Indoor air quality (IAQ) is influenced by a wide range of chemical, biological and physical agents that can negatively impact physical, immunological and mental health. Adverse health effects depend on the type and concentration of pollutants, duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility. The availability of data on IAQ is limited, as are standardized approaches for evaluating its health impact. This expert review aims to describe the most important indoor air determinants affecting health, and present the IDEAL cluster, which comprises seven EU-funded scientific projects on the topic of IAQ and human health. Across the IDEAL projects, knowledge is generated on exposure to a wide range of indoor air pollutants, including well-known hazards and more explorative chemical and microbiological determinants. The projects will also contribute to the implementation of low-cost and/or real-time sensors on IAQ, as well as advanced chemical and microbiological analyses, and evaluate various interventions to improve IAQ. Several of them focus on particularly vulnerable groups. Raising public awareness and implementing measures to reduce pollutant levels are essential for safeguarding health, particularly in urban areas with elevated pollution levels.

Radiation-induced degradation of butyl rubber: Impact on protection against chemical warfare agents

Proteomic profiling and bioinformatics insights into lung tissue damage following whole-body exposure to sulfur mustard vapor.

Chemical forensic profiling of compounds related to the chemical weapons convention using 2D and 3D diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy.

Genome-wide identification of heat shock protein gene family and their response to chronic heat stress in skeletal muscle of black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii).

A universal aggregation-induced emission probe for dialkylaminoethylthiols to determine V-type nerve agents.

Decontamination of 60Co, 137Cs and 241Am from sensitive equipment-related materials using commercially available products.

Chemical gelatinization of pea and chickpea starch granules in dimethyl sulfoxide: Structural and physicochemical analysis.

Effects of chemical & biological warfare agent decontaminants on trace survival: Impact on digital media.

Cost-effective micro/mesoporous biochar derived from soda residue-assisted hydrocarbonization and activation of crop waste for sulfamethoxazole removal from water environments.

Fluorine-guided synthesis of copper nickel compounds with 2-methylimidazole and temperature control for battery supercapacitor hybrids.

Compatibility of chemical and biological plant protection agents is an important factor in the effectiveness of biologicals. The study was conducted to investigate the compatibility of the microbial strains Pseudomonas aureofaciens BS 1393, Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS 365, Trichoderma asperellum T302 and Pseudomonas putida PCL 1760 with chemical pesticides mandipropamid and difenoconazole, as well as to evaluate their combined effect on the pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici ZUM2407. The work was carried out at the laboratory in 2025. Experiments were conducted using two-section Petri dishes to assess the biological activity of volatile compounds. Microbial strains were cultivated in the first section, while a nutrient medium containing pathogen conidia or tomato seeds was placed in the second section to evaluate the growth- stimulating effect. Pesticide concentrations were used at reduced doses (2 times lower than those recommended by the manufacturer). Even at low pesticide concentrations, a synergistic effect was achieved in combination with antagonist microorganisms, ensuring effective pathogen suppression. Volatile compounds of the studied strains reduced germination of conidia of phytopathogenic fungus from 70.1% in the control to 10.8–14.2% in the experimental variants. Optimal combinations were identified: mandipropamid (2 ml/5 l) + P. putida PCL 1760 for stimulating vegetative growth, increasing stem length by 69%; and difenoconazole (2.5 ml/5 l) + P. aureofaciens BS 1393 for root development, increasing root length by 108.9%. P. aureofaciens BS 1393 demonstrated the highest resistance to the chemical components in the experiment. The obtained results are important for the development of environmentally friendly plant protection strategies.

Entomopathogenic viruses offer an eco-friendly biological approach for pest control, but their relatively slow action often limits practical applications. Synergistic interactions between insect viruses and chemical pesticides can amplify their control efficacy, reduce insecticide use, and thus alleviate associated risks. Here, we evaluated the combined effects of the gomphocerinae permutotetra-like virus (GPV) and the neurotoxic insecticide imidacloprid against nymphs of Locusta migratoria. In toxicity tests, neither GPV nor imidacloprid alone caused mortality from acute toxicity after 12 h (<30%), but co-application led to marked acute synergistic toxicity, significantly increasing mortality to 87% within 12 h and 93% by 96 h. Importantly, histopathological examination revealed that the synergistic treatment caused severe midgut damage, such as disrupted or absent microvilli, extensive cellular debris in the gut lumen, cell detachment from the basal lamina, and apical displacement of nuclei. Furthermore, RNA-seq and biochemical analyses showed that the cotreatment aberrantly regulated key genes involved in peritrophic membrane integrity, substantially elevated immune responses, and disrupted energy homeostasis, which collectively led to death. These critical insights on the mechanisms underpinning the synergistic action of viral and traditional chemical agents underscore the potential of such integrated strategies to rapidly, effectively, and safely control pests.

Wars of conquest are still a topic today and alongside come multiple types of weapons including chemical warfare agents (CWAs). Conventional CWA detectors are bulky and expensive to be carried by soldiers or civilians, and the different types of CWAs do not help with the gas detection. CWAs have four different classes: choking agents, blister agents, blood agents, and nerve agents. With all these subclasses behaving differently, it is important to test these subclasses individually first and then combine the specific subclass detectors as a final device. In which, this research focuses on the nerve agents subclass which induces seizures, respiratory failures, or death depending on the exposure. Therefore, there is a great need to develop a highly accurate sensor system which can provide early warning. In this work, hundreds of different sensing materials were tested towards sarin's simulants (DMMP and TEP) using a custom designed high throughput gas sensor system. Then one sensor was selected to detect DMMP up to 10 ppb at 450°C and 100 ppb at room temperature with light excitation. With these two extremes, the mechanism of the SnO2 nanotubes at different operating temperatures is explored.

As a base compound for several important organic products and chemical warfare agents, it is critical to develop a hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas sensor with low detection limit to mitigate hazardous gas exposure. Pristine and functionalized tin oxide (SnO2) nanotubes with various noble metals (i.e., gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and silver (Ag)) were synthesized using electrospinning followed by calcination to test toward HCN at various operating temperatures. The oxygen concentration dependent power law exponent, n, and energy barrier, Eb, of synthesized nanotubes were systematically characterized prior to HCN exposure studies determined predominated adsorbed ionized oxygen species. It was concluded that noble metal functionalization significantly alters the adsorbed ionic oxygen species and adsorption rate compared to pristine SnO2 nanotubes, which resulted in an enhanced HCN sensing performance. At 450oC, 5 wt. % gold functionalized tin oxide nanotubes show excellent HCN sensing performance with the experimentally determined low detection limit (LOD) of 2.5 ppb. At this condition, O2- was the predominant absorbed oxygen species altering the double Schottky barrier between the nanotubes. Through such quantitative analysis, the sensing mechanism toward HCN is proposed.

Bacterial spores, formed through sporulation, allow Bacillus species to survive extreme environmental conditions by entering a dormant state. These spores exhibit exceptional resistance to heat, radiation, chemical agents, and pH variations, making their detection essential in environmental monitoring and biosafety. Among these, Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, poses severe health threats, while closely related species such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus thuringiensis share similar morphological and physiological features, often leading to misidentification. B. cereus, in particular, is a significant foodborne pathogen associated with emetic and diarrheal syndromes and can cause serious opportunistic infections in immuno-compromised individuals. Current detection methods, including PCR and ELISA, are effective but require a significant amount of time, cost, and technical expertise. Aptamers are short, single-stranded oligonucleotides offer a promising alternative due to their high specificity and affinity for target molecules. These are selected through the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) process. In this ongoing study, we aim to establish a Capillary Electrophoresis-based SELEX (CE-SELEX) protocol for the selection of aptamers targeting B. subtilis spores. CE-SELEX offers several advantages over traditional SELEX approaches, including faster selection cycles, reduced non-specific binding, and improved selection efficiency. The developed protocol will serve as a foundation for future aptamer selection targeting more harmful species such as B. cereus and B. thuringiensis. Depending on the characteristics of the selected aptamer sequences, we plan to design either electrochemical or fluorescence-based biosensors for spore detection. Although results are currently in progress, this work aims to pave the way for the development of cost-effective, field-deployable, and highly selective biosensing tools for differentiating spore-forming Bacillus species. Future research will focus on optimizing sensor design and validating performance in complex environmental matrices. Keywords: Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, bacterial spores, aptamers, CE-SELEX, biosensing, electrochemical sensor, fluorescence detection

Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is important for overall oral care, ensuring the well-being of teeth and their surrounding tissues. In addition, it promotes fresh breath and a pleasing smile. A key element of oral self-care is the daily use of toothpaste during regular brushing. This plays an important role in preventing tooth decay and addressing broader oral health concerns like periodontal diseases. Toothpaste ingredients offer significant benefits to oral health, particularly stannous fluoride, which contributes to the efficacy of toothpaste formulations by demonstrating notable anticariogenic and antibacterial properties. However, toothpaste has potential side effects, such as those caused by flavoring, and sodium lauryl sulfate, a foaming agent known for its potential to irritate mucous membranes. Beyond toothpaste, the integration of mouthwash into daily oral care routines offers the potential to further improve overall oral hygiene. Chlorhexidine in mouthwash formulations stands out as an active ingredient that is highly effective. This paper investigates the effects of chemical plaque inhibitors where possible through comprehensive systematic evaluations of existing literature. It aimed to provide an understanding of how chemical agents used in oral self-care contribute to promoting and maintaining optimal oral hygiene.

BackgroundChlorhexidine is widely used as a chemical antibacterial mouthwash, but its potential side effects have spurred interest in safer natural alternatives.PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the anticariogenic efficacy and inhibitory effects of a functional mouthwash containing Clematis chinensis Osbeck (C. chinensis Osbeck) extract in a randomized controlled clinical trial.Study design and methodsIn this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial conducted at Busan M Dental Clinic, 69 participants were randomly assigned to three groups: saline gargle (n = 23), chlorhexidine gargle (n = 23), and C. chinensis Osbeck extract gargle (n = 23). Participants used 15 mL of the assigned mouthwash four times daily for 2 weeks. The oral environment was standardized with professional scaling and a 1-week recovery period before the intervention. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the O’Leary index and the Cariview™ test kit (AIOBIO Co. Ltd., Seoul, South Korea) at baseline, 1 week, and 2 weeks, respectively, to evaluate dental plaque acidogenicity and user satisfaction. Saliva tests (including cariogenic bacterial counts, acidogenicity, and buffering capacity) were performed using the SillHa Oral Wellness System (ARKRAY Inc., Kyoto, Japan). Subgingival plaque samples were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to detect cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans [S. mutans] and Gram-positive cariogenic bacteria [GS group], comprising S. mitis, S. sobrinus, and Lactobacillus casei). Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s post hoc test, with significance set at P < 0.05.ResultsThe C. chinensis Osbeck extract gargle group showed reductions in the O’Leary index score and cariogenic activity, alongside a progressive increase in user satisfaction. Saliva analysis revealed significant decreases in caries-causing bacterial numbers and acid production and improved buffering capacity, enhancing salivary defense. Only the C. chinensis Osbeck extract gargle group showed a significant reduction in S. mutans and the GS group. Compared with the saline and chlorhexidine groups, this group demonstrated a continuous decrease in caries risk over the 2 weeks.ConclusionC. chinensis Osbeck extract significantly improved clinical parameters related to dental caries, suggesting its potential as a safe and effective natural alternative to chemical antibacterial agents for caries prevention and oral health maintenance.Trials registrationClinicalTrials.gov, KCT0008539. Registered on June 21, 2023, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/23816).Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-025-01258-z.

The present study aimed to analyze the biosafety measures implemented in autopsy laboratories, with emphasis on identifying the main occupational risks and evaluating the preventive strategies adopted to reduce professionals’ exposure to infectious agents and potentially hazardous biological materials. An integrative literature review was conducted with a search in the Medline/PubMed database. Eight articles that directly addressed biosafety measures in autopsies were selected. The analysis revealed a diversity of risks, highlighting the generation of aerosols, sharps accidents, and exposure to chemical agents and pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. The analysis of the studies evidenced that biological risks, particularly the inhalation of aerosols generated by oscillating saws and liquid aspiration, are predominant. Inadequate infrastructure, such as the lack of negative pressure rooms (Biosafety Level 3 - BSL-3), and failures in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and waste management amplify these dangers. Effective strategies include proper facility design, the adoption of additional physical barriers (such as the “craniotomy box”), controlled ventilation, and permanent staff education. It is concluded that the rigorous adoption of biosafety measures, aligned with international guidelines and supported by adequate infrastructure and continuous training, is imperative to mitigate occupational risks in autopsy laboratories. Such actions are essential to ensure professional safety, the quality of forensic procedures, and the protection of public health.

Introduction. In order to ensure the federal state sanitary and epidemiological control (supervision) over the degree of contamination by toxicants of facilities where chemical weapons have been eliminated, it is necessary to have appropriate hygienic standards. However, for the most toxic and hazardous among the products of the destruction of toxic substances, 2-chlorvinylarsinoxide, there is no experimentally justified maximum permissible concentration of its content in the water of reservoirs. At the same time, the chronic toxicity of the compound, which is a key section in the development of this safety standard, has not been investigated.Material and methods. The object of research was 2-chlorvinylarsinoxide (lewisite oxide, C2H2ClAsE, CAS No. 3088-37-7). Specific gravity: d420 = 1.524 g/cm3; mass fraction of the substance – 96%. It is formed during the hydrolysis of lewisite, is poorly soluble in water, and has high stability.Results. Chronic intragastric intake of lewisite oxide into the rat body at doses of 0.05 mg/kg, 0.015 mg/kg and 0.005 mg/kg was accompanied by changes in the complex of indicators. At the same time, a linear dose-effective dependence was registered. Thus, the maximum number of statistically significant changes was detected when exposed to a chemical agent at the highest level and amounted to 18, of which 5 had bisigmal deviations from similar indicators in the control group. In the second experimental group, a decrease in the toxic effect was recorded, as evidenced by 12 significant shifts in indicators, two of which exceeded two sigma relative to the control. In the third experimental group of rats, the ratio under consideration was 5/0, and significant deviations in the indicators mainly had unidirectional residual signs of the general toxic effect of the compound, which is characteristic of it in higher doses.Limitations. The study of the chronic toxicity of lewisite oxide does not provide for an assessment of its long-term effects.Conclusion. Based on the current diagnostic criteria, the compound dose of 0.005 mg/kg is accepted as the threshold for chronic general toxic effects. The revealed features of the negative effect of lewisite oxide are taken into account when substantiating its MPC in the water of reservoirs.Compliance with ethical standards: The experimental study was approved by the independent ethics committee at the Scientific Research Institute of Hygiene, Toxicology and Occupational Pathology of the FMBA of Russia (Protocol No. 3 dated December 11, 2023).Authors’ contribution: Maslennikov А.А. – concept and design of the research, analysis of the results, writing the text; Khodykina N.V. – planning and execution of the research; Grishina M.A. – statistical data processing; Velikorodnaya Yu.I. – collection and processing of the material; Novikova O.N. – editing; Dulov S.A. – concept and design of the research, analysis of the results, editing; Zemlyanoy A.V., Yerunova N.V., Kucherskoy S.A. – analysis of the results, editing. All co-authors – approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.Conflict of interests. The authors declare no conflict of interests.Funding. The study was conducted within the framework of the State contract "Experimental studies to substantiate the maximum permissible concentration of chlorvinylarsinoxide in the water of water bodies for household, drinking, cultural and domestic water use".Received: September 17, 2025 / Revised: September 29, 2025 / Accepted: October 2, 2025 / Published: November 19, 2025