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Plumbago europaea L. belongs to the family Plumbaginaceae, which has many medicinal and nutritional applications. It is among the significant medicinal herbs used widely in folk medicine in Syria to treat skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. There are no previous studies of the aerial parts' essential oils of this plant. So, herein we report on determining the chemical composition of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of P. europaea L., which were collected from a mountainous area in Latakia Province, Syria, by utilising the GC-MS technique. The major compounds identified in the flower's essential oils were: plumbagin (32.4%), hexadecanoic acid (13.79%), heneicosane (9.03%) and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol (8.40%). While in the leaves' essential oils were phytol (17.97%), dibutyl phthalate (15.45%), heneicosane (6.91%) and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (6.72%). In addition, according to the published literature, most of the identified compounds have been reported to exhibit significant biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sesquiterpene glycoside, ligulariatinside A (1), along with nine known compounds, dibutyl phthalate (2), 1-O-(9Z,12Z-octadecadienoyl) glycerol (3), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (4), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylpropanol (5), dihydrosyringenin (6), caffeic acid (7), 6β-hydroxy-7(11)-eremophilen-12,8α-olide (8), together with the mixture of 6β,8β-dihydroxyeremophil-7(11)-en-12,8α-olide (9) and 6β,8α-dihydroxy-eremophil-7(11)-en-12,8β-olide (10) were isolated from roots of L. veitchiana. Structures of these compounds were elucidated by comprehensive analyses of HRESIMS, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. Compounds 2 and 4 are not likely natural compounds but contaminants. All isolated compounds were tested for antibacterial activity. Compounds 1, 5, 6, together with the mixture of 9 and 10, showed mild activity against Vibrio anguillarum, with MIC values of 50, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL, while compound 7 showed moderate activity against Vibrio anguillarum, with a MIC value of 25 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination with plastics (nano and micro) is a problem of great concern. In the case of food, the presence of plastics is ascribed to their use as packaging materials which can migrate into different foodstuffs. A need for more efficient and accessible detection techniques becomes a great challenge. In this context, Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) emerges as a highly efficient tool to assess the determination of analytes, including microplastics, in different kinds of matrix comprising foods. In this contribution, the design of SPME microfibers is proposed to assess the more efficient detection of phthalates, as model of microplastics, in a sample of honey. SPME microfibers were fabricated using vitreous materials and coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The characterization of coated microfibers was performed by FTIR SEM, and TGA. The achieved data confirmed that PEG deposited on the fiber, reached a maximum of 13% respect to the total coated fiber mass. The performance of developed fibers was evaluated using Gas Chromatography coupled with a Mass Spectrometer detector. The results revealed a better separation between the retention times (r.t) of each phthalate when the lab made fibers were employed. In the this case r.t of 23, 33 and 41 min were roughly achieved for detecting diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), respectively. As a difference, when the commercial fiber was used the retention times were narrower distributed reaching r.t of 30, 33, and 39 min for DEP, DBP and DEHP, respectively in the same honey's sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic photoelectrochemical transistor (OPECT) biosensor have become an advanced bioanalytical technology due to their superior performance. In this work, a novel target‐induced bipedal DNA walker‐mediated and In2S3/Ti3C2 (MXene) Schottky junction‐gated OPECT aptasensor is developed. The DNA walker is activated by recognition between the aptamer and the target, and then moved along a predetermined orbital interface, realizing the integration of target recognition and signal amplification detection, thus obtaining higher detection sensitivity and shorter detection duration. To validate the innovative nature of OPECT bioassays, signals are obtained on OPECT‐specific detection of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a target molecule through alkaline phosphatase ‐mediated ascorbic acid (AA) enrichment at the In2S3/MXene photosensitive gate. AA enrichment effectively depleted holes and enhanced the photoelectric response by inhibiting electron‐hole pair complexation, realizing effective modulation of the organic semiconductor poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate). The presented OPECT aptasensor achieved sensitive detection of DBP and provided a low detection limit of 0.18 fM based on the homogeneous, well‐integrated nature of aptamer recognition. Considering the detection of different toxicant molecules, it is expected to serve as a generalized tool with excellent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) with teratogenicity, carcinogenesis, and mutagenesis, is a ubiquitous endocrine disruptor in the environment. The widespread usage of plastic mulch has resulted in a severe DBP pollution problem in agricultural soil. One of the most vital ways to mitigate the DBP pollution problem is to use DBP degrading bacteria to reduce the concentration of DBP in agricultural soil. DBP degrading bacteria studied in previous studies mainly come from sewage treatment plants, rivers, landfills, bioreactors, and other environmental media. At the same time, there was relatively little research on DBP degrading bacteria in agricultural soil. Therefore, using the pure culture approach, the candidate DBP degrading strains were isolated and screened from vegetable plots contaminated with plastic mulch in Dayi County, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China. The taxonomy of the strains was determined using the 16 sedimentation ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (16S rDNA) molecular technique. Furthermore, ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to assess the degrading capability of strains. The findings showed that a total of twenty-six DBP degrading strains were screened from vegetable plots contaminated with plastic mulch in Dayi County, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China, and these strains belonged to two phyla: Proteobacteria and Bacillota, eight families, including Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacillaceae, as well as ten genera, such as Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus. One of them, the strain SWDB-7 was a potentially new species in the Enterobacter genus. The most prominent genus of the isolated strains was Enterobacter. There were significant variations in the degradation capability of different obtained DBP degrading strains. and their degradation efficiency was 14.12%-91.86%. With a total DBP removal rate of 91.86%, strain SWDB-15 had the most effective degrading capability among them. To sum up, the DBP degrading strains in vegetable plots contaminated with plastic mulch in Dayi County, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China are rich in diversity and capable of breaking down DBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Alterations in the degrees of milling (DOM) could significantly influence the odor of rice. A gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS)‐based untargeted metabolomics method has been effectively employed to identify the differential volatiles among rice from various origins or varieties, although it has not been utilized to identify the differential volatiles among cooked rice with different DOM.Fifty volatile compounds were detected in cooked brown rice (CBR), cooked medium‐milled rice (CMMR) and cooked well‐milled rice (CWMR) of the four fragrant Simiao rice by GC‐MS. A comprehensive GC‐MS‐based untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed 25 differential volatiles among CBR, CMMR and CWMR. Among them, seven differential volatiles, namely hexanal, octanal, decanal, (E,E)‐2,4‐decadienal, vanillin, acetoin and pentanol, as well as one differential volatile (dibutyl phthalate), were determined as volatile markers for CBR and CMMR, respectively. Moreover, acetoin was identified to distinguish among CBR, CMMR, and CWMR of fragrant Simiao rice.GC‐MS‐based untargeted metabolomics could be effectively applied to screen differential volatiles in cooked rice with different DOM. The 25 differential volatiles identified could significantly contribute to the distinctive odor in cooked fragrant Simiao rice with different DOM. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a green approach to sample preparation by applying natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) to determine phthalates in carbonated soft drinks using high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC‐DAD). The method employs hollow fiber‐microporous membrane liquid‐liquid microextraction combined with a 96‐well plate system, utilizing fatty‐acid‐based DES in the pores of the membranes. This methodology substantially reduces the use of organic solvents, and its efficiency is comparable to or better than conventional methods. Fatty acids with chain lengths ranging from 6 to 12 carbons were investigated for the determination of dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP). The optimized approach used a NADES of decanoic and nonanoic acids (2:3 molar ratio), with 60 min of extraction and 30 min of desorption in acetonitrile:methanol (1:1 ratio). Limits of detection were reported as 8.2 µg/L for DMP, 7.6 µg/L for DEP and DBP, and 3.0 µg/L for BBP. Intraday precision ranged from 2.2% to 18.6% and inter‐day precision from 8.8% to 18.8%. Relative recovery across 3 levels ranged from 83.1% to 113.5%. The methodology was evaluated by two tools with green metrics to indicate sustainability. Analytes are extracted, quantified, and confirmed as phthalates in two brands of carbonated soft drinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of intermolecular interactions in butyl acetate-dibutyl phthalate and butyl acetate-dioctyl phthalate systems show that except for excess volume, deviations of properties from an ideal mixture are reduced as the temperature rises. Results indicate considerable van der Waals forces and confirm the effect the size of molecules has on the properties of binary mixtures. Experimental data on density, refractive index, viscosity, excess molar volume, and other properties are presented for systems and pure substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphingobium sp. SM42 Esterase B (EstB) is an enzyme with a dual function in degrading dibutyl phthalate and catalyzing the cleavage of the C–S bond in C3-sidechains of the dihydrothiazine ring of cephalosporins, generating more active β-lactam derivatives. Global prokaryotic genome analysis revealed the existence of a gene identical to estB in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PS1 suggesting a horizontal gene transfer event involving estB. To investigate the effect of ectopic expression of EstB in the periplasm of P. aeruginosa and several Enterobacteriaceae on antibiotic susceptibility levels, plasmid, pEstB, carrying a recombinant EstB fused with the signal peptide from Escherichia coli outer membrane protein A (OmpA) for periplasmic localization was constructed. The expression of EstB in the periplasm of P. aeruginosa and the Enterobacteriaceae: E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, increased susceptibility to carbapenems and cephalosporins. EstB reversed the imipenem resistance of P. aeruginosa Δ mexS and restored the changes in susceptibility to cephalosporins conferred by the downregulation of the outer membrane proteins, OmpK35 and OmpK36, in K. pneumoniae Δ ramR - ompK36 to wild-type level. The introduction of EstB to the periplasmic space of Gram-negative bacteria can increase carbapenem and cephalosporin susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a low-molecular-weight phthalate commonly found in personal care products, such as perfumes, aftershaves, and nail care items, as well as in children's toys, pharmaceuticals, and food products. It is used to improve flexibility, make polymer products soft and malleable, and as solvents and stabilizers in personal care products. Pregnancy represents a critical period during which both the mother and the developing embryo can be significantly impacted by exposure to endocrine disruptors. This article aims to elucidate the effects of prenatal exposure to DBP on the health and development of offspring, particularly on the reproductive, neurological, metabolic, renal, and digestive systems. Extensive research has examined the effects of DBP on the male reproductive system, where exposure is linked to decreased testosterone levels, reduced anogenital distance, and male infertility. In terms of the female reproductive system, DBP has been shown to elevate serum estradiol and progesterone levels, potentially compromising egg quality. Furthermore, exposure to this phthalate adversely affects neurodevelopment and is associated with obesity, metabolic disorders, and conditions such as hypospadias. These findings highlight how urgently stronger laws prohibiting the use of phthalates during pregnancy are needed to lower the risks to the fetus's health and the child's development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between embryo morphokinetics and its developmental competence is well documented. For instance, early cleaved embryos are more competent in developing to blastocysts, whereas the proportion of abnormally cleaved embryos that further developed to blastocysts is low. Numerous factors, such as the parental age, lifestyle, health, and smoking habits have been reported to affect the embryo morphokinetics and, consequently, its development. However, less is known about the effect of environmental stressors on embryo morphokinetics. The current review discusses the effect of the most concerning environmental stressors on embryo morphokinetics. These stresses include heat stress and human-made chemicals such as phthalates (e.g., bis-(2-ethylhexyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, and their primary metabolites), herbicides (e.g., diaminochlorotriazine, the primary metabolite of atrazine), pharmaceutical compounds (e.g., carbamazepine, nocodazole) and pro-oxidant agents (cumene hydroperoxide, Triton X-100), as well as naturally occurring toxins such as mycotoxin (e.g., aflatoxin B1 and its metabolite, and ochratoxin A). In addition, this review discusses the effect of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation and viral infections (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, papillomavirus). Finally, it points out some potential mechanisms that underlie the impairment of embryo morphokinetics, and it suggests protective compounds, mainly the supplementation of antioxidants to improve the morphokinetics, and consequently, the embryo developmental competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by molecular docking of the hypoxanthine guanine-phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) protein with pulmonary toxins i.e., dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and its metabolites, responsible for the induction of lung cancer. The highest binding affinity of −7.0 kcal/mol obtained was of monobutyl phthalate acyl-A-D-glucuronide. DBP and the protein HGPRT have a strong binding affinity of −7.0 kcal/mol, indicating the possibility of interrupting important biochemical pathways in the treatment of lung cancer. The development of targeted medicines may be guided by this relationship. A total of 120 samples were obtained from the GSE19804 expression profile out of which 60 samples from lung cancer and 60 from normal patients were selected as experimental and control groups. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses elaborated that the gene is involved in purine metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, drug metabolism and the synthesis of several enzymes. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) was assessed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database using Cytoscape software. The PPI enrichment p -value was obtained as <1.0e−16. The docking result of the protein encoded by the AGER gene with DBP was obtained with a minimum binding affinity of up to −6.8 kcal/mol. The soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) was found to be involved in inhibiting the activation of oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways. Lung cancer is mostly dependent on the AGER gene and its soluble receptor sRAGE. sRAGE functions as a ruse to counteract the pro-inflammatory effects of AGER signaling and may be a therapeutic target to slow the growth of the malignancy. This study lays the framework for future research and offers novel insights into the role of HGPRT and DBP in the development of lung cancer and targeted therapy. This study identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in lung cancer through molecular docking of the Hypoxanthine Guanine-Phosphoribosyl Transferase (HGPRT) protein with the pulmonary toxin dibutyl phthalate (DBP), showing a strong binding affinity of –7.0 kcal/mol. Differentially Expressed Genes analysis shows that the Advanced Glycosylation End-Product Specific Receptor (AGER) is highly up-regulated gene in the lung cancer. Furthermore, the protein-protein interaction network highlighted that the AGER gene and its soluble receptor sRAGE, has role in inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis, suggesting that targeting these pathways could slow the progression of lung cancer. This research paves the way for the development of targeted therapies by elucidating the role of HGPRT and DBP in lung cancer pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Most Phalaenopsis cultivars have almost no aroma, with a few exceptions. Phalaenopsis presents significant challenges in fragrance breeding due to its weak aroma and low fertility. It is therefore necessary to identify the aroma components and key regulatory genes in Phalaenopsis cultivars like 'Orange Beauty', 'Brother Sara Gold', 'Purple Martin', 'H026', 'SK16', 'SX098', and 'SH51', to improve the aroma of the common Phalaenopsis. RESULTS: Floral aroma components were tested on nine Phalaenopsis species, using smell identification and headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The result showed that alcohols, esters, and alkenes were the key specific components in the different species and cultivar aromas and the aroma intensity and component content of cultivars with different colors were different. The main components of the floral aromas in Phalaenopsis were alcohols (including eucalyptol, linalool, citronellol, and 1‐hexanol), esters (including hexyl acetate, leaf acetate, and dibutyl phthalate), alkenes (including pinene and sabinene) and arenes (like fluorene). The transcriptome of flowers in the bud stage and bloom stage of P. 'SH51' was sequenced and 5999 differentially expressed genes were obtained. The contributions of the phenylpropionic acid/phenyl ring compound and the terpene compound to the aroma were greater. Sixteen genes related to phalaenopsis aroma were found. TC4M, PAL, CAD6, and HR were related to phenylpropanoid synthesis pathway. SLS, TS10, and P450 were related to the synthesis pathway of terpenes. TS10 and YUCCA 10 were involved in tryptophan metabolism. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the floral aroma components and regulatory genes in Phalaenopsis. The proposed method and research data can provide technical support for Phalaenopsis breeding. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoranthene (Flu) is an ubiquitous, carcinogenic, high molecular weight tetracyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon whose increased accumulation in soil is matter of concern worldwide. In urban areas, an upsurge in population, industrialization and transportation activities has led to significant increase in the concentration of soil pollutants, such as Flu. Consequently, its concentration exceeds the carcinogen exposure risk thresholds in many urban areas, highlighting the urgent need for cost-effective and sustainable mitigation strategies. There has been an increased interest in microbe-mediated remediation in order to address this soil pollutant. In the present study, three Flu-degrading bacteria, Bacillus sp. VMF1, Bacillus sp. VMF2 and Bacillus licheniformis VMF3, have been isolated from urban soil of Delhi. Growth kinetic rate of three isolates was examined under a range of conditions of temperature, pH and salinity at five different concentrations of Flu. Additionally, their potential to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons was assessed. All isolates showed > 90% degradation of Flu at different concentrations. GC–MS analysis of broth cultures indicated the presence of compounds such as Dibutyl phthalate and Phenol,3,5-bis(1,1-dimethyl ethyl)- suggesting the involvement of phthalic acid pathway in Flu degradation. All isolates showed high growth kinetics under different pH and temperature condition at higher Flu concentration. Interestingly, these bacteria showed adaptation to high saline conditions, with enhanced growth and degradation efficiency. All isolates demonstrated promising capabilities in degrading petroleum hydrocarbons. Our findings thus underscore their adaptability and efficiency, making them promising candidates for Flu and petroleum hydrocarbon degradation, in diverse range of soil pH, temperature and salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The application of agricultural film mulching technology has significantly contributed to increasing crop yield and income, but the pollution caused by residual film has seriously affected agricultural production and the natural environment. Agricultural film is commonly employed to enhance the yield of peanuts; its use may lead to excessive dibutyl phthalate (DBP) residues in peanut kernels. But, limited investigations have been conducted on the regulatory mechanism of peanut leaves in response to DBP exposure throughout the entire growth period. Methods: To bridge this knowledge gap, we investigated the differences in transcriptome and metabolome of peanut leaves under DBP stress. Results: According to visual observations, the results of morphological response showed that the growth of peanut plants was significantly inhibited from seedling to pod stage under DBP treatment. Transcriptomic analysis results showed that the genes AH19G05510 (LRR receptor-like serine threonine-protein kinase) and AH20G31870 (disease resistance), belonging to the FAR1 family and bZIP family respectively, may be key genes involved in the resistance to DBP stress throughout its growth stages. Metabolomic analysis results showed that during the initial stage of DBP stress, the key metabolites in peanut leaves response to stress were carboxylic acids and derivatives, as well as fatty acyls. As peanut growth progressed, flavonoids gradually became more prominent in the resistance to DBP stress. By integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis, we have identified that purine metabolism during seedling and flowering stages, as well as the flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways during pod and maturity stages, played a crucial role in response to DBP stress. Discussion: These findings not only provide valuable key gene and metabolic information for studying anti-plasticizer pollution throughout the entire growth period of peanuts, but also offer reference for enhancing crop resistance to plasticizer pollution through genetic modification and metabolic regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly prepared solid contact ion selective electrode based on polyvinyl chloride membrane has been optimized and developed for determining nitrazepam in its pure form and synthetically prepared tablet dosage form. The proposed electrode was fabricated based on zeolite modified carbon paste electrode as a solid contact acting as a support for the membrane of PVC containing the ion complex of nitrazepam‐tetraphenyl borate as an electroactive material, and the plasticizer dibutyl phthalate. By improving the composition, the potentiometric properties were further enhanced, and the sensor achieved a Nernstian slope of 60.89 mV dec−1. The sensor was effective for detecting nitrazepam in the concentration range of 1.0×10−7 to 1.0×10−2 M, with a detection limit of 4.7×10−8 M. The sensor demonstrated excellent reversibility and reproducibility with a fast response time and application over a wide pH range. The developed electrode showed no significant effect when tested with various interfering species. It is successfully applied for accurate determination of nitrazepam in pure form, synthetically prepared tablet and spiked human plasma. The developed technique was validated and demonstrated high accuracy and precision. When compared statistically with the official method, there were no significant differences observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil hosts a wide array of bacterial species capable of producing diverse bioactive compounds. This research aimed to screen bacterial isolates for their bioactive potential from extreme environments in Pakistan. Out of the 69 isolates examined, only 7 exhibited antagonistic activity against Bacillus sp. and Escherichia coli test strains. Notably, the B. cereus DS-2 strain demonstrated the highest antibacterial potential (31 mm and 15 mm) against the Bacillus and E. coli test strains, respectively. Mode-of-action studies suggested that the crude extract might have induced morphological abnormalities in the Bacillus sp. (test strain), causing cell contraction, chain breakage, and deformation. Furthermore, the B. cereus DS-2 strain displayed significant antioxidant potential (64.8%) as revealed by the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) of the DS-2 crude extract led to the separation of six components, with only spots 3 and 4 exhibiting the antibacterial potential (3 mm and 5 mm, respectively). Subsequently, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of the bioactive fraction extracted from TLC revealed the presence of diisooctyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, and octadecanoic acid methyl ester. Molecular docking analysis of diisooctyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate revealed their binding affinity against E. coli and Bacillus sp. targets. ADMET analysis confirmed the solubility, toxicity, and drug-like properties of the ligands based on Lipinski's rule of five. Current findings suggest that these compounds hold promise as antibacterial agents in drug development. This study underscores the diverse microbial community present in extreme environments and highlights the versatile applications of natural products derived from these strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of industrial chemicals has raised concerns regarding exposure to endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which interfere with developmental, reproductive and metabolic processes. Of particular concern is their interaction with adipose tissue, a vital component of the endocrine system regulating metabolic and hormonal functions. The SGBS (Simpson Golabi Behmel Syndrome) cell line, a well‐established human‐relevant model for adipocyte research, closely mimics native adipocytes' properties. It responds to hormonal stimuli, undergoes adipogenesis and has been successfully used to study the impact of EDCs on adipose biology. In this study, we screened human exposure‐relevant doses of various EDCs on the SGBS cell line to investigate their effects on viability, lipid accumulation and adipogenesis‐related protein expression. Submicromolar doses were generally well tolerated; however, at higher doses, EDCs compromised cell viability, with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) showing the most pronounced effects. Intracellular lipid levels remained unaffected by EDCs, except for tributyltin (TBT), used as a positive control, which induced a significant increase. Analysis of adipogenesis‐related protein expression revealed several effects, including downregulation of fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4) by dibutyl phthalate, upregulation by CdCl2 and downregulation of perilipin 1 and FABP4 by perfluorooctanoic acid. Additionally, TBT induced dose‐dependent upregulation of C/EBPα, perilipin 1 and FABP4 protein expression. These findings underscore the importance of employing appropriate models to study EDC‐adipocyte interactions. Conclusions from this research could guide strategies to reduce the negative impacts of EDC exposure on adipose tissue. The increasing use of chemicals raises concerns about exposure to endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study used the Simpson Golabi Behmel Syndrome cell line, a human‐relevant adipocyte model, to screen the effect of various EDCs on viability, lipid accumulation and adipogenesis‐related protein expression. Submicromolar doses were generally well tolerated, and EDCs did not affect lipid levels except for tributyltin, which increased them and also upregulated FABP4, perilipin 1 and C/EBPα. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development is a continuous process, but few studies have assessed the simultaneous impact of prenatal and postnatal phthalate exposure on children's behavioral and emotional development. A total of 491 mother–child pairs from the general population in southern Taiwan were studied from 2021 to 2022. Urinary concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate metabolites—mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP)—were measured in pregnant mothers during the second trimester and in their corresponding children aged 1.5 to 3 years. Behavioral symptoms in children were evaluated using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Odds ratios (ORs) represent a 1-unit increase in log10-transformed creatinine-corrected maternal urine concentrations. Prenatal maternal urinary MnBP levels were associated with total problems (OR = 19.32, 95% CI: 1.80–43.13, p = 0.04), anxiety (OR = 33.58, 95% CI: 2.16–521.18, p = 0.01), and sleep problems (OR = 41.34, 95% CI: 1.04–1632.84, p = 0.04) in children. Additionally, urinary MnBP levels in children correlated with total problems (OR = 7.06, 95% CI: 1.01–49.05, p = 0.04) and internalizing problems (OR = 11.04, 95% CI: 1.27–95.72, p = 0.01). These findings suggest that prenatal and postnatal exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP), metabolized as MnBP, distinctly affects children's behavioral development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of preparing poly4-methyl-1-pentene (PMP) porous membranes based on the mechanism of thermal induced phase separation, the cooling conditions directly affect the microstructure, air permeability and mechanical properties of the porous membranes. In this paper, poly4-methyl-1-pentene/dioctyl phthalate/dibutyl phthalate (PMP/DOP/DBP) blends were prepared by a twin-screw extruder, and porous membranes were extracted by ethanol organic solvent. The effects of medium, temperature and time on the crystallization, microstructure, mechanics and permeability of the porous membranes were investigated. The results showed that the prepared porous PMP membranes showed good comprehensive properties with a crystallinity of 26.8%, uniform pore size distribution with the porosity of 67.5%, tensile strength of 8.5 MPa and oxygen transmission rate of 9.1 mL/(min⋅cm²) under the cooling medium of water, temperature of 25 °C and time of 30 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moso bamboo, which is essential to China's economy, is currently facing significant threats due to declining profits. Inadequate management of moso bamboo can negatively impact the surrounding ecosystems. This study investigated allelopathy in moso bamboo forests by identifying potential allelochemicals and their effects on coexisting plants. Fresh leaves and litter from moso bamboo were collected to examine allelochemicals released through natural processes such as rainwater leaching and litter decomposition. Seven substances with potential allelopathic effects were identified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Four of these substances—DBP, PHBA, citric acid, and CGA—were selected for a detailed analysis of their effects on the photosynthetic and antioxidant systems of two naturally coexisting plants, Phoebe chekiangensis and Castanopsis sclerophylla. The results indicated that the four chemicals influenced P. chekiangensis and C. sclerophylla through different patterns of interference. DBP, PHBA, and citric acid negatively impacted the transfer of electrons during photosynthesis in both plants but had a lesser effect on the antioxidant system-related indicators in P. chekiangensis. In C. sclerophylla, these four chemicals led to a significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and catalase (CAT) activity to varying degrees. Furthermore, the relative abundance of fungi and bacteria in the soil was also affected by the DBP treatment. The identification of allelochemicals from moso bamboo, along with the investigation of their mechanisms, provides valuable insights into competitive interactions among plant species, particularly between moso bamboo and other species, along with the expansion of moso bamboo forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background: The dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a member of the phthalate family and is widely used as a plasticizer in daily life and production. However, the influence of DBP on the vascular developmental remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we used zebrafish as a model organism to investigate the effects of DBP on vascular development in vivo. Death curves of zebrafish at different concentrations of DBP exposure and different times incubation were made firstly. Zebrafish embryos after fertilization for 5.5 h were exposed to different concentrations of DBP solution (0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 mg/L), the body length, yolk sac absorption area, mortality and heart rate of zebrafish were measured, and the number and area of sprouting of ventral vessels were quantified by transgenic fish system. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in zebrafish embryos were observed by DCFH-DA staining. Super oxide dimutese (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined with ELISA kits. Results: We found that DBP increased the oxidative stress level of zebrafish exposed to DBP, and the genes related to vascular development also increased. Meanwhile, the activities of SOD and CAT were greatly decreased after DBP exposure. In the rescue experiment, we found that the antioxidant astaxanthin and the small molecule VEGF inhibitor ZM-306,416 can reverse the vascular dysplasia caused by DBP. Conclusions: DBP induced vascular developmental toxicity by enhancing oxidative stress levels, activating HIF pathway, and interfering with the expression of vascular development-related pathways in zebrafish, results in the abnormal development of the subintestinal vessels in zebrafish.

BackgroundDibutyl phthalate (DBP) is one of the most commonly used plasticizers, and has been found to relate to allergic asthma. However, mechanisms behind the phenomenon linking DBP and allergic asthma are still not well comprehended. ObjectiveTo investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in DBP-exacerbated allergic asthma. MethodsThirty-two male mice were divided into four groups at random, eight mice in each group: control group, allergic asthma model group (ovalbumin, OVA), OVA+40 mg·kg−1 DBP exposure group (OVA+DBP), and OVA+40 mg·kg−1 DBP+50 mg·kg−1 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) group (OVA+DBP+4-PBA). The control group mice were treated with saline via intraperitoneal injection on day 21, 35, 42, and 49, and atomized saline for 30 min per day from day 54 to 60. The OVA group mice were injected with 0.3 mL OVA sensitizing solution via intraperitoneal injection on day 21, 35, 42, and 49, and atomized with 1% OVA solution from day 54 to 60. The OVA+DBP group was treated in the same way as the OVA group to build an allergic asthma model, and was orally exposed to 40 mg·kg−1 DBP from day 1 to 53, plus atomized with 1% OVA solution from day 54 to 60. In order to verify the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in DBP-exacerbated allergic asthma, 4-PBA was injected intraperitoneally every 2 d from day 1 to 53 in the OVA+DBP+4-PBA group mice. The pathological changes such as airway remodeling, inflammatory cell infiltration, and airway mucous hyperplasia in lung tissues were observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. The contents of total immunoglobulin E (T-IgE) and ovalbumin immunoglobulin E (OVA-IgE) levels in serum, and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17A in alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay(ELISA). The expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins including inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) were detected by immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared to the control mice, the OVA mice showed significant asthma-like symptoms, including inflammatory cell infiltration, increased inflammatory cytokines, airway remodeling, and mucous hyperplasia. Compared to the OVA group, long-term exposure to DBP aggravated airway pathological changes in the OVA+DBP mice, and increased the serum T-IgE and OVA-IgE levels (P

Introduction: The application of agricultural film mulching technology has significantly contributed to increasing crop yield and income, but the pollution caused by residual film has seriously affected agricultural production and the natural environment. Agricultural film is commonly employed to enhance the yield of peanuts; its use may lead to excessive dibutyl phthalate (DBP) residues in peanut kernels. But, limited investigations have been conducted on the regulatory mechanism of peanut leaves in response to DBP exposure throughout the entire growth period. Methods: To bridge this knowledge gap, we investigated the differences in transcriptome and metabolome of peanut leaves under DBP stress. Results: According to visual observations, the results of morphological response showed that the growth of peanut plants was significantly inhibited from seedling to pod stage under DBP treatment. Transcriptomic analysis results showed that the genes AH19G05510 (LRR receptor-like serine threonine-protein kinase) and AH20G31870 (disease resistance), belonging to the FAR1 family and bZIP family respectively, may be key genes involved in the resistance to DBP stress throughout its growth stages. Metabolomic analysis results showed that during the initial stage of DBP stress, the key metabolites in peanut leaves response to stress were carboxylic acids and derivatives, as well as fatty acyls. As peanut growth progressed, flavonoids gradually became more prominent in the resistance to DBP stress. By integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis, we have identified that purine metabolism during seedling and flowering stages, as well as the flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways during pod and maturity stages, played a crucial role in response to DBP stress. Discussion: These findings not only provide valuable key gene and metabolic information for studying anti-plasticizer pollution throughout the entire growth period of peanuts, but also offer reference for enhancing crop resistance to plasticizer pollution through genetic modification and metabolic regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is aimed at creating catalytic systems based on magnetite (Fe3O4) stabilized by polymers (polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and chitosan), for liquid-phase oxidation of organic compounds with gaseous oxygen in order to obtain oxygen-containing compounds that can be used in the production of dyes, synthetic fibers, drugs, and many other petrochemical products. Magnetic composites of Fe3O4 stabilized by PVP and chitosan were synthesized by the coprecipitation method. The prepared magnetic composites were studied by physicochemical analysis methods. It was found that surface stabilization with polymers leads to a decrease in the size of magnetite nanocrystallites in nanocomposites. The sizes of the studied composites are less than ∼ 10 nm. Mössbauer spectra of the obtained Fe3O4, Fe3O4/PVP, and Fe3O4/chitosan composite catalysts showed the presence of trivalent iron ions in a tetrahedral environment and the presence of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in an octahedral environment, as well as a doublet spectrum. The possibilities of using magnetite-based composite catalysts for heterogeneous liquid-phase oxidation of para-xylene with oxygen are considered. Based on the analysis of the IR spectra of the final reaction samples, the presence of CH bonds in the aromatic ring and C=C double bonds, as well as valence vibrations of the C=O group of carbonyl compounds and vibrations of the bonds of hydroxyl groups was established. It is shown that the main products of the oxidation reaction of p-xylene are p-toluyl aldehyde and dibutyl phthalate, which can be widely used for basic organic synthesis. The authors concluded that the magnetic composite of the Fe3O4/PVP composition can be used to produce oxygen-containing compounds, in particular, toluyl aldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the remediation potential of peanut plants to phthalate esters (PAEs) contamination, the absorption and accumulation patterns of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), bis (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and diisononyl ortho‐phthalate (DINP), as well as their metabolites—monoalkyl phthalate esters (MPEs), monobutyl phthalate (MBP), monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), and monoisononyl phthalate (MINP), were examined in peanut plant during the entire growth period. It was found that the amounts of DBP and MBP in peanut plants correlated positively, when the DBP content is high, the MBP content is also high, as well as DEHP and MEHP. Additionally, the root contained the highest overall concentrations of DBP, DEHP, DINP, MBP, and MEHP over the course of the growth cycle. To evaluate PAEs contamination and dietary risk of peanuts in China, 18 PAEs and seven MPEs in 490 peanut samples collected from 17 provinces of China were detected by UPLC‐MS/MS, the detection rate of 18 selected PAE in peanut was 100%. The dietary risk assessment suggested that the general population and high consuming population are not at risk of non‐carcinogenic from the PAEs and MPEs found in peanuts of China. There is no need for the general consumption group to take any precautions against the carcinogenic risk of DEHP, and the high consumption group's carcinogenic risk is also within an acceptable range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the control mechanism of garlic on Myzus persicae, volatiles from garlic plants were collected, and the components were determined by GC–MS. Then, the volatile extracts and standard components were screened by electroantennogram (EAG) apparatus and Y‐tube olfactometer, and the toxic effects were determined by the immersion method. The results showed the main components from garlic plant volatile were 2‐methoxyphenol, 2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol, diallyl disulfide, butyl phthalate esters, (1‐hydroxycyclohexyl) phenyl ketone, and 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylp‐cresol. The volatile extracts and the standard components had significant repellent effects (P ≤ 0.05) on M. persicae when the volume ratio was 1:100. The relative values of EAG from volatile extracts and diallyl disulfide were significantly higher than those of the other substances (P ≤ 0.05) when the volume ratio was 1:100. The toxicity of garlic volatile extracts to M. persicae significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased with increasing concentration. After 72 h (treated), the adjusted mortality of the extract to M. persicae was 36.99% at 90 ml/L. The standard components had the significant toxic effect on M. persicae at 30 mg/mL, and the rates of mortality were over 78.95%. Thus, the results suggested that the volatile extracts and the four standard components from garlic plants had significant repellent effects and electroantennogram responses for M. persicae, and the toxic effects were stronger than the repellent effects for M. persicae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) are used in personal and medical care products. In the ovary, antral follicles are essential for steroidogenesis and ovulation. DBP, BBP, and DEHP are known to inhibit mouse antral follicle growth and ovulation in vitro, and associate with decreased antral follicle counts in women. Given that the in vivo effects of a three-phthalate mixture on antral follicles are unknown, we evaluated the effects of a human-relevant mixture of DBP, BBP, and DEHP on ovarian follicles through proteome profiling analysis. Adult CD-1 female mice were fed corn oil (vehicle), or two dose levels of a phthalate mixture based on estimated exposures in general (32 µg/kg/d; PHT 32) and occupationally exposed (500 µg/kg/d; PHT 500) populations for 10 d. Antral follicles (>250 µm) were isolated and subjected to proteome profiling via label-free tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 5,417 antral follicle proteins were detected, of which 194 were differentially abundant between vehicle and PHT 32, and 136 between vehicle and PHT 500. Bioinformatic analysis revealed significantly different responses between the two phthalate doses. Protein abundance differences in the PHT 32 exposure mapped to cytoplasm, mitochondria, and lipid metabolism; whereas those in the PHT 500 exposure mapped to cytoplasm, nucleus, and phosphorylation. When both doses altered proteins mapped to common processes, the associated predicted transcription factors were different. These findings provide novel mechanistic insight into phthalate-associated, ovary-driven reproductive outcomes in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasticizers like dibutyl phthalate (DBP) are widely employed to achieve the progressive burning properties for oblate spherical propellants. A plasticizer can only plasticize nitrocellulose (NC) with a specific nitrogen content. Here, we tried to investigate the effect of nitrogen distribution uniformity on DBP deterrence process. Four nitrocellulose samples with different nitrogen distributions uniformity were chosen by a polarized microscope. The physical compatibility of NC with DBP was enhanced by decreasing both nitrogen content and nitrogen distribution uniformity. Raman spectroscopy proved that two deterred oblate spherical propellants possessed different permeation depths. The group contribution method revealed that low-nitrogen nitrocellulose was easier dissolved by DBP, contributing to the deeper permeation at the surface. Closed bomb test results further revealed that the oblate spherical propellants with deeper permeation depths had superior progressive burning properties and aging resistance. This study offers a new method to enhance the progressive burning properties and aging resistance of deterred oblate spherical propellants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have demonstrated that Sertoli cells are the direct target of Dibutyl phthalate (DBP). However, the role of neurotransmitter receptors is not elucidated. Methods: Based on our previous studies, maternal Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats in Gestation Day (GD) 14–18 and TM4 cells exposure to 750 mg/kg/day and 100 μM DBP were regarded as treated groups. Firstly, qRT-PCR array was used to determine the different expression of neurotransmitter receptors. We examined the OX1R expression on Rats in Control and DBP groups by immunohistochemistry. Real-time PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of OX1R in vivo and in vitro. The potential downstream signaling pathways were explored by analyzing the GSE99690 cohort. In addition, we extracted Primary Sertoli Cells (PSCs) from the testis of control group. The apoptosis-related proteins, AKT signaling pathway-related proteins and mRNA expressions were detected by Western Blot and Real-time PCR in PSCs. The validity of PSCs was measured by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometric analysis was used to demonstrate the apoptotic rates of PSCs after DBP exposure. Results: The Orexin receptor 1 (OX1R) was screened out by qRT-PCR array. Our results showed that DBP could significantly suppress the OX1R expression of Sertoli cells in vivo and in vitro. Functional analysis showed the AKT signaling pathway was mediated by OX1R. The highly expressed apoptosis level and impaired cell activity were observed in PSCs, which can be reversed by Orexin A. Meanwhile, the p-AKT signaling pathway were hindered after DBP exposure while rescued in DBP + Orexin-A group. Conclusions: DBP can induce Sertoli cell apoptosis through its toxicological effect by suppressing OX1R and p-AKT expression, which provide a novel insight on the role of neurotransmitter receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible ice is often produced by special machines that can represent a source of significant chemical and microbiological contamination. In this work, the presence of phthalic acid esters (phthalates, PAEs) and heavy metals in ice cubes distributed by 77 vending machines installed in two different zones in southern Italy and fed by water from the public water supply was investigated. Solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) was used to evaluate contamination with four PAEs, which were selected because they are commonly used in the production of food-contact plastics, while inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) was used to quantify the heavy metals. It was found that ice samples, especially those from one of the two considered zones (zone 2), exceeded the dibutyl phthalate (DBP) threshold limit value; some ice cubes from the other zone (zone 1) instead showed levels of both lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) up to one order of magnitude higher than those observed in samples collected in zone 2 and higher than the maximum permitted values (European Directive n. 2184/2020). Since the water source connected to the ice vending machines was found to be free from significant levels of all considered target compounds and metals, the high levels of DBP, Ni, and Pb in ice cubes could be attributed to the components and/or to the state of repair of the ice vending machines themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a phthalic compound and is most commonly used as a plasticizer in the polymer industry. It affects the hypothalamus-pituitary–gonadal axis and produces infertility in exposed animals. A total of 366 adult male zebrafish were used to evaluate the toxicological effects of DBP in testes following continuous exposure for 28 days. To evaluate histological changes during phase I of the study, 30 zebrafish were equally divided into five groups viz., control (RO water), vehicle control (0.01% DMSO), T0 (250 µg/L of water), T1 (500 µg/L of water), and T2 group (1000 µg/L of water). The protocol for phase II of the study was decided based on the results of phase I of the study. During phase II, for evaluation of oxidative stress parameters and gene expression profile, a total of 336 fish were equally divided into four groups viz., control, vehicle control, T1 (500 µg/L of water), and T2 (1000 µg/L of water). The activity of SOD, CAT, and TAC was significantly lower in zebrafish from the T2 group; however, a significantly increased level of MDA in the T2 group was recorded as compared to control groups. mRNA expression profile of sod, cat, and nrf2 genes was significantly downregulated in the T2 group as compared to the control group. Histopathology and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunostaining revealed a reduction in spermatozoa with increased spermatocytes and spermatogonia in testes from T1 and T2 groups. The result indicated that DBP can induce oxidative stress and affect spermatogenesis in zebrafish testes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: Bisphenol A and phthalate are known endocrine disruptors and capable of inducing epigenetic changes in the human population. However, their impact on the placenta is less well studied. Our objective was to measure the effect of exposure to bisphenol A and benzyl butyl phthalate in first-trimester HTR8-SVneo and third-trimester 3A-sub E trophoblast cells by profiling the DNA methylation pattern of the imprinting control region of the IGF2 (insulin-like growth factor) and H19 genes. Methods: Human placental HTR8-SVneo and 3A-sub E cell lines were treated with two sub-lethal concentrations of bisphenol A and benzyl butyl phthalate. Demethylating agent, 5-azacytidine, was used as a positive control. Cells were harvested on post-treatment days 1 and 4. The methylation profile of six CpG dinucleotide sites, part of the CTCF 6 binding site of the IGF2/H19 imprinting control region, was determined by pyrosequencing. Results: In the first-trimester HTR8-SVneo cell line, we observed a significant increased methylation of the CpG sites 3, 4 when treated with a high concentration of bisphenol A or benzyl butyl phthalate while increased methylation at site 6 for both high and low dose treatment on day 4. Demethylation of the CpG sites 1, 4, and 6 was observed when treated with 5-azacytidine on day 4. In the third-trimester 3A-sub E cell line, no significant changes in the methylation profile were observed under any treatment conditions. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate the capability of epigenetic changes in human placenta cells induced by bisphenol A and benzyl butyl phthalate. The observed methylation changes only in the first-trimester HTR8-SVneo cells phthalate may reflect a window of epigenetic susceptibility related to these environmental toxicants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalate plasticizers (PAEs) illegally used in food pose a great threat to human health. A new and efficient sensing platform for the sensitive detection of the PAE residues in biological fluids needs to be designed and developed. Here, we report a simple and reliable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) active platform with extralong hot spots of Au nanobipyramids@Ag nanorods (Au NBPs@Ag NRs) for the rapid and sensitive detection of PAEs in biological fluids. To achieve high activity, Au NBPs@Ag NRs with different shell lengths were fabricated by controlling the synthesis conditions, and the corresponding SERS properties were investigated by using crystal violet (CryV) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP). The experimental results showed that a longer shell length correlated to greater Raman activity, which was confirmed by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) electromagnetic simulation. More importantly, the extralong hot spots of the Au NBPs@Ag NR SERS-active substrate showed excellent homogeneity and reproducibility for the CryV probe molecules (6.21%), and the detection limit was 10−9 M for both BBP and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Furthermore, through the standard addition method, an extralong hot spots SERS substrate could achieve highly sensitive detection of BBP and DEHP in serum and tears fluids, and the detection limit was as low as 3.52 × 10−8 M and 2.82 × 10−8 M. Therefore, the Au NBPs@Ag NR substrate with an extraordinarily long surface is efficient and versatile, and can potentially be used for high-efficiency sensing analysis in complex biological fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Phthalates are additives used as plasticizers among other uses, classified as endocrine disruptors and may contribute to some metabolic disorders. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of the exposure of diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as the regulation of sirloins in HepG2 cells. Methods HepG2 cells were exposed to DEP or DBP at 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μg/mL, and after 48 or 72 h the gene and protein expression of sirtuins was quantified by qRT-PCR and Western-Blot, respectively. Results Results showed that even at a low concentration of 0.1 μg/mL DEP affected the expression of Sirt3 and Sirt4, whereas DBP at 0.1 μg/mL affected Sirt3 and Sirt5 gene expression. Protein analysis showed a reduction in Sirt1 levels at a DEP concentration of 1 μg/mL and higher, while DBP at higher dose (100 μg/mL) decreased Sirt3 protein levels. Cell viability decreased by 20% only at higher dose (100 μg/mL) and ROS production increased at 10 and 100 μg/mL for both phthalates. Conclusion These findings indicate that exposure to low concentrations (0.1 μg/mL) of DEP or DBP can negatively influence the expression of some sirtuins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex pheromones play a crucial role in mate location and reproductive success. Insects face challenges in finding mates in low-density environments. The population dynamics of locusts vary greatly, ranging from solitary individuals to high-density swarms, leading to multiple-trait divergence between solitary and gregarious phases. However, differences in sexual communication between solitary and gregarious locusts have not been sufficiently explored. Herein, we found that solitary locusts but not gregarious ones heavily rely on a single compound, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), for sexual communication. DBP is abundantly released by solitary female locusts and elicits strong attraction of male solitary and gregarious locusts. Solitary adult males display much higher electrophysiological responses to DBP than adult females. Additionally, LmigOr13 was identified as the DBP-specific odorant receptor expressed in neurons housed in basiconic sensilla. Male LmigOr13-/- mutants generated by CRISPR/Cas9 have low electrophysiological responses and behavioral attraction to DBP in both laboratory and field cage experiments. Notably, the attractiveness of DBP to male locusts becomes more evident at lower population densities imposed by controlling the cage size. This finding sheds light on the utilization of a sex pheromone to promote reproductive success in extremely low-density conditions and provides important insights into alternative approaches for population monitoring of locusts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel electrospun nanofiber (PAN/TpBD; 2,4,6‐triformylphloroglucinol [Tp] and benzidine [BD]; polyacrylonitrile [PAN]) was fabricated via a facile electrospinning method and utilized as adsorbent in thin film microextraction (TFME) of phthalate esters (PAEs) (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diallyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, and dioctyl phthalate) in biodegradable plastics. The prepared PAN/TpBD combines the strong stability of nanofibers with increased exposure sites for covalent organic frameworks and enhanced interactions with the target, thus improving the enrichment effect on the target. The extraction efficiency of PAN/TpBD reached above 80%. Based on PAN/TpBD, a TFME‐high‐performance liquid chromatography method was established, and the experimental parameters were optimized. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the PAEs of this method varied linearly in the range of 10–10 000 µg/L with low detection limits (0.69–2.72 µg/L). The intra‐day and inter‐day relative standard deviation values of the PAEs were less than 8.04% and 8.73%, respectively. The adsorbent can achieve more than 80% recovery of the five targets after six times reuse. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of trace PAEs in biodegradable plastics with recoveries ranging from 80.1% to 113.4% and relative standard deviations were less than 9.45%. The as‐synthesized PAN/TpBD adsorbent exhibited great potential in PAE analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalate esters (PAEs), widely recognized as synthetic organic compounds with extensive production and utilization, are known to disrupt physiological processes in both animals and humans, even at low environmental concentrations. This study investigated the occurrence, distribution, and potential ecological risk of five representative PAEs (DMP, Dimethyl phthalate; DEP, Diethyl phthalate; DBP, Dibutyl phthalate; DiBP, Diisobutyl phthalate; DEHP, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) in a typical lake (Chaohu Lake, China). It was found that PAEs were detected in both the aqueous (1.09–6.402 µg/L) and solid phases (0.827–6.602 µg/g) of Chaohu Lake. Notably, DiBP and DBP were the predominant PAEs in the water, and DiBP and DEHP were the most prevalent in the sediments. The concentrations of PAEs exhibited significant seasonal variations in the aqueous phases, with total PAEs in summer being nearly twice those in winter. Toxicity assessments revealed that DEHP, DBP, and DiBP posed high risks to the survival of three indicator organisms (algae, Daphnia, and fish) in the aqueous phase. In the solid phase, the exceeding rate of DiBP was as high as 92.9%. On the other hand, DBP and DEHP generally presenting moderate risk, although some sites were identified as high-risk. This study's analysis of PAEs concentrations in Chaohu Lake reveals a discernible increasing trend when compared with historical data. These findings underscore the urgent need for interventions to mitigate the ecological threats posed by PAEs in Chaohu Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) is an important medicinal herb of the family Fabaceae. It has wide utility in culinary and ethnomedicinal formulations. Globally, the different folkloric formulations use this plant as an immunity booster. Unfortunately, the lack of proper studies imposes a major obstacle to the successful and fruitful realization of its full pharmacological potential. In the current study, pharmacological testing was performed on Trigonella seed oil. Methods: The seed oil was extracted using the Soxhlet apparatus. The antimicrobial study of fenugreek seed oil was done using the disc-diffusion and broth dilution method against different bacterial and fungal strains. The antioxidant assessment was done by DPPH and ABTS assay. Result: The yield of essential oil obtained from Trigonella seeds was 4.35%. GC-MS analysis has confirmed the presence of diverse phytocompounds in Trigonella seed oil. Dibutyl. phthalate was recognized as the major phytocompound of Trigonella seed oil. The oil had significant antifungal and antioxidant activity. In conclusion, oil is a good pharmacological agent and can be explored further for therapeutic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence and persistence of microplastics (MPs) in diverse aquatic environments are of global concern. Microplastics can impact marine organisms via direct physical interaction and the release of potentially harmful chemical additives incorporated into the plastic. These chemicals are physically bound to the plastic matrix and can leach out. The hazards associated with chemical additives to exposed organisms is not well characterized. We investigated the hazards of plastic additives leaching from plastic. We used the common plasticizer dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a chemical additive proxy and the New Zealand green‐lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) as a model. We used early‐adult P. canaliculus exposed to combinations of virgin and DBP‐spiked polyvinyl chloride (PVC), MPs, and DBP alone for 7 days. Whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq) was conducted to assess whether leaching of DBP from MPs poses a hazard. The differences between groups were evaluated using pairwise permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), and all treatments were significantly different from controls. In addition, a significant difference was seen between DBP and PVC MP treatment. Transcriptome analysis revealed that mussels exposed to DBP alone had the most differentially expressed genes (914), followed by PVC MP + DBP (448), and PVC MP (250). Gene ontology functional analysis revealed that the most enriched pathway types were in cellular metabolism, immune response, and endocrine disruption. Microplastic treatments enriched numerous pathways related to cellular metabolism and immune response. The combined exposure of PVC MP + DBP appears to cause combined effects, suggesting that DBP is bioavailable to the exposed mussels in the PVC MP + DBP treatment. Our results support the hypothesis that chemical additives are potentially an important driver of MP toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1604–1614. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population studies reveal widespread exposure to phthalates. Understanding their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion is vital to reduce exposure. However, data on skin absorption remain limited. We thus aim to characterize the skin permeation of three phthalates in a mixture, neat or in emulsion; di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (d4-DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (d4-DBP), and diethyl phthalate (d4-DEP), by comparing in vitro human skin (800 µm) permeation (24 hours) results using flow-through diffusion cells with urine results obtained from volunteers exposed to the same mixture applied to a forearm (40 cm2). Metabolites were analyzed in receptor fluids and urine. Phthalates crossed the skin barrier and metabolized into monoesters before elimination. Increased permeation was observed for phthalates in emulsion compared to neat substances, with polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the receptor fluid enhancing emulsion permeation, but not affecting neat substances. In vitro results mirrored in vivo findings: DEP showed rapid permeation (J: ∼2 ug/cm2/h) and urinary excretion peaking at six hours post-application, whereas DBP exhibited slower kinetics (J: ∼0.1 ug/cm2/h), with a urinary peak at 15–17 hours post-application. DEHP had minimal permeation (J: ∼0.0002 ug/cm2/h) with no observable urinary peak. These findings underscore the importance of comprehending phthalate skin absorption for effective exposure mitigation strategies. • In vitro human skin permeation results mirrored human volunteer urine data. • Water emulsion enhanced phthalate skin permeation in vitro. • DEP skin permeation was very rapid and urinary excretion peaked after six hours. • DBP permeated skin 20 times slower than DEP and a slow urinary elimination. • DEHP had minimal skin permeation with no observable urinary peak after 24 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An environmentally conscious methodology is investigated for the precise and discerning identification of trace concentrations of gold ions in diverse matrices. A novel optical sensor membrane is proposed for the determination of Au3+ ions, utilizing the immobilization of β-2-hydroxybenzyl-3-methoxy-2-hydroxyazastyrene (HMHS) entrapped in polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The sensor incorporates sodium tetraphenylborate (Na-TPB) as the ionic additive and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a plasticizer. Under optimal conditions, the suggested sensor exhibits a linear calibration response to Au3+ ions within a concentration range of 5.0 to 165 ng mL−1. Detection and quantification limits are specified as 1.5 and 4.8 ng mL−1, respectively, with a rapid response time of 5.0 min. Upon presentation, this optical sensor not only affirms high reproducibility, stability, and an extended operational lifespan but also showcases exceptional selectivity for Au3+ ions. Notably, no discernible interference is observed when assessing the potential influence of other cations and anions on Au3+ ion detection. The adaptability of this optical sensor is validated through its successful application in determining Au3+ ion concentrations across various sample types, including water, environmental, cosmetics, and soil matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polymer Materials Science & Engineering is the property of Sichuan University, Polymer Research Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences is the property of Editorial Board of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The application of in-situ chemical oxidative remediation for contaminated soils has attracted extensive attention, but the effects of remediation processes on soil physical and chemical properties are rarely studied. Herein, a ferrous-activated persulphate oxidation system for remediating dibutyl phthalate (DBP)-polluted soil was simulated in the soil column to explore the effects of in-situ oxidative remediation on soil properties in the longitudinal direction. The DBP content in the soil column was used as an indicator of oxidation strength and the correlation between N, P, soil particle size and oxidation strength was analysed. The experiment results showed that the settling performance of polluted soil after remediation improved and the distribution of the soil particle size at 128 nm disappeared after oxidation, indicating that the suspended solids in the experimental soil were mainly fine clay particles. The oxidation system can promote the conversion of organic nitrogen to inorganic nitrogen and migration characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus, to aggravate the loss of TN and TP in the soil. The average soil particle size (d50), TN, NH4-N, available phosphorus (Ava-P), exchangeable phosphorus (Ex-P) and organic phosphorus(Or-P) were significantly correlated with oxidation strength; and stable pH in the soil column (pH = 3), showing that the changes in the longitudinal direction of d50 (smaller), TN, NH4-N, Ava-P, Ex-P, and Or-P resulted from the weakening of the longitudinal oxidation strength in the direction of the soil column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic contaminants such as diesters of phthalic acid (PAEs) can be conveyed by microplastics in aquatic environment and constitute a relevant risk to marine organisms and humans that consume them. A method was developed for the identification and quantitative detection of 6 dimethyl phthalate (DMP), di-ethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DNBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-2-ethylesyl phthalate (DHEP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP). PAEs were then quantified in mesozooplankton, mollusk bivalves, and fish from the north-western Mediterranean Sea. Among all PAEs, DEHP was found in all zooplankton samples, in 30% of fish samples, and in 10% of bivalve samples. DBP was instead recovered in only 4% of samples (plankton and fish). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycium barbarum L., commonly known as wolfberry, is not only a traditional Chinese medicine but also a highly nutritious food. Its main nutrients include L. barbarum polysaccharide, flavonoid polyphenols, carotenoids, alkaloids, and other compounds, demonstrating its wide application value. This study investigated the effects of nitrogen application on the accumulation of the main nutrients and metabolites in wolfberry fruits under three different nitrogen application rates, namely, N1 (20% nitrogen (N) reduction, 540 kg·ha-2), N2 (medium N, 675 kg·ha-2), and N3 (20% nitrogen increase, 810 kg·ha-2, which is a local conventional nitrogen application amount.). Additionally, due to continuous branching, blossoming, and fruiting of wolfberry plants during the annual growth period, this research also explored the variation in nutritional composition among different harvesting batches. The contents of total sugar and polysaccharide in wolfberry fruit were determined by Fehling reagent method and phenol-sulfuric acid method, respectively;The content of betaine in fruit was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the flavonoids and carotene in the wolfberry fruits were determined by spectrophotometry. Analysis of data over three consecutive years revealed that as nitrogen application increased, the total sugar content in wolfberry fruits initially decreased and then increased. The levels of L. barbarum polysaccharides, total flavonoids, and total carotenoids initially increased and then decreased, while the betaine content consistently increased. Different picking batches significantly impacted the nutrient content of wolfberry fruits. Generally, the first batch of summer wolfberry fruits had greater amounts of total sugar and flavonoids, whereas other nutrients peaked in the third batch. By employing a broadly targetedmetabolomics approach, 926 differentmetabolites were identified. The top 20 differentially abundant metabolites were selected for heatmap generation, revealing that the contents of L-citrulline, 2-methylglutaric acid, and adipic acid increased proportionally to the nitrogen gradient. Conversely, the dibutyl phthalate and 2, 4-dihydroxyquinoline contents significantly decreased under high-nitrogen conditions. The remaining 15 differentially abundant metabolites, kaempferol-3-Osophorosid-7-O-rhamnoside, trigonelline, and isorhamnosid-3-O-sophoroside, initially increased and then decreased with increasing nitrogen levels. Isofraxidin, a common differentially abundant metabolite across all treatments, is a coumarin that may serve as a potential biomarker for wolfberry fruit response to nitrogen. Differentially abundant metabolites were analyzed for GO pathway involvement, revealing significant enrichment in metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites under different nitrogen treatments. In conclusion, a nitrogen application of 675 kg·ha-2, 20% less than the local farmers' actual application, was most beneficial for the quality of four-year-old Ningqi 7 wolfberry fruits. Consumers who purchase wolfberry-dried fruit for health benefits should not consider only the first batch of summer wolfberry fruits. These results offer a broader perspective for enhancing the quality and efficiency of the wolfberry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]