepared and modified with hydrophilic polymers. By incubating the nanoparticles with fetal bovine serum (FBS) the adsorption of serum proteins on the colloidal system was investigated. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) a semi-quantitative analysis of the protein corona was performed and after enzymatic in-solution-digestion the adsorbed proteins were identified using high resolution LC–MS. Our study accentuates the influence of the core material, surface charge, and surface modification on the amount and nature of the adsorbed proteins. The combination of SDS–PAGE and LC–MS turns out to be a simple and reliable method to investigate the protein corona of nanoparticles.