Chemical Research Articles

Organisation of medical care in large scale incidents: a practice-oriented research in Belgium

Abstract Background CBRNe incidents are emergency situations involving the release of chemical (C) or biological (B) substances or radiological/nuclear (RN) contamination, sometimes through an explosion (e). They can result from intentional malicious acts (e.g. terrorism) or unintentional situations (e.g. accidents). In this context, people (victims, care providers, witnesses), equipment (infrastructure, vehicles), animals, objects and/or the environment (buildings, ambulances) may be contaminated by a substance that could pose a threat to health. CBRNe incidents can quickly overwhelm the response capabilities of the affected region and put the healthcare system under great pressure. This research investigated ways of improving the organisation of medical care in CBRNe incidents in Belgium. Methods this study involved a mixed method approach in 2022-2023 with scoping and in-depth interviews with actors at operational and strategic levels (public health, Internal Affairs, army, fire departments), participative workshops with stakeholders, contextual desk search, ad hoc literature review and international comparison completed with interviews with national experts (Norway, The Netherlands, France and United Kingdom, United States of America). Results hospitals need to be distinguished in type 1 specialized hospitals for decontamination, major trauma management and advanced care for severely burned patients and in type 2 hospitals managing spontaneous arrivals of victims and non-specialised care. All hospitals need to have a strict lock-down policy. On the incident site, an emergency medical mobile team needs to manage the decontamination with the firefighters before the transfer to the most appropriate facility. Additional conditions were found to improve the efficiency of medical care. Conclusions this practice-oriented research contributes to a better organization of medical care in case of CBRNe incidents, with the emergence of practical and feasible solutions. Key messages • Hospitals need to be distinguished according to the need for specialised care in case of CBRNe incidents. • On site decontamination needs to be performed by health professionals and firefighters.

Urinary artificial sweeteners and breast cancer risk in women from the Moli-sani Study

Abstract Background Artificial sweeteners (AS) are chemical substances developed by the food industry to reduce sugar and calories while maintaining sweetness. Cohort studies suggested an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer (BC), associated with AS intake, however evidence exclusively relied on self-reported dietary data rather than objectively measured AS. We examined the association of urinary biomarkers denoting AS intake with BC risk in women from the large Moli-sani Study. Methods Using a case-cohort design, a sample of 987 middle-aged women (mean age 55±12 y) was randomly selected as sub-cohort and compared with 273 women with incident BC (26 of them also belong to the sub-cohort). A total of 6 commonly used AS (i.e. aspartame, acesulfame, saccharine, sucralose, cyclamate, and steviol glycosides) were measured through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in urinary samples (creatinine-adjusted concentrations; µg/mg) collected at baseline (2005-2010). The multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated through Cox regression models using the Prentice method, where each AS was dichotomized as absence/presence, independent of concentrations. Results The main urinary AS was saccharine (E954), contributing to 71% of total AS, followed by steviol glycosides (E960;11%). During a median follow-up of 13.2 y we identified 38 premenopausal and 235 postmenopausal incident BC cases. In multivariable-adjusted Cox analyses, none of the individual AS was associated with overall BC risk, nor was the total urinary AS (HR = 0.93; 95%CI 0.63-1.37 for 1-unit increment). Compared to absence, presence of sucralose (E955) in urine was linked to premenopausal BC (HR = 4.23: 95%CI 1.23-14.51; p = 0.022). Conclusions Urinary artificial sweeteners were not associated with BC risk. However, sucralose presence in urine was linked to a higher risk of premenopausal BC. Prospective, dose-related studies with larger sample size are warranted to possibly confirm our findings. Key messages • The presence in the urine of commonly used artificial sweeteners was not associated with breast cancer risk. • Presence of urinary sucralose was linked to higher risk of premenopausal breast cancer.

Phytochemical Analysis, Total Phenolic Content, Hemolytic and Anti-hemolytic Activities of Centaurea iberica (Asteraceae)

Several plants contain chemical substances that have various biological activities, but they also probably cause harmful effects on cellular membranes. This work deals with the Centaurea iberica (Iberian starthistle) plant. The objective of this study is to identify the main chemical groups in the methanolic extract 80% of the plant, determine its total phenolic content, evaluate its toxic effect on human erythrocytes, and also assess its activity in the protection of normal and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme-deficient human erythrocytes membranes against oxidative hemolysis. Phytochemical analysis revealed that C. iberica extract contains several bioactive compounds. The results also showed that the plant extract contained good level of total phenolic compounds. The extract exhibited a low hemolytic effect. It also showed excellent activity in the protection of normal and G6PD-deficient human erythrocytes against oxidative hemolysis. KEYWORDS Erythrocytes, G6PD, Iberian starthistle, methanolic extract, toxic effect, oxidative hemolysis

Treatment Outcome of Surgery Followed By Corticosteroid Therapy For Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis

Introduction: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, benign, and chronic inflammatory breast condition that has been shown to have radiological and clinical similarities to breast cancer. In spite of the fact that the cause of IGM is unknown, various contributing variables have been identified, such as a reaction to chemical substances like OCP, viral disorders, autoimmune diseases, and an immunological response to milk leakage from the breast lobule. Although various methods have been used for IGM treatment (such as surgical excision, steroids, methotrexate, etc), no consensus currently exists regarding the ideal method of treatment. Due to its positive response to steroid treatment, it is hypothesized that IGM is an autoimmune disease and is well responds to corticosteroid therapy. The aim of this study is to observe the treatment outcomes of surgery and corticosteroid therapy in IGM. Materials and Methods: This quasi experimental study was conducted in Department of Surgery, Khulna Medical College Hospital from 8th August 2018 to 8th August 2019. Total 30 patients were enrolled and allocated in two groups a ratio of 1:1. In group-A there were 15 patients, received surgical treatment with corticosteroid therapy and group-B, 15 patients received only surgical treatment. A wide local excision (WLE) was done in surgical procedure to remove area of diseased unhealthy tissue with a margin of normal tissue. Corticosteroid therapy was given orally in the following regimen: 8 weeks of steroid therapy with prednisolone at 0.5mg/kg/day for 4 weeks and then tapered down slowly for 4 weeks. Then subsequent follow up conducted after 2 months and after 4 months of primary treatment to observe the treatment outcomes. Statistical analysis was carried out by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). A descriptive analysis was performed for all data. The mean values were calculated for continuous variables. The quantitative observations were indicated by frequencies and percentages. Unpaired student t-test was used to compare continuous variables. Chi-square test used to compare categorical data. A “p” value of <0.05 was considered as significant. Result was presented by tabulation and graphical presentation in the form of tables, pie chart, graphs, bar diagrams, histogram & charts etc. Result: Maximum numbers of patients (50.0%) were between 31-40 years age group, mean±SD age was 29.7±10.2 years. The left breast was affected in 16(53.3%) patients, right breast in 12(40.0%) patients and bilateral in 2(6.7%) patients. Included 30 patients were allocated in two groups. Among them in group-A there were 15 patients (Surgical treatment with corticosteroid therapy) and group-B, 15 patients (Surgical treatment alone). Wide local excision was performed in all patients. Concomitant corticosteroids therapy was used in selective group (group-A). Study shows that 22(73.3%) of the patients recovered completely (80.0% versus 66.7% in group-A and group-B respectively). There was a statistically significant difference (pd”0.05). Present study revealed that incidence of complications and recurrence rate was 8(26.7%) patients, among them 3(20.0%) were of group-A, while 5(33.3%) patients were group-B. Conclusions: Present study concluded that treatment outcomes of surgery, followed by corticosteroid therapy can be preferred at Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) in the means of less early or late postoperative complication, resolution of symptoms with high accuracy rate to relief symptoms. J Dhaka Med Coll. 2023; 32(1) : 71-76

Autonomous Motion of Hydrogels Driven by Semi-Interpenetrating Chemical Processing Systems.

Developing artificial autonomous materials is crucial for a deeper understanding of the emergence of life-like behavior. In nature, cells achieve autonomy through chemical processing systems incorporated into soft material-based frameworks. Inspired by natural cells, we herein describe a straightforward methodology for constructing artificial autonomous materials consisting of a polymer-based chemical processing system and a hydrogel-based soft framework. Using a material comprising a hydrogel framework devoid of active components in combination with semi-interpenetrating self-oscillating linear polymers, we discovered that semi-interpenetrating polymer-based chemical processing systems drive the autonomous motion of the hydrogel framework. The material exhibited autonomous volumetric oscillation powered by the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. Furthermore, the autonomous behavior is controllable by changing the content of the chemical processing system incorporated into the hydrogel framework. Our findings shed light on a class of autonomous materials based on polymer-based chemical processing systems with soft frameworks.

Hydroxyapatite/Silk Fibroin Composite Scaffold with a Porous Structure and Mechanical Strength Similar to Cancellous Bone by Electric Field-Induced Gel Technology.

Repair and regeneration of bone tissue defects is a multidimensional process that has been highly challenging to date. The artificial bone scaffold materials, which play a core role, still face the conflict that a biofriendly porous structure will reduce the mechanical performance and accelerate degradation. Herein, a multistage porous structured hydroxyapatite (HA)/silk fibroin (SF) composite scaffold (e-HA/SF) was successfully constructed by cleverly utilizing electric field-induced gel technology. The results indicated that the prepared e-HA/SF scaffolds possess biomimetic hierarchical porous structures with a suitable porosity similar to that of cancellous bone. The HA nanocrystals were uniformly encapsulated in the three-dimensional space of the composite scaffold, thus endowing the e-HA/SF composite scaffolds with an enhanced mechanical performance. Notably, the maximum compression stress and Young's modulus of e-HA/SF-2 scaffolds can reach 24.66 ± 0.88 and 28.91 ± 3.19 MPa, respectively, which are equivalent to those of cancellous bone. Such mechanical performance enhancement was previously unattainable through conventional freeze-drying strategies. Moreover, the introduction of bioactive nano-HA can trigger the optimal cell response in both static and dynamic cell culture experiments in vitro. The e-HA/SF composite scaffold developed in this study can better balance the conflict between the porous structure and mechanical and degradation properties of porous scaffolds.

Chiral plasmonic-dielectric coupling enables strong near-infrared chiroptical responses from helicoidal core-shell nanoparticles

Helicoid plasmonic nanoparticles with intrinsic chirality are an emerging class of artificial chiral materials with tailorable properties. The ability to extend their chiroplasmonic responses to the near-infrared (NIR) range is critically important for biomedical and nanophotonic applications, yet the rational design of such materials remains challenging. Herein, a strategy employing chiral plasmon-dielectric coupling is proposed to manipulate the chiroptical responses into the NIR region with high optical anisotropy. Through this strategy, the helicoid Au@Cu2O nanoparticles with structural chirality are designed and synthesized with tunable and enriched NIR chiroptical responses. Specially, a high optical anisotropy (g-factor) with a value of 0.35 is achieved in the NIR region, and multi-band chiroptical behaviors are observed. Spectral and electromagnetic simulations elucidate that strong coupling between chiroplasmonic core and chiral dielectric shell with high refractive index contributes to the rich and strong chiroptical responses, which are related to the interplay between various emerged and enhanced electric and magnetic multipolar resonance modes proved by multipole expansion analysis. Moreover, the helicoid Au@Cu2O nanoparticles display greater polarization rotation capability than the helicoid Au nanoparticles. This work offers mechanistic insights into chiral plasmon-dielectric coupling and suggests a general approach of creating NIR chiroplasmonic materials.

Coiled Coil Peptide Tiles (CCPTs): Expanding the Peptide Building Block Design with Multivalent Peptide Macrocycles.

Owing to their synthetic accessibility and protein-mimetic features, peptides represent an attractive biomolecular building block for the fabrication of artificial biomimetic materials with emergent properties and functions. Here, we expand the peptide building block design space through unveiling the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel, multivalent peptide macrocycles (96mers), termed coiled coil peptide tiles (CCPTs). CCPTs comprise multiple orthogonal coiled coil peptide domains that are separated by flexible linkers. The constraints, imposed by cyclization, confer CCPTs with the ability to direct programmable, multidirectional interactions between coiled coil-forming "edge" domains of CCPTs and their free peptide binding partners. These fully synthetic constructs are assembled using a convergent synthetic strategy via a combination of native chemical ligation and Sortase A-mediated cyclization. Circular dichroism (CD) studies reveal the increased helical stability associated with cyclization and subsequent coiled coil formation along the CCPT edges. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), analytical high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and fluorescence quenching assays provide a comprehensive biophysical characterization of various assembled CCPT complexes and confirm the orthogonal colocalization between coiled coil domains within CCPTs and their designed on-target free peptide partners. Lastly, we employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which provide molecular-level insights into experimental results, as a supporting method for understanding the structural dynamics of CCPTs and their complexes. MD analysis of the simulated CCPT architectures reveals the rigidification and expansion of CCPTs upon complexation, i.e., coiled coil formation with their designed binding partners, and provides insights for guiding the designs of future generations of CCPTs. The addition of CCPTs into the repertoire of coiled coil-based building blocks has the potential for expanding the coiled coil assembly landscape by unlocking new topologies having designable intermolecular interfaces.

Tunable Anomalous Hall Effect in Broken–Symmetry Integrated Perovskite/Brownmillerite Superlattices

AbstractThe anomalous Hall effect (AHE), a hallmark of broken time–reversal symmetry, serves as a powerful tool for probing magnetic states and elucidating complex spin–orbit interactions in transition metal oxides. It is reported here that the emergence of AHE signals and interfacial ferromagnetism is directly observed from broken–symmetry integrated perovskite PrCoO3 and brownmillerite SrCoO2.5 superlattices. Through the strategic combinations of these two complex oxide systems onto the substrates with tailored lattice parameters, squared AHE hysteresis loops with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy are found under compressive strain in the optimized superlattices, and the magnitude of the loops is more than three times greater compared to those under tensile strain. The manifestation of AHE in these superlattices is attributed to an extrinsic mechanism involving spin–polarized scattering of charge carriers, with the mismatched perovskite/brownmillerite interfaces acting as the primary scattering centers. These discoveries suggest a promising avenue for the development of artificial materials with controllable AHE properties.

The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases and declined lung function among foundry workers.

Foundry workers are occupationally exposed to a variety of inhalable chemical substances. Occupational exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes can lead to adverse health effects on the respiratory system and cause chronic respiratory diseases, such as interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Research on respiratory symptoms, diseases, and lung function in foundry workers over the past few decades has been limited. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases and declined lung function of current foundry workers, ex-foundry workers, and unexposed controls. We assessed respiratory symptoms, diseases, and lung function among 335 current foundry workers, 64 ex-foundry workers, and 161 unexposed controls. The cumulative dust exposure (mg-y) of each participant was calculated, and the median cumulative dust exposure according to the main places of exposure was determined. A higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis, as reported in a questionnaire, was found among current and ex-foundry workers compared to unexposed controls, even after adjusting for pack-years of smoking (p = 0.009). Additionally, cough and wheezing in adulthood without respiratory infection, and chronic rhinitis symptoms were more common among current and ex-foundry workers compared to unexposed controls. These differences remained significant even after adjusting for pack-years of smoking and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001, respectively). Impaired lung function was more prevalent among both ex-foundry workers (29.7%) and current foundry workers (15.5%) compared to the unexposed controls (8.7%), with the difference remaining significant even after adjusting for the pack-years of smoking and BMI (p = 0.009). According to the questionnaire, the number of physician-diagnosed cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis was unexpectedly low compared to the indications from the symptom questionnaire and lung function test results, suggesting a potential underdiagnosis. The prevalence of silicosis was low (0.8%) among current and ex-foundry workers. Respiratory symptoms are common among foundry workers. Current and ex-foundry workers exhibited lower lung function in spirometry compared to unexposed controls. There is a potential underdiagnosis of COPD and chronic bronchitis among foundry workers.

Enhancing the Performance of Oxide‐Based Transverse Thermoelectric Generators by Optimized Internal Geometry

AbstractIn transverse thermoelectric generators (TTEGs), comprising an artificially anisotropic material formed by a layered and tilted structure of two materials, the induced thermoelectric voltage is generated perpendicular to the applied temperature gradient. The performance of TTEGs composed of alternate layers of La1.99Sr0.01CuO4 (LSCO) and silver (Ag), tilted at an angle φ, with metal‐to‐ceramic thickness ratio νt, is investigated. Improvement in performance is achieved by optimizing the internal geometry parameters, φ and νt of the tilted layered structure. The transverse power factor PFtr and figure‐of‐merit ZtrT of the artificially tilted material composite are analytically calculated and presented in color contours. Experimentally, a power output Pout of 14.5 mW at ΔT = 140 K is measured for a TTEG with φ = 66°, compared to 2.8 mW and 11 mW for generators with φ of 20° and 45°, respectively. Moreover, TTEGs with different values of νt are prepared. Furthermore, transverse multilayer thermoelectric generators (TMLTEG) with output power of 14.3 mW at ΔT = 225 K are fabricated utilizing the ceramic multilayer technology. It is demonstrated that the transverse thermoelectric effect using an artificial anisotropic material consisting of ceramic and metal can be explored for autonomous thermoelectric energy generation for low‐power applications.

Seasonal variation of the chemical content and source identification of PM2.5 in a mixed landuse in Iran

Seasonal variation of the chemical content and source identification of PM2.5 in a mixed landuse in Iran

A novel liquid fraction iteration methodology for addressing oscillatory issues in the total enthalpy method

The total enthalpy method (TEM) has been proposed and employed for several decades to address both isothermal and gradual phase change problems. However, recent investigations into isothermal phase changes have revealed that the phase interface predicted by the TEM oscillates with variations in spatial and temporal discretizations, due to the inconsistency between liquid fraction and enthalpy. To address this issue, and drawing inspiration from the liquid fraction iteration methodology used in the widely adopted heat source method (HSM) to ensure consistency between liquid fraction and temperature, this paper introduces a novel liquid fraction iteration methodology specifically tailored for the TEM, referred to as the iterative TEM (ITEM). This approach is validated against an experimental benchmark involving the melting of a pure substance. Grid and time-step dependence studies confirm that the ITEM effectively eliminates oscillations and exhibits convergence with respect to both grid size and time step. Moreover, the ITEM achieves accuracy comparable to that of the HSM. Finally, the computational costs associated with the ITEM are examined, revealing that costs increase rapidly once the grid Fourier number (Fo) exceeds one. Maintaining the grid Fo number below approximately 0.5 and ensuring the ratio of the relaxation factor to the grid Fo number to approach one significantly improve computational efficiency. The relaxation factor is a crucial parameter within the liquid fraction iteration scheme.

Comparative analysis of biofilm bacterial communities developed on different artificial reef materials.

Artificial reefs play a vital role in restoring and creating new habitats for marine species by providing suitable substrates, especially in areas where natural substrates have been degraded or lost due to declining water quality, destructive fishing practices, and coral diseases. Artificial reef restoration aimed at coral larval settlement is gaining prominence and initially depends on the development of biofilms on reef surfaces. In this study, we hypothesized that different artificial reef materials selectively influence the composition of biofilm bacterial communities, which in turn affected coral larval settlement and the overall success of coral rehabilitation efforts. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the impact of six different reef made materials (porcelain, granite, coral-skeleton, calcium-carbonate, shell-cement, and cement) on the development of biofilm bacterial communities and their potential to support coral larval settlement. The biofilm bacterial communities were developed on different artificial reef materials and studied using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and analysis. The bacterial species richness and evenness were significantly (P<0.05) low in the seawater, while these values were high in the reef materials. At the phylum level, the biofilm bacterial composition of all materials and seawater was majorly composed of Pseudomonadota, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, however, significantly (P<0.05) low Bacteroidetes were found in the seawater. At the genus level, Thalassomonas, Glaciecola, Halomicronema, Lewinella, Hyphomonas, Thalassospira, Polaribacter, and Tenacibaculum were significantly (P<0.05) low in the coral-skeleton and seawater, compared to the other reef materials. The genera Pseudoaltermonas and Thalassomonas (considered potential inducers of coral larval settlement) were highly abundant in the shell-cement biofilm, while low values were found in the biofilm of the other materials. The biofilm bacterial community composition can be selective for different substrate materials, such as shell-cement exhibited higher abundances of bacteria known to facilitate coral larval settlement, highlighting their potential in enhancing restoration outcomes.

Effect of waste crab shell powder on matrix asphalt

Abstract In order to solve the problems of depleting petroleum asphalt resources and deteriorating pollution of marine products, a systematic study was carried out on the application prospect of waste crab shell (WS) powder as asphalt modifier. In this study, the physical properties of WS powder modified asphalt (WSA) were tested by blending different contents of WS powder into matrix asphalt; the high and low temperature rheological properties of WS powder modified asphalt were characterized by using Dynamic shear rheometer, Bending beam rheometer, and Multiple stress creep recovery test. In addition, the microscopic chemical properties and modification mechanism were analyzed by Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy, and Scanning electron microscope. It was shown that the WS powder enhanced the viscoelastic properties, temperature sensitivity properties, and permanent deformation resistance of asphalt. In addition, there was no obvious chemical reaction between the WS powder and the matrix asphalt, and no new chemical substances were generated; at the microscopic level, the WS powder and the matrix asphalt had good compatibility. In conclusion, the use of WS powder as a bio-based asphalt modifier to improve the resources and environmental issues have certain prospects.

Bioinspired Mechanochromic Liquid Crystal Materials: From Fundamentals to Functionalities and Applications.

Inspired by intriguing color changeable ability of natural animals, the design and fabrication of artificial mechanochromic materials capable of changing colors upon stretching or pressing have attracted intense scientific interest. Liquid crystal (LC) is a self-organized soft matter with anisotropic molecular alignment. Due to the sensitivity to various external stimulations, LC has been considered as an emerging and appealing responsive building block to construct intelligent materials and advanced devices. Recently, mechanochromic LC materials have becoming a hot topic in multifields from flexible artificial skins to visualized sensors and smart biomimetic devices. In this review, the recent progress of mechanochromic LCs is comprehensively summarized. Firstly, the mechanism and functionalities of mechanochromic LC is introduced, followed by preparation of various functional materials based on mechanochromic LCs. Then the applications of mechanochromic LCs are provided. Finally, the conclusion and outlooks of this field is given. This overview is hoped to provide inspiration in fabrication of advanced functional soft materials for scientists and engineers from multidisciplines including materials science, elastomers, chemistry, and physical science.

Determination of the Perpetrator-Victim Position in a Case of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury due to a Less-Lethal Weapon Projectile, Based on Brain Injuries

Less-lethal (or non-lethal) weapons cause lethal and non-lethal injuries; this depends on many factors, including the shot distance and the modifications made to the operation of the weapon and the projectiles. This type of weapon has a similar shape to a firearm, shares the same physical and chemical operating principle and uses the combustion of a chemical substance to eject the projectile. In technical terms, the only difference is the projectile. Currently with the changes in weapons and projectiles, it is difficult to make a correlation. Just like lethal firearm projectiles and due to their operation, they leave macroscopic gunshot residues such as powder tattooing or soot deposition, only occasionally a contusion ring. In addition, there is a variety in the appearance of the entrance wounds. Therefore, it is very important to process the scene and carefully dissect the external wound and the surrounding area and, if possible, the recovery of the projectile. We present a case where a non-penetrating superficial injury to the skull produced trauma consistent with a coup contrecoup brain injury, which allows us to identify the perpetrator-victim position.

AWARENESS AND VIOLATION OF BROWN LAWS AMONG CRIMINOLOGY STUDENTS IN CABANATUAN CITY

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of awareness among first year criminology students in Nueva Ecija regarding brown laws, identify instances of non-compliance, understand the underlying reasons and motivations for violation and develop an action plan grounded in the research findings. The participants in this study were the 1st year students of selected Criminology institutions in Cabanatuan City namely: Manuel V. Gallego Foundation (MVGFC), Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST); PHINMA- Araullo University (Main Campus); and Wesleyan University-Philippines (WU-P). The study concludes that Criminology students are generally aware of various Brown Laws, including RA 9275, RA 9003, RA 8749, and RA 6969. However, despite this awareness, there is a notable tendency for some students to commit environmental violations, particularly under RA 6969, which has the lowest level of awareness and is linked to frequent violations such as storing hazardous wastes and knowingly using prohibited chemical substances. The primary reasons for these violations include the laws' lack of popularity, insufficient media dissemination, lenient enforcement, and a shortage of dedicated enforcement personnel. These factors create an environment where environmental laws, despite being known, are often disregarded. Hence, it is recommended to enhance education and awareness, improve media campaigns and strengthen enforcement to secure compliance and deter potential violators. KEYWORDS: Awareness, Violations, Reasons, Brown Laws, Criminology Students

A review of environmental and health effects of synthetic cosmetics

The use of cosmetic products is expanding globally, and with it, so is the range of chemical substances employed in their production. As a result, there is also a higher risk of intoxication, allergic reactions, prolonged chemical exposure, adverse effects, and indiscriminate use. Cosmetic products can contain more than 10,000 ingredients. Most users of synthetic cosmetics are unaware of the harmful effects if they even are. However, it is linked to many diseases like cancer, congenital disabilities, reproductive impairments, developmental systems, contact dermatitis, hair loss, lung damage, old age, skin diseases and reactions, allergies, and harm to human nails. Many beauty products also create a high demand for natural oils, leading to extensive and intensive cultivation, harming natural habitats through deforestation, and contaminating soil and water through pesticides and fertilizers. The adverse effects of hazardous substances in synthetic cosmetics extend beyond human health and influence ecosystems, air quality, and oceans. Thus, this review aims to assess the environmental and health impacts of cosmetics using published scientific articles. The study used a systematic review based on Scopus, Science Direct, Web databases, Scholar Google, and PubMed. The results of this review showed that the formulation of cosmetics until the disposal of their containers could adversely affect environmental and human health.

Anti-inflammatory Fatty Acid Derivatives From Mangrove-derived Actinomycetes Streptomyces sp.

Mangrove-derived actinomycetes are prolific chemical sources of complex and novel natural products, providing an excellent chance for new drug discovery. The chemical investigation of the mangrove-derived Streptomycessundarbansensis 06037, led to the discovery of two previously undescribed enone fatty acids (1-2), one new phenylpropionate derivate (3), along with the isolation of the ten known components (4-13). Those chemical structures of isolates were elucidated on the basis of the analysis of diverse spectroscopic data. Initial anti-inflammatory tests of 1-3 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells revealed that compound 1 possess significant inhibitory effect on the production of Nitro oxidase (NO), with the IC50 value around 15.33 ± 1.32 μM, together with the suppression of NF-κB phosphorylation and reducing the release of oxygen species (ROS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages, those results indicated that compound 1 may exert its anti-inflammatory activity through a reduction in ROS level and the suppression of NF-κB activation pathway.