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There is a growing interest in the co-management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its metabolic comorbidities. However, there is insufficient epidemiological data regarding MAFLD and its metabolic comorbidities in China. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of MAFLD and its metabolic comorbidities. 9171 participants were recruited in this cross-sectional study, utilizing a multistage, stratified sampling method. All participants underwent a comprehensive assessment. The diagnosis of MAFLD was based on vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). The prevalence of MAFLD and its metabolic comorbidities was calculated. Binary and ordinary logistic regressions were conducted. The overall weighted prevalence of MAFLD was 21.18%. Of the 2081 adults with MAFLD, 1866 (89.67%) had more than one metabolic comorbidity, and only 215 (10.33%) did not have comorbidity. Among the population with MAFLD, the prevalence of dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and diabetes was 67.47%, 43.73%, 39.10%, and 33.88%, respectively. Advanced age, male gender, overweight/obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and elevated HOMA-IR levels were positively correlated with the number of MAFLD-related metabolic comorbidities. A significant proportion of individuals diagnosed with MAFLD presented with metabolic comorbidities. Therefore, engaging in the co-management of MAFLD and its metabolic comorbidities is imperative. • Only 10.33% of the individuals diagnosed with MAFLD did not have metabolic comorbidity. • Overweight/obesity was positively associated with the number of MAFLD-related metabolic comorbidities. • MAFLD with one comorbidity had the highest rates of dyslipidemia, followed by hypertension, hyperuricemia, and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population data are normally collected at various census administrative levels, and areal interpolation of population is often required to transform population to the desired spatial resolution. Building footprint datasets, such as Microsoft building footprints, have proven to be useful in estimating population distribution and can therefore be used for areal interpolation of population. In addition to Microsoft building footprints, the recently released USA Structures dataset provides additional information such as building type and building height for some regions, which may provide valuable information for a better depiction of population distribution and improved population areal interpolation accuracy. In this study, we have conducted areal interpolation of population projections consistent with three different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2, SSP3, and SSP5) from 1-km grid cells to block level in Washington state for every ten years from 2020 to 2040 based on USA Structures. We assessed USA Structures-based population downscaling accuracy using U.S. decennial survey data in 2020 under three different downscaling schemes, including population downscaling from census tracts to block groups, from census tracts to blocks, and from block groups to blocks. The resulting accuracies were compared with those based on Microsoft building footprints. The comparison showed that USA Structures achieved higher accuracies across different population density regions and areas with different urbanization extent within our study area. • USA Structures, U.S.'s first national inventory of structures, can be used to achieve high-accuracy population downscaling. • This study generates block-level population projections across different SSPs for Washington state from 2020 to 2040. • Building height data doens't enhance population downscaling accuracy in our study, likely due to source zone homoneneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agent-based models (ABMs) have been increasingly used for flood risk analysis, driven by the recognition that commonly used analyses typically neglect adaptive human behavior in relation to flood hazards. However, ABM simulation results can be highly sensitive to a number of modeling choices. Here, we introduce an agent-based modeling framework to explore the impact of structural versus parametric choices of household flood aversion on modeled outcomes of flood risk in a hypothetical urban environment. We deploy three structural variants of the model that fundamentally differ in the manner in which households are assumed to interface with flood hazards (disamenity, avoidance, and protection), evaluating multiple model parameterizations within each structural variant. The structural variants lead to fundamentally different conclusions regarding the evolution of flood risk, indicating that the structural choices made regarding human representation in flood risk ABMs have substantial bearing on modeling insights and ought to be elevated from an overlooked to a critical aspect of future modeling efforts. • We introduce a new agent-based modeling framework for urban flood risk analysis. • Structural choices regarding flood aversion significantly impact flood risk outcomes. • Overlooked structural choices should be a critical consideration in model formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population downscaling and interpolation methods are required to produce data which correspond to spatial units used in urban planning, demography, and environmental modeling. Population data are typically aggregated at census enumeration units, which can have arbitrary, temporally-evolving boundaries. Previous approaches to imperviousness-based dasymetric mapping ignore cell-level patterning of imperviousness within a spatial unit of prediction, which potentially serve as a strong indicator of population. Landscape metrics derived from imperviousness data offer a promising approach to capture these patterns. In this study, we incorporate landscape metrics derived from impervious cover percentage maps into intelligent dasymetric mapping to downscale population from census tracts to block groups in four states with varying population densities: Connecticut, South Carolina, West Virginia, and New Mexico. We compare the performance of the landscape metrics-based models against two baseline models in all four states across three different time periods. The results show that intelligent dasymetric mapping using landscape metrics generally outperforms the two baseline models. We further compare the performance of landscape metrics as an ancillary source of information for dasymetric mapping against other traditionally-used datasets (e.g., land use, roads, nighttime lights data) in three states (Connecticut, South Carolina, and New Mexico) in 2000. We find that class area, landscape shape index, and number of patches consistently achieve lower error rates than other ancillary datasets in all the three states. • Landscape metrics capture cell-level patterning in imperviousness (e.g., clustering, fragmentation, etc.), which potentially serve as strong indicator of population. • Landscape metrics generally outperform other traditionally-used ancillary datasets in population downscaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are essential elements during the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis. An increasing number of studies have reported that extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including the CCN protein family, play a significant role in VSMC migration and proliferation. CCN4 is a member of the CCN protein family, which controls cell development and survival in multiple systems of the body. Here, we sought to determine whether CCN4 is involved in VSMC migration and proliferation. We examined the effect of CCN4 using rat cultured VSMCs. In cultured VSMCs, CCN4 stimulated the adhesion and migration of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was blocked by an antibody for integrin α5β1. CCN4 expression was enhanced by the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Furthermore, knockdown of CCN4 by siRNA significantly inhibited the VSMC proliferation. CCN4 also could up-regulate the expression level of marker proteins of the VSMCs phenotype. Taken together, these results suggest that CCN4 is involved in the migration and proliferation of VSMCs. Inhibition of CCN4 may provide a promising strategy for the prevention of restenosis after vascular interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aiming at failure of closure segment in a prestressed concrete cable-stayed bridge, a strengthening technology, namely replacing the closure segment, was firstly put forward. But removing the old closure segment was a process of release of internal force and had great risk. So the structural safety possibly induced by removing must be analyzed and confirmed. Based on FEM and summary of engineering experience, the construction stages for removing the old closure segment were simulated, and then some analysis relevant to safety, including thermal effect, dynamic characteristics and global stability of the whole bridge structure, were systematically presented. According to these analysis results, corresponding prevention and control measures were provided to ensure construction safety. Studies showed that, variation range of its structural state between before and after removing is not obvious, and its dynamic characteristics changed little after removing. In addition, structural instability could not be induced by removing, but for the sake of improving construction safety reliability, necessary safety prevention and control measures were indispensable. Analysis on safety of removing the old closure segment constituted the important part of the strengthening technology of replacing the closure segment, and became the theoretical basis of removing partial structural members for existing bridges. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Matrix converter is a direct power converter that can convert energy from an AC source to an AC load without the need of the bulky and limited-lifetime storage elements in the dc link. While this topology has many advantages, its voltage transfer ratio is limited to 0.866.This paper deals with a three-phase “pump type” matrix converter with an innovative topology. The theoretical analysis of the high-performance power converter is discussed. Furthermore, the simulation results are also presented in order to verify the result of theoretical analysis. All simulations have been carried out in PSIM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Soft tissue defects on the lateral borders of the digits are difficult to reconstruct using local or local–regional flaps. We describe a “palmar pivot flap” to resurface an adjacent defect on the palmar–lateral aspect of the digit. Methods: The surgical technique is described. This flap is an axial pattern flap based on the subcutaneous transverse branches of the digital artery. The flap is pivoted up to 90° on the neurovascular bundle in its base, into an adjacent defect. The flap can be raised from either the proximal or the middle phalangeal segments. It can cover defects sited from the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint up to the fingertip. The donor defect is limited to the same digit and is covered with a full-thickness skin graft. Results: We have used this flap on 3 patients with defects at the middle phalangeal segment, the distal interphalangeal joint, and the fingertip. All healed primarily. One patient had a mild flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint, whereas the other 2 had no complications. The patients with distal interphalangeal joint and fingertip defects had excellent sensation in the flap (2-point discrimination of 5–6 mm). Conclusions: The palmar pivot flap is useful for resurfacing otherwise difficult defects on the lateral borders of the digits around and distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint, including those at the fingertip. It provides sensate, glabrous skin. The donor defect is on the same digit and is well hidden, producing an aesthetic and functional reconstruction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lead (Pb) is considered an endocrine-disrupting chemical. However, few studies have investigated the effects of low-level Pb exposure on plasma glucose levels. Herein, we aimed to investigate whether low-level Pb exposure causes elevated plasma glucose levels and the possible mechanisms involved. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 5747 participants from 16 sites in China. The participants underwent measurements of anthropometric factors, blood lead level (BLL) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Wistar rats were exposed to 0.05% Pb through drinking water or fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 28 weeks. The relevant parameters of glucose homeostasis, hepatic glucose production (HGP) and gene expression levels of hepatic gluconeogenesis enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxy kinase (PEPCK), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP1), were measured. In addition, gene expression levels of gluconeogenesis enzymes were also measured in HepG2 cells administered with different concentrations of lead acetate for 24 h. In humans, after adjusting for confounders, the odds of having High_FPG (≥5.6 mmol/L) were significantly increased by 25% in the participants in the fourth BLL quartile (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05, 1.49). In the animals exposed to 0.05% Pb, FPG, HGP and hepatic gene expression levels of PEPCK, G6PC and FBP1 were increased. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of PEPCK, G6PC and FBP1 in HepG2 cells were also increased in response to Pb exposure. These findings support the possibility that low-level Pb exposure may increase HGP by affecting key enzymes of hepatic gluconeogenesis, eventually resulting in impaired FPG and hyperglycemia. [Display omitted] • Blood lead level was positively associated with fasting plasma glucose in humans. • Hepatic glucose production increased in rats after Pb exposure. • Gene expression levels of hepatic gluconeogenesis enzymes increased after Pb exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental lead exposure has been linked with reduced kidney function. However, evidence about its role in diabetic kidney damage, especially when considering the nutritional status of vitamin D, is sparse. In this observational study, we investigated the association between low-level lead exposure and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and assessed potential impact of vitamin D among 4033 diabetic patients in Shanghai, China. Whole blood lead was measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was tested using a chemiluminescence immunoassay. The associations of blood lead with UACR and albuminuria, defined as UACR ≥30 mg/g, according to 25(OH)D levels were analyzed using linear and Poisson regression models. A doubling of blood lead level was associated with a 10.7% higher UACR (95% CI, 6.19%–15.5%) in diabetic patients with 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L, whereas the association was attenuated toward null (2.03%; 95% CI, −5.18% to 9.78%) in those with 25(OH)D ≥ 50 nmol/L. Similarly, the risk ratios of prevalent albuminuria per doubling of blood lead level between the two groups were 1.09 (95% CI, 1.03–1.15) and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.86–1.14), respectively. Joint analysis demonstrated that a combination of high blood lead and low 25(OH)D corresponded to significantly higher UACR. Among diabetic patients with 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L, the increment of UACR relative to blood lead was more remarkable in those with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2). These results suggested that higher blood lead levels were associated with increased urinary albumin excretion in diabetic patients with vitamin D deficiency. Further prospective studies are needed to validate our findings and to determine whether vitamin D supplementation yields a benefit. [Display omitted] • Impact of 25(OH)D on albuminuria relative to lead exposure in diabetes was assessed. • Higher lead levels were associated with albuminuria when 25(OH)D was deficient. • Higher lead levels plus lower 25(OH)D markedly increased urinary albumin excretion. • The association of lead and albuminuria was greater in the presence of reduced eGFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Previous studies have suggested that a high blood lead level (BLL) is associated with cardiovascular outcomes and impaired renal function in the general population; however, studies investigating the effect of a high BLL on diabetic vascular complications have been limited. We aimed to investigate whether a higher BLL is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD).Methods: We analyzed 4234 individuals out of 4813 diabetic participants enrolled from seven communities in China in 2018 in this cross-sectional study. Macrovascular measurements, including assessment of common carotid artery (CCA) plaques and their diameters, were performed with ultrasound. CVD was defined as a composite measure including a previous diagnosis of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The definition of DKD was an albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/g or an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to measure the associations.Results: The median age and BLL of the participants were 67 years (interquartile range, 62-72 years) and 26 μg/L (interquartile range, 18-36 μg/L). Compared with the first quartile, the odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) of CCA plaques ranging from none to bilateral in the ordinal logistic regression analysis associated with BLL was 1.53 (1.29, 1.82) in the fourth BLL quartile (P for trend <0.01), and the odds of having CVD was significantly increased by 44% for participants in the fourth quartile (1.44 (1.17, 1.76)) (P for trend <0.01). The odds of DKD in the fourth BLL quartile increased by 36% (1.36 (1.06, 1.74)) compared with that in the first quartile (P for trend <0.05). These associations were adjusted for potential confounders.Conclusions: A high BLL may be a potential risk factor for CVD and DKD in middle-aged and elderly diabetic adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Reported studies have showed that Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor (TAFI) may be associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. But the relation of VT with TAFI gene SNPs could not be clearly demonstrated. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to analyze the associations between three TAFI variants − 438G/A, 505G/A and 1040C/T and the risk of venous thrombosis. Methods We carried out a systematic search to obtain all the eligible studies published before 30th October 2014. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed to assess the association. Results 13 eligible studies were enrolled including 2321 patients and 2464 controls. There was a significant association between 505G/A and the risk of VTD under all models except recessive model (G vs. A: OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.26; GG vs. AA:OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.88; GA vs. AA: OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.73; GG + GA vs. AA: OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.77). Similarly, obvious relationship was observed in subgroup analyses in light of type of disease and ethnicity. Likewise, for 1040C/T variant, significant associations were identified under homozygote, heterozygote and dominant models (CC vs. TT: OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.59; CT vs. TT: OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.03; CC + CT vs. TT: OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.00). Sub-analysis presented significant associations in non-CVT and non-Asian group under homozygote, heterozygote, and dominant models and CVT group in recessive model. Conclusion This meta-analysis showed that − 438G/A variant was not associated with the incidence of venous thrombosis. But in non-Asian populations, G allele and GG genotype of 505G/A may increase the risk of venous thrombosis diseases. GG genotype of 505G/A and one C carrier (CC and CT) of 1040C/T gave rise to the development of venous thrombosis diseases except CVT. Additionally, the heterozygote CT may be a potential contributing factor of gene effect in venous thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To alleviate the salinity and drought stresses faced in agricultural production, and to improve crop water use efficiency (WUE) in drought-prone regions, novel management strategies are needed. The combination of biochar amendment and reduced irrigation regimes could mitigate the negative effects of salinity and drought stresses and improve WUE of cotton plants. A split-root pot trial was performed in order to investigate the effects of two biochar amendments [wheat straw pellets biochar (WSP) and soft wood pellets biochar (SWP)] combined with three irrigation schemes [full irrigation (FI), deficit irrigation (DI), and partial root-zone drying irrigation (PRD)] on the growth, physiology and WUE of cotton plants under two salinity levels [0 mM NaCl (S0) and 200 mM NaCl (S1)]. The results showed that salt stress depressed plant growth and physiology, and reduced seed cotton yield and lint yield by 19.33–47.22% and 40.43–58.81%, respectively. However, the biochar amendment alleviated salt stress and increased plant dry biomass allocation ratio by 3.85%–12.54%, 5.07%–14.39% and 9.78%–46.62% in boll, seed cotton and lint cotton under S1, respectively, and also increased lint ginning out turn (GOT), harvest index (HI), WUE at plant and yield level (WUE p and WUE y) by 0.21%–28.69%, 5.07%–14.39%, −0.30%–15.71% and 5.83%–32.44%, respectively. Moreover, WSP was superior to SWP in terms of improving plant growth and yield. PRD showed better growth and physiological effects than DI, especially WUE p and WUE y were 6.88%–13.73% and 9.16%–22.78% greater under PRD than under DI. The combined application of biochar and PRD counteracted the decrease in WUE caused by biochar application alone under S0. Collectively, WSP combined with PRD could be a promising strategy in sustainable cotton production under drought and salinity stress. [Display omitted] • Salt stress inhibited growth and yield but improved water use efficiency (WUE) of cotton plants. • Biochar amendment alleviated the negative effects of salt stress and improved the growth of cotton plants. • Biochar amendment combined with partial root-zone drying irrigation improved yield and WUE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play crucial roles in the development of vascular restenosis. Our previous study showed that CCN4, namely Wnt1 inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1), significantly promotes proliferation and migration of rat VSMCs, but its mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate whether and how WISP1 stimulates proliferation and migration of human VSMCs. Western blot analysis showed that FBS treatment increased WISP1 protein levels in human VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of WISP1 using adenovirus encoding WISP1 (AD-WISP1) significantly increased proliferation rate of human VSMCs by 2.98-fold compared with empty virus (EV)-transfected cells, shown by EdU incorporation assay. Additionally, Scratch-induced wound healing assay revealed that adenovirus-mediated overexpression of WISP1 significantly increased cell migration compared with EV-transfected cells from 6 h (4.56±1.14% vs. 11.23±2.25%, P<0.05) to 48 h (25.25±5.51% vs. 97.54±13.12%, P<0.01) after injury. Transwell Migration Assay confirmed that WISP1 overexpression significantly promoted human VSMC migration by 2.25-fold compared with EV. Furthermore, WISP1 overexpression stimulated Akt signaling activation in human VSMCs. Blockage of Akt signaling by Akt inhibitor AZD5363 or PI3K inhibitor LY294002, led to an inhibitory effect of WISP1-induced proliferation and migration in human VSMCs. Moreover, we found that WISP1 overexpression stimulated GSK3α/β phosphorylation, and increased expression of cyclin D1 and MMP9 in human VSMCs, and this effect was abolished by AZD5363. Collectively, we demonstrated that Akt signaling pathway mediates WISP1-induced migration and proliferation of human VSMCs, suggesting that WISP1 may act as a novel potential therapeutic target for vascular restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Existing evidences suggest that Radix Astragali and its polysaccharides composition (APS) can improve muscle mass, but the mechanisms need more research. Aim of the study In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of APS on muscle wasting at molecular level in 5/6 nephrectomised rats. Materials and methods We performed 5/6 nephrectomy or sham operation in 160 6-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats, and feed animals with or without 2% APS for 155 days. After treatment, we compared the change of weight, muscle fibre, protein metabolism, pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-15, CRP) and oxidative factors (MDA, SOD) among each group. In addition, we detected the Akt/mTOR, ubiquitin proteasome, autophagy signalling and AA transporters in vivo and in vitro. Results Data in vivo show 2% APS could alleviate weight loss and improve protein metabolism in nephrectomised rats. The levels of serum pro-inflammatory factors and oxidative factors were restored by APS treatment. In molecular levels, APS restored Akt/mTOR, MAFbx, MuRF1, Atg7, LC3B-II/LC3B-I and SLC38A2 which changed in nephrectomised rats. Data in vitro show the optimal dose of APS is 0.2 mg/mL, and SLC38A2 siRNA attenuated the effects of 0.2 mg/mL APS on atrophy and autophagy. Conclusions Our results suggested APS could improve muscle wasting through Akt/mTOR, ubiquitin proteasome and autophagy signalling, and SLC38A2 may be one of potential targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is an important bioactive component of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (Leguminosae) that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating muscle wasting, a serious complication with complex mechanism manifested as myofibers atrophy and satellite cells apoptosis. In this study, the anti-atrophy and anti-apoptotic activity of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) was characterized in C2C12 skeletal muscle myotubes and myoblasts. APS inhibited dexamethasone-induced atrophy by restoring phosphorylation of Akt, m-TOR, P70s6k, rpS6 and FoxO3A/FoxO1. The targets that protected C2C12 myoblasts from damage by H2O2 were promoting cells proliferation and inhibiting cells apoptosis. The protective mechanisms involved mitochondrial pathway and death receptor pathway. Moreover, Antioxidant effect of APS was also detected in this work. Our findings suggested that APS could be explored as a protective and perhaps as a therapeutic agent in the management of muscle wasting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The association between phenols and bone health was not systematically measured. • Nine urinary phenol biomarkers were measured in a US representative sample. • Parabens were related to greater bone mineral density in men/premenopausal women. • 2,4-dichlorophenol was associated with lower bone mineral density in men. • BPA was positively associated with osteopenia/osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Personal care and consumer products are extensively used and contain various chemicals that are recognized as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Few epidemiological studies measured the associations of these chemicals and metabolites, especially phenols, with bone health. We measured the associations between nine urinary phenol biomarkers and BMD and the subsequent prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis. National representative data from US adults aged over 20 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2010 were used. 2,267 men, 1,145 premenopausal women and 1,033 postmenopausal women were included in the final analyses. Bisphenol A, benzophenone-3, triclosan, butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, 2,5-dichlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. Paraben concentrations, especially ethyl-, methyl- and propylparabens, were related to greater BMD in the femoral neck and intertrochanter and lumbar spine in men and premenopausal women. 2,4-dichlorophenol concentrations was associated with lower BMD and a higher prevalence of osteopenia + osteoporosis in men. Bisphenol A was associated with a higher prevalence of osteopenia + osteoporosis in the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women. Benzophenone-3 tended to be associated with a higher BMD of femur in men and premenopausal women. In conclusion, certain urinary personal care and consumer product chemicals and metabolites were significantly associated with BMD or osteopenia + osteoporosis. These results further indicate that, in future research, determination of the causal relationships and detection of undelying mechanism could be next important directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]