Abstract  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Jatropha seed oils extracted by different methods on killing cercaria of Schistosomajaponicum so as to screen the optimum process and formulations.

METHODS: The cercaria directly contacting tests with Jatropha seed oils extracted by 6 different extraction processes were carried out, and the mouse immediate contacting cercaria infection trials with different formulations of Jatropha seed oil and various additives were performed.

RESULTS: With 95% ethanol, the ratio of material to liquid being 1:8, and 2 h extraction, the oil extraction rate was 30.7%. The cercaria directly contacting tests showed that 6 kinds of Jatropha seed oil killed all cercaria within 30 min. In the mouse immediate contacting cercaria infection trials, the worm declined rate of Jatropha seed oil liquid was 70.97%, and the worm declined rate of the sample added with benzyl benzoate was 58.87%, and the worm declined rate of the sample added with laurocapram was 77.42%. The worm declined rate of the samples added with benzyl benzoate, dibutyl phthalate and laurocapram was 100%.

CONCLUSION: The process with 95% ethanol, the ratio of material to liquid being 1:8, and 2 h extraction is the optimum, and the Jatropha seed oil has a good killing schistosome cercaria effect.

Abstract  Mounting evidence has indicated the crucial role of Wnt5a in the embryonic development including guts. However, the Wnt5a involvement in the process of anorectal malformations (ARMs) remains unclear. In this study, we examined the expression of Wnt5a during ARMs development in the offspring of di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP)-treated pregnant rats. During the neonatal period, Wnt5a expression was evaluated in the terminal rectum of ARM offspring, non-ARM littermates and controls. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR), western-blot analysis and immunohistochemistry approaches, we found a significant decrease of Wnt5a expression in DBP-induced ARMs rats. Collectively, our results demonstrate the aberrant expression of Wnt5a during anorectal development, which suggests that Wnt5a might be involved in DBP-induced ARMs.

Abstract  This study was the first to investigate the genetic abnormalities and structural dysplasia of anorectal malformations (ARMs) in male rats induced by di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP). DBP was administered to timed-pregnant rats to establish the ARM rat model. The incidence of ARMs in male offspring was 39.5%. In neonatal period, decreased body weight and anogenital distance were observed. The general image and histological analysis of male offspring confirmed the presence of ARMs. Anatomical examination of the ARM male rats revealed the dysplasia in solid organs (heart-lung, liver, spleen, and kidney). The decreases of serum testosterone concentration and androgen receptor expression in terminal rectum were indicative of the antiandrogenic effects of DBP. Moreover, significant decreased mRNA expressions of these androgen-related genes such as sonic hedgehog, Gli2, Gli3, bone morphogenetic protein 4, Wnt5a, Hoxa13, Hoxd13, fibroblast growth factor 10, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 were found in terminal rectum of the ARM male pubs. These results demonstrated that development of ARM rats was impaired by maternal exposure to DBP. The antiandrogenic effects of DBP disturbing the androgen-related signaling networks might play an important role in the occurrence of ARMs.

Abstract  Abstract Novel film forming polymeric dispersions for transdermal nicotine delivery were prepared from deproteinized natural rubber latex (DNRL) blended with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or glycerin (GLY) as plasticizer. The preliminary molecular compatibility of ingredients was observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffractometry characterizations. All film forming polymeric dispersions were elegant in appearance and smooth in texture without agglomeration. Their pH was 7-8. In addition, their viscosity and spreadability showed good characteristics depended on HPMC and plasticizers blended. The transparent in situ dry films with good strength and elasticity were also confirmed by peeling-off. The nicotine release from them revealed an initial fast release that was similar to the release from a concentrated nicotine solution, and followed by slow release pattern from the in situ films. GLY blended formulation produced a higher amount of nicotine permeation through the in vitro pig skin than DBP blends. Ethanol mixing also enhanced nicotine permeation, but it affected the integrity of in situ films. The nicotine release and skin permeation kinetics were by a diffusion mechanism that was confirmed by the Higuchi's model. These formulations were safe without producing any severe skin irritation. However, for the stability they needed to be stored at 4 °C in tightly sealed containers.

Abstract  In this study, a semi-probabilistic modelling approach was applied for the estimation of the long-term human dietary exposure to phthalates - one of world's most used families of plasticisers. Four phthalate compounds were considered: diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Intake estimates were calculated for the Belgian adult population and several subgroups of this population for two considered scenarios using an extended version of the EN-forc model. The highest intake rates were found for DEHP, followed by DnBP, BBP and DEP. In the Belgian adult population, men and young adults generally had the highest dietary phthalate intake estimates. Nevertheless, predicted dietary intake rates for all four investigated phthalates were far below the corresponding tolerable daily intake (TDI) values (i.e. P99 intake values were 6.4% of the TDI at most), which is reassuring because adults are also exposed to phthalates via other contamination pathways (e.g. dust ingestion and inhalation). The food groups contributing most to the dietary exposure were grains and grain-based products for DEP, milk and dairy products for DnBP, meat and meat products or grains and grain-based products (depending on the scenario) for BBP and meat and meat products for DEHP. Comparison of the predicted intake results based on modelled phthalate concentrations in food products with intake estimates from other surveys (mostly based on measured concentrations) showed that the extended version of the EN-forc model is a suitable semi-probabilistic tool for the estimation and evaluation of the long-term dietary intake of phthalates in humans.

Abstract  The description of emission processes of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) from building products requires a detailed understanding of the material and the air flow conditions at the surface boundary. The mass flux between the surface of the material and air depends on the mass transfer coefficient (hm) through the boundary layer, the gas phase concentration of the target compound immediately adjacent to the material (y0), and the gas-phase concentration in bulk air (y(t)). In the present study emission experiments were performed in two chambers of quite different sizes (0.25m(3) and 55m(3)), and, in the larger chamber, at two different temperatures (23°C and 30°C). The emitting material was latex wall paint that had been doped with two plasticizers, diethylphthalate (DEP) and di-n-butylphthalate (DnBP). The phthalate content in the paint was varied in the small chamber experiment to evaluate the impact of the initial concentration in the bulk material (C0) on the emission rate. Boundary layer theory was applied to calculate hm for the specific phthalates from the Sherwood number (Sh) and the diffusion coefficient (Dair). Then y0 was determined based on the bulk gas-phase concentration at steady state (y¯). For both, DEP and DnBP, the y0 obtained was lower than the respective saturation vapor pressure (Ps). Furthermore, for both phthalates in latex paint, the material/air partition coefficient (C0/y0) was close in value to the octanol/air partition coefficient (KOA). This study provides a basis for designing phthalate emitting reference materials that mimic the emission behavior of common building materials.

Abstract  A total of 448 samples including foodstuffs (rice, steamed bun, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, milk and fruits), ambient PM10, drinking water, soil, indoor PM10 and indoor dust samples from Tianjin were obtained to determine the distribution of six priority phthalates (PAEs) and assess the human exposure to them. The results indicated that DBP and DEHP were the most frequently detected PAEs in these samples. The concentrations of PAEs in environmental media were higher than those in food. We estimated the daily intake (DI) of PAEs via ingestion, inhalation and dermal absorption from five sources (food, water, air, dust and soil). Dietary intake was the main exposure source to DEP, BBP, DEHP and DOP, whereas water ingestion/absorption was the major source of exposure to DBP, DEHP and DOP. Although food and water were the overwhelmingly predominant sources of PAEs intake by Tianjin population, contaminated air was another important source of DMP, DEP and DBP contributing to up to 45% of the exposure. The results of this study will help in understanding the major pathways of human exposure to PAEs. These findings also suggest that human exposure to phthalate esters via the environment should not be overlooked.

Abstract  Agricultural pollution caused by the use of plastic sheetings has been documented to be a widespread problem in most of the major crop-planting regions of the world. In order to better understand the phytotoxic mechanisms induced by phthalic acid esters involved with this problem, Cucumber sativus L. cv Jinyan No. 4 were sown in pots to the three-leaf-stage in the presence of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP; 0, 30, 50, 100, and 200 mg L(-1)) for 1, 3, 5, or 7 days. Physiology, biochemistry, and ultrastructure of seedling roots were examined. The results indicated that activities of three antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD)) were stimulated at low-DBP treatments and decreased under higher levels (>100 mg L(-1)) compared to the controls. On the other hand, SOD and POD provided a better defense against DBP-induced oxidative damage in the roots of cucumber seeding, compared to CAT. The productions of both malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline (Pro) were promoted under DBP stress. Visible impact on the cytoderm, mitochondrion, and vacuole was detected, possibly as a consequence of free radical generation. These results suggested that activation of the antioxidant system by DBP led to the formation of reactive oxygen species that resulted in cellular damage.

Abstract  The aim of this study was to determine whether short-term, in vivo exposure to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) could be toxic to male reproduction. Low dose (1 mg/kg/dose) AgNPs were intravenously injected into male CD1 mice over 12 days. Treatment resulted in no changes in body and testis weights, sperm concentration and motility, fertility indices, or follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone serum concentrations; however, serum and intratesticular testosterone concentrations were significantly increased 15 days after initial treatment. Histologic evaluation revealed significant changes in epithelium morphology, germ cell apoptosis, and Leydig cell size. Additionally, gene expression analysis revealed Cyp11a1 and Hsd3b1 mRNA significantly upregulated in treated animals. These data suggest that AgNPs do not impair spermatogonial stem cells in vivo since treatment did not result in significant decreases in testis weight and sperm concentrations. However, AgNPs appear to affect Leydig cell function, yielding increasing testicular and serum testosterone levels. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Effect of the ISE membrane composition on the characteristics of the tramadol-PVC-electrodes has been investigated. The parameters studied include the effect of the plasticizer and the effect of the ion-pair complex. The plasticizers used were 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (2-NPOE), dioctyl phthalate (DOP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEPh), dioctyl sebacate (DOS), tributyl phosphate (TBPh) and dibutyl butyl phosphonate (DBBPh) and the ion-pair complexes were tramadolium-silicotungstate (TD-ST), silicomolybdate (TD-SM). These electrodes were fully characterized in terms of composition, life span, usable pH range and working concentration range. The results showed that the best combination was TD-ST as the ion-pair complex and DBP as the plasticizer that produced the electrode with favorable characteristics. Another electrode using TD-SM was tested and produced close results. The present electrodes show clear discrimination of tramadol hydrochloride from several inorganic, organic ions, sugars and some common drug excipients. The sensors were applied for determination of tramadol hydrochloride in urine, milk and pharmaceutical preparations using potentiometric determination, standard addition and the calibration curve methods. The results obtained were satisfactory with excellent percentage recovery comparable and sometimes better than those obtained by other routine methods for the assay. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  The use of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is growing, with an expanding range of applications in many different fields as a consequence of its advantages compared with traditional extraction methods. In order to develop an analytical method to determine dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) traces (<20 ppm) in flexible poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) formulations, a maximum efficiency in the extractive process and an adequate separative system are needed to avoid interferences between these two plasticizers and other additives that could be present at high concentrations in flexible PVC formulations. In order to determine the optimum SFE conditions, the extraction time, temperature and pressure were controlled. The separation and quantitation of individual components in the PVC extracts were carried out off-line by using a semicapillary column in gas chromatography (GC). Samples with different DOP content (41.18%, 33.33% and 23.08%) and DBP content (41.18%), as well as samples with both plasticizers (20.59% DOP and 20.59% DBP) were prepared. Some other samples were also prepared to study detection limits for these two PVC additives. Recoveries and reproducibilities were studied in every sample. Finally, this method was compared with Soxhlet liquid extraction. Determination by gravimetric analysis of the total extracted material was found to be particularly suitable for PVC. This study demonstrates the potential of SFE to shorten extraction times with similar or even better extraction efficiencies compared with traditional liquid methods.

Abstract  The adsorption behavior of phthalate esters (PAEs) and their degraded products such as phthalate monoesters (MPEs) and phthalic acid (PA) in aqueous solution on chitosan beads was studied. The results of kinetic experiments showed that dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was adsorbed more than di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dimethyl phthalate (DMP). MPEs exhibited less adsorption than PAEs. Monobutyl phthalate (MBP) had higher adsorption capacity than monomethyl phthalate (MMP) and monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP). PA showed the highest adsorption capacity compared to MPEs and PAEs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to characterise the interaction between chitosan and PAEs, MPEs, and PA molecules. Results showed that chitosan adsorbed PAEs mainly due to hydrophobic interactions, and interacted with PA mainly due to interactions between polar active groups. For the monoesters, especially MMP and MEHP, lower hydrophobicity than PAEs and higher hydrophilicity than PA made them less adsorbable. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  It is estimated that the Departments of Defense, Energy, and Agriculture will spend up to 300 billion federal dollars on environmental remediation during the next century. Phytoremediation, the use of vegetation for the remediation of contaminated sediments, soils, and ground water, is an emerging technology for treating several categories of persistent, toxic contaminants. Although effective, phytoremediation is still in a developmental stage and therefore is not a widely accepted technology by regulatory agencies and public groups. Research is currently being conducted to validate the process effectiveness as well as increase regulatory and community acceptance. This research will focus on the ability of plants to hydroponically treat water contaminated with cadmium, chromium, nickel, radionuclides (cesium and strontium), and/or phthalates. Specifically, the effectiveness of dwarf sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) and two strains of mustard seed (Brassica juncea) were investigated. The selectivity, on a mass basis, for the sunflowers and Indian mustard was Cd > Ni > Cr and Cr > Ni > Cd. respectively. This selectivity order did not change when cesium was present. For the individual phthalate treatment, the selectivity was dibutyl phthalate > benzylbutyl phthalate > dioctyl phthalate. When metals were present, the uptake of phthalates was severely limited.

Abstract  Strains of Rhodococcus erythropolis that use dimethyl phthalate (DMP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) as the sole carbon source have common initial stages in metabolizing these compounds: diester --> phthalic acid --> benzoic acid --> p-hydroxybenzoic acid --> protocatechuic acid --> 3-keto-adipic acid.

Abstract  Background: A link between environmental chemicals and human health has emerged but not complete in risk factors. This work aimed to study the relationships of different sets of urinary environmental chemical concentrations and risk of high blood pressure (BP) in a national, population-based study. Methods: Data was retrieved from United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2009-2010, including demographics, BP readings and urinary environmental chemical concentrations. Analyses included t-test and survey-weighted logistic regression models. Results: Urinary mercury concentrations were not associated with high BP (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.97-1.48, p = 0.095). Urinary cobalt (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.01-1.81, p = 0.044), lead (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.31-2.38, p = 0.001), antimony (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.09-1.72, p = 0.010) and tungsten (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.27-1.81, p < 0.001) concentrations were observed to increase the risk of high BP. There are no clear associations between environmental parabens and high BP. The effect of environmental bisphenol A (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.30, p = 0.051) disappeared after additionally adjusting for subsample weighting (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.93-1.35, p = 0.225). People with higher urinary mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.00-1.58, p = 0.051), mono-n-butyl phthalate (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.41, p = 0.042) and mono-n-methyl phthalate metabolites (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.03-1.32, p = 0.021) tended to have high BP. Moreover, urinary o-phenyl phenol concentrations (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.25-1.77, p < 0.001) and dimethylarsonic acid concentrations (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.06-1.73, p = 0.019) were also seen to be associated with high BP. Conclusions: Urinary environmental chemical concentrations were associated with risk of high BP, although the causal effect cannot be established. Elimination of environmental chemicals in humans would need to be continued.

Abstract  Environmental toxicants viz lead or cadmium and phthalate esters (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [DEHP], dibutyl phthalate [DBP], and diethyl phthalate [DEP]) widely found in different environmental strata are linked to deteriorating male reproductive health. The objective was to assess the relationships between the seminal lead, cadmium, and phthalate (DEHP, DBP, DEP) concentrations at environmental level and serum hormone levels and semen quality in non-occupationally exposed men and specify the effect of individual and combined exposure of toxicants on semen quality. A study of 60 male partners of couples attending the Andrology Laboratory of the Reproductive Biology Department, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India for semen analysis to assess their inability to achieve a pregnancy was selected for the study. The results of univariate and stepwise multiple regression analysis in the unadjusted model showed a significant correlation between lead or cadmium and phthalates DEHP/DBP/DEP and sperm motility, sperm concentration, and DNA damage. After adjusting for potential confounders, an association with lead or DEHP was only observed. The present data shows that lead (Pb) or cadmium (Cd) or phthalates might independently contribute to decline in semen quality and induce DNA damage. Phthalates might influence reproductive hormone testosterone. These findings are significant in light of the fact that men are exposed to a volley of chemicals; however, due to the small sample size, our finding needs to be confirmed in a larger population.

Abstract  Although an association between exposure to phthalates in house dust and childhood asthma or allergies has been reported in recent years, there have been no reports of these associations focusing on both adults and children. We aimed to investigate the relationships between phthalate levels in Japanese dwellings and the prevalence of asthma and allergies in both children and adult inhabitants in a cross-sectional study. The levels of seven phthalates in floor dust and multi-surface dust in 156 single-family homes were measured. According to a self-reported questionnaire, the prevalence of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis in the 2 years preceding the study was 4.7%, 18.6%, 7.6%, and 10.3%, respectively. After evaluating the interaction effects of age and exposure categories with generalized liner mixed models, interaction effects were obtained for DiNP and bronchial asthma in adults (Pinteraction=0.028) and for DMP and allergic rhinitis in children (Pinteraction=0.015). Although not statistically significant, children had higher ORs of allergic rhinitis for DiNP, allergic conjunctivitis for DEHP, and atopic dermatitis for DiBP and BBzP than adults, and liner associations were observed (Ptrend<0.05). On the other hand, adults had a higher OR for atopic dermatitis and DEHP compared to children. No significant associations were found in phthalates levels collected from multi-surfaces. This study suggests that the levels of DMP, DEHP, DiBP, and BBzP in floor dust were associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis in children, and children are more vulnerable to phthalate exposure via household floor dust than are adults. The results from this study were shown by cross-sectional nature of the analyses and elaborate assessments for metabolism of phthalates were not considered. Further studies are needed to advance our understanding of phthalate toxicity.

Abstract  Background: Preterm birth is a significant public health problem, affecting over 1 in 10 live births and contributing largely to infant mortality and morbidity. Everyday exposure to environmental chemicals such as phthalates could contribute to prematurity, and may be modifiable. In the present study we examine variability in phthalate exposure across gestation and identify windows of susceptibility for the relationship with preterm birth. Methods: Women were recruited early in pregnancy as part of a prospective, longitudinal birth cohort at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Urine samples were collected at up to 4 time points during gestation for phthalate measurement, and birth outcomes were recorded at delivery. From this population we selected all 130 cases of preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of completed gestation, as well as 352 random controls. Results: Urinary phthalate metabolite levels were moderately variable over pregnancy, but levels measured at multiple time points were associated with increased odds of preterm birth. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for spontaneous preterm birth were strongest in association with phthalate metabolite concentrations measured at the beginning of the third trimester (aOR for summed di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate metabolites [∑ DEHP] = 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 1.73). Odds ratios for placental preterm birth, defined as delivery with presentation of preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction, were slightly elevated in the first trimester for DEHP metabolites (aOR for ∑ DEHP = 1.33, 95% CI = 0.99, 1.78). Conclusions: Pregnant women with exposure to phthalates both early and late in pregnancy are at an increased risk of delivering preterm, but mechanisms may differ based on etiology.

Abstract  Approximately 13 million U.S. children less than 6 years old spend some time in early childhood education (ECE) facilities where they may be exposed to potentially harmful chemicals during critical periods of development. We measured five phthalate esters in indoor dust (n = 39) and indoor and outdoor air (n = 40 and 14, respectively) at ECE facilities in Northern California. Dust and airborne concentrations were used to perform a probabilistic health risk assessment to compare estimated exposures with risk levels established for chemicals causing reproductive toxicity and cancer under California's Proposition 65. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) were the dominant phthalates present in floor dust (medians = 172.2 and 46.8 μg/g, respectively), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) were the dominant phthalates in indoor air (medians = 0.52, 0.21, and 0.10 μg/m(3), respectively). The risk assessment results indicate that 82-89% of children in California ECE had DBP exposure estimates exceeding reproductive health benchmarks. Further, 8-11% of children less than 2 years old had DEHP exposure estimates exceeding cancer benchmarks. This is the largest study to measure phthalate exposure in U.S. ECE facilities and findings indicate wide phthalate contamination and potential risk to developing children.

Abstract  Many toxic substances in the workplace can modify human health and quality of life and there is still insufficient data on respiratory outcomes in adults exposed to phthalates. The aim of this work was to assess in waste management workers from the Nitra region of Slovakia (n = 30) the extent of exposure to phthalates and health-related outcomes. Four urinary phthalate metabolites mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), monobutyl phthalate (MnBP), monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and monoisononyl phthalate (MiNP) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Urinary concentration of MEHP was positively associated with ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity % (FEV1/FVC) (r = 0.431; p = 0.018) and MiNP with fat free mass index (FFMI) (r = 0.439; p = 0.015). The strongest predictor of pulmonary function was the pack/year index as smoking history that predicted a decrease of pulmonary parameters, the FEV1/FVC, % of predicted values of peak expiratory flow (PEF % of PV) and FEV1 % of PV. Unexpectedly, urinary MEHP and MINP were positively associated with pulmonary function expressed as PEF % of PV and FEV1/FVC. We hypothesize that occupational exposure to phthalates estimated from urinary metabolites (MEHP, MiNP) can modify pulmonary function on top of lifestyle factors.

Abstract  Phthalate exposure during pregnancy has been linked to adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth, and inflammation and oxidative stress may mediate these relationships. In a prospective cohort study of pregnant women recruited early in gestation in Northern Puerto Rico, we investigated the associations between urinary phthalate metabolites and biomarkers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, and oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (OHdG) and 8-isoprostane. Inflammation biomarkers were measured in plasma twice during pregnancy (N = 215 measurements, N = 120 subjects), and oxidative stress biomarkers in urine were measured three times (N = 148 measurements, N = 54 subjects) per woman. In adjusted linear mixed models, metabolites of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) were associated with increased IL-6 and IL-10 but relationships were generally not statistically significant. All phthalates were associated with increases in oxidative stress markers. Relationships with OHdG were significant for DEHP metabolites as well as mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) and monoiso-butyl phthalate (MiBP). For 8-isoprostane, associations with nearly all phthalates were statistically significant and the largest effect estimates were observed for MBP and MiBP (49-50% increase in 8-isoprostane with an interquartile range increase in metabolite concentration). These relationships suggest a possible mechanism for phthalate action that may be relevant to a number of adverse health outcomes.

Abstract  The International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) Bronchial Symptoms Questionnaire (1984) was developed for use in studies of asthma and its reliability measured in an earlier survey in England. The association of the symptoms elicited by this questionnaire to bronchial response to histamine has also been described. This paper presents the results of studies of the questionnaire in four clinical centres in Europe. The reliability of the questionnaire and its ability to predict the bronchial response to histamine were compared for English, Finnish, French and German translations of the questionnaire in samples of diagnosed asthmatics and controls in Nottingham, Berlin, Helsinki and Paris. The answers to questions showed good repeatability, especially in Finland and Germany, particularly those questions on asthma and wheeze. The most sensitive symptom for predicting hyperresponsiveness was the question on wheeze, the most specific questions were those on waking at night with shortness of breath (Paris and Nottingham) and morning tightness (Helsinki and Berlin). This study shows that the IUATLD (1984) questionnaire may provide useful, valid and comparable data even in translation but these studies will need to be repeated in representative samples before such a possibility is accepted as fully demonstrated.

Abstract  The protection of aquatic plants has received less attention in ecological risk assessment of pollutants compared with animals. Some pollutants like herbicide, however, are more toxic to aquatic plants than to animals. Aquatic toxicity data of 126 priority pollutants were screened and analyzed in this study. Through data analysis, five priority pollutants namely 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) were identified to have high phytotoxicity effect. The most sensitive aquatic plants to these five pollutants are all alage, including Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Gymnodinium breve. The water quality criteria concentration of the five pollutants were derived by the species sensitivity distribution method. The acute criteria concentration for the five pollutants were derived to be 1474, 2180, 54.41, 98.52 and 520.4μgL(-1), and the chronic criteria concentration for them were 147.4, 218.0, 5.441, 9.852 and 52.04μgL(-1), respectively. For China's freshwater bodies, the results of ecological risk assessment based on the derived criteria showed that, for the selected pollutants except DBP, there were basically no significant risk in most of the studied water bodies. DBP showed apparent ecological risks in all of the studied water bodies, particularly in the middle Yellow River, the Xuanwu Lake, the Yuehu Lake, etc. Field monitoring data of the Liao River and the Taihu Lake showed that DBP had moderate risks in some of the sampling sites of both the watersheds, while BBP posed moderate risks only on a few sites of the Liao River.

Abstract  Phthalate esters are ubiquitous contaminants in indoor environment. In this study, we measured concentrations of phthalate esters in indoor air and indoor dust. The results indicated that concentrations of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) had the same order of magnitude in indoor air. However, DEHP was the highest phthalate in indoor dust. We estimated the daily intake of phthalate esters through the routes of dust ingestion and air inhalation. The contributions of indoor air to DBP and DEHP exposure were 28% and 0.28% of the estimated total daily intake, respectively. The contributions of indoor dust to phthalate esters were less than 1%. Our results indicated that indoor air inhalation and dust ingestion were not significant routes of DEHP exposure. However, DBP intake via inhalation of indoor air should be taken into account.