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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]

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]

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]

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 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]

Producing ceramic parts by Vat Photopolymerization (VPP) additive manufacture with desired mechanical properties typically requires time‐consuming debinding steps. This study aims at optimizing composition and processing parameters with the use of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in the resin formulation and debinding in an argon atmosphere for dental zirconia‐toughed alumina (ZTA). The method produces parts with fewer defects, and 67.7% higher flexural strength while increasing the debinding heating rate over 400% compared to standard formulations debinded in air. These improvements are attributed to pore formation at low temperatures and reduced heat release and gas evolution rates arising from use of the DBP and the inert atmosphere, respectively. While ZTA ceramics were studied, this method should be applicable to many ceramic systems with exciting possibilities for promoting the rapid development of VPP 3D‐printed high‐performance ceramics for various engineering applications. [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]

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]

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]

A complete photocatalytic degradation of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) using ferroelectric doped‐bismuth ferrite‐ (BiFeO3; BFO) graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites is achieved. The local ferroelectric properties of doped BFO photocatalysts supported onto GO is well‐utilized for photodegradation of pollutant. A complete photodegradation of DBP under ultraviolet light irradiation is achieved within 2.5 h, traced by gas chromatography. The best photocatalytic activity of Bi0.95Ag0.05Fe0.95Mn0.05O3‐GO (ABMGO) nanocomposite is attributed to its large intrinsic local ferroelectric polarization, which suppresses the recombination of photoinduced charge carriers and the presence of Ag+ and Mn4+ as new active sites on the large surface of ABMGO speeds up the photodegradation of DBP. The possible mechanism of photodegradation of DBP is presented using mass spectrometry includes several intermediate products; phthalic acid, benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, and hydroquinone and 3‐methyl butyric acid which are harmless for the environment compared to DBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities contribute to the spread of chemicals considered as endocrine disruptors (ED) in freshwater ecosystems. While several studies have reported interactions of EDs with organisms in those ecosystems, very few have assessed the effect of these compounds on pathogenic bacteria. Here we have evaluated the impact of five EDs found in aquatic resources on the virulence of human pathogen P. aeruginosa. ED concentrations in French aquatic resources of bisphenol A (BPA), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), ethylparaben (EP), methylparaben (MP) and triclosan (TCS) at mean molar concentration were 1.13, 3.58, 0.53, 0.69, and 0.81 nM respectively. No impact on bacterial growth was observed at EDs highest tested concentration. Swimming motility of P. aeruginosa decreased to 28.4% when exposed to EP at 100 μM. Swarming motility increased, with MP at 1 nM, 10 and 100 μM (1.5‐fold); conversely, a decrease of 78.5%, with DBP at 100 μM was observed. Furthermore, exposure to 1 nM BPA, DBP and EP increased biofilm formation. P. aeruginosa adhesion to lung cells was two‐fold higher upon exposure to 1 nM EP. We demonstrate that ED exposure may simultaneously decrease mobility and increase cell adhesion and biofilm formation, which may promote colonisation and establishment of the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic films act as passive air samplers and can be employed to assess the concentration of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), such as phthalates, in the gas phase over a defined period using the kinetic adsorption model. Consequently, indoor organic films have been identified as effective media for evaluating human exposure to SVOCs. This study proposed an organic film-based method for assessing SVOC exposure in the indoor environment. Exposure assessments of various phthalate pathways were conducted on children and adults. Organic films were collected for analysis from 110 residential dwellings in metropolitan areas over a two-month period. The exposure assessments were categorized into inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure pathways. Diethyl phthalate was highest in inhalation exposure, dibutyl phthalate represented the highest dermal exposure, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was identified as the highest contributor to oral exposure. For children, the primary exposure pathways included dermal absorption of DBP, DEP, diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), and di-n-hexyl phthalate (DNHP); dust ingestion of DEHP and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP); and inhalation of dimethyl phthalate (DMP). The ECR and HQ for inhalation, dermal, and ingestion did not exceed the threshold in children and adults at all pollutants, suggesting no potential health impact. In contrast, the primary routes of exposure for adults were dermal absorption of DBP, DMP, DEP, DiBP, BBP, and DNHP, along with dust ingestion of DEHP and DNOP. The findings of this study provide valuable baseline data for future research in health risk and SVOC exposure assessments utilizing indoor organic films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of six phthalate acid esters (PAE) and associated health risks in butter and cheese samples, using the magnetic solid‐phase extraction with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (MSPE‐GC/MS) technique. In this study, the limit of detection (LODs), limit of quantifications (LOQs) and the recovery percentages were 0.26–1.02, 0.78–3.06 μg/kg and 98.6–102%. The results showed that in all samples, the mean total PAEs was 9.76 ± 2.39 μg/kg (in the range of 6.33–14.49 μg/kg) and the average of Bis (2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) was 2.9 ± 0.88 μg/kg (in the range of 1.84–4.24 μg/kg), which is lower than the standard level (EFSA set PAE standard levels between 0 and 50 μg/kg in food and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set 6 μg/L for DEHP in drinking water). Moreover, the average total PAEs in all butter samples were 11.52 ± 2.03 μg/kg (in the range of 7.82–14.49 μg/kg) and the average of DEHP was 3.53 ± 0.73 μg/kg (in the range of 2.05–4.24 μg/kg) and the average total PAEs in all cheese samples were 8.00 ± 1.02 μg/kg (in the range of 6.33–9.91 μg/kg) and the average of DEHP was 2.26 ± 0.43 μg/kg (in the range of 1.84–3.04 μg/kg). The rank order of the estimated THQ (target hazard quotient) values based on the 95% percentile (in all samples) was DEHP > DBP (dibutyl phthalate) > BBP (butylbenzyl phthalate) > DEP (diethyl phthalate). The ILCR (Incremental Life Cancer Risk) assessment found that phthalates (DEHP) in dairy product samples are not of concern to humans. Finally, since the amount of these pollutants was less than the existing standards, it can be concluded that it does not pose any danger to Iranian consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) is a chemical softener and plasticizer commonly used in toys, food packaging, wallpaper, detergents and shampoos. The estrogenic actions of BBP have detrimental effects on humans and animals. In this study, the specific influence of BBP on mouse oocyte maturation was investigated using in vivo and in vitro models. The experiment first verified that BBP exposure significantly affected the rate of oocyte exclusion of the first polar body, although it did not affect germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) through in vitro oocyte culture system. Results of in vitro fertilization show that BBP exposure affects blastocyst rate. Subsequently, the results obtained by immunofluorescence staining technology showed that oocyte spindle organization, chromosomal arrangement and the distribution of cortical actin were disrupted by BBP exposure, and led to the failure of oocyte meiotic maturation and the subsequent early embryo development. Singe‐cell transcriptome analysis found that BBP exposure altered the expression levels of 588 genes, most associated with mitochondria‐related oxidative stress. Further analysis demonstrated that the detrimental effects of BBP involved the disruption of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress‐induced early apoptosis. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation reduced the adverse effects of BBP. Collectively, these findings revealed a mechanism of BBP‐induced toxicity on female reproduction and showed that NMN provides an effective treatment for BBP actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents fabrication, characterizations and application of an ion‐selective electrode based on naproxen‐sodium tungstate (NA‐ST) ion pairs as a sensor for the quantification of naproxen in a number of pharmaceutical formulations. The ISE is made of the sensor (electrochemical active species or ion pairs) as well as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and dibutyl phthalate as supporting and plasticizer materials, respectively. The characterizations of the sensor film comprise usage of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM); in addition to determining the stoichiometric ratio between the components of the sensor using elemental analysis (CHN microanalysis). The analytical evaluation of the sensor film based on selectivity, sensitivity, and Nernstian behavior (55.8±1.1 mV/decade) are shown. The relative high selectivity of sensor towards NA as a target in the presence of several common interferents are exhibited. The ISE possesses a satisfactory sensitivity by recording a detection limit of 0.005 μM. The sensor also experiences a Nernstian behavior during all measurements. The dynamic linear range lies between 0.01 and 100 μM at 25 °C with R2=0.9998. The shelf life is 17 s and longevity lasts four months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile, novel, and, sensitive potentiometric sensor has been developed to quantitatively determine ondansetron hydrochloride in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms. The sensor comprised an ion‐pair between ondansetron hydrochloride and ammonium reineckate reagent, as an electrochemically active substance, on a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix. Synthesis optimization was carried out by firstly altering the proportion of the ion‐pair, PVC, and the plasticizer and subsequently, many plasticizer types have been investigated to realize the best performance. The optimum electrode consisted of 48.5 % polyvinyl chloride, 48.5 % dibutyl phthalate, and 3 % ionic pair complex and has shown a respectful Nernstian relationship within a linear range of (5.06×10−6–2592.92×10−6 M) and a slope of 57.277 mV×decade−1 in response to the drug. The electrode worked perfectly in a pH range of (1.9–6.1) where the analyte kept dissolved. Interestingly, the electrode demonstrated a fast response time of 30 sec, a lower limit of detection of 4.83×10−6 M, and an electrode lifetime of up to 30 days. The prepared electrode was applied successfully to determine the drug in its pharmaceutical dosage forms and the method validity was established. Hence, the electrode might be applied easily for the routine analysis of ondansetron hydrochloride in both scientific labs and drug industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing use of plastic product, there is a large amount of plastic waste containing plasticizer, especially dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which would pollute the water and soil, and even cause diseases to humans and wildlife. Normally, the DBP in soil or water is trace, making it hard to be detected exactly. To solve this case, core‐shell structured molecularly imprinting polymers (P‐MIPs) were synthesized. Combing with photoresponsive monomer 4‐[(4‐methacryloyloxy) phenylazo] benzenesulfonic acid (MAPASA), the prepared P‐MIPs can be controlled by light to specifically absorb (440 nm or darkness condition) and release (365 nm) DBP, with the absorption capacity of 4.45 mg g−1 and imprinting factor of 3.56. More important, the P‐MIPs exhibit excellent reusability and practicability by applied to enrich and extract DBP in river water samples. In conclusion, the proposed P‐MIPs offer an idea for the detection of trace pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dibutyl phthalate (DBP) has been detected in fetuses and infants and can cause damage to the reproductive system in adulthood, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. Here, we aim to investigate the effects of intrauterine DBP exposure on offspring reproductive function and explore possible mechanisms. SPF C57BL/6 pregnant mice were given DBP (0.5, 5, 75 mg/kg/d) or corn oil from day 5 to day 19 by gavage. After weaning, the pups were fed a standard diet for 5 weeks. In addition, TM3 Leydig cell cultures were used to study the relevant mechanisms in vitro. The results showed that intrauterine DBP exposure could reduce sperm density and sperm motility, cause testicular tissue damage, down‐regulate serum T and LH levels, and up‐regulate serum FSH levels at 75 mg/kg/d. Western blot and methylation detection revealed intrauterine exposure to DBP down‐regulated testosterone synthesis‐related proteins StAR, P450scc, 3β‐HSD, PKA, and PKC expression, while up‐regulated the levels of methyltransferase proteins expression and DNA 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) in testicular tissue of mouse offspring at 75 mg/kg/d. Further detection found in utero 75 mg/kg/d DBP exposure down‐regulated MGARP protein expression, and induced incomplete methylation of the MGARP gene. An in vitro analysis showed that MGARP inhibition is involved in an impaired testosterone synthesis in TM3 cells. Cell culture results suggest that MGARP down‐regulation may be involved in impaired testosterone production in monobutyl phthalate‐treated cells. The present study revealed that 75 mg/kg/d DBP exposure in utero resulted in testosterone synthesis disorders and reproductive function impairment in mouse offspring, and the mechanism may be related to DNA methylation‐mediated down‐regulation of MGARP in the testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Phthalates (PEs), such as butyl benzyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, are one of the most widely used plasticizers, and humans are increasingly exposed to them. Phytochemical quercetin (Que) is a typical flavonoid with several biological effects, such as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory. The present study was designed to explore the effect of Que on testicular toxicity caused by the mixture of three commonly used PEs (MPEs), and the underlying mechanism. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into five groups (n = 8). Rats in control the group were orally treated with the excipient. Rats in the MPEs group were orally administered with 900 mg kg-1 day-1 MPEs, whereas rats in the MPEs+L-Que, MPEs+M-Que and MPEs+H-Que groups were simultaneously treated with 900 mg kg-1 day-1 MPEs and, respectively, 10, 30 and 90 mg kg-1 day-1 Que for 30 days. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the testes weight, epididymides weight, serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels, and anogenital distance in the MPEs group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The testicular tissues were injured with atrophy of seminiferous tubules, hyperplasia of Leydig cells and arrest of spermatogenesis in the MPEs group. Testicular steroidogenic proteins (StAR, P450scc, CYP17A1 and 17β-HSD, P450arom) were up-regulated, whereas P-element-induced wimpy testis proteins (PIWIL1 and PIWIL2) were down-regulated in the MPEs group (P < 0.05). However, the alterations of these parameters were inhibited in the MPEs+M-Que and MPEs+H-Que groups. CONCLUSION: MPEs disturbed steroid hormone metabolism and caused testicular injuries. Que could inhibit testicular toxicity of MPEs, which might relate to the improved regulation of steroid hormone metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parabens and phthalates are commonly found as contaminants in human fluids and are able to provoke reproductive toxicity, being considered endocrine disruptors. To evaluate the effects of phthalate and paraben, alone or in combination, on reproductive development of the offspring, female pregnant Wistar rats were allocated in six experimental groups: Three control groups (gavage [CG], subcutaneous [CS], and gavage + subcutaneous) received corn oil as vehicle, and the remaining groups were exposed to di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) (500 mg/kg, gavage), butyl paraben (BP) (100 mg/kg, subcutaneously), or MIX (DEHP + BP), from Gestational Day 12 until Postnatal Day (PND) 21. The following parameters were assessed on the offspring: anogenital distance and weight at PND 1, nipple counting at PND 13, puberty onset, estrous cycle, weights of reproductive and detoxifying organs, histological evaluation of reproductive organs, and sperm evaluations (counts, morphology, and motility). Female pups from MIX group presented reduced body weight at PND 1, lower AGD, and decreased endometrium thickness. Male animals showed decreased body weight at PND 1 and lower number of Sertoli cells on DEHP and MIX groups, MIX group revealed increase of abnormal seminiferous tubules, DEHP animals presented delayed preputial separation and higher percentage of immotile sperms, and BP males presented diminished number of Leydig cells. In conclusion, the male offspring was more susceptible to DEHP toxicity; even when mixed to paraben, the main negative effects observed seem to be due to antiandrogenic phthalate action. On the other hand, DEHP seems to be necessary to improve the effects of BP on reducing estrogen‐dependent and increasing androgen‐dependent events. The effects of phthalate and paraben (considered endocrine disruptors) on reproductive development of the offspring were assessed. Female pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to corn oil (vehicle) or DEHP (500 mg/kg), BP (100 mg/kg), or MIX (DEHP + BP), during gestation and lactation. The male offspring was more susceptible to DEHP toxicity, whereas BP and DEHP in association seem to present more reproductive toxicity in the female pups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfortunately, humanity is exposed to mixed plasticizers such as bisphenol‐A (BPA) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that are leached from the daily used plastic products. Previous studies have demonstrated their potential in pancreatic beta cell injury and diabetes induction. The study hypothesized that both compounds would affect the pancreatic alpha cells in albino rats when administered at environmentally relevant doses. Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and caspase‐3 protein expression was also investigated as potential mechanisms. Thirty‐six male Wistar albino rats were separated into four equal groups: control, BPA alone, DBP alone, and BPA + DBP combined groups. BPA and DBP were given in drinking water for 45 days in a dose of 4.5 and 0.8 µg/L, respectively. Fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, pancreatic tissue levels of malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase were measured. Pancreatic sections were subjected to hematoxylin & eosin (H & E) staining, glucagon, HSP60, and caspase‐3 immunohistochemistry. Although all three experimental groups showed diffuse islet cell HSP60 immunoreactivity, rats exposed to BPA alone showed α‐cell‐only apoptosis, indicated by H & E changes and caspase‐3 immunoreactivity, associated with reduced glucagon immunoreaction. However, rats exposed to DBP alone showed no changes in either α or β‐cells. Both combined‐exposed animals displayed α and β apoptotic changes associated with islet atrophy and reduced glucagon expression. In conclusion, the study suggested HSP60/caspase‐3 interaction, caspase‐3 activation, and initiation of apoptosis in α‐cell only for BPA‐alone exposure group, meanwhile DBP alone did not progress to apoptosis. Interestingly, both α/β cell effect was observed in the mixed group implying synergetic/additive action of both chemicals when combined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on antioxidant, antibacterial, phytochemical potential, and cytotoxicity of secondary metabolites from Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium proliferatum, Alternaria arborescens, and Pestalotiopsis vismiae. The scavenging effect of fungal metabolites was determined by 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), H2O2, O2‐, and reducing power assays. Among the four fungi, A. arborescens have higher antioxidant activity of DPPH (81.12%), H2O2 (74.83%), superoxide (75.74%), and reducing power (0.141) with standard ascorbic acid. Fungal metabolites were found to be significantly effective against all tested pathogens. A. arborescens showed significant amounts of phenolic (138.78 ± 3.70 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent), flavonoid (74.16 ± 3.58 mg/g of quercetin equivalent), as well as cytotoxicity effects in a cancer cell line (A549) with inhibitory concentration (IC50 = 35 µg/ml at 24 and 48 h). The live and dead cells were analyzed by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining methods. In addition, A. arborescens metabolites were characterized through gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis. The major compounds were found to be phenol, 4‐(1,1,3,3‐tetramethylbutyl)‐, acetamide, N‐(3‐methylphenyl)‐, dibutyl phthalate, and benzo[qr]naphtho[2,1,8,7‐fghi] pentacene. The compounds were reported in A. arborescensis up to our knowledge this is the first report. Based on this study, all fungal strains have a significant bioactive capacity with A. arborescens strain exhibiting greater biological properties. Further purification and characterization of A. arborescens bioactive component could lead to an intriguing reservoir of novel pharmacological agents in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a plasticizer widely used in daily production, which causes serious environmental pollution, and damage to brain, liver, kidney, and lung by producing excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) after entering the body. DBP can also cause skeletal dysplasia, but it is unclear whether ROS is involved. In addition, overproduction of ROS can activate mitophagy, which is an important mechanism for regulating mitochondrial quality and cell homeostasis. In order to investigate whether DBP can damage MC3T3‐E1 cells (osteoblast cell line) and whether ROS and mitophagy are involved, DBP toxicity experiment, Parkin gene silencing experiment, and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) intervention experiment were performed on MC3T3‐E1 cells in turn. First, we found that DBP caused MC3T3‐E1 cell viability decline and osteogenic dysfunction, accompanied by the overproduction of ROS and the activation of mitophagy. Then, we found that silencing Parkin expression alleviated DBP‐induced apoptosis and osteogenic dysfunction of MC3T3‐E1 cells. In addition, NAC treatment inhibited the PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy and alleviated the apoptosis and osteogenic dysfunction of MC3T3‐E1 cells caused by DBP. Our research results showed that DBP could cause MC3T3‐E1 cell damage by increasing ROS to promote the PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A porous boron nitride with a large surface area was synthesized by a one‐step grinding method with melamine, urea, and boric acid as the precursors. The prepared porous boron nitride was used as the fiber coating material for the solid‐phase microextraction of seven phthalate esters (diethyl phthalate, diallyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, and di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate) prior to their gas chromatography‐mass spectrometric detection. The important experimental parameters including the extraction time, extraction temperature, salt concentration, and stirring rate were optimized by both single factor and central composite design methods. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the linear response range for the analytes was from 0.030 to 30.0 μg/L, and the limits of detection were from 0.010 to 0.040 μg/L, respectively. The relative recoveries of the analytes for spiked samples at two concentration levels were 83.0–109% with the relative standard deviations less than 12%. The established method was successfully applied for the determination of the phthalate esters in bottled juice beverage samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a phthalic acid ester (PAE) that has posed a health hazard to the organisms. Naringenin (NRG) is a flavanone compound that has shown protection against several environmental chemicals through suppression of oxidative stress and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. Herein, swine testis (ST) cells were treated with 1.8 μM of DBP or/and 25.39 nM of NRG for 24 h, we described the discovery path of NRG inhibition on apoptosis in DBP‐exposed ST cells through targeting phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN). We first found that the anti‐apoptosis effect of NRG is dependent on mitochondrial pathway through flow cytometry and related gene/protein expression, and then we detected PI3K/AKT pathway‐related gene/protein expression, and established a computational docking assay between NRG and PTEN. We found that NRG specifically binds to three basic residues (His93, Lys125, Lys128) of P loop in PTEN, as well as phosphatase domains (Asp92, His93, Cys124, Lys125, Ala126, Lys128, and Arg130) in active dephosphorylation pockets, thereby reducing PTEN level and activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and further inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathway apoptosis. Taken together, our results push forward that NRG deserves further attention as a potential antagonistic therapy against DBP through targeting PTEN to inhibit oxidative stress and activate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental contaminants associated with allergic disease in epidemiological and animal studies. This investigation aims to support these associations by interrogating systemic immune effects in allergen‐sensitized volunteers after controlled indoor air exposure to a known concentration of dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The phthalate‐allergen immune response (PAIR) study enrolled 16 allergen‐sensitized participants to a double‐blinded, randomized, crossover exposure to two conditions (DBP or control air for 3 hr), each followed immediately by inhaled allergen challenge. Peripheral blood immune cell composition and activation along with inflammatory mediators were measured before and after exposure. DBP exposure prior to the inhaled allergen challenge increased the percentage of CD4+ T helper cells and decreased the percentage of regulatory T cells (3 hr and 20 hr post‐exposure), while only modest overall effects were observed for inflammatory mediators. The cells and mediators affected by the phthalate exposure were generally not overlapping with the endpoints affected by allergen inhalation alone. Thus, in distinction to our previously published effects on lung function, DBP appears to alter endpoints in peripheral blood that are not necessarily enhanced by allergen alone. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of phthalate‐induced systemic effects in disease pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrolysis of phthalates and other synthetic organic esters (SEs) in the indoor environment may be connected with poor indoor air quality and "sick building syndrome." We have made laboratory measurements of the alkaline hydrolysis kinetics and mechanisms of 2,2,4‐trimethyl‐1,3‐pentanediol monoisobutyrate (TMPD‐MIB), butylparaben (BP), bis(2‐ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) in bulk aqueous solutions at room temperature, using UPLC‐QToF‐MS to detect the reactants over the course of the reactions. The determined alkaline hydrolysis second‐order rate constants for TMPD‐MIB, BP, DEHA, and BBzP at pH 13 were (9.8 ± 1.3) × 10−3 M−1 s−1, (1.24 ± 0.17) × 10−4 M−1 s−1, (4.8 ± 0.6) × 10−4 M−1 s−1, and (5.9 ± 0.8) × 10−2 M−1 s−1, respectively. The results suggest that hydrolysis may be a major degradation pathway for these compounds in the indoor environment under alkaline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A screening exercise targeting ortho‐phthalates in 22 plastic baby bibs collected in the European market was performed. A GC–MS method was used with a limit of detection ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 mg kg−1 bib. The most frequently detected phthalates were di‐n‐butyl phthalate (DBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) in nearly all samples. DIBP was detected at concentrations suggesting its intended use. Overall, the highest levels were detected for benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), with six samples presenting concentration from 13 to 47 mg kg−1 and one sample with the highest value of 65 mg kg−1. Results indicate that several non‐authorised phthalates are intentionally used either in the plastic or in the printing inks. Worst case migration calculations indicate that diethyl phthalate (DEP), DAP and DIBP exceed the limit of 0.01 mg kg−1. Therefore, determination of experimental migration is needed to conclude on compliance of baby bibs with the European and Swiss legislation. Bibs are articles that fall in the scope of the definition of FCMs accordingly to European legislation. Therefore, they should comply with the applicable rules, restrictions and limits. These articles should be included in surveillance plans, focusing on monitoring bib composition, migration and the application of good manufacturing practices by industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of carbon black structure on dispersion and barrier properties in BIIR/ENR 50 blends is studied extensively in this paper. Carbon blacks with different dibutyl phthalate values are used for the study and it is found that the structure of carbon black strongly affects both the mode of dispersion as well as barrier properties of the end product. The morphology of various carbon blacks in their raw state and in the matrix was studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The influence of carbon black structure on the reinforcing was studied by analyzing the physical properties. The rubber–filler interaction was measured using bound rubber content and filler–filler interaction was studied using rubber processing analyzer. For the same loading of carbon black, the high structure carbon black is more difficult to disperse in BIIR/ENR 50 blends compared to the low structure carbon black, leading to changes in permeability properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ubiquitous use of phthalates in various materials and the knowledge about their potential adverse effects is of great concern for human health. Several studies have uncovered their role in carcinogenic events and suggest various phthalate‐associated adverse health effects that include pulmonary diseases. However, only limited information on pulmonary toxicity is available considering inhalation of phthalates as the route of exposure. While in vitro studies are often based on submerged exposures, this study aimed to expose A549 alveolar epithelial cells at the air–liquid interface (ALI) to unravel the genotoxic and oxidative stress‐inducing potential of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) with concentrations relevant at occupational settings. Within this scope, a computer modeling approach calculating alveolar deposition of DBP particles in the human lung was used to define in vitro ALI exposure conditions comparable to potential occupational DBP exposures. The deposited mass of DBP ranged from 0.03 to 20 ng/cm2, which was comparable to results of a human lung particle deposition model using an 8 h workplace threshold limit value of 580 μg/m3 proposed by the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits for the European Union. Comet and Micronucleus assay revealed that DBP induced genotoxicity at DNA and chromosome level in sub‐cytotoxic conditions. Since genomic instability was accompanied by increased generation of the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde, oxidative stress might play an important role in phthalate‐induced genotoxicity. The results highlight the importance of adapting in vitro studies to exposure scenarios relevant at occupational settings and reconsidering occupational exposure limits for DBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects possess a fairly sophisticated olfactory system in their antennae to detect odorants essential for their survival and reproduction. Among them, insect first perceives odour sources by odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) to locate host‐plants. Methyl salicylate, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate and dibutyl phthalate are major volatile components of Ulmus pumila and Ricinus communis and elicit strong responses of the scarab beetle Holotrichia oblita adults. However, olfactory perception of the scarab beetle to these odorant compounds is unclear. In the current study, we cloned the OBP6 and OBP7 of H. oblita. The expression pattern shows that the two genes were highly expressed in the antennae of female beetles. Binding assays verified that the HoblOBP6 had a better binding affinity to methyl salicylate, and so did HoblOBP7 to (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate and dibutyl phthalate. The effect on the responses of female beetles to the three compounds was decreased significantly after these two genes were silenced by RNA interference. These results indicate that HoblOBP6 and HoblOBP7 are essential for female H. oblita perception of methyl salicylate, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate and dibutyl phthalate. Our study provides important insights into the olfactory mechanism of female H. oblita to ester plant volatiles and could facilitate the development of potential pest control strategies in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a typical representative of phthalate esters (PAEs), is used as a plasticizer in various industrial applications and has been reported to be responsible for neurobehavioral changes. Despite mounting evidence showing that nimodipine (Nim) palys a neuropharmacological and psychopharmacological role in neurons, the attenuating effects of Nim on learning and memory impairment induced by DBP exposure remain unknown. Based on bioinformatics analysis we found that the biological processes affected by both DBP and Nim may involve the calcium signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway and the apoptosis pathway. The results of an in vivo study confirmed that DBP affects the levels of Ca2+‐related proteins, up‐regulates phosphorylated ‐ERK1/2 expression and results in hippocampal neuronal damage and apoptosis, whereas Nim as a Ca2+ antagonist, has a certain neuroprotective role to avoid these adverse effects. Our data suggest that Nim could be used to attenuate the learning and memory impairment in DBP‐exposed mice, to down‐regulate intracellular Ca2+ levels, subordinate the ERK1/2 pathway and attenuate apoptosis in hippocampal tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypospadias is a common birth defect that might be caused by inadequate fusion of the urethral folds in the process of male external genital development. We intended to discover the crucial long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulating autophagy from the gene expression profile of the genital tubercle (GT) of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) induced hypospadiac rats. Methods: Whole transcriptome resequencing was used to determine the expression of the total RNA in GTs and cultured fibroblasts obtained from GTs of DBP‐induced hypospadiac male rat fetuses. Autophagosomes and autolysosomes were examined under a transmission electron microscope after overexpression of lncRNA NONRATT008453.2 in the fibroblasts by adenovirus transfection. Finally, the protein expression levels of Atg5, Beclin‐1, Atg7, and the LC3A/B‐II:LC3A/B‐I ratio were detected in the fibroblasts by western blotting. Results: NONRATT008453.2 suppressed autophagy by promoting the expression of Atg7, but inhibited the expressions of Atg5, Beclin‐1, and the LC3A/B‐II:LC3A/B‐I ratio in the GT fibroblasts. Conclusions: NONRATT008453.2 may have an influence on autophagy in the fibroblasts of the GT in DBP‐induced hypospadiac rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chiral aromatic alcohols have received much attention due to their widespread use in pharmaceutical industries. In the asymmetric synthesis processes, the excellent performance of alcohol dehydrogenase makes it a good choice for biocatalysts. In this study, a novel and robust medium‐chain alcohol dehydrogenase RhADH from Rhodococcus R6 was discovered and used to catalyse the asymmetric reduction of aromatic ketones to chiral aromatic alcohols. The reduction of 2‐hydroxyacetophenone (2‐HAP) to (R)‐(‐)‐1‐phenyl‐1,2‐ethanediol ((R)‐PED) was chosen as a template to evaluate its catalytic activity. A specific activity of 110 U mg−1 and a 99% purity of e.e. was achieved in the presence of NADH. An efficient bienzyme‐coupled catalytic system (RhADH and formate dehydrogenase, CpFDH) was established using a two‐phase strategy (dibutyl phthalate and buffer), which highly raised the tolerated substrate concentration (60 g l−1). Besides, a broad range of aromatic ketones were enantioselectively reduced to the corresponding chiral alcohols by this enzyme system with highly enantioselectivity. This system is of the potential to be applied at a commercial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel intelligent photo‐controlled molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized, based on the magnetic core‐shell structure, with 4‐[(4‐methacryloyloxy) phenylazo] benzenesulfonic acid as the functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate as the cross‐linking agent. Subsequently, a series of light‐controlled enrichment‐release performance showed that it only took about 30 and 10 min to reach the equilibrium photosensitive characteristic peak, respectively. The photo‐controlled polymers could intelligently select target molecules, the maximum adsorption capacity for dibutyl phthalate was 3.88 mg/g. However, the adsorption capacity for its structural analogue dicyclohexyl phthalate was only 0.88 mg/g. The Freundlich and Langmuir isothermal equations were discussed for the specific enrichment process. Finally, the photo‐controlled molecularly imprinted polymers were successfully applied to the selective detection of dibutyl phthalate, with the recovery rate of 95.4–98.4%. It could be used for the analysis of trace dibutyl phthalate in actual samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is an environmental endocrine disruptor detected in water, soil, and other environmental media frequently. Growing concerns regarding DBP exposure focus on toxicity to male reproduction. Reports about the developmental toxicity of paternal DBP exposure are rare. In this study, we investigated the developmental toxicity of paternal exposure to DBP on offspring in zebrafish. Methods: Adult male zebrafish with normal reproductive function were exposed to 0.2, 0.6, 1.8 mg/L of DBP or acetone solvent control for 30 days, and then mated with females. Thirty embryos per group were randomly selected to be observed, and malformations were recorded and photographed. The mating and observations were repeated three times, for a total of 90 embryos per group. Results: The results showed that the percentage of malformations, such as edema and a bent trunk, was increased in the 0.6 and 1.8 mg/L DBP exposure groups, the heart rate and spontaneous contraction decreased in the 0.6 and 1.8 mg/L DBP exposure groups and migration of primordial germ cells was disrupted in some F1 embryos in all DBP exposure group after paternal exposure. The axial skeleton was affected in some F1 adults in the 1.8 mg/L DBP exposure group. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the developmental toxicity of paternal DBP exposure in zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To convert highly brittle into flexible membrane, the polystyrene sulfonic acid‐co‐maleic acid crosslinked sodium alginate (PSSAMA/NaAlg) membrane was modified by incorporating the different weight% of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a plasticizer. The effect of DBP content on the physico‐chemical properties of the membranes was thoroughly examined. The membranes exhibited lower glass transition temperatures with increasing the plasticizer content in the matrix of PSSAMA/NaAlg. The separation performance of the membranes for water/isopropanol and water/1,4‐dioxane was studied at different temperatures. Among the modified membranes, the membrane containing 6 wt% of DBP exhibited the highest separation factors of 24,129 with a flux of 13.57 × 10−2 kg/m2 hr and 23,353 with a flux of 12.99 × 10−2 kg/m2 hr for water/isopropanol and water/1,4‐dioxane at 30°C, respectively. From the temperature‐dependent diffusion and permeation values, the Arrhenius activation parameters were estimated. The estimated activation energy values for permeation of water (Epw) and isopropanol (EpIPA) were, respectively, ranged between 12.09 and 8.79, and 42.52 and 32.79 kJ/mol. A negative heat of sorption (ΔHs) values was obtained for all the membranes, suggesting that Langmuir's mode of sorption was predominant. Based on the results, it is concluded that the modified membranes demonstrated excellent pervaporation performance for the separation of water/isopropanol and water/1,4‐dioxane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is an environmental pollutant that can threaten human health. The strain Arthrobacter sp. ZJUTW, isolated from the sludge of a river of Hangzhou, can efficiently degrade DBP. Its genomic and transcriptomic differences when cultivated with DBP compared with glucose revealed specific DBP metabolic pathways in the ZJUTW strain. The degrading gene clusters localize separately on a circular chromosome and a plasmid pQL1. Genes related to the initial steps of DBP degradation from DBP to phthalic acid (PA), the pehA gene, and pht gene cluster, are located on the plasmid pQL1. However, the pca gene cluster related to the transforming of intermediate protocatechuic acid (PCA) to acetyl‐CoA, is located on the chromosome. After comparative analysis with the reported gene clusters, we found that there were a series of homologous genes in pht and pca gene clusters that contribute to the efficient degradation of DBP by ZJUTW. In addition, transcriptomic analysis suggested a synergistic effect between pht and pca clusters, which also favor ZJUTW allowing it to efficiently degrade DBP. Combined genomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed a complete DBP metabolic pathway in Arthrobacter sp. ZJUTW that is different from that of other reported Arthrobacter strains. After necessary modification based on its metabolic characteristics, Arthrobacter sp. ZJUTW or its derivatives might represent promising candidates for the bioremediation of DBP pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using plant extracts has gained great attention due to its unique properties. So, in this study, the aqueous and n‐hexane extracts of Lampranthus coccineus F. Aizoaceae were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The early signs of SNPs synthesis were detected by a color change from yellow to reddish‐brown color. The formation of SNPs was further confirmed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV‐Visible spectroscopy, and zeta potential. The TEM analysis of SNPs showed spherical nanoparticles with mean size ranges between 8.55 nm to 16.44 nm for Lampranthus coccineus aqueous and hexane extracts. The UV‐Visible spectrophotometric analysis showed an absorption peak at λmax of 417 nm, which confirms the formation of SNPs. Zeta potential results indicated that the particles are negatively charged and fairly stable due to the electrostatic repulsion. The cytotoxic activity of the green synthesized SNPs as well as the four isolated compounds (β‐Sitosterol‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, P‐methoxy benzoic acid, dibutyl phthalate, and dioctyl phthalate) was evaluated using MTT assay against MCF‐7, HepG‐2, and HCT‐116 cell lines. Metabolic profiling of the annotated twelve compounds from the crude extract of L. coccineus. These compounds, along with the four isolated compounds were subjected to molecular docking study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are one of the essential plastic additives which may lead to plenty of harmful effects, including reproductive toxicity, teratogenicity, and carcinogenicity. Increasing attention has been paid to the migration of plasticizer. In this article, the disposable plastic lunch boxes were taken as the research object. The result showed that dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) have been mainly found, whose content was 1.5 mg/kg and 2.4 mg/kg, respectively. The LOD was 2 ng/g, and LOQ was 6.7 ng/g. We further investigated the migration of PAEs into the simulated liquid at different temperature conditions. Then, the linear fitting performing by first‐order kinetic migration model revealed that the lower the polarity of the simulated liquid, the larger the rate constant K1 and initial release rate V0. The higher the temperature, the bigger the K1 and V0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Phthalates have been widely used as plasticizers in various industries and are widely focused on in the international community as a result of their reproductive toxicity. Exposure of Chinese residents to phthalates via edible vegetable oil occurs often. In the present study, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to detect the two main phthalates bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in four major edible vegetable oil sources: an edible oil blend, soybean oil, peanut oil and rapeseed oil (a total of 1016 samples), as collected throughout China. Furthermore, cumulative risk assessment was used to estimate the reproductive health risk to Chinese residents caused by the phthalates that come from edible vegetable oils. RESULTS: Both phthalates were detected in four major edible vegetable oil sources. The phthalate with the highest detection rate was DBP (13.48%), followed by DEHP (7.78%). The results of the cumulative risk assessment showed that the hazard indices of these two phthalates in edible vegetable oils were less than 1, except in soybean oil. Nevertheless, the two phthalates had the lowest detection rates in soybean oil, which were 1.94% (DEHP) and 5.16% (DBP). In China, contamination levels of phthalates in the soils where oil crops are cultivated have a great influence on the phthalate concentrations in edible vegetable oils. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that Chinese residents who are consuming soybean oil choose well‐known brands and regularly change their brand of consumption. The phthalates in edible vegetable oils pose a relatively small reproductive health risk to Chinese residents. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of present study was to investigate the impact of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) on SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in vitro. The cell counting kit‐8 was used to measure cell proliferation and flow cytometry was utilized to study cell cycle phases and apoptosis. Western blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to detect levels of aromatase, estrogen receptors (ERs) and some apoptosis and cell cycle‐related genes. Results showed BBP‐stimulated SH‐SY5Y cells in a dose‐dependent manner and produced a reverted U‐shaped dose‐response curve. BBP at lower concentrations (0.01 and 0.1 μm) significantly induced cell proliferation while inhibited cell growth at 300 μm. The promoting effect of estradiol could be entirely blocked by administration of ICI182 780, a pure antagonist of ERs, while the effect of BBP could be partly blocked. Additionally, we confirmed 0.1 μm BBP‐induced cell proliferation caused the arrest of cells in S phase and inhibited apoptosis, which might be partially explained by the decreased expression of p53, the increased expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Bcl‐2 and cell cycle regulator cyclin‐D1, and the activation of aromatase. The addition of ICI182 780 had no effect on BBP‐induced ERβ mRNA expression, whereas ICI182 780 could effectively counteract the effect of estradiol. Moreover, pretreatment with ICI182 780 could block the induction of aromatase protein expression and activity by BBP, showing an involvement of ERs. Except for the ER pathway, these results showed there might be other pathways involved in promoting the effects of low‐level BBP on SH‐SY5Y cells, which require further investigation. Our study investigated the impact of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) on SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. We studied cell proliferation, apoptosis and cycle phases, and detected levels of aromatase, estrogen receptors, and some apoptosis and cell cycle‐related genes. Results showed that BBP stimulated SH‐SY5Y cells in a dose‐dependent manner and produced a reverted U‐shaped dose‐response curve, and excluding the estrogen receptor pathway, there may be other pathways in promoting the effects of low‐level BBP on SH‐SY5Y cells, which require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid extraction and cleanup method using selective fabric phase sorptive extraction combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry has been developed and validated for the determination of broad polarity spectrum emerging pollutants, ethyl paraben, butyl paraben, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, lidocaine, prilocaine, triclosan, and bisphenol A in various aqueous samples. Some important parameters of fabric phase sorptive extraction such as extraction time, matrix pH, stirring speed, type and volume of desorption solvent were investigated and optimized. Calibration curves were obtained in the concentration range 0.05–500 ng/mL. Under the optimum conditions, the limits of detection were in the range 0.009 –0.021 ng/mL. This method was validated by analyzing the compounds in spiked aqueous samples at different levels with recoveries of 93 to 99% and relative standard deviations of <6%. The developed method was applied for the determination of the emerging contaminants in tap water, municipal water, ground water, sewage water, and sludge water samples. The results demonstrate that fabric phase sorptive extraction has great potential in the preconcentration of trace analytes in complex matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and characterization of a chemiluminescent metal–organic framework with high porosity is reported. It consists of Zr6O6(OH)4 nodes connected by 4,4′‐(anthracene‐9,10‐diyl)dibenzoate as the linker and luminophore. It shows the topology known for UiO‐66 and is therefore denoted PAP‐UiO. The MOF was not only obtained as bulk material but also as a thin film. Exposure of PAP‐UiO as bulk or film to a mixture of bis‐(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl) oxalate, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium salicylate in a mixture of dimethyl and dibutyl phthalate evoked strong and long lasting chemiluminescence of the PAP‐UiO crystals. Time dependent fluorescence spectroscopy on bulk PAP‐UiO and, for comparison, on dimethyl 4,4′‐(anthracene‐9,10‐diyl)dibenzoate provided evidence that the chemiluminescence originates from luminophores being part of the PAP‐UiO, including the luminophores inside the crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, magnetized MOF‐74 (Ni) was prepared using an ultrasound‐assisted synthesis method. This novel functional magnetic adsorbent was characterized using various techniques. Using the prepared material as adsorbents, a magnetic solid‐phase extraction method coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography was proposed for determining four phthalate esters in Chinese liquor samples. The extraction parameters, including solution pH, adsorbent amount, extraction time, and eluent type and volume, were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, proposed method showed good linearity within the range of 1.53–200 μg/L for diphenyl phthalate, 2.03–200 μg/L for butyl benzyl phthalate, 7.02–200 μg/L for diamyl phthalate, and 6.03–200 μg/L for dicyclohexyl phthalate, with correlation coefficients > 0.9944, low limits of detection (0.46–2.10 μg/L, S/N = 3), and good extraction repeatability (relative standard deviations of 3.7%, n = 6). This method was successfully used to analyze phthalate esters in Chinese liquor samples with recoveries of 74.4–104.8%. Two phthalate esters were detected in two samples, both at concentrations that satisfied the Chinese national standard, indicating this method has practical application prospects. The extraction efficiency of this method was also compared with conventional solid‐phase extraction using commercial C18 cartridges. The results demonstrated that the proposed magnetic solid‐phase extraction is a simple, time‐saving, efficient, and low‐cost method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Some drug products contain phthalates as excipients, and in vitro studies have demonstrated that phthalates interfere with cellular mechanisms involved in colorectal cancer development. We therefore examined the association between cumulative phthalate exposure from drug products and risk of colorectal adenocarcinomas. Methods: We used the Danish Cancer Registry to identify all patients with incident colorectal adenocarcinoma from 2008 to 2015 (n = 25 814). Each cancer case was matched to ten population controls. Linking information from Danish registers, we quantified cumulative phthalate exposure to the ortho‐phthalates diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as well as enteric phthalate polymers from orally administered drugs. The association between cumulative phthalate exposure and colorectal cancer was estimated using conditional logistic regression. Results: Cumulative exposure to ortho‐phthalates exceeding 500 mg was associated with lower odds of colorectal cancer diagnosis (ORadj = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81‐0.96). Similar associations were observed for all DEP exposure exceeding 500 mg. Subgroup analysis excluding NSAID users, demonstrated that ortho‐phthalate exposure was positively associated with colorectal cancer (ORadj = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.05‐1.51). Conclusion: We found an apparent overall protective effect of cumulative phthalate exposure from drug excipients for colorectal adenocarcinoma. Omitting NSAID users reversed the signal and suggested a slightly increased risk associated with high cumulative ortho‐phthalate exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we evaluated the long‐term antifungal effectiveness of 3 types of interior building materials (gypsum board [GB], cement board [CB], and softwood plywood [S‐PW]) impregnated with thermally reduced silver nanoparticles supported by titanium dioxide (AgNPs/TiO2) under 95% relative humidity for 4 weeks. AgNPs/TiO2 was synthesized at 2 thermal reduction temperatures (TRTs, 120 and 200°C) with 2 different AgNP weight percentages (2 and 5 wt%). Four different silver‐loading levels (SLLs, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.5 μg/cm2 and the critical concentration required to inhibit fungal growth on agar plates) and 3 fungal species (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spinulosum, and Stachybotrys chartarum) were used in the experiments. Higher temperature reduced more ionic Ag+ to metallic Ag0 and increased the dispersion of Ag on TiO2 surface. The 200°C thermally reduced AgNPs/TiO2 demonstrated excellent antifungal efficiency: Mold growth was almost completely inhibited for 28 days at the low SLL of 0.5 μg/cm2. Additionally, AgNPs/TiO2 exhibited higher antifungal activity on GB and CB than on S‐PW. The stepwise regression results indicated that the TRT of AgNPs/TiO2 (β = −0.739 to −0.51), the SLL (β = −0.477 to −0.269), and the Ag0 level in the AgNPs (β = −0.379 to −0.136) were the major factors influencing antifungal activity and TRT might be the most significant one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND In china, the grade of phosphate ores has decreased sharply in recent years. Existing solvents are inefficient for the extraction of wet-process phosphoric acid produced by low-grade phosphate ores. Organic solvent dibutyl sulfoxide was developed to improve the extraction capacity of wet-process phosphoric acid, especially at low-acid concentration. RESULTS The effects of extraction time, temperature, phosphoric acid concentration and impurities concentration on the extraction were investigated. The extraction process is exothermic and the enthalpy change is -5.86 kJ mol-1. Dibutyl sulfoxide is relatively selective for Mg2+ and Al3+ while the selectivities of Fe3+, F- and SO42- are moderate. The liquid-liquid equilibrium of water-dibutyl sulfoxide-phosphoric acid system was determined at 298.15 K. The stability of dibutyl sulfoxide and the process flows of extraction, scrubbing and stripping were investigated. The extraction mechanism of dibutyl sulfoxide for phosphoric acid was proposed and the extracted complex H3PO4·0.3DBSO was obtained. CONCLUSION Dibutyl sulfoxide is demonstrated to be a powerful solvent for the extraction of wet-process phosphoric acid even at low concentrations. Dibutyl sulfoxide can be a potential supplemental organic solvent for the extraction of wet-process phosphoric acid produced by low-grade phosphate ores. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]