Environmental Causes Research Articles

Spatiotemporal Trends of Birth Defects in North Carolina, 2003-2015.

Birth defects are a leading cause of infant mortality in the United States, but little is known about causes of many types of birth defects. Spatiotemporal disease mapping to identify high-prevalence areas, is a potential strategy to narrow the search for potential environmental and other causes that aggregate over space and time. We described the spatial and temporal trends of the prevalence of birth defects in North Carolina during 2003-2015, using data on live births obtained from the North Carolina Birth Defects Monitoring Program. By employing a Bayesian space-time Poisson model, we estimated spatial and temporal trends of non-chromosomal and chromosomal birth defects. During 2003-2015, 52,524 (3.3%) of 1,598,807 live births had at least one recorded birth defect. The prevalence of non-chromosomal birth defects decreased from 3.8% in 2003 to 2.9% in 2015. Spatial modeling suggested a large geographic variation in non-chromosomal birth defects at census-tract level, with the highest prevalence in southeastern North Carolina. The strong spatial heterogeneity revealed in this work allowed to identify geographic areas with higher prevalence of non-chromosomal birth defects in North Carolina. This variation will help inform future research focused on epidemiologic studies of birth defects to identify etiologic factors.

Dados Abertos para Sustentabilidade Ambiental

Sustainability has been a topic with increasing focus in all areas of scientific knowledge, including Information Science. Open datasets have the potential to be used for sustainability. The study´s aim was to evaluate open datasets made available by Brazilian federal environmental agencies regarding their adherence to the FAIR principles and the W3C Good Practices for Data on the Web. The method consisted of preparing a protocol in the form of a checklist, composed of questions based on these principles and good practices, which was applied to the 166 data sets located on Brazilian government data portals. The results indicate that, although the government makes a substantial amount of this type of data available under open licenses, the potential for its location, access and reuse is compromised by the low use of permanent identifiers and good quality metadata. Conclusion: The use of data can boost and assist social and environmental causes in the Brazilian context, as, for action, arguments evidenced with data are necessary to support advocacy and public policies that aim to disseminate information to raise awareness.

Does Social Media Marketing Incorporating Accreditation Information Enhance Online Users’ Positive Behavioral Intentions Toward Nonprofit Organizations?

ABSTRACT Despite the increased adoption of social media marketing and accreditation practices by NPOs, little attention has been paid to their active promotion of accreditation information on social media and its potential impact on people’s attitude or behavioral change. This study examines whether the integration of accreditation information in nonprofit organizations’ social media marketing affects online users’ attitudes and behavioral intentions toward the promoted nonprofits This study conducts an online experiment using fictitious social media pages that include identifiable information on the NPOs’ environmental causes combined with an accreditation logo on public charities’ accountability as a device to test the signaling effect. This study created a factorial design of (2 × 2) by the combination of the existence of an accreditation logo (presence/absence) and the environmental awareness level (high/low). A total of 146 completed responses from graduate and undergraduate students of a public university were used for the analysis. Results show that respondents, having a high level of environmental awareness, demonstrated more positive attitudes toward the advertised nonprofits with certificate logo. This study suggests that the implementation of social media marketing with accreditation logo should be approached with caution, as it could potentially backfire with individuals with low environmental awareness.

A Comparative Analysis of Sector Classification and the Impacted Canine Grading System by Kumar and Daigavane in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Utilizing Orthopantomogram (OPG) as a Diagnostic Tool.

Introduction Non-syndromic oral clefts, affecting one in 700 newborns in India, are the most prevalent craniofacial anomalies, with genetic or environmental causes impacting various life aspects. Studies indicate higher dental disturbances, particularly impacted canines, in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients compared to non-cleft individuals. Impacted canines, trapped by hard tissues, require early diagnosis to prevent orthodontic issues. The widely used Ericson and Kurol method employs orthopantomograms (OPGs) to classify canine impaction in typical children. However, diagnosing canines in CLP patients is challenging due to palate defects and post-grafting complications. This study aims to compare the utility of the Kumar and Daigavane (KD) grading system and the sector classification to determine the best method for diagnosing impacted canine eruption paths. Method This cross-sectional comparative observational study was conducted at Sharad Pawar Dental College's Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. The sample size, calculated using a significance level of 5% and a prevalence of 1%, required a minimum of 16 participants aged 9-11 years with non-syndromic clefts and impacted canines. Patients with systemic diseases or over 12 years of age were excluded. The sectoral and KD classification systems collected and evaluated OPGs from qualifying cleft patients. Sector classification considered the angle between the occlusal plane or canine tip and the adjacent tooth's long axis, while KD's classification considered the Frankfort horizontal plane, occlusal plane, vertical height from the occlusal plane, canine apex root position, and canine exposure to the cleft defect. Results The study found an 81.25% agreement between the KD grading system and the sector classification, with a Cohen's kappa value of 0.586, indicating a moderate agreement. The KD system showed 81.82% sensitivity and 80.00% specificity, with positive and negative predictive values of 90.00% and 66.67%, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed the KD system's superior performance in identifying impacted and non-impacted canines compared to the sector classification. Conclusion The KD grading system demonstrated higher efficacy than the sector classification for evaluating the impacted canines in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The KD system's high sensitivity and specificity make it a valuable tool for predicting canine eruption paths and addressing anatomical challenges in cleft conditions. This study highlights the need for accurate diagnostic tools tailored to cleft patients and contributes to advancing orthodontic treatment outcomes through improved classification systems.

Investigation on the environmental causes of tomato fruit cracking and its propagation prediction in greenhouse.

In this study, Provence tomato variety was chosen for investigating the environmental causes of tomato fruit cracking, cracks characteristics, and their propagation prediction in a greenhouse. Fruit bagging approach was used to alter the temperature and humidity and to create a microclimate around the fruit to induce fruit cracking for testing. Results showed that the fruit cracking rate increased when the environment temperature exceeded 30°C, and the difference between the highest and lowest temperature values in a day was greater than 20°C. The cracking rate was aggravated when the difference between the highest and lowest humidity values in a day was less than 20%. The proportions of top cracking, longitudinal cracking, ring cracking, radial cracking, and combined cracking were 5.4%, 16.1%, 28.3%, 26.8%, and 32.1%, respectively. The fruit shoulder was the most susceptible region to crack, followed by fruit belly and top regions, whereas longer cracks were observed in the fruit belly region indicating a higher propensity to crack propagation in that region. Finally, the measured data were used to validate an extended finite element method developed to effectively predict cracking susceptibility and propagation in tomato fruit with a relative error of 4.68%.

САРКОИДОЗ, ТРУДНОСТИ ДИАГНОСТИКИ

The incidence of sarcoidosis in Russia has not been studied enough. The clinical signs of sarcoidosis are diverse, and the lack of specific diagnostic tests makes noninvasive diagnosis difficult. In general therapeutic practice, in the case of an atypical course of the disease, diagnosis is complicated by the need for a differential diagnosis with many syndrome-like diseases. The etiology of sarcoidosis is still unknown. According to recent concepts, the cause of its occurrence cannot be considered a single factor, it is a combination of genetic, environmental, infectious and immunological causes. In this article, the author examines the main difficulties faced by doctors in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The clinical manifestations of the disease are analyzed, as well as methods of its detection, such as bronchoscopy, biopsy and laboratory tests. Possible diagnostic errors and how to avoid them are also considered. Understanding these difficulties will help improve the diagnosis and treatment of sarcoidosis, leading to more effective disease management.

Whole Exome Sequencing Revealed Paternal Inheritance of Obesity-related Genetic Variants in a Family with an Exclusively Breastfed Infant.

Obesity is a serious health problem, that progressively affects individuals' lives with comorbidities involving heart disease, stroke, and diabetes mellitus. Since its prevalence increases particularly in children under age-of-five years, its genetic and environmental causes should be determined for prevention and control of the disease. This study aimed to detect underlying genetic risk factors in a family with an exclusively breastfed obese infant. A three-generation family was recruited to be evaluated for obesity. Detailed examinations along with body mass indexcalculations were performed on available family members. Whole exome sequencing was performed on 7-month-oldobese infant utilizing Illumina-NextSeq550. Bioinformatic analyses were performed on the Genomize SEQ platform with variant filtering at minor allele frequencies (MAF)<1% for all normal populations. Sanger sequencing was applied in variant confirmation and family segregation. Neuro-motor developmental features were normal and genetic syndromes were excluded from the index. Early-onset severe obesity (4.25SDS weight-for-height) was obvious in index case, where his father and grandmother were also obese (BMIs: 38.1kg/m2 and 31.3kg/m2, respectively). WES analysis revealed deleterious variants in SH2B1, PDE11A, ADCY3, and CAPN10 genes previously associated with obesity. All variants were evaluated as novel candidates for obesity except PDE11A and family segregation confirmed paternal inheritance. This study confirmed the paternal inheritance of all potentially deleterious obesity-related variants. The cumulative effect of individual variants might explain the obesity phenotype in this family. The infant is recommended to be under periodic follow-up due to increased risk for later childhood obesity.

Reproductive function and behaviors: an update on the role of neural estrogen receptors alpha and beta.

Infertility is becoming a major public health problem, with increasing frequency due to medical, environmental and societal causes. The increasingly late age of childbearing, growing exposure to endocrine disruptors and other reprotoxic products, and increasing number of medical reproductive dysfunctions (endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.) are among the most common causes. Fertility relies on fine-tuned control of both neuroendocrine function and reproductive behaviors, those are critically regulated by sex steroid hormones. Testosterone and estradiol exert organizational and activational effects throughout life to establish and activate the neural circuits underlying reproductive function. This regulation is mediated through estrogen receptors (ERs) and androgen receptor (AR). Estradiol acts mainly via nuclear estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ. The aim of this review is to summarize the genetic studies that have been undertaken to comprehend the specific contribution of ERα and ERβ in the neural circuits underlying the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the expression of reproductive behaviors, including sexual and parental behavior. Particular emphasis will be placed on the neural role of these receptors and the underlying sex differences.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices about air pollution and its health effects in 6th to 11th-grade students in Colombia: a cross-sectional study.

Globally, air pollution is the leading environmental cause of disease and premature death. Raising awareness through environmental education and adequate communication on air quality could reduce the adverse effects. We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding air pollution and health and determine the factors associated with these KAP in children and adolescents. In 2019-2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 6th-11th grade high school students in five municipalities in Colombia. Variables collected included: age, sex, private or public school, any medical history, emergency room visits due to respiratory symptoms in the last year, and whether students played sports. The main exposure was the School Environmental Project. The outcomes were the KAP scale [0% (the lowest score) to 100% (the highest score)]. The factors associated with KAP levels were evaluated with independent mixed regressions due to the multilevel structure of the study (level 1: student; level 2: school), and the exponential coefficients (95% confidence interval-CI) were reported. Among 1,676 students included, 53.8% were females. The median knowledge score about air pollution and its health effects was 33.8% (IQR: 24.0-44.9), 38.6% knew the air quality index, 30.9% knew the air quality alerts that occurred twice a year in these municipalities and 5.3% had high self-perceived knowledge. Positive attitudes, pro-environmental practices, being female, grade level, attending a private school, having respiratory diseases, and the school environmental project importance were associated with higher knowledge scores. The median attitudes score was 78.6% (IQR: 71.4-92.9). Pro-environmental attitudes were associated with knowledge-increasing, being female, attending a private school, and the school environmental project. The median pro-environmental practices score was 28.6% (IQR: 28.6-42.9). During air quality alerts, 11.6% had worn masks, 19% had reduced the opening time of windows and 15.9% avoided leaving home. Pro-environmental practices were associated with knowledge-increasing and attitudes-increasing, and lower practices with higher grade levels, visiting a doctor in the last year, and practicing sports. Children and adolescents have low knowledge scores and inadequate pro-environmental practices scores regarding air pollution. However, they demonstrate positive attitudes towards alternative solutions and express important concerns about the planet's future.

The protection role of human growth hormone on skin cells following ultraviolet B exposure

BackgroundUltraviolet-B (UVB) radiation is the leading environmental cause of skin damage and photoaging. The epidermis and dermis layers of the skin mainly absorb UVB. UVB stimulates apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, generation of reactive oxygen species, and degradation of collagen and elastin fibers. ObjectiveThis study investigated the potential of human growth hormone (hGH) in protecting the skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes (HFFF-2 and HaCaT cell lines) from UVB-induced damage. MethodsThe MTT assay was performed to evaluate UVB-induced mitochondrial damage via assessing the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, and flow cytometry was carried out to investigate the effects of UVB and hGH on the cell cycle and apoptosis of UVB-irradiated cells. In addition, the fold change mRNA expression levels of Type I collagen and elastin in HFFF-2 cells were evaluated using the qRT-PCR method following UVB exposure. ResultsWe observed that treatment of cells with hGH before UVB exposure inhibited UVB-induced loss of mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, apoptosis, and sub-G1 population formation in both cell lines. We also found that hGH-treated HFFF-2 cells showed up-regulated mRNA expression of Type I collagen, elastin, and IGF-1 in response to UVB irradiation. ConclusionThese findings suggest hGH as a potential anti-UVB compound that can protect skin cells from UVB-induced damage. Our findings merit further investigation and can be used to better understand the role of hGH in skin photoaging.

Study of the filtration efficiency of radon progeny in facial masks

Radon exposure is the second-leading environmental cause of lung cancer, therefore finding ways to reduce the radon inhalation dose is a priority objective. Inhalation dose is calculated considering two contributions, the radon gas on the one hand and its progeny on the other. This paper studies the effectiveness of face masks (surgical masks, FFP2 and FFP3) to reduce the contribution of radon descendants that pass into the respiratory tract and thus reduce associated inhalation doses. To analyze the radon filtering potential of these masks, a continuous radon monitor has been used to estimate the radon concentration and the Potential Alpha Energy Concentration with and without facial masks. The data registered by this monitor, together with an error minimization algorithm developed in Matlab®, allow the Equilibrium Equivalent Concentration to be calculated. These results make it possible to compare the inhalation doses received by a person not wearing or wearing different types of masks, obtaining a dose reduction of 64% for surgical masks compared to the study without mask, a reduction of 71% for FFP2 and 72% for FFP3 masks.

A Political Ecology of Food Security in La Guajira, Colombia

Inspired by my experiences while studying abroad in Colombia, in this paper I seek to explain the environmental, social, and political causes of widespread food insecurity in the Colombian department of La Guajira, a rural, isolated desert region with a high percentage of indigenous peoples. I first perform a literature review of geographic research on food security in peripheral regions, followed by a comprehensive case study analysis of La Guajira, drawing together sources from a variety of disciplines, in English and Spanish, in order to provide a new perspective on the region’s crisis through a multiscalar political ecology lens specifically focused on human-environment interactions, marginalization, social difference, and discourses. I find that from racialized frontier capitalism in the early 1900s to contemporary neoliberal extractivism, decades of attempts to integrate the region into national and global economic markets have weakened traditional food systems and substantially increased food insecurity. More broadly, I explore how food security, local agency in food systems, and environmental sustainability can be increased by rethinking our conventional ideas of “development,” “progress,” and “isolation.”

Colorimetric characterization of multispectral imaging systems for visualization of historical artifacts

Multispectral imaging has long been used in the study of cultural heritage artifacts, particularly manuscripts with low-contrast text. The goal of multispectral imaging systems has largely been to enhance the text by imaging outside the spectral response of the human visual system and by applying various image processing techniques. However, there is a desire to use multispectral images for high quality, true color rendering of the artifacts as well. We use two multispectral imaging systems in this work. One of them is the Multispectral Imaging System for the study of Historical Artifacts (MISHA) which has been demonstrated to have significant utility at a lower cost and better ease of use compared to commercially available systems. This system was specifically designed and built for the purpose of imaging artifacts, particularly manuscripts and works on paper with illegible text due to deterioration and other environmental causes. Given this goal of “discovering” low-contrast text (and other features) on planar objects, the system has not been optimized for color reproduction purposes. The second system is a commercially available MegaVision EVTM Spectral Imaging System. This system is also used for cultural heritage imaging. In this work, we develop an approach to colorimetrically characterize these cameras and illumination systems, adding an option for accurate color reproduction to their capabilities. To do this, we present two different approaches. The first approach we call the Color Transformation Method. Here we use a Macbeth ColorChecker to first linearize the camera photometric response, and then find a linear matrix transformation from the camera response to CIEXYZ tristimulus values. The second approach we call the Illuminant Method. Here we consider each output by the camera as a reflectance factor value at the known wavelength of a narrowband illuminator. We then convert these values to the color of the object in terms of CIEXYZ tristimulus values. We show that the Color Transformation Method using a Macbeth ColorChecker leads to a more accurate result. Meanwhile, the Illuminant Method is much simpler and produces acceptable results, particularly considering accurate color reproduction was not a goal in designing the MISHA camera system. The same methods are applied to both imaging systems to show the robustness and applicability of the approaches developed herein to other imaging systems. Results are shown for both quantitative calibration targets as well as artifacts of interest to the field of cultural heritage studies. It is worth noting that we are not comparing the two imaging systems overall or the color processing software available from MegaVision. Rather, we simply show that the two approaches developed here are applicable to different multispectral imaging systems, from a very cost-effective system, i.e., MISHA to a more expensive one, i.e., MegaVision.

ANALYSIS OF THE LEVEL OF OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES

Problem statement. The task of the research is evaluation the dynamics of changes in the level of injuries at work depending on the main causes of the accident. Technical, organizational, psychophysiological, technogenic, social, natural and environmental causes are closely interrelated and have a significant impact on the number of victims of accidents at the industrial plants, as well as on the number of victims of accidents with fatal consequences. The purpose of the article. The assessment of changes in industrial injuries at Ukrainian enterprises during 2010−2022. The establishing connection between social and industrial factors affecting the rate of industrial accidents. The creation of correlation-regression models for statistical evaluation and analysis of the influence of factor variables on the results of injury. Methodology. The use of descriptive statistics for the analysis of the dynamics of changes in the level of industrial injuries. Carrying out a correlation analysis to establish the density of connection between factor variables and resulting features. The use of regression-variance analysis to obtain coefficients of regression mathematical models and statistical indicators that explain the probability of significance of these coefficients. Calculation of the value of the relative error of the calculation data obtained according to mathematical models to confirm their adequacy. Scientific novelty. Multiple correlation-regression models have been developed that take into account the main causes of the accident as factor variables affecting the injury rate and the rate of fatal accidents. Practical significance. Mathematical models make estimate the impact of the main causes of accidents on the level of industrial injuries. The implementation of improved methods and means of safe activity at work is an important tool for correcting the cause-and-effect relationships of industrial injuries. Conclusions. The correlation-regression models were created to analyze the level of industrial injuries in Ukraine. The numerical calculations were carried out according to these models. The average values of the relative errors of the calculated data are 1.55 % and 6.08 %, which indicates the adequacy of the developed models.

Contemporary Concise Review 2023: Environmental and occupational lung diseases.

Air pollutants have various effects on human health in environmental and occupational settings. Air pollutants can be a risk factor for incidence, exacerbation/aggravation and death due to various lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypersensitivity pneumonitis or pneumonia (HP), pulmonary fibrosis such as pneumoconiosis and malignant respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Environmental and occupational respiratory diseases are crucial clinical and social issues worldwide, although the burden of respiratory disease due to environmental and occupational causes varies depending on country/region, demographic variables, geographical location, industrial structure and socioeconomic situation. The correct recognition of environmental and occupational lung diseases and taking appropriate measures are essential to their effective prevention.

Statin prevents cancer development in chronic inflammation by blocking interleukin 33 expression

Chronic inflammation is a major cause of cancer worldwide. Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a critical initiator of cancer-prone chronic inflammation; however, its induction mechanism by environmental causes of chronic inflammation is unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that Toll-like receptor (TLR)3/4-TBK1-IRF3 pathway activation links environmental insults to IL-33 induction in the skin and pancreas inflammation. An FDA-approved drug library screen identifies pitavastatin to effectively suppress IL-33 expression by blocking TBK1 membrane recruitment/activation through the mevalonate pathway inhibition. Accordingly, pitavastatin prevents chronic pancreatitis and its cancer sequela in an IL-33-dependent manner. The IRF3-IL-33 axis is highly active in chronic pancreatitis and its associated pancreatic cancer in humans. Interestingly, pitavastatin use correlates with a significantly reduced risk of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer in patients. Our findings demonstrate that blocking the TBK1-IRF3-IL-33 signaling axis suppresses cancer-prone chronic inflammation. Statins present a safe and effective prophylactic strategy to prevent chronic inflammation and its cancer sequela.

Environmental Determinants of Oral Cancer Development: An Overview

Overview: This review article delves into the influence of environmental factors on the onset of oral cancer. It examines the crucial part played by air pollution, occupational exposure and sun exposure in the initiation of oral cancer. Methods: For this extensive literature survey, we examined relevant publications centered on environmental causes of oral cancer, taking into account case-control research and environmental exposure appraisals. Our selection consisted of works chosen for alignment with our topic areas, robust methodologies, and recent publishing timelines. Results: Our investigation revealed that air pollution, occupational exposure and sun exposure are significant factors contributing to the development of oral cancer. When present together, they pose an even greater risk. In other words, the combination of these three environmental elements significantly increases the likelihood of oral cancer occurrence. It is crucial to take measures to reduce exposure to occupational exposure, air pollution and UV rays from the sun to mitigate this risk. Conclusion: The emergence of oral cancer arises from an intricate relationship encompassing hereditary and ecological variables. Efforts devoted to prevention ought to prioritize diminishing direct exposure to established threats, refining general wellbeing guidelines, and informing individuals prone to elevated risk circumstances. Expanded exploration stays imperative for illuminating contributions made by obscured ecological facets, notably pollution, plus devising groundbreaking precautionary tactics.

Retrospective revaluation effects during interpersonal attributions

Three questionnaire studies examined retrospective revaluation during judgments of causal attribution in social situations, that is, judgments about whether a particular individual or environmental cause was responsible for an outcome. An initial phase of training occurred in which two individuals (or one person and an environmental event) were described as possible candidates as causes of an outcome. One cause was the target test cause, and the other cause was manipulated in Phase 2. In Phase 2, new information about the validity of the “nontarget” cause was presented. This “nontarget” cause was either elevated in its causal status (an “inflation” treatment) or decreased in status as a possible cause (a “deflation” treatment). Participants rated the extent that the target cause was the cause of the outcome before and after receiving the inflation or deflation information in Phase 2. The difference in those scores was calculated to examine the potential of the Phase 2 information to influence attributions regarding the target cause (retrospective revaluation). Retrospective revaluation effects were found, specifically in deflation conditions, such that this new Phase 2 information did influence judgments about causal status of the target cause (Study 1); but inflation effects were weak. Deflation occurred when the cause was environmental and when it involved two people as causes. Also, the importance of the strength of the association between two causes (“within-compound associations”) was evaluated in two subsequent studies, revealing that this factor is important for observing retrospective revaluation, particularly when the strength of the association is either weak or strong but not of medium strength.

Particulate matter constituents trigger the formation of extracellular amyloid β and Tau -containing plaques and neurite shortening in vitro

Air pollution is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, characterized by decreased cognitive abilities and memory. The limited models of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease fail to replicate all pathological hallmarks of the disease, making it challenging to uncover potential environmental causes. Environmentally driven models of Alzheimer’s disease are thus timely and necessary. We used live-cell confocal fluorescent imaging combined with high-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy to follow the response of retinoic acid-differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to nanomaterial exposure. Here, we report that exposure of the cells to some particulate matter constituents reproduces a neurodegenerative phenotype, including extracellular amyloid beta-containing plaques and decreased neurite length. Consistent with the existing in vivo research, we observed detrimental effects, specifically a substantial reduction in neurite length and formation of amyloid beta plaques, after exposure to iron oxide and diesel exhaust particles. Conversely, after exposure to engineered cerium oxide nanoparticles, the lengths of neurites were maintained, and almost no extracellular amyloid beta plaques were formed. Although the exact mechanism behind this effect remains to be explained, the retinoic acid differentiated SH-SY5Y cell in vitro model could serve as an alternative, environmentally driven model of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Graphene acid quantum dots: A highly active multifunctional carbon nano material that intervene in the trajectory towards neurodegeneration

Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon nano materials (CNMs) that find use across several biological applications because of their water solubility, biocompatible nature, eco-friendliness, and ease of synthesis. Additionally, their physiochemical properties can be chemically tuned for further optimization towards specific applications. Here, we investigate the efficacy of C70-derived Graphene Acid Quantum Dots (GAQDs) in mitigating the transformation of soluble, monomeric Hen Egg-White Lysozyme (HEWL) to mature fibrils during its amyloidogenic trajectory. Our findings reveal that GAQDs exhibit dose-dependent inhibition of HEWL fibril formation (up to 70 % at 5 mg/mL) without affecting mitochondrial membrane potential or inducing apoptosis at the same density. Furthermore, GAQDs scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS); achieving a 50 % reduction in ROS levels at a mere 100 µg/mL when exposed to a standard free radical generator. GAQDs were not only found to be biocompatible with a human neuroblastoma-derived SHSY-5Y cell line but also rescued the cells from rotenone-induced apoptosis. The GAQD-tolerance of SHSY-5Y cells coupled with their ability to restitute cells from rotenone-dependent apoptosis, when taken in conjunction with the biocompatibility data, indicate that GAQDs possess neuroprotective potential. The data position this class of CNMs as promising candidates for resolving aberrant cellular outputs that associate with the advent and progress of multifactorial neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s (PD) and Alzheimer’s diseases (AD) wherein environmental causes are implicated (95 % etiology). The data suggest that GAQDs are a multifunctional carbon-based sustainable nano-platform at the intersection of nanotechnology and neuroprotection for advancing green chemistry-derived, sustainable healthcare solutions.