Abstract  OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of algorithms for the assignment of gestational age with the use of the last menstrual period and early ultrasound information. STUDY DESIGN: Gestational age estimates that are based on last menstrual period, ultrasound scanning, or their combination were compared among women who attended prenatal care clinics in central North Carolina (n = 3655) by an evaluation of digit preference in the last menstrual period dates and a comparison of mean gestational age, preterm and postterm categories with the use of K statistics, difference between actual and expected delivery date, and birth weight among subgroups with discrepant assignments. RESULTS: Last menstrual period reports show digit preference, assign gestation 2.8 days longer on average than ultrasound scanning, yield substantially more postterm births (12.1% vs 3.4%), and predict delivery among term births less accurately. Misclassification of births as postterm was more common in younger women, those of nonoptimal prepregnancy body weight, cigarette smokers, and women who reported last menstrual period using preferred dates of the month. CONCLUSION: Last menstrual period estimates of the duration of gestation are subject to both random error and a systematic tendency to overstate the duration of gestation, most likely because of delayed ovulation.

Abstract  We present the optimization of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVCz)-based photorefractive composite films for use in a dynamic holographic imaging system. The compositions of the composite films used in this study included PVCz/4- azacycloheptylbenzylidenemalononitrile (7-DCST)/carbazoylethylpropionate (CzEPA), N- ethylcarbazole, benzyl n-butyl phthalate/ [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester or 2,4,7- trinitro-9-fluorenone (TNF) (44/35/20/1 wt%). PVCz with molecular weights of 23 000, 100 000, 290 000, 370 000 and 810 000 g mol(-1) were used. The photorefractive polymeric composite (PPC) film (PVCz with M-w: 370 000/7-DCST/CzEPA/TNF, 44/35/20/1 wt%) was observed to be the most well- balanced for photorefractive performance. To demonstrate the practical application of these films, dynamic holographic images were reflected from a spatial light modulator. The optimized PPC film was used in the dynamic holographic imaging system, and well-balanced dynamic holographic images were obtained. The results from this study will contribute to the development of four-dimensional (4D -3D plus time) holographic displays.

Abstract  As we have known, with the plasticizer disturbance in 2011 in Taiwan, long-term exposure to diethyl phthalate (DEP), one of the widely used phthalate esters, can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, a highly sensitive indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) by antigen-coated plate format for DEP in foods was proposed in this paper. The polyclonal antibodies were raised against diethyl 4-aminophthalate (4-DEAP) conjugated to bovine serum albumin by the amino diazotization linkage method. Coating antigen was prepared with 4-DEAP conjugated to ovalbumin using the same procedure. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the ic-ELISA has a linear working range of 0.005-18.6 ng/mL (R (2) = 0.9921), with a limit of detection of 0.0049 ng/mL. Low cross-reactivity (< 9 %) to structurally related phthalates was observed. The method was successfully applied to the determination of DEP in fruit juice, milky tea, pure milk, and sour milk, without purification or preconcentration. Satisfactory recoveries were obtained ranging from 91.1 to 109.3 %. The results suggested that the developed ic-ELISA is a simple, sensitive, and specific method for the rapid monitoring of DEP in food samples.

Abstract  Micropollutants are emerging as a new challenge to the scientific community. This review provides a summary of the recent occurrence of micropollutants in the aquatic environment including sewage, surface water, groundwater and drinking water. The discharge of treated effluent from WWTPs is a major pathway for the introduction of micropollutants to surface water. WWTPs act as primary barriers against the spread of micropollutants. WWTP removal efficiency of the selected micropollutants in 14 countries/regions depicts compound-specific variation in removal, ranging from 12.5 to 100%. Advanced treatment processes, such as activated carbon adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and membrane bioreactors can achieve higher and more consistent micropollutant removal. However, regardless of what technology is employed, the removal of micropollutants depends on physico-chemical properties of micropollutants and treatment conditions. The evaluation of micropollutant removal from municipal wastewater should cover a series of aspects from sources to end uses. After the release of micropollutants, a better understanding and modeling of their fate in surface water is essential for effectively predicting their impacts on the receiving environment.

Abstract  High-throughput screening (HTPS) assays to detect inhibitors of thyroperoxidase (TPO), the enzymatic catalyst for thyroid hormone (TH) synthesis, are not currently available. Herein we describe the development of a HTPS TPO inhibition assay. Rat thyroid microsomes and a fluorescent peroxidase substrate, Amplex UltraRed (AUR, LifeTechnologies), were employed in an endpoint assay for comparison to the existing kinetic guaiacol (GUA) oxidation assay. Following optimization of assay metrics including Z', dynamic range, and activity using methimazole (MMI), the assay was tested with a 21-chemical training set. The potency of MMI-induced TPO inhibition was greater with AUR compared to GUA. The dynamic range and Z' score with MMI were as follows: 127-fold and 0.62 for the GUA assay, 18-fold and 0.86 for the 96-well AUR assay, and 11.5-fold and 0.93 for the 384-well AUR assay. The 384-well AUR assay drastically reduced animal use, requiring one-tenth of the rat thyroid microsomal protein needed for the GUA 96-well format assay. Fourteen chemicals inhibited TPO, with a relative potency ranking of MMI > ethylene thiourea > 6-propylthiouracil > 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxy-benzophenone > 2-mercaptobenzothiazole > 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole > genistein > 4-propoxyphenol > sulfamethazine > daidzein > 4-nonylphenol > triclosan > iopanoic acid > resorcinol. These data demonstrate the capacity of this assay to detect diverse TPO inhibitors. Seven chemicals acted as negatives: 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, dibutylphthalate, diethylhexylphthalate, diethylphthalate, 3,5-dimethylpyrazole-1-methanol, methyl 2-methyl-benzoate, and sodium perchlorate. This assay could be used to screen large numbers of chemicals as an integral component of a tiered TH-disruptor screening approach.

Abstract  This study aimed to observe the possible protective effects of resveratrol (RSV) against the damage of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on the testis. The study was conducted in 6 groups of rats with 6 animals in each group aged 20 days. The groups include group 1: control group; group 2: solvent (carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), 10 ml/kg); group 3: 500 mg/kg/day DBP; group 4: 500 mg/kg/day DBP + 20 mg/kg/day RSV; group 5: 1000 mg/kg/day DBP; and group 6: 1000 mg/kg/day DBP + 20 mg/kg/day RSV. Groups were treated by gavage for 30 days. Indirect immunohistochemical staining was performed with c-kit, AT1, and ER-α antibodies. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method was used for apoptosis. It was found in the DBP-applied groups the C-kit immunostaining, which is parallel to increasing dose, decreased in comparison with the control. C-kit reactivity was similar to that of the control group in the group applied with 500 mg/kg/day + RSV; however, the reactivity was not same in the 1000 mg/kg/day DBP-applied group. It was observed that the reactivity of AT1 increased in the DBP-applied groups. RSV reversed these changes with its protective effects. While there was not much difference between the groups in terms of estrogen receptor reactivity, it was observed that the high dose of DBP reduced the level of estrogen receptor and the resveratrol was not at enough levels in all doses. In TUNEL analysis, high doses of DBP increased the apoptosis in all types of cells; nevertheless, the resveratrol application decreased the apoptosis in the low-level DBP dose. In the statistical analysis, while the length of epithelium and the diameter of seminiferous tubules decreased for all the other groups, it reverted to its original state in the RSV-applied groups. In conclusion, DBP (with increasing dose) administration caused cycle and hormonal changes in testis, resveratrol were recovered the cyclic changes but in hormonal changes, RSV is efficient too but inadequate.

Abstract  A monoclonal antibody specifically recognizing dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was prepared based on a hapten (di-n-butyl-4-aminophthalate). After optimizing various parameters such as concentrations of antibody, coating antigen and composition of the assay buffer, an inhibition curve was plotted with the 50% inhibition concentration value (IC50) 33.6 ± 2.5 ng/mL. A low level of cross-reactivity (<5%) was found for other phthalate esters. Recovery tests were conducted using liquor simulant (a mixture of water and ethanol) at two fortification levels (100 ng/mL and 300 ng/mL). The recovery rates ranged from 84.7% to 94.5% with a coefficient of variation between 7.1% and 12.8%. Nine liquor samples of different alcoholic strengths were detected using the proposed measure and confirmatory analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). The detection results showed good consistency between the two measures and all the data above indicated that the proposed ELISA could be applied in DBP screening.

Abstract  A very simple, fast and environmentally friendly sample extraction method was proposed for the analysis of phthalate esters (PAEs, di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), dibutylphthalate (DBP), butylbenzylphthalate (BBP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)) in alcoholic beverages by using conventional ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. The samples were extracted by 160μL 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate in the presence of appropriate amount of ethanol and 10% (w/v) sodium chloride solution; the enriched analytes in sedimented phases were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Under the optimum conditions, a satisfactory linearity (in the range of 0.02-1μgmL(-1) for white spirits and 0.01-0.5μgmL(-1) for red wines with the correlation coefficients (r) varying from 0.9983 to 1), acceptable recovery rates (88.5-103.5% for white spirits and 91.6-104.6% for red wines), good repeatability (RSD≤8.0%) and low detection limits (3.1-4.2ngmL(-1) for white spirits and 1.5-2.2ngmL(-1) for red wines) were obtained. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of the four PAEs in 30 white spirits and 11 red wines collected locally, and the DBP content in 63% (19:30) white spirits exceeded the specific migration limit of 0.3mgkg(-1) established by international regulation.

Abstract  A copolymer of divinylbenzene and N-vinyl pyrrolidone (DVB-NVP) was synthesized for the purpose of solid phase extraction (SPE). Its performance as an SPE resin was evaluated using six model compounds having different polarities. Aqueous samples containing those compounds were applied to SPE cartridges containing the aforementioned copolymer as well as the classic C18 and Oasis HLB for comparison, and the SPE processed samples were analyzed by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quantitation. Then, the copolymer DVB-NVP was sulfonated to modify the surface properties. The surface modified materials were used to analyse complex samples. The results showed that DVB-NVP had high recoveries for the six compounds ranging from 95.55% to 101.08% which were better than those of the C18 and were comparable to those of Oasis HLB. In applying to real samples, the recoveries for dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate in liquor were 102.55%, 102.99% and 102.11%, with the RSDs of 2.11%, 1.69%, 0.79% respectively. Similarly, the recoveries for clonidine and cyproheptadine in pork were 89.23% and 91.42% with the RSDs of 8.21% and 8.86%, respectively.

Abstract  The toxicity of phthalates is an important concern in the fields of environmental health and toxicology. Dermal exposure via skin care products, soil, and dust is a main route for phthalate delivery. We had explored the effect of topically-applied phthalates on skin absorption and toxicity. Immunohistology, functional proteomics, and Western blotting were employed as methodologies for validating phthalate toxicity. Among 5 phthalates tested, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) showed the highest skin reservoir. Only diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) could penetrate across skin. Strat-M(®) membrane could be used as permeation barrier for predicting phthalate penetration through skin. The accumulation of DEHP in hair follicles was ∼15nmol/cm(2), which was significantly greater than DBP and DEP. DBP induced apoptosis of keratinocytes and fibroblasts via caspase-3 activation. This result was confirmed by downregulation of 14-3-3 and immunohistology of TUNEL. On the other hand, the HSP60 overexpression and immunostaining of COX-2 suggested inflammatory response induced by DEP and DEHP. The proteomic profiling verified the role of calcium homeostasis on skin inflammation. Some proteins investigated in this study can be sensitive biomarkers for dermal toxicity of phthalates. These included HSPs, 14-3-3, and cytokeratin. This work provided novel platforms for examining phthalate toxicity on skin.

Abstract  Herbals such as Ixora coccinea, Daemia extensa and Tridax procumbens were selected to screen in vitro antibacterial and immunostimulant activity against the freshwater fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila using different organic polar and non-polar solvents. Initial screening results revealed that, ethyl acetate extracts and its purified fraction of I. coccinea was able to suppress the A. hydrophila strains at more than 15 mm of zone of inhibition and positive immunostimulant activity. The purified active fraction, which eluted from H40: EA60 mobile phase was structurally characterized by GC-MS analysis. Two compounds such as Diethyl Phthalate (1,2-Benzene dicarboxylic acid, monobutyl ester) and Dibutyl Phthalate were characterized using NIST database search. In order to study the in vivo immunostimulant influence of the compounds, the crude extracts (ICE) and purified fractions (ICF) were incorporated to the artificial diets at the concentration of 400 mg kg(-1) and fed to the ornamental gold fish Carassius auratus for 30 days. After termination of feeding experiment, they were challenged with highly virulent A. hydrophila AHV-1 which was isolated from infected gold fish and studied the survival, specific bacterial load reduction, serum biochemistry, haematology, immunology and histological parameters. The control diet fed fishes succumbed to death within five days at 100% mortality whereas ICE and ICF fed groups survived 60 and 80% respectively after 10 days. The diets also helped to decrease the Aeromonas load after challenge and significantly (P ≤ 0.01) improved the serum albumin, globulin and protein. The diets also helped to increase the RBC and haemoglobin level significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from the control group. Surprisingly the immunological parameters like phagocytic activity, serum bactericidal activity and lysozyme activity were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.001) in the experimental diets. Macrophages and erythrocytes were abundantly expressed in the treated groups and the present work concluded that, the Phthalate derivatives from I. coccinea helps to stimulate the immune system against A. hydrophila challenge in C. auratus.

Abstract  Slippery liquid infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) that were both highly transparent and free-standing (self-standability) were fabricated by an extremely simple process using non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) of a poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexa fluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)/di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) solution. We call these "Gel-SLIPS" because the porous PVDF-HFP film fabricated using the NIPS process has been used as a Gel-electrolyte in a lithium ion battery. In previous reports, SLIPS fabrication required complex processes, high anneal temperatures, and drying. Gel-SLIPS can be fabricated from the adjusted solution and the lubricant at room temperature and pressure in 5 minutes by squeegee, cast, or dip methods. NIPS is based on a quick phase separation process in situ, and reduction of the surface energy is not required because of the considerable fluorine in the PVDF-HFP. Moreover, because of the flexible nano-network structure of the PVDF-HFP, the Gel-SLIPS exhibited self-standability and high transmittance (>87 % at 600 nm). Gel-SLIPS is thus highly versatile in terms of fabrication process and film characteristics.

Abstract  The priority control screening (PCS) and water quality benchmarking (WQB) of toxic chemicals in water are key steps to ensure the safety of drinking water and aquatic ecosystem that is the crucial goal of water environment management. Owing to the different levels of social-economic development in different countries and regions, the PCS and WQB of toxic chemicals must be determined in accordance with their specific water environment situations. However, in China, the PCS and WQB of toxic chemicals in water were mainly introduced from the other countries. A method for the PCS and WQB of toxic chemicals in water based on the ecological risks was proposed, and a platform named Bayesian Matbugs Calculator (BMC) was developed. As a case study, the WQB and PCS of sixty-nine PTSs based their ecological risks were performed on the basis of one-year monthly monitoring in Lake Chaohu. The results showed that the current national water quality criteria (WQC) would underestimate the toxicological risk to organisms in this aquatic ecosystem. It appears necessary to develop new WQC for the protection of aquatic organisms in Lake Chaohu. Four grades of priority control chemicals (PCCs) in Lake Chaohu were proposed. The highest priority was assigned to organonitrogen-phosphorus pesticides, including parathion, dichlorvos, malathion, omethoate, and di-n-butyl phthalate. However, the national "blacklist" of toxic compounds only covered 7 of 20 PCCs, indicating that the other 13 PCCs would not be controlled efficiently. Because the pollution pattern of PTSs in various water bodies might be quite different, we appealed to the governments to screen the regional PPC lists or develop a more comprehensive national list for aquatic ecosystem protection in China.

Abstract  A label-free electrochemical immunosensor was developed by electropolymerization of N-(3-(4-(2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-2-yl)phenoxy)propyl) 3-(5-hydroxy-1,4-dihydro-1,4-dioxonaphthalen-2(3)-yl)propionamide (JugBPA). By combination with an antibody directed to bisphenol A (αBPA), this conducting polymer-based biosensor can detect BPA directly with a limit of detection of 2pgmL(-1). Square wave voltammetry shows that the polymer film presents a current decrease upon anti-BPA binding and an opposite current increase upon BPA addition in solution. This electrochemical immunosensor (E-assay) also shows high selectivity towards closely related compounds (bisphenol A dimethacrylate, and dibutyl phthalate). The E-assay concept described here could be a promising tool for simple, low-cost and reagentless on-site environmental monitoring.

Abstract  A liquid obeys isochronal superposition if its dynamics is invariant along the isochrones in the thermodynamic phase diagram (the curves of constant relaxation time). This paper introduces two quantitative measures of isochronal superposition. The measures are used to test the following six liquids for isochronal superposition: 1,2,6 hexanetriol, glycerol, polyphenyl ether, diethyl phthalate, tetramethyl tetraphenyl trisiloxane, and dibutyl phthalate. The latter four van der Waals liquids obey isochronal superposition to a higher degree than the two hydrogen-bonded liquids. This is a prediction of the isomorph theory, and it confirms findings by other groups.

Abstract  Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is a small peptide hormone made and secreted uniquely by mature Leydig cells in the testes of all mammals. Importantly, this expression and secretion appears to be constitutive and therefore reflects the differentiation status and number of the Leydig cells present, differing thereby from testosterone, which is acutely and homeostatically regulated by the hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. As a consequence, the measurement of INSL3 either as mRNA in the testis or as secreted peptide circulating in the blood provides an excellent assessment of Leydig cell differentiation, for example, during fetal development, puberty, or aging or following exposure to endocrine-disrupting agents. Whereas INSL3 is proving increasingly useful as a biomarker for testis status, less is known about its functions, particularly in the adult male. Current evidence points to autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine roles, acting through the G-protein-coupled receptor called RXFP2, although more research is required to characterize these functions in detail.

Abstract  Studies over the last years show an increase in testicular cancer, hypospadias and cryptorchidism in industrial countries, leading to the concept of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). It is hypothesized that TDS is caused by estrogen and antiandrogen exposure during fetal life, accompanied by incomplete maturation of testicular Sella cells (SC). However, it is not known if SC disruption is a primary cause or a response to fetal Leydig cell testosterone production changes.

To determine if SC differentiation is directly affected by estrogens, we compared SC maturation between adult gender reassignment cases exposed to estrogen and antiandrogen therapy, and those of typical TDS in adult cryptorchidism.

We found similar expression of immature SC markers M2A antigen, inhibin bodies and Anti Mullerian Hormone, and the absence of maturation marker androgen receptor in SC of both types of patients. These data supports the occurrence of true SC dedifferentiation caused by estrogen exposure in adult humans. Our data also suggests that SC maturation is directly disrupted in TDS. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abstract  The effects of di-n-butylphthalate (DnBP) were investigated with respect to bioaccumulation and whether these effects occurred over a second generation in the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797). The concentrations of DnBP in males and females of the second generation were higher than those in first one. However, frequency of mortality of exposed individuals in the second generation was approximately 57% less but the reduction in size and weight was more pronounced than in the first generation.

Abstract  Ethyl cellulose (EC) and deproteinized natural rubber latex (DNRL) were used to prepare a pseudolatex-base as a matrix membrane for ketoprofen patches. The pseudolatex-base was prepared using a homogenization and solvent removal method. Either polyvinyl alcohol or polysorbate 80 was used as surfactant and emulsifier. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone, glycerine, isopropyl palmitate, and dibutyl phthalate were used as a channeling agent, skin humectant, enhancer, and plasticizer, respectively. Ketoprofen was incorporated into the pseudolatex-base. All pseudolatex formulations were homogeneous and smooth in texture and elegant in appearance. The pH of pseudolatex formulations was 5-7, and the particle size was 487-787 nm. The viscosity and spreadability test showed the good characteristics of membrane. Stable colloidal dispersion was formed with a zeta potential of -35.18 to -51.55 mV. All pseudolatex formulations were formed into in situ membranes by solvent evaporation in a hot air oven at 70 +/- 2 degrees C. The mechanical test and moisture uptake were characterized, which significantly depended on ingredient. The in vitro release and skin permeation of ketoprofen from the pseudolatex-membrane were evaluated. The suitable pseudolatex-membrane was produced from a EC:DNRL ratio of 1:1 and provided a controlled release and suitable permeation patterns of the ketoprofen. Thus, these systems are essentially based on a matrix membrane made from polymeric pseudolatex systems.

Abstract  Potentiometric determination of Cyclizine was performed by a potentiometric PVC membrane sensor. Sodium tetraphenyl borate was used for the preparation of the sensing element used in the membrane. Dibutyl phthalate was the solvent mediator of the PVC membrane. A room temperature ionic liquid was also used in the composition of the membrane to helps the drug to exchange from aqueous solution to the organic phase. Also, it can diminish the Ohmic resistance of the membrane due to its ionic property. The best PVC membrane sensor response was obtained by a membrane composition of 30% PVC, 60% DBP, 7% ion-pair and 3% ionic liquid. The constructed sensor can measure the concentration of Cyclizine in the range of 5.0 x 10(-6)-1.0 x 10(-2) mol L-1 with a detection limit of 4.5 x 10(-6) mol L-1. The potentiometric measurements can be done in the pH range of 4.0 to 6.0. The proposed electrode displays a fast response time (about 15 s) and can be used for a period of seven weeks without any considerable change in its performance.

Abstract  Chlorophorus caragana is an important wood-boring pest that infests Caragana korshinskii. The larvae bore into the stems to the point of hollowing them out, causing the whole tree to wither and even die. To control these infestations, volatile compounds were collected from C. korshinskii and used in electroantennography to ascertain which plant semiochemicals could be used to trap adult C. caragana in the field. Isophorone, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, 3-pentanone, dibutyl phthalate, and diisobutyl phthalate were the main volatile compounds produced by C. korshinskii. These compounds induced dose-dependent electrophysiological responses in the antennae of adult C. caragana to some degree. Accordingly, 58 different compound mixtures were tested in field trapping experiments over two consecutive years. Isophorone was most attractive to adult insects. In the field, the best traps were funnel-shaped ones hanging at a height of 1 m. The trapping efficiency was 63.8%. Adult beetles appear between mid June and late August, with an eclosion peak in mid July. The prototype trapping system developed could be used as a tool to monitor and control C. caragana adults.

Abstract  Concentrations of nine phthalate diesters in 24-h airborne PM2.5 and PM10 were determined from October 2011 to August 2012 in a suburban area in Shanghai, China. Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), di-iso-butyl phthalate (DIBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BzBP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were frequently detected in airborne particulate matter at sum concentrations of these six compounds ranging from 13.3 to 186ng/m(3), with an average value of 59.8ng/m(3) in PM2.5, and from 10.1 to 445ng/m(3), with an average value of 132ng/m(3) in PM10. DEHP, DBP, and DIBP were the major phthalate diesters found in PM samples. DEHP was found predominantly in coarse (size fraction of between PM2.5 and PM10) particles, whereas DMP, DEP, DBP, DIBP, and BzBP were found predominantly in fine (PM2.5) particles. The concentrations of phthalates in PM during warm months (207ng/m(3) for PM10 and 71.9ng/m(3) for PM2.5, on average) were significantly higher than those during cold months (76.9ng/m(3) for PM10 and 50.4ng/m(3) for PM2.5). Significant positive correlations were found between concentrations of total phthalates, DEHP, and BzBP, with the total mass and organic carbon content of PM. Based on the concentrations of DEHP, incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) from inhalation exposure were estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. Although the 95% probabilities for the ILCR values for the general population were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) threshold of 10(-6), our result is an underestimate of the actual health risk because we only considered the outdoor inhalation exposure to DEHP in this study.

Abstract  A number of factors have contributed to increased awareness of the potential hazards to the unborn of various physical, biological, and chemical agents encountered occupationally in the workplace and the laboratory. The number of women of childbearing age in the work force has increased dramatically and precedents establishing legal rights of the unborn have been set. Equal rights to work have put women, and thus possibly the unborn, in contact with agents and stresses previously not commonly experienced. Most important, experimental and epidemiological data have identified, generally in a semiquantitative manner, that high levels of exposure to certain chemicals may represent potential risks to the unborn.

Abstract  Human risk assessment of chemicals is traditionally presented as the ratio between the actual level of exposure and an acceptable level of exposure, with the acceptable level of exposure most often being estimated by appropriate authorities. This approach is generally sound when assessing the risk of individual chemicals. However, several chemicals may concurrently target the same receptor, work through the same mechanism or in other ways induce the same effect(s) in the body. In these cases, cumulative risk assessment should be applied. The present study uses biomonitoring data from 129 Danish children and adolescents and resulting estimated daily intakes of four different phthalates. These daily intake estimates are used for a cumulative risk assessment with anti-androgenic effects as the endpoint using Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) values determined by the European Food Safety Authorities (EFSA) or Reference Doses for Anti-Androgenicity (RfD AA) determined by Kortenkamp and Faust [Int J Androl 33 (2010) 463] as acceptable levels of exposure. United States Environmental Protection Agency Reference Doses (US EPA RfD) could not be used as none of them identifies anti-androgenic effects as the most sensitive endpoint for the phthalates included in this article. Using the EFSA TDI values, 12 children exceeded the hazard quotient for the sum of di-n-butyl phthalate and di-iso-butyl phthalate (∑DBP((i+n)) ) and one child exceeded the hazard quotient for di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). Nineteen children exceeded the cumulated hazard index for three phthalates. Using the RfD AA values, one child exceeded the hazard quotient for DEHP and the same child exceeded the cumulated hazard index for four phthalates. The EFSA TDI approach thus is more restrictive and identifies ∑DBP((i+n)) as the compound(s) associated with the greatest risk, while DEHP is the compound associated with the greatest risk when using the RfD AA approach.

Abstract  Phthalate plasticizers are used in the plastics industry to aid in processing and impart flexibility to plastics. Due to the broad use of plastics, and the tendency of plasticizers to leach out of polymers, plasticizers have become ubiquitous in the environment. Concerns about the testicular toxicity of phthalate plasticizers, in particular di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have arisen due to their ability to cause male reproductive tract abnormalities in animal models. It has been assumed that the DEHP metabolite, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), is the active compound, however, metabolites such as 2-ethylhexanol, 2-ethylhexanal and 2-ethylhexanoic acid, have not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-androgenic potential of these metabolites in vitro with a mouse Leydig tumor cell line, MA-10 cells. DEHP, MEHP and 2-ethylhexanal were found to decrease cell viability, as well as steroidogenic potential. The latter was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify steroid production and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to assess gene expression analysis of key steroidogenic enzymes. 2-Ethylhexanal proved to be the most potent steroidogenic disruptor, offering intriguing implications in the search for the mechanism of phthalate testicular toxicity. Overall, the study suggests the involvement of multiple active metabolites in the testicular toxicity of DEHP.