Intensified reactive extraction of 4-hydroxypyridine with di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid in 1-octanol by using tributyl phosphate

The efficient separation of amphoteric organic compounds from dilute solutions is of great importance in the industrial field. In the present work, the reactive extractions of 4-hydroxypyridine(4-HP) with tributyl phosphate(TBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid(D2EHPA) and TBP + D2EHPA dissolved in 1-octanol were investigated, respectively. The influences of the initial concentrations of TBP, D2EHPA and TBP + D2EHPA on distribution ratio(D) were discussed, as well as the reactive extraction mechanism were proposed. The obvious intensification effect was observed when the mixture of TBP and D2EHPA was used as extractant. The best extraction conditions were found to be of the molar ratio of D2EHPA and TBP at 2:1 and the equilibrium aqueous pH at 3.50-4.50. D values increased with the increase of the total concentration of TBP and D2EHPA in 1-octanol. Especially, the analysis on the extraction mechanisms clearly indicate(i) TBP in 1-octanol shows negligible reactive extraction toward 4-HP,(ii) D2EHPA in 1-octanol exhibits moderate extraction effect by forming 4-HP:D2EHPA(1:1) and 4-HP:2D2EHPA(1:2) type complexes, while(iii) D2EHPA in TBP/1-octanol demonstrates the maximum distribution ratio with the 4-HP:D2EHPA(1:1) type complex domination. The discussion provides new insights on the mechanism and opens a new way for the intensified extraction of amphoteric organic compounds by using the mixture of multiple extractants in the diluent.

Green tea polyphenols alleviate di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate-induced liver injury in mice

BACKGROUND Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP)is a common plasticizer known to cause liver injury.Green tea is reported to exert therapeutic effects on heavy metal exposureinduced organ damage.However,limited studies have examined the therapeutic effects of green tea polyphenols(GTPs)on DEHP-induced liver damage.AIM To evaluate the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of GTPs on DEHP-induced liver damage.METHODS C57BL/6J mice were divided into the following five groups:Control,model[DEHP(1500 mg/kg bodyweight)],treatment[DEHP(1500 mg/kg bodyweight)+GTP(70 mg/kg bodyweight),oil,and GTP(70 mg/kg bodyweight)]groups.After 8 wk,the liver function,blood lipid profile,and liver histopathology were examined.Differentially expressed micro RNAs(miRNAs)and mRNAs in the liver tissues were examined using high-throughput sequencing.Additionally,functional enrichment analysis and immune infiltration prediction were performed.The miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis was elucidated using the starBase database.Protein expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry.RESULTS GTPs alleviated DHEP-induced liver dysfunction,blood lipid dysregulation,fatty liver disease,liver fibrosis,and mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum lesions in mice.The infiltration of macrophages,mast cells,and natural killer cells varied between the model and treatment groups.mmu-miR-141-3p(a differentially expressed miRNA),Zcchc24(a differentially expressed mRNA),and Zcchc24(a differentially expressed protein)constituted the miRNA-mRNA-protein regulatory axis involved in mediating the therapeutic effects of GTPs on DEHP-induced liver damage in mice.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that GTPs mitigate DEHP-induced liver dysfunction,blood lipid dysregulation,fatty liver disease,and partial liver fibrosis,and regulate immune cell infiltration.Additionally,an important miRNAmRNA-protein molecular regulatory axis involved in mediating the therapeutic effects of GTPs on DEHP-induced liver damage was elucidated.

Glycerin Monostearate Aggravates Male Reproductive Toxicity Caused by Di(2-ethylhexyl)Phthalate in Rats

Human beings are increasingly exposed to phthalates,which are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break,and simultaneously ingesting abundant food emulsifiers via daily diet.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the food emulsifier glycerin monostearate(GMS)on male reproductive toxicity caused by di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP,one of the phthalates)and explore the underlying mechanism.Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group,DEHP group and DEHP+GMS group.Rats in the DEHP group and DEHP+GMS group were orally administered with 200 mg/kg/d DEHP with or without 20 mg/kg/d GMS.After 30 days of continuous intervention,it was found that the serum testosterone level was significantly lowered in DEHP group and DEHP+GMS group than that in control group(P<0.01).The serum testosterone level and the relative testis weight were significantly decreased in the DEHP+GMS group as compared with those in the DEHP group and control group(P<0.05).More spermatids were observed to be shed off in DEHP+GMS group than in DEHP group.The expression levels of cell cycle checkpoint kinase 1(Chkl),cell division cycle gene 2(Cdc2),and cyclin-dependent kinase 2(CDK2)were down-regulated in DEHP group,and this tendency was more significant in DEHP+GMS group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).There was no significant difference in the P-glycoprotein(P-gp)expression between DEHP group and control group.However,P-gp was markedly down-regulated in DEHP+GMS group(P<O.Ol).The results indicated that the food emulsifier GMS aggravated the toxicity of DEHP on male reproduction by inhibiting the cell cycle of testicular cells and the expression of P-gp in testis tissues.

Structure Reactivity Studies on the Extraction of Rare Earths by Di(2-ethylhexyl)chloroalkyl Phosphonates

The extractive separation properties and the extractive regularity of the lanthanide elements by five di(2-ethylhexyl)alkyl phosphonates with various alkyl structure:di(2-ethylhexyl)chloromethyl phosphonate CH_2ClP(O) (OC_8H_(17)-i)_2(1),di(2-ethylhexyl)β-chloroethyl phosphonate ClCH_2CH_2P(O) (OC_8H_(17)-i)_2 (2),di(2-ethylhexyl)α-chloroethyl phosphonate CH_3CHClP(O)(OC_8H_(17)-i)_2 (3),and corresponding di(2-ethylhexyl)methyl phosphonate CH_3P(O)(OC_8H_(17)-i)_2 (4),di(2-ethylhexyl)ethyl phosphonate C_2H_5P(O) (OC_8H_(17)-i)_2 (5),in nitrate system have been studied.The coordination compounds were prepared. The structure of these extractants and their coordination compounds were further explored by IR and ^(31)P NMR spectra.

Impairment of Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Cellular Immunity in Kunming Mice

Immunity is crucial to the health of animals and it can determine their survival and fitness. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as a plasticizer and hence is the most abundant phthalate in the environment. Exposure to DEHP is of great concern for human health. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to DEHP would suppress T cell-mediated immunity in mice. Twenty adult male Kunming mice were randomly assigned into the control (n = 10) and the DEHP treatment (n = 10) groups. Both groups have free access to food and water, while the mice in the latter group drank DEHP solution (2000 mg/L) for 42 days. T cell-mediated immunity assessed by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response was depressed in the DEHP treated mice compared with the controls, however, wet thymus and spleen mass, white blood cells were not influenced by DEHP treatment. Taken together, different immunological parameters responded differently to DEHP treatment in Kunming mice.

Reducing children’s exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in homes and kindergartens in China:Impact on lifetime cancer risks and burden of disease

Exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP)in the indoor environment has been linked with significant health risks for Chinese children.Multi-phase DEHP concentrations in Chinese residences and kindergartens were estimated using a mass balance model based on the current baseline condition and control strategies(i.e.,increasing ventilation rate,reducing area of sources,using mechanical ventilation systems,and using portable air cleaners).The health benefits of each control strategy were quantified as the reduction in lifetime cancer risks(LCR)and burden of disease(BoD).In the current situation,the mean LCR and disability-adjusted life years(DALY)number attributable to indoor DEHP exposure for Chinese children were around 6.0×10^(−6) and 155 thousand,respectively.The mean LCR and DALY might be reduced by 25%-54%and 16%-40%,respectively,by increasing air exchange rates by 100%,reducing the use of source materials by two-thirds or deploying commercial air cleaners in naturally ventilated buildings.Meanwhile,avoidable DALYs could result in a reduction of mean economic losses of 2.2-5.3 billion RMB.Mechanical ventilation systems with filtration units may not be helpful for reducing children’s health risks.House-specific and tailor-made control measures are critical in lowering indoor exposure to DEHP to promote sustainable buildings and children’s health in China.

Maslinic acid supplementation prevents di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate-induced apoptosis via PRDX6 in peritubular myoid cells of Chinese forest musk deer

Chinese forest musk deer(FMD),an endangered species,have exhibited low reproductive rates even in captivity due to stress conditions.Investigation revealed the presence of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP),an environmental endocrine disruptor,in the serum and skin of captive FMDs.Feeding FMDs with maslinic acid(MA)has been observed to alleviate the stress response and improve reproductive rates,although the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear.Therefore,this study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the alleviation of DEHP-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in primary peritubular myoid cells(PMCs)through MA intake.Primary PMCs were isolated and exposed to DEHP in vitro.The results demonstrated that DEHP significantly suppressed antioxidant levels and promoted cell apoptosis in primary PMCs.Moreover,interfering with the expression of PRDX6 was found to induce excessive reactive oxygen species(ROS)production and cell apoptosis in primary PMCs.Supplementation with MA significantly upregulated the expression of PRDX6,thereby attenuating DEHP-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in primary PMCs.These findings provide a theoretical foundation for mitigating stress levels and enhancing reproductive capacity of in captive FMDs.

Association of Di(2-ethylhexyl)Phthalate Exposure with Reproductive Hormones in the General Population and the Susceptible Population:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP),an environ-mental endocrine disruptor,has hormone-like activity and endocrine-disrupting effects.However,the types of reproductive hormones associated with DEHP vary across the studies.Thus,we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to pool existing epidemiological evidence.We searched three databases up to January 31,2024,for eligible original studies to ultimately include 37 studies from eight countries with a total of 28911 participants.DEHP exposure was evaluated with urinary metabolites.Since the main types,production sites,blood concentrations,and functions of reproductive hormones differ between men and women,we reported the combined effect values by gender.Subgroup analyses were conducted by age,subfertility status,and the national sociodemographic index(SDI)level.Furthermore,the effect of maternal exposure during pregnancy on children’s reproductive hormone levels was analyzed separately.Overall,in general,in men,DEHP was positively correlated with sex hormone binding-globulin(SHBG)and adversely correlated with total testosterone(TT),free androgen index(FAI),and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH).Results indicated that among men of reproductive age,DEHP exposure was associated with more significant hormonal suppression in infertile men compared with fertile men.Notably,age subgroup analysis among women revealed that postmenopausal women were more vulnerable to DEHP,which was related to lower TT and estradiol(E2).However,this study did not observe a significant association between prenatal DEHP metabolites and reproductive hormone levels in children.Our research identifies the most susceptible hormones(androgen suppression)after DEHP exposure and suggests that infertile men and postmenopausal women are in great need of more attention as sensitive populations.

An Estimation of the Daily Intake of Di(2-ethlhexyl) Phthalate(DEHP) among Workers in Flavoring Factories

Objective To estimate the daily intake of DEHP among workers in flavoring factories. Methods 71 workers in two flavoring manufacturers, 27 administrators in those factories and 31 laboratory technicians in a research institute were recruited and assigned to exposure group, control group 1 and control group 2 respectively. Their urinary DEHP metabolites, mono（2-ethylhexyl） phthalate （MEHP）, mono-（2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl） phthalate （MEHHP）, mono-（2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl） phthalate （MEOHP）, were detected by isotope dilution-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry（UPLC-MS/MS）. The urinary metabolites concentrations were converted into DEHP intake levels using two pharmacokinetic models： the urine creatinine-excretion （UCE） one and the urine volume （UV） one. Results No significant differences were found among the three groups. Based on the urinary concentrations of Z3MEHP, we got a median daily DEHP intake of 3.22 or 1.85 μg/kg body-weight/day applying the UV or UCE models respectively. Depending on the UV model, three subjects （2.34%） exceeded the RfD value given by US EPA and the P50 of estimate daily DEHP intakes accounted for 16.10% of the RfD value. No subjects exceeded the limitation depending on the UCE model. Conclusion The workers in flavoring factories were not supposed to be the high DEHP exposure ones and their exposure level remained at a low risk.

Tb(III) Transport in Dispersion Supported Liquid Membrane System with D2EHPA as Carrier in Kerosene

The transport of Tb（III） in dispersion supported liquid membrane（DSLM） with polyvinylidene fluoride membrane（PVDF） as the support and dispersion solution including HCl solution as the stripping solution and di（2-ethylhexyl） phosphoric acid（D2EHPA） dissolved in kerosene as the membrane solution, has been studied. The effects of pH value, initial concentration of Tb（III） and different ionic strength in the feed phase, volume ratio of membrane solution to stripping solution, concentration of HCl solution, concentration of carrier, different stripping agents in the dispersion phase on the transport of Tb（III） have also been investigated, respectively. As a result, the optimum transport conditions of Tb（III） were obtained, i.e., the concentration of HCl solution was 4.0 mol/L, the concentration of D2EHPA was 0.16 mol/L, the volume ratio of membrane solution to stripping solution was 30：30 in the dispersion phase and pH value was 4.5 in the feed phase. Ionic strength had no obvious effect on the transport of Tb（III）. Under the optimum conditions, the transport percentage of Tb（III） was up to 96.1% in a transport time of 35 min when the initial concentration of Tb（IIl） was 1.0× 10 -4 mol/L. The diffusion coefficient of Tb（III） in the membrane and the thickness of diffusion layer between feed phase and membrane phase were obtained and the values were 1.82×10 -8 m2/s and 5.61 um, respectively. The calculated results were in good agreement with the literature data.

Aquatic toxicity of di (2-eihylhexyl) phthalate to duckweeds

This study is concerned with the effects of di （2-ethylhexyl） phthalate （DEHP） on two kinds of duckweeds （Spirodela polyrhiza and Lemna minor）.The results indicate that DEHP has aquatic toxicity to Spirodela polyrhiza at 0.4 mg/L and to Lemna minor at over 0.1 mg/L by changing their physiologic-biochemical characteristics.The contents of duckweed chlorophyll and soluble protein decrease with increasing DEHP concentration after 7 d of exposure.DEHP shows the stimulating role in catalase （CAT） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） systems at relative low levels.At 0.01 mg/L and 0.005 mg/L,SOD activities of Spirodela polyrhiza and Lemna minor reach their peak values respectively,while CAT activity reaches its maximum value at 0.05 mg/L and 0.01 mg/L.When DEHP levels are too high,the protection enzyme system would be destroyed and plant growth is inhibited.The analysis of malondialdehyde （MDA） and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy manifest that DEHP could affect the tested duckweeds by destroying its cell membranes,and Spirodela polyrhiza is more resistant to DEHP exposure than Lemna minor.

Selective removal of iron(Ⅲ) from highly salted chloride acidic solutions by solvent extraction using di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate

Metal ions including Fe^(3+),Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+),Ni^(2+),Co^(2+) and Cu^(2+) are commonly found in the leaching solution of laterite-nickel ores,and the pre-removal of Fe^(3+) is extremely important for the recovery of nickel and cobalt.Di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate acid(D2EHPA)showed high extraction rate and selectivity of Fe^(3+) over other metal ions.The acidity of the aqueous solution is crucial to the extraction of Fe^(3+),and the stoichiometry ratio between Fe^(3+) and the extractant is 0.86:1.54.The enthalpy for the extraction of Fe^(3+) using D2EHPA was 19.50 kJ/mol.The extraction of Fe^(3+)was ≥99% under the optimized conditions after a three-stage solvent extraction process.The iron stripping effects of different reagents showed an order of H_(2)C_(2)O_(4)>NH_(4)HCO_(3)>HCl>NaCl>NaHCO_(3)>Na_(2)SO_(3).The stripping of Fe was ≥99% under the optimized conditions using H_(2)C_(2)O_(4) as a stripping reagent.

Combination of on-line preconcentration by di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid resin in the presence of complexing agent with microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry for the determination of rare earths

The adsorption of rare earths,lanthanum,cerium,neodymium,and yttri um by di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid(D2EHPA) resin in the presence of a compl exing agent,EDTA,was investigated. Flow injection was selected as the injectin g method. Various parameters,sample pH,sample loading time,sample flow rate,EDTA concentration,EDTA flow rate,eluent concentration,and eluent flow rate,were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions,the method allowed the determination of rare earths with detection limits of 1.09 μg/L(lanthanum),3 .31 μg/L(cerium),2.05 μg/L(neodymium),and 1.25 μg/L(yttrium) . High repea tabilities were obtained for all the four rare earths(RSD【5%) . The proposed met hod was applied to the determination of the rare earths in water samples with a recovery range of 95.8%-103.3%.

Separation of Eu(Ⅲ) with supported dispersion liquid membrane system containing D2EHPA as carrier and HNO_3 solution as stripping solution

The Eu（III） separation in supported dispersion liquid membrane （SDLM）, with polyvinylidene fluoride membrane （PVDF） as the support and dispersion solution containing HNO3 solution as the stripping solution and Di（2-ethylhexyl） phosphoric acid （D2EHPA） dis- solved in kerosene as the membrane solution, was studied. The effects ofpH value, initial concentration of Eu（III） and different ionic strengths in the feed phase, volume ratio of membrane solution and stripping solution, concentration of HNO3 solution, concentration of carrier, different stripping agents in the dispersion phase on the separation of Eu（III） were also investigated, respectively. As a result, the optimum separation conditions of Eu（III） were obtained as the concentration of HNO3 solution was 4.00 mol/L, concentration of D2EHPA was 0.160 mol/L, and volume ratio of membrane solution to stripping solution was 30：30 in the dispersion phase, and pH value was 5.00 in the feed phase. Ionic strength had no obvious effect on the separation of Eu（III）. Under the optimum conditions studied, when initial concentration of Eu（III） was 1.00× 10^-4 mol/L, the separation rate of Eu（III） was up to 94.2% during the separation period of 35 min. The kinetic equation was developed in terms of the law of mass diffusion and the theory of interface chemistry. The results were in good agreement with the literature data.

Separation of Trivalent Samarium through Facilitated Stripping Dispersion Hollow Fiber Liquid Membrane Using p204 as Mobile Carrier

The separation of Sm（III） through stripping dispersion hollow fiber liquid membrane system （SDHFLM） containing feed phase adding acetate buffer solution and dispersion solution with HC1 solution as the stripping solution and membrane solution of di（2-ethylhexyl） phosphoric acid （p204） dissolved in kerosene, has been studied. A set of factors were studied, including pH value, initial concentration of Sm（III） and different ionic strength of feed phase, volume ratio of membrane solution and stripping solution （O/W）, HC1 concentration, carrier concentration, different stripping agents of dispersion phase on Sm（III） separation. Experimental results indicate that the optimum separa- tion conditions of Sm（III） were obtained as that HC1 concentration was 4.00 tool/L, p204 concentration was 0.150 mol/L, and volume ratio of membrane solution and stripping solution （O/W） was 1.00 in the dispersion phase, and pH value was 4.60 in the feed phase. Ionic strength had no obvious effect on separation of Sm（III）. When initial Sm（III） concentration was 1.00 × 10^-4 mol/L, the separation rate of Sm（III） was up to 93.5% in 85 min. The kinetic equation was developed in terms of the law of mass diffusion and the theory of interface chemistry. The modeled results were in good agreement with the experiment data.

Solvent Extraction of Alkaline Earth Metals with Alkylphosphorus Acids

Solvent extraction equilibria of four main alkaline earth metals(magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium) with di (2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (DEHPA), 2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acidmono-(2-ethylhexyl) esters, di (2, 4, 4-tri-methylpentyl) phosphinicacid and IR spectra of the extracts have been studied. Theselectivity order is dependent on the e/r value and hydration energyof the metal ions. The minor shift of the P→O in IR absorption ofthe alkaline earth metal extracts indicates that the interactionbetween the metal ions and P→O is much weaker for alkaline earthmetals than for transitional metals.

A comparative investigation into floatability of bastnaesite with three di/trialkyl phosphate surfactants

Flotation separation and recovery of rare earth minerals(REM) have returned to an important position due to the growing strategy demand for rare earth elements(REE).In this paper,a comparative investigation into the floatability of bastnaesite((Ce,La)FCO3) was conducted by using three di/trialkyl phosphate collectors,di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate(DEHPA),dibutyl phosphate(DBP) and tributyl phosphate(TBP).The density functional theory(DFT) computation recommends that the chemical activity of the three phosphate collectors is in order of DEHPA≥ DBP >> TBP,and their hydrophobization assuggested by the IgP(oil-water partition coefficient) value is in the order of DEHPA> TBP> DBP.The micro-flotation indicates that the preferable pH values for flotation of bastnaesite with the three phosphate collectors are 7.0-8.0,and DEHPA achieves much higher flotation recovery of bastnaesite,followed by DBP,and then TBP,which coincides with their reactivity and hydrophobicity,the two prerequisites for froth flotation.The contact angle,zeta potential,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) deduce that DEHPA likely reacts with the Ce(Ⅲ)atoms of bastnaesite interface through its O atom(s) of the P(=O)-O-group to generate the Ce-O-P bonds,and its two 2-ethylhexyl groups orient outside for attaching bubbles,resulting in flotation enrichment of bastnaesite.Furthermore,this investigation offers a novel strategy for developing collectors in selective beneficiation of REM.

Study on a novel flat renewal supported liquid membrane with D2EHPA and hydrogen nitrate for neodymium extraction

The Nd（III） extraction in flat renewal supported liquid membrane（FRSLM）,with polyvinylidene fluoride membrane and renewal solution including HNO3 solution as the stripping solution and di（2-ethylhexyl） phosphoric acid（D2EHPA） dissolved in kerosene as the membrane solution,was investigated.The effects of pH in the feed phase,volume ratio of membrane solution to stripping solution,concentra-tion of HNO3 solution and concentration of carrier in the renewal phase on extraction of Nd（III） were also studied,respectively.As a result,the optimum extraction conditions of Nd（III） were obtained when concentration of HNO3 solution was 4.00 mol/L,concentration of D2EHPA was 0.100 mol/L,and volume ratio of membrane solution to stripping solution was 1.00 in the renewal phase,and pH was 4.60 in the feed phase.When initial concentration of Nd（III） was 2.00×10-4 mol/L,the extraction percentage of Nd（III） was up to 92.9% in 75 min.

Food emulsifier glycerin monostearate aggravates phthalates'testicular toxicity by disrupting tight junctions'barrier function in rats

Objectives:This study aimed to investigate the effect of the widely used food emulsifier glycerin monostearate(GM)on testicular toxicity caused by the mixture of three commonly used phthalate esters(MPEs)in rats,and further to explore the underlying mechanism.Materials and Methods:Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups.Rats were orally treated with 160 mg/kg/d MPEs in the MPEs group;coinstantaneously treated with 160 mg/kg/d MPEs and 200 mg/kg/d GM in the MPEs+GM group;and treated with the excipient in the control group.The intervention lasted for 5 weeks.Testis weight,epididymis weight,testicular histopathology,and serum testosterone were detected for testicular toxicity evaluation.The testicular ultrastructure,the tight junction proteins zonula occluden(ZO)-1,and claudin were measured for the mechanism exploration.Results:The body weight,epididymis,serum testosterone level,and anogenital distance in the MPEs+GM group were significantly decreased compared with control group(P<0.05);Testicular histopathological observation showed that shed spermatids were observed in the MPEs+GM group.Ultrastructural observation of testicular cells showed that the cristae number was decreased in some mitochondria in the MPEs group,whereas the cristae were fused and disappeared in most mitochondria in the MPEs+GM group.The tight junctions were broken in the MPEs+GM group;meanwhile,the expression of ZO-1 and claudin were altered in the MPEs+GM group(P<0.01).Conclusions:The results from this study indicated that GM aggravated MPEs'testicular toxicity,which might relate to the injured mitochondria and damaged tight junctions in testicular tissue.

A preliminary study of polymer inclusion membrane for lutetium(Ⅲ)separation and membrane regeneration

This paper reports on the selective transport of Lu(Ⅲ)from La(III)and Sm(III)through a polymer inclusion membrane(PIM)composed of 40 wt%di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphinic acid(P227)and 60 wt%poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF).Basically,the changes in surface morphology,thickness and water contact angle of this PVDF-based PIM containing P227(P227@PVDF PIM)with different polymer concentrations were investigated.By solvent extraction experiments,it is found that Lu(Ⅲ)can be selectively extracted from La(Ⅲ)and Sm(Ⅲ)at pH 1.5 in hydrochloric acid solution.According to this result,P227@PVDF PIM was used to selectively transport Lu(Ⅲ)from hydrochloric acid feed solution containing similar concentration of La(Ⅲ)and Sm(Ⅲ).The recovery factor of Lu(III)is 91% after 36 h,and about 5%of Sm(Ⅲ)was also transported through the PIM.The concentration of La(III)in the feed solution and the stripping solution does not change.Furthermore,to overcome the ubiquitous decline of transport efficiency caused by the loss of carrier or the damage of membrane structure after long-term use of PIMs,a process for regenerating PIMs was first proposed and implemented.By comparison of the regenerated PIM with the normal PIM,there is almost no difference in the SEM image,ATR-FTIR spectrum and Lu(III)transport efficiency.It is expected that P227@PVDF PIMs have the potential to be applied to the grouped separation of rare earth elements(REEs),and this study also can be as an inspiration for the further study on the PIMs regeneration process.