The dynamic expression of SOX17 in germ cells from human female foetus and adult ovaries after specification.

Background: SOX17 has been identified as a critical factor in specification of human primordial germ cells, but whether SOX17 regulates development of germ cells after sex differentiation is poorly understood. Methods: We collected specimens of gonadal ridge from an embryo (n=1), and ovaries of foetuses (n=23) and adults (n=3). Germ cells were labelled with SOX17, VASA (classic germ cells marker), phosphohistone H3 (PHH3, mitosis marker) and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3, meiosis marker). Results: SOX17 was detected in both cytoplasm and nucleus of oogonia and oocytes of primordial and primary follicles from 15 to 28 gestational weeks (GW). However, it was exclusively expressed in cytoplasm of oogonia at 7 GW, and in nucleus of oocytes in secondary follicles. Co-expression rates of SOX17 in VASA+ germ cells ranged from 81.29% to 97.81% in foetuses. Co-staining rates of SOX17 and PHH3 or SCP3 were 0%-34% and 0%-57%, respectively. Interestingly, we distinguished a subpopulation of SOX17+VASA- germ cells in fetal ovaries. These cells clustered in the cortex and could be co-stained with the mitosis marker PHH3 but not the meiosis marker SCP3. Conclusions: The dynamic expression of SOX17 was detected in human female germ cells. We discovered a population of SOX17+ VASA- germ cells clustering at the cortex of ovaries. We could not find a relationship between mitosis or meiosis and SOX17 or VASA staining in germ cells. Our findings provide insight into the potential role of SOX17 involving germ cells maturation after specification, although the mechanism is unclear and needs further investigation.

[Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs) Emission Inventory from Domestic Sources in China].

A volatile organic compounds(VOCs) emission source classification and accounting system from domestic sources in China was established for the period between 2010 and 2018. Suggestions for the prevention and treatment of VOCs from domestic sources were developed and proposed. The results showed that the total VOCs emission inventory from domestic sources in China in 2018 was 2518 kt. Architectural decoration, asphalt road paving, cooking, and rural household biomass use source were the four largest contributors, accounting for 69.22% of the total emissions. Chemical household products and urban and rural coal use contributed equally, accounting for 10.43% and 9.98%, respectively, whilst car repair accounted for 7.75%. Shandong, Sichuan, Henan, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Hebei were the six provinces that contributed the most(36.01%). During the 2010-2018 period, China's domestic VOCs emissions increased at a rate of 0.43%, and after reaching a peak in 2013, the emissions began to decline at a rate of 2.23%. The reason for the decline was that, on the one hand, the cleaner energy consumption of residents made a contribution to the gradual reduction of domestic coal and biomass consumption. On the other hand, the gradual saturation of housing construction in some areas, which led to a decrease in the annual construction of the country. It is recommended to promote the comprehensive management of architectural decoration, cooking methods, and car repair, while paying attention to the VOCs emissions from asphalt road paving. Meanwhile, continue to optimize the energy use structure of domestic sources, and promote the pollution control of civil coal and household biomass combustion in accordance with local regulations and multiple measures.