Abstract  A normal temperature lignocellulose-degrading microflora has been constructed by our laboratory. We researched the degradation activity and compose of the community in 28 degrees C fermentation condition. The results showed that the microbial community could degrade 39.6% of rice stew gross weight within five days.The volatile products were detected using CP-Chirasil-Dex CB capillary column by GC-MS, propionic acid, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, 4-amino-1-butanol, butanoic acid, diethoxydimethyl-silane, lactic acid, ethanol,2,2'-oxybis-, diethyl phthalate and glycerin,more than 10 kinds of volatile products were detected. The state volatile products of changed largely along with the process of decompose, the productions gradually increase, and the content changes much with the process of decompose. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) detected the dynamic change of bacterium compose, the bacterium changes much in different period,the result of Blast from 16S rDNA sequence was found that the closest relative in community belong to Clostridium sp., Brevibacillus sp., Rhizobium sp., Bacterium sp. four genera.

Abstract  Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates is prevalent among children and adolescents, but little is known regarding important sources of exposure at these sensitive life stages. In this study, we measured urinary concentrations of BPA and nine phthalate metabolites in 108 Mexican children aged 8-13years. Associations of age, time of day, and questionnaire items on external environment, water use, and food container use with specific gravity-corrected urinary concentrations were assessed, as were questionnaire items concerning the use of 17 personal care products in the past 48-h. As a secondary aim, third trimester urinary concentrations were measured in 99 mothers of these children, and the relationship between specific gravity-corrected urinary concentrations at these two time points was explored. After adjusting for potential confounding by other personal care product use in the past 48-h, there were statistically significant (p<0.05) positive associations in boys for cologne/perfume use and monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), and mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), and in girls for colored cosmetics use and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), MEHHP, MEOHP, and mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), conditioner use and MEP, deodorant use and MEP, and other hair products use and MBP. There was a statistically significant positive trend for the number of personal care products used in the past 48-h and log-MEP in girls. However, there were no statistically significant associations between the analytes and the other questionnaire items and there were no strong correlations between the analytes measured during the third trimester and at 8-13years of age. We demonstrated that personal care product use is associated with exposure to multiple phthalates in children. Due to rapid development, children may be susceptible to impacts from exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals; thus, reduced or delayed use of certain personal care products among children may be warranted.

Abstract  Phthalates are used in industry products, household items, and medical tools as plasticizers. Human exposure to phthalates has raised concern about its toxicity. In the present study, optimization was conducted for the simultaneous analysis of eight kinds of phthalate metabolites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS): MEP, MiBP, MnBP, MBzP, MiNP, MEHP, MEOHP, and MEHHP. In order to minimize the matrix effect and to do quantitative analysis, isotope dilution and LLE-GC-MS methods were performed. Urine samples were enzymatically hydrolyzed, extracted with a mixture of n-hexane and ethyl ether (8:2; v:v), and subsequently derivatized with trimethylsilylation. All eight kinds of analytes showed clear resolution and high reproducibility in GC-MS results. The method detection limit ranged from 0.05ng/mL to 0.2ng/mL. Calibration curves were found to be linear from 0.2 to 100ng/mL with -(2)>0.992. The relative standard deviation of the intraday precision using water and urine ranged from 2.1% to 16.3%. The analysis was performed with urine samples that were collected from adults residing in the Republic of Korea. The analyzed concentration results were compared according to gender and region. As a result, DEHP metabolites showed the highest detected concentration (75.92μg/g creatinine, 100%), and MiNP, a metabolite of DiNP, showed the lowest detected concentration (0.42μg/g creatinine, 22.5%). On average, female urine (200.76μg/g creatinine) had a higher detected concentration of ∑8 phthalate metabolites than male urine. Samples from rural regions (211.96μg/g creatinine) had higher levels than samples from urban regions.

Abstract  Human exposure to chemicals commonly encountered in our environment, like phthalates, is routinely assessed through urinary measurement of their metabolites. A particular attention is given to the specific population groups, such as obese, for which the dietary intake of environmental chemicals is higher. To evaluate the exposure to phthalates, nine phthalate metabolites (PMs) were analyzed in urine collected from obese individuals and a control population. Obese individuals lost weight through either bariatric surgery or a conservative weight loss program with dietary and lifestyle counseling. Urine samples were also collected from the obese individuals after 3, 6 and 12months of weight loss. Individual daily intakes of the corresponding phthalate diesters were estimated based on the urinary PM concentrations. A high variability was recorded for the levels of each PM in both obese and control urine samples showing the exposure to high levels of PMs in specific subgroups. The most important PM metabolite as percentage contribution to the total PM levels was mono-ethyl phthalate followed by the metabolites of di-butyl phthalate and di 2-ethyl-hexyl phthalate (DEHP). No differences in the PM levels and profiles between obese entering the program and controls were observed. Although paralleled by a significant decrease of their weight, an increase in the urinary PM levels after 3 to 6months loss was seen. Constant figures for the estimated phthalates daily intake were observed over the studied period, suggesting that besides food consumption, other human exposure sources to phthalates (e.g. air, dust) might be also important. The weight loss treatment method followed by obese individuals influenced the correlations between PM levels, suggesting a change of the intake sources with time. Except for few gender differences recorded between the urinary DEHP metabolites correlations, no other differences were observed for the urinary PM levels as a function of age, body mass index or waist circumference. Linear regression analysis showed almost no significance of the relationship between measured urinary PMs and serum free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) for all obese individuals participating to the study, while for the control samples, several PMs were significantly associated with the serum TSH levels.

Abstract  In this work, phthalic acid esters (PAEs): dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and di-n-octyl phthalate in indoor dust (used as passive sampler) were investigated. The settled dust samples were collected from thirteen indoor environments from Palermo city. A fast and simple method using Soxhlet and GC-MS analysis has been optimized to identify and quantify the phthalates. Total phthalates concentrations in indoor dusts ranged from 269 to 4,831 mg/kg d.w. (d.w. = dry weight). The data show a linear correlation between total PAEs concentration and a single compound content, with the exclusion of the two most volatile components (DMP and DEP) that are present in appreciable amounts only in two samples. These results suggest that most of the PAEs identified in the samples of settled dust originate from the same type of material. This evidence indicates that, in a specific indoor environment, generally is not present only one compound but a mixture having over time comparable percentages of PAEs. Consequently, for routine analyses of a specific indoor environment, only a smaller number of compounds could be determined to value the contamination of that environment. We also note differences in phthalate concentrations between buildings from different construction periods; the total concentration of PAEs was higher in ancient homes compared to those constructed later. This is due to a trend to reduce or remove certain hazardous compounds from building materials and consumer goods. A linear correlation between total PAEs concentration and age of the building was observed (R = 0.71).

Abstract  Three waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) in Beijing were selected as cases to study the occurrence and fate of phthalates. Contents of di-methyl phthalate (DMP), di-ethyl phthalate (DEP), di-butyl phthalate (DBP), butyl-benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-octyl phthalate (DOP) and di-(2-ehtylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in influent, effluent of secondary setting tank and excess sludge in those WWTPs were determined. The mean concentration of DMP, DEP, DBP and DEHP are 0.98, 0.21 x 10(2), 0.27 x 10(2) and 0.15 x 10(2) microg x L(-1) respectively. BBP and DOP were not found in those WWTPs. Only DBP and DEHP were detected in dewatered sludge with mean concentration of 0.37 microg x kg(-1) and 0.31 x 10(3) microg x kg(-1) DW. The removal efficiency of DMP, DEP, DBP and DEHP varied from 68.3% -82.6%, 94.5% - 98.2%, 74.7% -95.0% and 90.5% -90.7% respectively. The main removal mechanism should be biodegradation and volatilization to the air. Higher concentration of DBP and DEHP in effluent and dewatered sludge should be concerned.

Abstract  Herein, we describe the detailed development of a simple and effective method to microencapsulate vaccine antigens in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by simple mixing of preformed active self-microencapsulating (SM) PLGA microspheres in a low concentration aqueous antigen solution at modest temperature (10-38 °C). Co-encapsulating protein-sorbing vaccine adjuvants and polymer plasticizers were used to "actively" load the protein in the polymer pores and facilitate polymer self-healing at a temperature>the hydrated polymer glass transition temperature, respectively. The microsphere formulation parameters and loading conditions to provide optimal active self-healing microencapsulation of vaccine antigens in PLGA was investigated. Active self-healing encapsulation of two antigens, ovalbumin and tetanus toxoid (TT), in PLGA microspheres was adjusted by preparing blank microspheres containing different vaccine adjuvants (aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) or calcium phosphate). Active loading of vaccine antigen in Al(OH)₃-PLGA microspheres was found to: a) increase with an increasing loading of Al(OH)₃ (0.88-3 wt.%) and addition of porosigen, b) decrease when the inner Al(OH)₃/trehalose phase to 1 mL outer oil phase and size of microspheres was respectively >0.2 mL and 63 μm, and c) change negligibly by PLGA concentration and initial incubation (loading) temperature. Encapsulation of protein sorbing Al(OH)₃ in PLGA microspheres resulted in suppression of self-healing of PLGA pores, which was then overcome by improving polymer chain mobility, which in turn was accomplished by coincorporating hydrophobic plasticizers in PLGA. Active self-healing microencapsulation of manufacturing process-labile TT in PLGA was found to: a) obviate micronization- and organic solvent-induced TT degradation, b) improve antigen loading (1.4-1.8 wt.% TT) and encapsulation efficiency (~97%), c) provide nearly homogeneous distribution and stabilization of antigen in polymer, and d) provide improved in vitro controlled release of antigenic TT.

Abstract  The presence of phthalate esters (PAEs) in the environment is not desirable and therefore, needs to be monitored. This study reports the first data on the concentration levels of PAEs in water and sediments of the Jukskei River catchment area, South Africa. The study was conducted during the summer and winter seasons of 2005. Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and Soxhlet extraction (SE) methods were optimized, evaluated and used to determine PAEs of interest in water (unfiltered and filtered) and sediments samples, respectively. Mean percentage recoveries in spiked doubly distilled water ranged from 100 ± 5.32 dimethyl phthalate (DMP) - 122 ± 0.46 di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and 91.6 ± 1.93 diethyl phthalate (DEP) - 117 ± 4.80 dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in sediments. The concentration levels of PAEs studied in unfiltered environmental water samples were in the range of 0.04(± 0.00) (DMP) - 9.76(± 00.1) ng mL(-1)(DEHP) for PAEs and from 0.09 (± 0.01) (DMP) - 4.38 (± 0.06) ng mL(-1)(DEHP) for filtered environmental water samples. Concentration levels obtained in sediments were from 0.05 (0.00) (DMP) - 4910 (0.36) ng/gdw (DEHP). PAEs adsorbed on the sample bottle gave concentration levels of up to 0.10 (± 0.03) ng mL(-1)for some samples and no analyte was detected (ND) in some cases Generally, concentrations obtained were below the water quality guideline values of United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Abstract  Ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (UA-DLLME-HPLC) was developed for the determination of four typical phthalate esters (PAEs). The analyzed PAEs included dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP). The UA-DLLME parameters such as types/volumes of extraction/dispersion solvents, ultrasonic time, ionic strength and extraction time, were investigated. Enrichment factor (EF)was employed to evaluate the extraction efficiency. The conditions were finally chosen: CCl4 (40 microL)/ acetonitrile (1.0 mL) as extraction/dispersion solvents; 30 g/L NaCl; ultrasound/centrifugation of 5 min. Under the optimized extraction conditions, UA-DLLME exhibited strong enrichment ability for the four PAEs. The EFs for DMP, DEP, DBP and DnOP obtained were 71, 144, 169 and 159, respectively. The limits of detection were 3.78, 1.77, 3.07 and 3.30 microg/L for DMP, DEP, DBP and DnOP, respectively. The satisfactory recoveries for three water samples at three spiked levels ranged from 82.99%-114.47%, with the relative standard deviations of 1.93%-8.31%. It is a convenient, speedy, environmentally benign method for the routine analysis of PAEs in water samples.

Abstract  Single drop microextraction (SDME) was used for the determination of phthalate esters and parabens in drugs by gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry (GC-IT/MS). The effects of the nature of extraction solvents, microdrop volume, the depth of microdrop in sample solution, extraction time and stirring rate on the extraction efficiency were investigated separately. The optimal SDME conditions, 1.5 microL of toluene, 0.8 cm of the depth of microdrop, 1 000 r/min of stirring rate and 20 mm of extraction time, were obtained and used for the analysis of methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP), iso-propylparaben (IPP), butylparaben (BP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in drugs. The results showed that the working curves for 8 phthalate esters and parabens were linear in the range of 0.032 - 80 mg/L by GC-MS on selective ion storage mode. The limits of detection (LOD) were between 0.6 microg/L and 1.28 mg/L, the overall recoveries were 95.85% - 148.85% with the relative standard deviations of 3.9% - 14.9%.

Abstract  Soils are commonly exposed to phthalic acid esters (PAEs) due to their wide usage in a large variety of fields. Several PAEs have been categorized as priority pollutants due to their environmental impact. Therefore, characterizing the sorption behavior of PAEs on soils is very important. Soil column chromatography was utilized to study sorption of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) on European and Chinese reference soils. The influence of different environmental conditions such as ionic strength, temperature and pH on the sorption process was investigated. Results show the organic carbon (OC) content in soil plays a main role in the sorption of DMP and DEP. Ionic strength and cation type influenced sorption of DMP and DEP on the two soils, however, in a different manner suggesting that OC in these two soils might be differently affected by the presence of ions. The sorption of DMP and DEP was also found to depend on the investigated pH range of mobile phase with significant relative changes of sorption coefficients in both soils. The influence of temperature on sorption to both soils was small and derived sorption enthalpies indicated that van der Waal's forces dominate the sorption of DMP and DEP, which leads us to propose that additional specific interactions such as hydrogen bonding only play a negligible role.

Abstract  Ozonation of aqueous solution of Procion red MX-5B, a commercial azo reactive dye was investigated. The effect of various experimental variables on decolorization and degradation of the dye has been studied. Color removal was faster than organic removal. Dye mineralization was evident by the generation of sulphate, chloride, nitrate, oxalic and acetic acid during ozonation. The decolorization and organic removal followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Among the metal ions studied, manganese catalyzed ozonation showed better decolorization and organic removal. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results indicated the disappearance of bands for aromatics and appearance of bands due to carboxylic acids in the ozonated samples. Acetyl benzoic acid, diethyl phthalate and phthalic anhydride were identified as intermediates by gas chromatography mass spectra (GC/MS). Based on these findings a tentative pathway for the degradation MX-5B was postulated.

Abstract  In the present study, we analyzed the oxidative stress related indices and immune related gene expression of zebrafish embryos after a short-term exposure to various concentrations of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP) and their mixture (DBP-DEP) from 4h post-fertilization (hpf) to 96hpf. Exposure to the chemicals was found to enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in a concentration-dependent manner. Simultaneously, adaptive responses to DBP/DEP-induced oxidative stress were observed. The activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were all increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The transcription of innate immune related genes including interferon γ (IFNγ), interleukin-1β (IL1β), Myxovirus resistance (Mx), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), CC-chemokine, CXCL-clc, lysozyme (Lyz) and complement factor C3B (C3) were up-regulated upon DBP, DEP and their mixture exposure, suggesting the induction of immune response. In addition, co-exposure to DBP-DEP also induced antioxidant defense and immune response in zebrafish embryo. The results demonstrat that DBP/DEP exposure could induce the antioxidant and immune responses in zebrafish embryos.

Abstract  PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Phthalates are multifunctional chemicals used in personal care products, medications, and plastics. We reviewed the epidemiological literature examining the relationship between early life phthalate exposure and pediatric health outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS: Five studies from Asia, Europe, and the United States suggest that childhood exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP) may increase the risk of allergic diseases including asthma and eczema. Six studies from four different prospective cohorts report that gestational BBzP, DEHP, di-butyl phthalate (DBP), and di-ethyl phthalate (DEP) exposures are associated with alterations in infant/toddler physical development as well as parent-reported externalizing, internalizing, and autistic-like child behavior. However, there are inconsistencies related to the specific phthalates and behavioral domains. Two small studies report shorter anogenital distance among male infants with higher gestational phthalate exposure.

SUMMARY: Several epidemiological studies suggest fetal and childhood exposure to some phthalates may perturb normal development, with several studies consistently reporting increased risk of allergic diseases with DEHP and BBzP exposure. Although anticipatory guidance is not evidence-based at this time, providers can counsel concerned patients to reduce phthalate exposures in order to protect the developing fetus and child from potential adverse health outcomes.

Abstract  Phthalate diesters, widely used in flexible plastics and consumer products, have become prevalent contaminants in the environment. Human exposure is ubiquitous and higher phthalate metabolite concentrations documented in patients using medications with phthalate-containing slow release capsules raises concerns for potential health effects. Furthermore, animal studies suggest that phthalate exposure can modulate circulating hormone concentrations and thus may be able to adversely affect reproductive physiology and the development of estrogen sensitive target tissues. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of the epidemiological and experimental animal literature examining the relationship between phthalate exposure and adverse female reproductive health outcomes. The epidemiological literature is sparse for most outcomes studied and plagued by small sample size, methodological weaknesses, and thus fails to support a conclusion of an adverse effect of phthalate exposure. Despite a paucity of experimental animal studies for several phthalates, we conclude that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that phthalates are reproductive toxicants. However, we note that the concentrations needed to induce adverse health effects are high compared to the concentrations measured in contemporary human biomonitoring studies. We propose that the current patchwork of studies, potential for additive effects and evidence of adverse effects of phthalate exposure in subsequent generations and at lower concentrations than in the parental generation support the need for further study.

Abstract  Diethyl phthalate (1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid diethyl ester, DEP) is one of a group of widely used plasticizers, which can lead to serious environmental problems. Because of manufacturing and application, DEP can be released into the atmosphere where it can undergo transport and chemical transformation. To assess the atmospheric behavior of pollutants, it is critical to know their atmospheric reactions. In this paper, the reaction mechanism and possible oxidation products for the OH-initiated atmospheric reaction of DEP were theoretically investigated by using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The geometries and frequencies of the reactants, intermediates, transition states, and products were calculated at the MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level, and the energetic parameters were further refined by the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p) method. The present study shows that H abstractions from the CH(3) and CH(2) groups, as well as OH addition to the benzene ring, are energetically favorable reaction pathways for the reaction of DEP with OH radicals. Detailed degradation products are provided.

Abstract  INTRODUCTION: Humans are widely exposed to estrogenically-active phthalates, parabens, and phenols, raising concerns about potential effects on breast tissue and breast cancer risk. We sought to determine the association of circulating serum levels of these chemicals (reflecting recent exposure) with mammographic breast density (a marker of breast cancer risk). METHODS: We recruited postmenopausal women aged 55-70 years from mammography clinics in Madison, Wisconsin (N=264). Subjects completed a questionnaire and provided a blood sample that was analyzed for mono-ethyl phthalate, mono-butyl phthalate, mono-benzyl phthalate, butyl paraben, propyl paraben, octylphenol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A (BPA). Percent breast density was measured from mammograms using a computer-assisted thresholding method. RESULTS: Serum BPA was positively associated with mammographic breast density after adjusting for age, body mass index, and other potentially confounding factors. Mean percent density was 12.6% (95% CI: 11.4, 14.0) among the 193 women with non-detectable BPA levels, 13.7% (95% CI: 10.7, 17.1) among the 35 women with detectable levels below the median (<0.55 ng/mL) and 17.6% (95% CI: 14.1, 21.5) among the 34 women with detectable levels above the median (>0.55 ng/mL; Ptrend=0.01). Percent breast density was also elevated (18.2%; 95% CI: 13.4, 23.7) among the 18 women with serum mono-ethyl phthalate above the median detected level (>3.77 ng/mL) compared to women with non-detectable BPA levels (13.1%; 95% CI: 11.9, 14.3; Ptrend=0.07). No other chemicals demonstrated associations with percent breast density. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal women with high serum levels of BPA and mono-ethyl phthalate had elevated breast density. Further investigation of the impact of BPA and mono-ethyl phthalate on breast cancer risk using repeated serum measurements or other markers of xenoestrogen exposure are needed.

Abstract  OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of phthalates exposure from drinking water on children's intelligence and secretion of thyroid hormone.

METHODS: Two villages in S County were selected randomly as polluted area and control area according to the distance from the Shaying river basin. Phthalates including DEP, DBP, DMP, DEHP were measured both in the river water and drinking water using HPLC method. Children aged 8 to 13 years old studying in the village primary school were recruited by cluster sampling (n = 154). The combined Reven Test was used to test children intelligence and ELISA method was used to determined thyroid hormone levels.

RESULTS: The concentrations of phthalates (DEP, DBP) were exceeding standards of surface water quality in any of the three sections of the river. Compared to the control area, the concentration of DEP and DBP in drinking water were significant higher in the polluted area than that in control area (P < 0.05). Children from polluted area had significant higher FT4 concentration compared to children from control area (P < 0.05). Intelligence level in children from polluted area was lower than that from control area (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The drinking water has been polluted by Shaying river and thyroid hormones levels of children were affected in the polluted areas. It is necessary to verify if this change is related to the phthalates.

Abstract  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the use of medications potentially containing phthalates and urinary concentrations of specific phthalate metabolites around conception.

METHODS: Women enrolled in the Environment and Reproductive Health project from 2006 to 2009 completed questionnaires about the use of medications and provided multiple urine samples before and after conception. We compared the mean urinary concentration of phthalate metabolites between users of phthalate containing medications and a matched unexposed control group.

RESULTS: One woman used Asacol(®) (mesalamine), which utilizes dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a delayed release coating material, and had a mean urinary concentration of the main DBP metabolite 200 times higher than the controls (8176μg/L vs. 37.5μg/L). The three users of stool softeners had a higher concentration of the main diethyl phthalate (DEP) metabolite (8636μg/L vs. 714.2μg/L). Neither the three additional Prilosec(®) (omeprazole) users nor one cyclobenzaprine user had higher urinary concentration than controls.

CONCLUSION: Selected medications may be important sources of DBP and DEP exposures around conception.

Abstract  Phthalate esters (PAEs) are ubiquitous in the indoor environment, owing to their use in consumer products. People spend a considerable amount of time indoors. As a result, human exposure to indoor contaminants is of great concern. People are exposed to phthalates through inhalation and dermal absorption of indoor air. In this study, the concentrations, characteristics and carcinogenic risks of gasphase and particle-phase phthalates in indoor air from bedroom, living room and study room of 10 newly decorated apartments in Hangzhou, China were first investigated. The mean concentration of phthalates (gas-phase and particle-phase) present in household air was 12 096.4 ng m(-3), of which diethyl phthalate (DEP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the most abundant compounds with concentrations of 2290 ng m(-3), 3975 ng m(-3) and 2437 ng m(-3), respectively, totally accounting for 72.0% of Sigma(6)PAEs. Contamination levels of phthalates varied in different compartments. The concentration of phthalates was the highest 17363.7 ng m(-3) in living room, followed with 11 389.5 ng m(-3) in study room, and the lowest 9739.1 ng m(-3) in bedroom. It was also found that phthalates mainly accumulated in gaseous form in household air. DEHP posed the greatest health risk to children aged 1-2. Carcinogenic risk of DEHP was evaluated to be 3.912 x 10(-5), and was 39 times higher than the limit set by the U.S. EPA.

Abstract  Rat pancreatic islets were encapsulated in a water insoluble polyacrylate (Eudragit RL), a model polymer, by coaxial extrusion and interfacial precipitation. Despite exposure to organic solvents and nonsolvents (diethyl phthalate, corn oil, and mineral oil) and to shear, the islets survived encapsulation. They continued to secrete insulin into the tissue culture medium and responded to glucose in both static glucose challenges and perifusion assays as well and as long as control islets which were not encapsulated, but were maintained in tissue culture alongside the encapsulated islets. Unfortunately, there was a great deal of variability in the performance of all islets studied, making unequivocal conclusions difficult. Some encapsulated islets survived more than 140 days in vitro and histologically appeared healthy. However, there appeared to be a general deterioration in insulin secretion capacity following prolonged culture in all islets, with corresponding changes (e.g., central necrosis) visible by microscopy. Although Eudragit RL is not practical as an encapsulation polymer, this study was useful in demonstrating that islets may be encapsulated in materials other than alginate-polylysine, and ultimately in materials that may have a more optimum blend of the desired properties: biocompatibility, permselectivity, and mechanical durability.

Abstract  This article begins by recalling the notions of biocompatibility and bio-material, in order to define the general context of the research on the intrinsic chemical inertia of resins used for removable prostheses. The materials (10 resins), equipment and operating conditions set up to obtain the extraction liquids which are analysed according to three procedures are then treated: molecular absorption spectrophotometry under ultra-violet rays, gas phase chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry. Gas phase chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry showed that only one resin released diethyl phthalate after an immersion duration of 8 weeks. Various propositions are discussed in order to try to explain these various behaviours. In conclusion, it appears at the end of this investigation that the resins tested (except for one) show good intrinsic chemical stability when they are used according to precise and rigorous procedures.

Abstract  A migration prediction model of residual contaminants from food packaging paper was established on the basis of one-dimensioned Fick's diffusion theory, and analytical solutions were obtained by inducing paper porosity and the adsorption quantity of pollutants. In addition, the migration of the six contaminants, namely styrene, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate and bisphenol A in three kinds of food packaging paper(Kraft, white cardboard and imitation parchment) into different food stimulants was studied. In this study, the diffusion coefficient and the partition coefficient of these six contaminants in those papers were measured by experiments, and the experimental migration data and calculated values based on the model were analyzed. The results show that paper porosity affects the migration of contaminants so significantly that it is necessary to set it as a parameter in the analysis model. The experiment results agreed with the theoretical prediction values when the temperature was set approximately at 25 degrees C. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.