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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic hirsutism (IH) are androgen excess disorders requiring the determination of classic androgen levels for diagnosis. 11-oxygenated androgens have high androgenic potential, yet their clinical value in those disorders is not clear. Additionally, the role of endocrine disruptors (EDs), particularly in IH, remains understudied. We analyzed 25 steroids and 18 EDs in plasma samples from women with IH, PCOS, and controls using LC-MS/MS. Cytokine levels and metabolic parameters were assessed. Comparisons included non-obese women with PCOS (n = 10), women with IH (n = 12) and controls (n = 20), and non-obese versus obese women with PCOS (n = 9). Higher levels of 11-oxygenated androgens were observed in women with PCOS compared to those with IH, but not controls. Conversely, 11-oxygenated androgen levels were lower in women with IH compared to controls. Cytokine levels did not differ between women with IH and controls. Bisphenol A (BPA) levels were higher in obese women with PCOS compared to non-obese women with PCOS. Bisphenol S occurrence was higher in women with PCOS (90%) compared to controls (65%) and IH (50%). Significant correlations were found between androgens (11-ketotestosterone, androstenedione, testosterone) and insulin and HOMA-IR, as well as between immunomodulatory 7-oxygenated metabolites of DHEA and nine interleukins. Our data confirms that PCOS is a multiendocrine gland disorder. Higher BPA levels in obese women might exacerbate metabolic abnormalities. IH was not confirmed as an inflammatory state, and no differences in BPA levels suggest BPA does not play a role in IH pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The massive consumption of fossil fuels has led to the serious accumulation of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere and global warming. Bioconversion technologies that utilize biomass resources to produce chemical products are becoming widely accepted and highly recognized. The world is heavily dependent on petroleum-based products, which may raise serious concerns about future environmental security. Most commercially available epoxy resins (EPs) are synthesized by the condensation of bisphenol A (BPA), which not only affects the human endocrine system and metabolism, but is also costly to produce and environmentally polluting. In some cases, straw tar-based epoxy resins have been recognized as potential alternatives to bisphenol A-based epoxy resins, and are receiving increasing attention due to their important role in overcoming the above problems. Using straw tar and lignin as the main raw materials, phenol derivatives were extracted from the middle tar instead of bisphenol A. Bio-based epoxy resins were prepared by replacing epichlorohydrin with epoxylated lignin to press carbon fiber sheets, which is a kind of bio-based fine chemical product. This paper reviews the research progress of bio-based materials such as lignin modification, straw pyrolysis, lignin epoxidation, phenol derivative extraction, and synthesis of epoxy resin. It improves the performance of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) while taking into account the ecological and environmental protection, so that the epoxy resin is developed in the direction of non-toxic, harmless and high-performance characteristics, and it also provides a new idea for the development of bio-based carbon fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a known substance that is found in food contact materials as an intentionally added as well as a non-intentionally added substance. Traces of BPA were found as a non-intentionally added substance in recycled PET (rPET). In 2023, the EFSA proposed a new TDI of 0.0002 µg/kg bw/d, which is lower than the previous (temporary) TDI of 4 µg/kg bw/d by a factor of 20,000. The TDI of 0.0002 µg/kg bw/d would translate for a default 60 kg person eating one kilogram of food into a migration limit of 0.012 µg/kg in the food. This very low migration limit is a challenge to measuring BPA levels in food. A solution is to use migration modeling to establish maximum concentrations in rPET for different food contact applications. Precise diffusion coefficients for BPA in PET were determined within this study by use of migration kinetics. In June 2024, the European Commission proposed a new migration threshold limit for BPA of 1 µg/kg, which should be understood as a detection limit. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that a BPA concentration in the PET bottle wall of 297 mg/kg (3% acetic acid), 255 mg/kg (10% ethanol), and 192 mg/kg (20% ethanol) after storage for 365 d at 25 °C is in compliance with the migration threshold limit of 1 µg/kg. These maximum concentrations are far above the measured BPA concentrations on rPET bottles in Europe between 2019 and 2023. Therefore, the new proposed migration threshold limit for BPA cannot be exceeded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental endocrine-disrupting compound that is resistant to conventional biological treatment, making it crucial to develop an oxidation process. This study introduces a novel hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) coupled with a Fenton + periodate (PI) oxidation system for the efficient degradation of BPA. By systematically examining the key parameters such as inlet pressure, Fe (II), H2O2, and PI concentration, it was found that HC performed optimally at a pressure of 0.5 MPa. A conversion of 98.14% was achieved within 60 min when the molar ratio of BPA, Fe (II), H2O2, and PI was approximately 1:1:5:1. Further analysis revealed that the gray correlation between H2O2 and PI concentrations on the degradation efficiency was 0.833 and 0.843, respectively, indicating that both of them had significant effects on the degradation process. The free radical quenching assay confirmed the hydroxyl radical (•OH) as the main active substance. Additionally, the toxicity of the degradation intermediates was evaluated using the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (TEST). An artificial neural network (ANN)-based model was constructed to predict the BPA-degradation process, facilitating precise reagent dosing and providing robust support for the intelligent application of water-treatment technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is growing evidence indicating that environmental endocrine disruptors may influence the development of prostate cancer. Despite this, the connection between BPA and PSA levels is still not fully understood and appears intricate. In this study, we aimed to assess the link between BPA exposure and PSA levels using data from the NHANES database. Methods: We conducted a weighted linear regression, logistic regression analysis, natural cubic spline (NCS), subgroup analysis, and interaction analysis on 2768 participants. Urinary BPA was considered the independent variable, while PSA was the dependent variable. Results: In the study, the average age of the participants selected was 62.70 years (±12.93). Age was negatively correlated with BPA, while PSA and BMI were positively correlated with BPA concentration (all of the p-value < 0.05). In the fully adjusted model, the weighted linear and logistic regression results showed that BPA was positively correlated with PSA and prostate cancer. NCS analysis results show that BPA and PSA have a non-linear relationship. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses showed similar results. In addition, there were interactions between BPA and age, PIR, education, HbA1c, high-density lipoprotein, smoking status, and Diabetes. Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between urinary BPA and PSA in older American males, especially when the BPA concentration was higher than 4.46 ng/mL. In future practical applications of prostate cancer screening, it is crucial to focus on individuals aged 75 years and older, as well as those with a PIR between 0 and 1, non-Hispanic black, and other risk groups to provide reference values for the primary and secondary prevention of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread presence and use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in aquatic environments has caused significant ecological damage. Coal gangue (CG), a byproduct of coal mining, poses a major environmental concern due to its vast land occupation and potential for pollution. A magnetic recyclable geopolymer (MnFe2O4-CGP) using coal gangue geopolymer (CGP) as the carrier was successfully synthesized and was evaluated for its ability to Fenton-like degrade BPA. The characterization techniques revealed the successful incorporation of spherical MnFe2O4 onto the CGP surface and that CGP serves as an excellent platform for the immobilization and dispersion of MnFe2O4. The degradation rate reached 100% within 60 min at pH = 5, 15 mmol/L H2O2, 0.6 g/L catalyst, and 50 mg/L BPA, significantly higher than MnFe2O4 and CGP alone. It was indicated that the degradation rate of BPA in MnFe2O4-CGP composites was 0.1121 min−1, which was consistent with the first-order kinetic model. The saturation magnetization of MnFe2O4-CGP was measured to be 10.96 emu/g, enabling convenient recovery. MnFe2O4-CGP exhibited excellent stability, as the degradation rate of BPA remained above 95% even after five reaction cycles. This efficiency may be due to the MnFe2O4-CGP induced generation of reactive radicals. Quenching and EPR radical trapping experiments unequivocally confirmed that the reactive radical was hydroxyl radical (•OH). These results indicate that MnFe2O4-CGP has potential application prospects as a magnetic recyclable geopolymer composite in Fenton-like catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides outstanding catalytic performance, the stability of nitrogen-doped carbon materials during storage is equally crucial for practical applications. Therefore, we conducted the first investigation into the stability of highly nitrogen-doped activated carbon (AC-NC-T) obtained by modifying activated carbon with CO2/NH3 in different storage media (air, vacuum and N2). The results of the catalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction and the activation of peroxymonosulfate for degrading bisphenol A by AC-NC-T show that the catalytic activity of AC-NC-T stored in air decays most prominently, while the performance attenuated only marginally when stored in vacuum and N2. The results from N2 adsorption isotherms, Raman spectroscopy, elemental and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that the decline in catalytic activity is due to the presence of oxygen in the environment, causing a decrease in absolute contents of pyridinic N (N-6) and graphitic nitrogen (N-Q). After being stored in an air atmosphere for 28 days, the absolute contents of N-6 and N-Q in AC-NC-950 decreased by 19.3% and 12.1%, respectively. However, when stored in a vacuum or N2, the reduction in both was less than 7%. This study demonstrates that reducing oxygen concentration during storage is crucial for preserving high catalytic activity of nitrogen-containing carbon materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health. EDCs are exogenous compounds that disrupt the synthesis, secretion, and elimination of natural hormones, leading to various health issues such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, infertility, and cancers. The article highlights the diverse mechanisms of action of EDCs, including disruption of ligand-receptor interaction, interference of signal transduction, and alteration of epigenetic landscapes. It also presents several studies that explore the effects of specific EDCs on male fertility, testicular function, reproductive health, liver injuries, brain development, behavioral disorders, and cancer development. The research emphasizes the need for updated toxicological approaches to assess the low-dose effects of EDCs and calls for further investigation into the potential risks posed by these chemicals. [Extracted from the article]

The threat posed by water pollutants to aquatic ecosystems and human health cannot be overlooked, and the assessment of the toxicity of these contaminants is paramount to understanding their risks and formulating effective control measures. Luminescent bacteria-based assays, as a vital tool in evaluating contaminant toxicity, encounter a challenge in ensuring accuracy due to the phenomenon of "Hormesis" exhibited by pollutants towards biological entities, which may skew toxicity assessments. This study elucidated the specific effects of pollutants on luminescent bacteria at different concentrations, used modeling to characterize the effects and predict their toxicity trends, and explored the applicable concentration ranges for different pollutants. Research revealed that six typical pollutants, namely PAHs, endocrine disruptors, antibiotics, pesticides, heavy metals, and phytosensory substances, could promote the luminescence intensity of luminescent bacteria at low concentrations, and the promotional effect increased and then decreased. However, when the concentration of the substances reached a certain threshold, the effect changed from promotional to inhibitory, and the rate of inhibition was directly proportional to the concentration. The EC50 values of six types of substances to luminescent bacteria is as follows: endocrine disruptors > pesticides > antibiotics > heavy metals > polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons > chemosensory agents. The effect curves were further fitted using the model to analyze the maximum point of the promotion of luminescence intensity by different substances, the threshold concentration, and the tolerance of luminescent bacteria to different substances. The maximum promotion of bacterial luminescence intensity was 29% for Bisphenol A at 0.005 mg/L and the minimum threshold concentration of chromium was 0.004 mg/L, and the maximum bacterial tolerance to erythromycin is 6.74. In addition, most of the current environmental concentrations had a positive effect on luminescent bacteria and may still be in the range of concentrations that promote luminescence as the substances continue to accumulate. These findings will enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of toxicity assessments, thereby facilitating more informed and effective decision-making in the realms of environmental protection and pollution management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the 10th anniversary of the journal Toxics and highlights recent advances in toxicology research. The special issue includes 19 papers covering a range of environmental chemicals of concern. Topics covered include the association between PFAS exposure and human diseases, the presence of microplastics and pharmaceuticals in the environment, the pollution related to pesticides, the toxicology of PAHs, the effects of developmental exposure to PCBs and e-cigarette vapor, the toxicity of heavy metals, and computational methods for assessing chemical toxicity. The articles provide valuable insights into current research hotspots and important environmental concerns. [Extracted from the article]

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have become so pervasive in our environment and daily lives that it is impossible to avoid contact with such compounds, including pregnant women seeking to minimize exposures to themselves and their unborn children. Developmental exposure of humans and rodent models to bisphenol A (BPA) and other EDCs is linked to increased anxiogenic behaviors, learning and memory deficits, and decreased socio-sexual behaviors. Prenatal exposure to BPA and other EDCs leads to longstanding and harmful effects on gut microbiota with reductions in beneficial bacteria, i.e., gut dysbiosis, and such microbial changes are linked to host changes in fecal metabolites, including those involved in carbohydrate metabolism and synthesis, and neurobehavioral alterations in adulthood, in particular, social and cognitive deficits. Gut dysbiosis is increasingly being recognized as a key driver of a myriad of diseases, ranging from metabolic, cardiovascular, reproductive, and neurobehavioral disorders via the gut-microbiome–brain axis. Thus, EDCs might induce indirect effects on physical and mental health by acting as microbiome-disrupting chemicals. Findings raise the important question as to whether pregnant women should consume a probiotic supplement to mitigate pernicious effects of EDCs, especially BPA, on themselves and their unborn offspring. Current studies investigating the effects of maternal probiotic supplementation on pregnant women's health and that of their unborn offspring will be reviewed. Data will inform on the potential application of probiotic supplementation to reverse harmful effects of EDCs, especially BPA, in pregnant women unwittingly exposed to these compounds and striving to give their offspring the best start in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian embryos are very vulnerable to environmental toxicants (ETs) exposure. Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the most diffused ETs, exerts endocrine-disrupting effects through estro-gen-mimicking and hormone-like properties, with detrimental health effects, including on reproduction. However, its impact during the peri-implantation stages is still unclear. This study, using gastruloids as a 3D stem cell-based in vitro model of embryonic development, showed that BPA exposure arrests their axial elongation when present during the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation period by β-catenin protein reduction. Gastruloid reshaping might have been impeded by the downregulation of Snail, Slug and Twist, known to suppress E-cadherin expression and to activate the N-cadherin gene, and by the low expression of the N-cadherin protein. Also, the lack of gastruloids elongation might be related to altered exit of BPA-exposed cells from the pluripotency condition and their following differentiation. In conclusion, here we show that the inhibition of gastruloids' axial elongation by BPA might be the result of the concomitant Wnt/β-catenin perturbation, reduced N-cadherin expression and Oct4, T/Bra and Cdx2 altered patter expression, which all together concur in the impaired development of mouse gastruloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenols are endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in plastics and resins for food packaging. This study aimed to evaluate the exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol F (BPF) associated with the consumption of fresh, canned, and ready-to-eat meals and determine the effects of bisphenols on blood pressure and heart rate. Forty-eight healthy young adults were recruited for this study, and they were divided into the following three groups: fresh, canned, and ready-to-eat meal groups. Urine samples were collected 2, 4, and 6 h after meal consumption, and blood pressure and heart rate were measured. The consumption of ready-to-eat meals significantly increased urine BPA concentrations compared with canned and fresh meal consumption. No significant difference in BPS and BPF concentrations was observed between the groups. The consumption of ready-to-eat meals was associated with a significant increase in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure and a marked decrease in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. No significant differences were noted in blood pressure and heart rate with canned and fresh meal consumption. It can be concluded that total BPA concentration in consumed ready-to-eat meals is high. High BPA intake causes increase in urinary BPA concentrations, which may, in turn, lead to changes in some cardiovascular parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present a method for ion-associated liquid phase (IALP) separation and concentration of analytes from an aqueous matrix into an IALP formed in situ by the charge neutralization reaction of organic cations and anions, without centrifugation. The effects of various factors on the extraction efficiency and other parameters are investigated, whereas no instrumental stirring, such as vortexing or ultrasonics, is required because the solvent (IALP) is formed in situ. The organic cation and anion used are ethylhexyloxypropylammonium and dodecyl sulfate, respectively. The developed in situ IALP microextraction method for phase separation without centrifugation is tested using the thymol blue dye and several endocrine disruptors. The tested endocrine disruptors (bisphenol A, 17β-estradiol, 17α-ethinylestradiol, and estrone) are analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography/fluorescence detection, with respective detection limits of 0.02, 0.02, 0.02, and 0.4 μg L−1, and the corresponding enrichment factor ranging from 47 to 71. This IALP microextraction method can be used to separate and concentrate environmental water samples of different matrices. The employed IALP is fast and easy to use, enables an approximately 100-fold analyte concentration, and has a high affinity for estrogens, thus holding promise for the separation, concentration, and quantitation of diverse trace analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specific feature of mushrooms (including those of the genus Pleurotus) is their natural ability to absorb and accumulate many chemical substances present in their immediate environment, which makes them an excellent natural sorption material. Hence, fruiting bodies of mushrooms have been recognized for years as excellent indicators of the environment, reflecting its current state. Nevertheless, mushrooms can accumulate both health-promoting substances, such as bioelements, and toxic substances, such as heavy metals and organic compounds, including bisphenol A® (BPA). This organic chemical compound in the phenol group, although it has been withdrawn in the EU since 2010, is widely present in the environment around us. In the present experiment, we aimed to determine the effect of adding BPA to liquid media for in vitro cultures of Pleurotus spp. The biomass increases were determined. Moreover, the degrees of adsorption and desorption of BPA from the obtained freeze-dried biomass in two different environments (neutral and acidic) were determined as a function of time. This is the first study to determine the bioavailability of adsorbed BPA in obtained biomass by extracting the mycelium into artificial digestive juices in a model digestive system. BPA was added to the liquid Oddoux medium in the following amounts: 0.01, 0.5, and 0.5 g/250 mL of medium. The amounts of adsorbed and desorbed BPA were determined by flow injection analysis (FIA) with amperometric detection. The addition of BPA to the substrate reduced the biomass growth in each of the discussed cases. BPA adsorption by the mycelium occurred at over 90% and depended on the morphology of the mushroom (structure, surface development, and pore size). BPA desorption depended on the pH of the environment and the desorption time. Mushrooms are an excellent natural remedial material, but BPA is extracted into artificial digestive juices; therefore, consuming mushrooms from industrialized areas may have health consequences for our bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic compound ubiquitously present in the environment, can act as an endocrine disruptor by binding to both canonical and non-canonical estrogen receptors (ERs). Exposure to BPA has been linked to various cancers, in particular, those arising in hormone-targeted tissues such as the breast. In this study, we evaluated the effect of BPA intake through drinking water on ErbB2/neu-driven cancerogenesis in BALB–neuT mice, transgenic for a mutated ErbB2/neu receptor gene, which reproducibly develop carcinomas in all mammary glands. In this model, BPA accelerated mammary cancerogenesis with an increase in the number of tumors per mouse and a concurrent decrease in tumor-free and overall survival. As assessed by immunohistochemistry, BALB–neuT tumors were ER-negative but expressed high levels of the alternative estrogen receptor GPR30, regardless of BPA exposure. On the other hand, BPA exposure resulted in a marked upregulation of progesterone receptors in preinvasive tumors and of Ki67, CD31, and phosphorylated Akt in invasive tumors. Moreover, based on several infiltration markers of immune cells, BPA favored an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Finally, in vitro cell survival studies performed on a cell line established from a BALB–neuT breast carcinoma confirmed that BPA's impact on cancer progression can be particularly relevant after chronic, low-dose exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BPA has demonstrated enormous multisystem and multi-organ toxicity shown mainly in animal models. Meanwhile, the effects of its exposure in humans still require years of observation, research, and answers to many questions. Even minimal and short-term exposure contributes to disorders or various types of dysfunction. It is released directly or indirectly into the environment at every stage of the product life cycle, demonstrating its ease of penetration into the body. The ubiquity and general prevalence of BPA influenced the main objective of the study, which was to assess the toxicity and health effects of BPA and its derivatives based on the available literature. In addition, the guidelines of various international institutions or regions of the world in terms of its reduction in individual products were checked. Bisphenol A is the most widely known chemical and perhaps even the most studied by virtually all international or national organizations, but nonetheless, it is still controversial. In general, the level of BPA biomonitoring is still too high and poses a potential threat to public health. It is beginning to be widely argued that future toxicity studies should focus on molecular biology and the assessment of human exposure to BPA, as well as its substitutes. The effects of its exposure still require years of observation, extensive research, and answers to many questions. It is necessary to continue to deepen the knowledge and interest of many organizations, companies, and consumers around the world in order to make rational purchases as well as future choices, not only consumer ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), a typical endocrine disruptor, is known to have various adverse effects on the male reproductive system. However, the toxic effects and mechanisms of low-dose BPA have not yet been fully explored. In this study, male Kunming mice were orally administered low-dose BPA (0.03, 0.3 and 3 mg/kg/d) for ten consecutive weeks. Pathological sections of testicular tissue showed no significant morphological differences after BPA exposure. An analysis of the functional parameters of sperm revealed that exposure to low-dose BPA significantly decreased sperm motility, chemotaxis, and the acrosome reaction. An in vitro BPA exposure model combined with an omics data analysis showed that the olfactory receptor-related pathway was significantly enriched after BPA treatment. Subsequent experiments verified the reduced mRNA level of a novel olfactory receptor gene, Olfr25, in vivo and in vitro exposure models. Meanwhile, exposure to low-dose BPA reduced the intracellular calcium ion concentration and the mRNA levels of pore-forming subunits of the CatSper channel in sperm. Importantly, the knockdown of Olfr25 inhibited calcium ion levels and CatSper subunit expression in GC-2 cells. Olfr25 overexpression attenuated the BPA-induced downregulation of CatSper subunit expression in GC-2 cells. These findings indicate that Olfr25 might participate in low-dose BPA-induced sperm dysfunction by affecting the CatSper-Ca2+ signaling pathway. This study reveals a new mechanism underlying the effects of low-dose BPA on sperm function and provides a reference for assessing the safety of low-dose BPA exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling facilities are well-known bisphenol chemical (BP) sources. In this study, non-targeted screening combined with targeted analysis of BPs in surface soil from e-waste dismantling facilities and their surroundings revealed their presence, distribution, and exposure risk. A total of 14 BPs were identified including bisphenol A (BPA) and its novel structural analogs and halogenated BPs. The total concentrations of BPs ranged from 963 to 47,160 ng/g (median: 6970 ng/g) in e-waste soil, higher than those measured in surface soil from surrounding areas, i.e., 10–7750 ng/g (median 197 ng/g). BPA, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and bisphenol F (BPF) were the dominant ones from the two areas. Concentrations of TBBPA and its debromination product from the surrounding area significantly decreased with increasing distances from the e-waste dismantling facilities. Estimation of daily intake via oral ingestion of soil suggests that current contamination scenarios are unlikely to pose health risks for e-waste dismantling workers and adults and toddlers living in the surrounding areas, with their intakes generally well below the tolerable daily intakes proposed for several BPs. However, the BPA intakes of workers exceeded the more strict tolerable daily intake for BPA established recently, which merits continuous environmental surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) connects an isolated individual on the road to share information, which can improve traffic efficiency. However, the promotion of information sharing brings the critical security issues of identity authentication, followed by privacy protection issues in the authentication process in the IoV. In this study, we designed a blockchain-based conditional privacy-preserving authentication scheme for the IoV (BPA). Our scheme implements zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) to verify the identities of vehicles, which moves the authentication process down to the Roadside Units (RSUs) and achieves decentralized authentication at the edge nodes. Moreover, blockchain technology is utilized to synchronize a consistent ledger across all RSUs for recording and disseminating vehicle authentication states, which enhances the overall authentication process efficiency. We provide a theoretical analysis asserting that the BPA ensures enhanced security and effectively protects the privacy of all participating vehicles. Experimental evaluations confirm that our scheme outperforms existing solutions in terms of the computational and communication overhead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immobilization of enzymes is an important strategy to improve their stability and reusability. Enzyme immobilization technology has broad application prospects in biotechnology, biochemistry, environmental remediation, and other fields. In this study, composites of chitosan (CS) and sodium alginate (SA) with Cu2+ forming a double-network crosslinked structure of hydrogels were prepared and used for the immobilization of laccase. Fourier infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy tests revealed that laccase molecules were immobilized on the composite hydrogel surface by a covalent bonding method. Compared to free laccase, the pH, temperature, and storage stability of the immobilized laccase were markedly improved. In addition, the immobilized laccase could be easily separated from the reaction system and reused, and it maintained 81.6% of its initial viability after six cycles of use. Bisphenol A (BPA) in polluted water was efficiently degraded using immobilized laccase, and the factors affecting the degradation efficiency were analyzed. Under the optimal conditions, the BPA removal was greater than 82%, and the addition of a small amount of ABTS had a significant effect on BPA degradation, with a removal rate of up to 99.1%. Experimental results indicated that immobilized laccases had enormous potential in actual industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) loaded with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by the arc discharge method and air heat treatment. The nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, etc. The results showed that the heat-treated nanocomposites (SWCNTs/FexOy) had iron oxide phases and superparamagnetic properties with a saturation magnetization of 33.32 emu/g. Compared with the non-heat-treated materials, SWCNTs/FexOy had a larger specific surface area and pore volume. Using SWCNTs/FexOy to remove the organic contaminant (bisphenol A, BPA), it was found that under the conditions of pH = 3 and adsorbent dosage of 0.2 g/L, the maximum adsorption capacity of the composite was 117 mg/g, and the adsorption could reach more than 90% in only 5 min when the BPA content was below 0.05 mmol/L. The fitting results of the Langmuir and D-R models are more consistent with the experimental data, indicating a relatively uniform distribution of the adsorption sites and that the adsorption process is more consistent with physical adsorption. The kinetic calculations showed that the SWCNTs/FexOy exhibits chemical effects on both the surface and the gap, and the adsorption process is controlled by the π-π bonds and the hydrophobicity of the SWCNTs/FexOy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), representing a class of organic pollutants, finds extensive applications in the pharmaceutical industry. However, its widespread use poses a significant hazard to both ecosystem integrity and human health. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on peroxymonosulfate (PMS) via heterogeneous catalysts are frequently proposed for treating persistent pollutants. In this study, the degradation performance of BPA in an oxidation system of PMS activated by transition metal sites anchored nitrogen-doped carbonaceous substrate (M-N-C) materials was investigated. As heterogeneous catalysts targeting the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), M-N-C materials emerge as promising contenders poised to overcome the limitations encountered with traditional carbon materials, which often exhibit insufficient activity in the PMS activation process. Nevertheless, the amalgamation of metal sites during the synthesis process presents a formidable challenge to the structural design of M-N-C. Herein, employing ZIF-8 as the precursor of carbonaceous support, metal ions can readily penetrate the cage structure of the substrate, and the N-rich linkers serve as effective ligands for anchoring metal cations, thereby overcoming the awkward limitation. The research results of this study indicate BPA in water matrix can be effectively removed in the M-N-C/PMS system, in which the obtained nitrogen-rich ZIF-8-derived Cu-N-C presented excellent activity and stability on the PMS activation, as well as the outstanding resistance towards the variation of environmental factors. Moreover, the biological toxicity of BPA and its degradation intermediates were investigated via the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T.) based on the ECOSAR system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast development of China's urbanization has led to a notable release of emerging pollutants, including microplastics (MPs) and endocrine disruptors (EDCs). Generally, these pollutants enter the coastal environment through the discharge of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and finally threaten the organisms in the receiving waterbody. The study investigated the environmental behavior of MPs and EDCs in two typical WWTPs in one of the megacities in China, Shanghai. The abundance of MPs in the influent ranged from 321 to 976 items/L. Four shapes (films, fragments, fibers, and microbead) were found, while fibers and films dominated. Transparent (31–63%) and white (20–47%) MPs were more frequently observed, while polyethylene terephthalate, cellulose, and cellophane were the main polymetric materials. The size of the MPs fell between 15.8 μm and 2220 μm, and the smaller one (<500 μm) dominated. The removal efficiencies of the two WWTPs for MPs ranged from 64% to 92%, and both WWTPs performed better for large pieces of MPs (>500 μm). For EDCs, total concentrations in the influent were detected, ranging from 113 to 2780 ng/L. Two groups, including phenolic estrogens (PEs) and steroid estrogens (SEs), were detected, and PEs, especially bisphenol A (BPA), were the predominant individuals among the studied EDCs. Specifically, PEs ranged from 82.8 to 2637 ng/L, while SEs ranged from 27.3 to 143 ng/L. The removal efficiencies of the WWTPs for EDCs varied (82.8–100%) as well, possibly due to the different treatment compartments and contamination load in the influent. Seasonal variations for both MPs and EDCs were observed. Specifically, concentrations of MPs and EDCs in WWTPs influent were higher in the wet season, as well as the removal efficiency. Furthermore, there was a correlation observed between the concentrations of MPs and EDCs, suggesting that MPs and EDCs may originate from the same source and that EDCs released by MPs cannot be ignored during treatment. Finally, the study evaluated the environmental risk of the effluents. MPs led to a minor risk (Level I), while EDCs might lead to an adverse impact on algae (RQs = 0.0014–0.024) and fish (RQs = 3.4–30.2). In summary, WWTPs received considerable amounts of MPs and EDCs. Although the WWTPs removed the contaminants efficiently, the environmental risk of the effluent needs to be noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to detect abnormal heat generation in time, a reversible color-changing coating temperature measurement method is proposed for self-detection of temperature by power equipment, and its adhesion characteristics and aging performance were analyzed. The results showed that the reversible color-changing coating prepared with crystalline violet lactone as the colorant, bisphenol A as the color developer, octadecanol as the solvent, and RTV-II as the base paint can meet the requirements of self-detection of temperature by power equipment with its adhesion performance. The accelerated aging tests using high temperature, light and humidity were carried out in the laboratory, and we concluded that the deterioration degree of the color-changing coating was positively correlated with the temperature. Light can accelerate the aging rate of reversible color-changing coatings, and the degradation process of the coating was significantly accelerated under UV light. The effect of humidity on the coating was not significant. The degradation of the coating after aging for 288 h under indoor conditions was small, while it was accelerated under outdoor natural conditions. This research can provide a reference for the on-site application of reversible color-changing coatings for self-detection of temperature by power equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To protect carbon steel from degradation via corrosion, it is usually coated using a multilayer system of paints composed of petroleum-based polymers. The chemical industry is currently moving towards more sustainable chemistry, in which one of the main objectives is to reduce fossil fuel use and the derived raw materials. However, the replacement of petroleum-based raw materials with those that are bio-based is not straightforward since the properties of these new materials are often inferior to the traditional ones. One of the most used resins in primer paints is Diglycidyl ether bisphenol A (DGEBA). This is an epoxy resin synthesized from bisphenol A (BPA), a toxic and carcinogenic petroleum-based compound. This study investigates the substitution of the primer coating in a three-layer coating system with two different types of primer coating formulations, one which is partially bio-based and another that is BPA-free. The corrosion protection effectiveness of these sustainable coatings is assessed not only at the laboratory scale but also in real offshore conditions. Moreover, the adhesion of the different coating systems is evaluated before and after each ageing test. The results reveal that these novel coatings exhibit comparable performance to conventional paints while providing a more sustainable corrosion protection alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A link between bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and cognitive disorders has been suggested. However, the differences in BPA concentrations between subjects with and without cognitive impairment have not been analysed. Therefore, this observational study aimed to compare urine BPA levels in subjects with normal cognitive function (NCF) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 89 MCI subjects and 89 well-matched NCF individuals were included in this study. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) scale. Urine BPA concentrations were evaluated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and adjusted for creatinine levels. Moreover, anthropometric parameters, body composition, sociodemographic factors, and physical activity were also assessed. Creatinine-adjusted urine BPA levels did not differ between the NCF and MCI groups (1.8 (1.4–2.7) vs. 2.2 (1.4–3.6) µg/g creatinine, p = 0.1528). However, there were significant differences in MOCA results between groups when the study population was divided into tertiles according to BPA concentrations (p = 0.0325). Nevertheless, multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that only education levels were independently associated with MCI. In conclusion, urine BPA levels are not significantly different between subjects with MCI and NCF, but these findings need to be confirmed in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been classified as an endocrine-disrupting substance that may cause adverse effects on human health and the environment. The development of simple and sensitive electrochemical biosensors is crucial for the rapid and effective quantitative determination of BPA. This work presents a study on electrochemical sensors utilizing gold nanoparticle-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT/AuNPs). Glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) and screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) were conveniently modified and used for BPA detection. AuNPs were electrodeposited onto the CNT-modified electrodes using the galvanostatic method. The electrodes were properly modified and characterized by using Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance analysis (EIS). The electrochemical response of the sensors was studied using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and constant potential amperometry (CPA) for modified GCE and SPE electrodes, respectively, and the main analytical parameters were studied and optimized. Problems encountered with the use of GCEs, such as sensor degradation and high limit of detection (LOD), were overcome by using modified SPEs and a flow injection device for the measurements. Under this approach, an LOD as low as 5 nM (S/N = 3) was achieved and presented a linear range up to 20 μM. Finally, our investigation addressed interference, reproducibility, and reusability aspects, successfully identifying BPA in both spiked and authentic samples, including commercial and tap waters. These findings underscore the practical applicability of our method for accurate BPA detection in real-world scenarios. Notably, the integration of SPEs and a flow injection device facilitated simplified automation, offering an exceptionally efficient and reliable solution for precise BPA detection in water analysis laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to detail the monomer composition of resin-based dental materials sold in the market in 2023 and to evaluate the proportion of bisphenol A (BPA)-derivatives in relation to their applications. A search on manufacturers' websites was performed to reference resin-based dental materials currently on the European market (including the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK). Their monomer composition was determined using material-safety data sheets and was completed by a search on the PubMed database. Among the 543 material compositions exploitable, 382 (70.3%) contained BPA derivatives. Among them, 56.2% contained BisGMA and 28% BisEMA, the most frequently reported. A total of 59 monomers, of which six were BPA derivatives, were found. In total, 309 materials (56.9%) contained UDMA and 292 (53.8%) TEGDMA. Less than one third of materials identified contained no BPA derivatives. These proportions vary a lot depending on their applications, with materials dedicated to the dental care of young populations containing the highest proportions of BPA-derivative monomers. The long-term effects on human health of the different monomers identified including BPA-derivative monomers is a source of concern. For children and pregnant or lactating women arises the question of whether to take a precautionary principle and avoid the use of resin-based dental materials likely to release BPA by opting for alternative materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of bisphenol A (BPA)-binding peptides fused to magnetic beads is demonstrated as novel adsorbents that are reusable and highly selective for BPA removal from aqueous environments, in which various interfering substances coexist. Magnetic beads harboring peptides (peptide beads) showed a higher BPA removal capacity (8.6 mg/g) than that of bare beads without peptides (2.0 mg/g). The BPA adsorption capacity of peptide beads increased with the number of peptides fused onto the beads, where monomeric, dimeric, or trimeric repeats of a BPA-binding peptide were fused to magnetic beads. The BPA-adsorbing beads were regenerated using a methanol–acetic acid mixture, and after six regeneration cycles, the adsorption capacity remained above 87% of its initial capacity. The selective removal of BPA was confirmed in the presence of BPA analogs with high structural similarity (bisphenol F and bisphenol S) or in synthetic wastewater. The present work is a pioneering study that investigates the selective affinity of peptides to remove specific organics with high selectivity from complex environmental matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a green and practical analytical method based on natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as extraction agents and nano-liquid chromatography as a separation technique was developed. To demonstrate the applicability of the methodology, alkylphenols and bisphenol A were evaluated as model compounds in olive and sunflower oils as model fatty samples by liquid–liquid microextraction. With this aim, several NADES based on mixtures of choline chloride with glycerol, lactic, ascorbic, and citric acids or glycerol with amino acids were evaluated as potential extraction solvents. In addition, to select the most suitable stationary phase for the separation of this group of contaminants, some stationary phases were tested, including Pinnacle II phenyl, Cogent Bidentate C18™, and XBridge® C18. The last one provided the best performance with an analysis time of 11 min. To solve the problem of the compatibility of hydrophilic NADES with chromatographic systems without harming the solubility of analytes, different aqueous organic mixtures were tested. Methanol/water mixtures were the most suitable as an injection solvent. Finally, following the White Analytical Chemistry principles, different tools were used to evaluate the greenness, the practicality, and applicability of the method based on the Analytical Eco-Scale, the Analytical GREEnness metric approach, and the Blue Applicability Grade Index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), an acknowledged endocrine disrupter, is easily exposed to humans via food packaging and container. However, a consensus has not been reached on the extent to which BPA exposure affects the reproductive system. We therefore conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate the relationship between BPA exposure and male reproduction-related indicators. Up to October 2023, a comprehensive search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science, and 18 studies were ultimately included. β coefficients from multivariate linear regression analyses were pooled using a random effects model. The results showed that the urinary BPA concentration was negatively correlated with the sperm concentration (β coefficient = −0.03; 95% CI: −0.06 to −0.01; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.003) and total sperm count (β coefficient = −0.05; 95% CI: −0.08 to −0.02; I2 = 0.0%, p < 0.001). In addition, BPA concentrations were associated with increased sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, increased estradiol (E2) levels, and reduced biologically active androgen levels. However, the relationship between an increased risk of below-reference sperm quality and BPA exposure was not robust. This systematic review revealed that BPA exposure disrupts reproductive hormones, reduces sperm counts and may ultimately adversely affect male reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a cationic amphiphilic self-assembling peptide (SAP) Z23 was designed, and a simple bisphenol a (BPA) sensor, based on SAP Z23/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Z23/MWCNTs) composite, was successfully fabricated on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The composite material was formed by π-π stacking interaction between the aromatic group on the hydrophobic side of Z23 and the side-wall of MWCNTs, with the charged hydrophilic group of Z23 exposed. During the electrocatalytic process of BPA, a synergistic effect was observed between Z23 and MWCNTs. The current response of the sensor based on composite material was 3.24 times that of the MWCNTs-modified electrode, which was much higher than that of the peptide-based electrode. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to optimize the experimental conditions affecting the analytical performance of the modified electrode. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of the sensor was from 10 nM to 100 μM by amperometric measurement with sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) at 6.569 μAμM−1cm−2 and 1.28 nM (S/N = 3), respectively. Consequently, the sensor has excellent electrochemical performance and is easy to fabricate, making it a good prospect in the field of electrochemical detection in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectric catalysis is a green and efficient way to degrade pollutants, which has been paid more and more attention by researchers. Among them, Bi2WO3 has been proved to have excellent photocatalytic oxidation activity on its {001} facets. In this study, {001}-oriented facets with high exposure were successfully integrated into Bi2WO6 nanoplate arrays (Bi2WO6 NAs) to create a photoelectrode. This structure was grown in situ on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. To promote photogenerated carrier separation efficiency and reduce agglomeration of Bi2WO6 photocatalysts, the electrochemical deposition of NiFe–layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) and Ti3C2 (MXene) were introduced in this research to synergistically catalyze pollutant degradation. Morphology, spectral characterization, and electrochemical analysis jointly confirmed that the outstanding performance of hole capture behavior with LDH and electron conduction properties with MXene were the main reasons for the improvement in catalytic activity of the photoelectrode. Taking bisphenol A (BPA) as the model pollutant, the rate constant k of the NiFe-LDH/Ti3C2/Bi2WO6 NAs photoelectrode reaches 0.00196 min−1 under photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) conditions, which is 4.5 times that of the pure Bi2WO6 NAs photoelectrode. This work provides a new way to improve the reaction kinetics of the PEC degradation of pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliomas represent the most common and lethal category of primary brain tumors. Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely recognized endocrine disruptor, has been implicated in the progression of cancer. Despite its established links to various cancers, the association between BPA and glioma progression remains to be clearly defined. This study aimed to shed light on the impact of BPA on glioma cell proliferation and overall tumor progression. Our results demonstrate that BPA significantly accelerates glioma cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, BPA has been found to enhance the invasive and migratory capabilities of glioma cells, potentially promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics within these tumors. Employing bioinformatics approaches, we devised a risk assessment model to gauge the potential glioma hazards associated with BPA exposure. Our comprehensive analysis revealed that BPA not only facilitates glioma invasion and migration but also inhibits apoptotic processes. In summary, our study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms by which BPA may promote tumorigenesis in gliomas, contributing to the understanding of its broader implications in oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydroxyalkyl amination of agarose gels was studied as an approach to improve adsorption of polyphenols and pharmaceuticals from water. Three commercially available agarose gels, Zetarose FlashFlow4, ZetaCell-CL6B and Sepharose 4B were chemically modified using tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, TRIS, and ethanolamine, EA. The adsorbed amounts of bisphenol A and diclofenac were significantly higher on TRIS- and EA-derivatives compared with the parent gels. Regarding bisphenol A adsorption on TRIS-ZetaCell-CL6B, a maximal adsorption capacity, Q max of 16 μmol/mL gel and an equilibrium dissociation constant KL of 2.7 × 10−4 mol/L were observed. Filtration of diclofenac-contaminated water through TRIS-Zetarose FlashFlow 4 resulted in a 10-fold reduction of the pollutant concentration within 64 column volumes of the effluent. The moderate binding affinity of polyphenols to TRIS- and EA-adsorbents facilitates efficient polyphenol desorption and column regeneration. The effects of TRIS- and EA-substituents in agarose gels, can be harnessed for the development of environmental adsorbents, as well as for the preparative separation of polyphenols and pharmaceuticals. We consider the physical shapes and textures of the prospective adsorbents with a particular focus on spongy macroporous cryogels. These innovative materials hold promise for future applications in liquid and air filtration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal milk is pivotal for infants' nutrition. It also portrays the chemical burden to which the mother has been exposed. One of the chemical families that is prevalent and related to potential toxic effects are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In the present study, motivated by the scarcity of works dealing with concomitant VOC and metabolite determination in maternal milk, two new gas/liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS) methods for the simultaneous measurement of 25 VOCs and 9 of their metabolites, respectively, in maternal milk were developed and applied to 20 maternal milk samples collected from mothers in Greece. In parallel, a headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME)–GC-MS method was employed for the untargeted screening of chemicals. Low detection rates for benzene, toluene, styrene and p,m-xylenes, and three of their metabolites, namely N-acetyl-S-(benzyl)-L-cysteine (BMA, metabolite of toluene), 3-methylhippuric (3-MHA, metabolite of xylenes) and mandelic acid (MA as DL and R isomers, metabolites of styrene and ethylbenzene), were evidenced in concentrations varying from −1. HS-SPME–GC-MS disclosed the presence of common maternal milk constituents such as fatty acids. Nevertheless, bisphenol-A, bisphenol derivatives and phthalates were also detected. The infants' health risk assessment demonstrated a low risk and negligible carcinogenic risk, yet the detection of these compounds should not be underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel functionalized magnetic composite (MNCGC) for magnetic solid-phase extraction of bisphenols from environmental and food samples was developed, featuring a multistep synthesis with Fe3O4, chitosan, graphene oxide, and β-cyclodextrin, crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. Characterization confirmed its advantageous morphology, intact crystal structure of the magnetic core, specific surface area, and magnetization, enabling efficient adsorption and separation via an external magnetic field. The optimized MSPE–HPLC–FLD method demonstrated excellent sensitivity, linearity, and recovery rates exceeding 80% for bisphenol pollutants, validating the method's effectiveness in enriching and detecting trace levels of bisphenols in complex matrices. This approach offers a new avenue for analyzing multiple bisphenol residues, with successful application to environmental water and food samples, showing high recovery rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semen quality represents a compelling factor for fertility, and delineating the normal values has proven difficult. In the last four decades, several authors have reported a noticeable decline in sperm parameters. Also, studies investigating 'time to pregnancy' have shown that fecundity begins to be reduced when sperm numbers decrease below 30 million, even though according to the 6th edition of the WHO manual, the normal value is currently 16 million/mL or 39 million per ejaculate. There exists sufficient data to suggest a decline in sperm counts over time, even though the clear reason for this adverse trend is not well established, but some associations have been hypothesised, such as maternal smoking during pregnancy. Additional potential factors have yet to be fully illustrated but involve poor diet, increased obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins. Moreover, the change in environmental conditions and more common exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as pesticides and herbicides, as well as bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, and heavy metals, starting from prenatal life and continuing into adulthood, may exhibit probable features explaining the reduction in sperm parameters. Therefore, the main goal of this narrative review is to furnish an overview of the possible effects of exposure to EDCs on testicular function and spermatogenesis and, also, to summarise the evidence regarding a decrease in sperm quality and examine its potential consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research constructed a novel O3/CaO2/ HCO 3 − system to degrade antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) in water. The results indicated that CaO2 and HCO 3 − addition could promote OTC degradation in an O3 system. There is an optimal dosage of CaO2 (0.05 g/L) and HCO 3 − (2.25 mmol/L) that promotes OTC degradation. After 30 min of treatment, approximately 91.5% of the OTC molecules were eliminated in the O3/CaO2/ HCO 3 − system. A higher O3 concentration, alkaline condition, and lower OTC concentration were conducive to OTC decomposition. Active substances including ·OH, 1O2, · O 2 − , and · HCO 3 − play certain roles in OTC degradation. The production of ·OH followed the order: O3/CaO2/ HCO 3 − > O3/CaO2 > O3. Compared to the sole O3 system, TOC and COD were easier to remove in the O3/CaO2/ HCO 3 − system. Based on DFT and LC-MS, active species dominant in the degradation pathways of OTC were proposed. Then, an evaluation of the toxic changes in intermediates during OTC degradation was carried out. The feasibility of O3/CaO2/ HCO 3 − for the treatment of other substances, such as bisphenol A, tetracycline, and actual wastewater, was investigated. Finally, the energy efficiency of the O3/CaO2/ HCO 3 − system was calculated and compared with other mainstream processes of OTC degradation. The O3/CaO2/ HCO 3 − system may be considered as an efficient and economical approach for antibiotic destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of waste plastics has a severe impact on the environment, and therefore, the development of efficient chemical recycling methods has become an extremely important task. In this regard, a new strategy of degradation product-promoted depolymerization process was proposed. Using N,N′-dimethyl-ethylenediamine (DMEDA) as a depolymerization reagent, an efficient chemical recycling of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (BPA-PC or PC) material was achieved under mild conditions. The degradation product 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI) was proven to be a critical factor in facilitating the depolymerization process. This strategy does not require catalysts or auxiliary solvents, making it a truly green process. This method improves the recycling efficiency of PC and promotes the development of plastic reutilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol is a chemical substance widely used in plastic products and food containers. In this study, we observed a relationship between DNA methylation and atopic dermatitis (AD) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of pregnant women exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) and its alternatives, bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression, which can be altered by environmental factors, and affects the onset and progression of diseases. We found that genes belonging to the JAK-STAT and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways were hypomethylated in the blood of pregnant women exposed to bisphenols. These genes play important roles in skin barrier function and immune responses, and may influence AD. Therefore, we suggest that not only BPA, but also BPS and BPF, which are used as alternatives, can have a negative impact on AD through epigenetic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are widely spread in the environment, generating significant concern due to their potential impact on environmental health. Marine species usually ingest plastic fragments, mistaking them for food. Many toxic compounds, such as plastic additives that are not chemically bound to the plastic matrix, can be released from MPs and NPs and reach humans via the food chain. This paper highlights the development and validation of a straightforward solid–liquid extraction clean-up procedure in combination with a matrix solid-phase dispersion method using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) detection, enabling facile, precise, and reliable identification and quantitation of a total of six bisphenols and phthalates in gilthead sea breams. Under the optimized conditions, the developed method showed good linearity (R2 > 0.993) for all target compounds. The recoveries obtained were between 70 and 92%. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for reproducibility (inter-day) and repeatability (intra-day) were less than 9% and 10%, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for the target compounds ranged from 0.11 to 0.68 µg/kg and from 0.37 to 2.28 µg/kg, respectively. A new, efficient extraction methodology for the determination of BPA, BPS, BPF, DBP, DEP, and DHEP in gilthead seabream has been optimized and validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 245 representative samples of aquatic products were selected from local markets in Shenzhen by stochastic sampling. The samples comprised eight species and fell into three aquatic product categories: fish, crustaceans, and bivalves. A total of eight BPs were determined by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, namely, bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol AP (BPAP), bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol P (BPP), bisphenol Z (BPZ), and bisphenol F (BPF). All BPs were detected in aquatic products, except for BPAF, indicating pervasive contamination by BPs in aquatic products. BPS demonstrated the highest detection rate both before and after enzymatic hydrolysis, whereas BPAP exhibited the lowest detection rate before enzymatic hydrolysis and BPB displayed the lowest detection rate after enzymatic hydrolysis. The concentration difference before and after enzymatic hydrolysis proved to be statistically significant. Moreover, 49–96% of BPs in aquatic products were found in the combined state, underscoring the essentiality of conducting detections on aquatic product samples following enzymatic hydrolysis. While the health risks associated with ingesting BPs residues through aquatic product consumption were found to be minimal for residents at risk of exposure, the results suggest the necessity for more stringent regulations governing the consumption of aquatic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of the field of environmental analytical chemistry and its significance in monitoring and analyzing pollutants in the environment. It emphasizes the importance of developing new analytical methods to achieve these goals. The article discusses several studies published in the journal Molecules, covering topics such as e-cigarettes, air pollution, soil contamination, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems. These studies utilize various analytical methods to assess the presence and effects of pollutants in different environmental samples. The text also highlights the contributions to a Special Issue on Environmental Analytical Chemistry, which include the analysis of pollutants in e-cigarettes, the development of analytical methods for pharmaceuticals in soil, the synthesis of biomass adsorbents for removing heavy metals from oil-rich regions, and the evaluation of chemical and microbiological contamination in sports centers. The authors stress the importance of environmental protection and the ongoing need for research and analysis of pollutants. They invite readers to contribute to the Special Issue and highlight the success of the previous issue. [Extracted from the article]

A set of polyphenylene oxides incorporating DOPO (9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide) functionality, denoted as DOPO−R−PPO, was synthesized by copolymerization of 2,6-dimethylphenol (2,6-DMP) with various DOPO-substituted tetramethyl bisphenol monomers. In the initial step, a Friedel–Crafts acylation reaction was employed to react 2,6-DMP with different acyl chlorides, leading to the formation of ketone derivatives substituted with 2,6-dimethylphenyl groups. Subsequently, the ketones, along with DOPO and 2,6-DMP, underwent a condensation reaction to yield a series of DOPO-substituted bisphenol derivatives. Finally, polymerizations of 2,6-dimethylphenol with these DOPO-substituted bisphenols were carried out in organic solvents using copper(I) bromide/N-butyldimethylamine catalysts (CuBr/DMBA) under a continuous flow of oxygen, yielding telechelic PPO oligomers with DOPO moieties incorporated into the polymer backbone. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized using various analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). When compared to conventional poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)s with a similar molecular weight range, all DOPO−PPOs exhibited higher glass transition temperatures, enhanced thermal degradability, and increased char yield formation at 800 °C without compromising solubility in organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disruptive chemical that is widely utilized in the production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin, which are used to make a wide range of consumer products, food and drink containers, and medical equipment. When the potential risk of BPA emerged, it was substituted by allegedly less harmful substitutes such as bisphenols S, F, B, and AF. However, evidence suggests that all bisphenols can have endocrine-disruptive effects, while the extent of these effects is unknown. This study aimed to determine effect of BPA, BPAF, BPB, BPF, and BPS on viability and steroidogenesis in human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line in vitro. The cytotoxicity of bisphenols was shown to be considerable at higher doses. However, at low concentrations, it improved viability as well as steroid hormone secretion, indicating that bisphenols have a biphasic, hormetic effect in biological systems. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that bisphenols selectively inhibit some steroidogenic enzymes. These findings suggest that bisphenols have the potential to disrupt cellular steroidogenesis in humans, but substantially more detailed and systematic research is needed to gain a better understanding of the risks associated with bisphenols and their endocrine-disrupting effect on humans and wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diphenolic acid, or 4,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pentanoic acid, represents one of the potentially most interesting bio-products obtainable from the levulinic acid supply-chain. It represents a valuable candidate for the replacement of bisphenol A, which is strongly questioned for its toxicological issues. Diphenolic acid synthesis involves the condensation reaction between phenol and levulinic acid and requires the presence of a Brønsted acid as a catalyst. In this review, the state of the art related to the catalytic issues of its synthesis have been critically discussed, with particular attention to the heterogeneous systems, the reference benchmark being represented by the homogeneous acids. The main opportunities in the field of heterogeneous catalysis are deeply discussed, as well as the bottlenecks to be overcome to facilitate diphenolic acid production on an industrial scale. The regioselectivity of the reaction is a critical point because only the p,p′-isomer is of industrial interest; thus, several strategies aiming at the improvement of the selectivity towards this isomer are considered. The future potential of adopting alkyl levulinates, instead of levulinic acid, as starting materials for the synthesis of new classes of biopolymers, such as new epoxy and phenolic resins and polycarbonates, is also briefly considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess body weight constitutes one of the major health challenges for societies and healthcare systems worldwide. Besides the type of diet, calorie intake and the lack of physical exercise, recent data have highlighted a possible association between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol A, phthalates and their analogs, and obesity. EDCs represent a heterogeneous group of chemicals that may influence the hormonal regulation of body mass and adipose tissue morphology. Based on the available data from mechanistic, animal and epidemiological studies including meta-analyses, the weight of evidence points towards the contribution of EDCs to the development of obesity, associated disorders and obesity-related adipose tissue dysfunction by (1) impacting adipogenesis; (2) modulating epigenetic pathways during development, enhancing susceptibility to obesity; (3) influencing neuroendocrine signals responsible for appetite and satiety; (4) promoting a proinflammatory milieu in adipose tissue and inducing a state of chronic subclinical inflammation; (5) dysregulating gut microbiome and immune homeostasis; and (6) inducing dysfunction in thermogenic adipose tissue. Critical periods of exposure to obesogenic EDCs are the prenatal, neonatal, pubertal and reproductive periods. Interestingly, EDCs even at low doses may promote epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of adult obesity in subsequent generations. The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence on the role of obesogenic EDCs, specifically BPA and phthalate plasticizers, in the development of obesity, taking into account in vitro, animal and epidemiologic studies; discuss mechanisms linking EDCs to obesity; analyze the effects of EDCs on obesity in critical chronic periods of exposure; and present interesting perspectives, challenges and preventive measures in this research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive use of the parabens triclosan (TCS) and bisphenol A (BPA) has potential adverse effects on human health and aquatic organisms. However, their monitoring information in freshwater lakes is still limited. This study simultaneously summarized the concentrations, spatial distribution characteristics, and correlations of four types of parabens, TCS, and BPA in the surface water and sediment of Baiyang Lake. Finally, the potential risks of target pollutants were evaluated from two aspects: human health risks and ecological risks. The average contaminations of target compounds in surface water and sediment—BPA, TCS, and ∑4 parabens—was 33.1, 26.1, 0.7 ng/L and 24.5, 32.5, 2.5 ng/g, respectively. The total concentration of target compounds at the inlet of the upstream Fu River and Baigouyin River is significantly higher than that near Hunan and the outlet. In addition, Spearman's correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between compounds. The health hazards of target compounds in surface water were all within safe limits. However, the risk quotient results indicate that in some locations in surface water, TCS poses a high risk to algae and a moderate risk to invertebrates and fish, and appropriate attention should be paid to these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]