Harmful Chemicals Research Articles

A Scoping Review of Behavioural Studies on Heated Tobacco Products.

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are electronic devices that heat tobacco sticks to temperatures much lower than those which cause pyrolysis and combustion in cigarettes. While this electrical heating causes the formation of an inhalable aerosol which contains nicotine, the aerosol from HTPs contains significantly fewer and lower levels of the harmful and potentially harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. As a result, HTP use potentially conveys reduced risks to health compared to cigarette smoking. While this relative reduction in individual health risk is becoming clearer, what is less certain is the impact of HTPs on overall population‑level health, taking into account both the potential positive impact on adult smokers who completely switch to using HTPs and any unintended impacts such as use by tobacco non‑users and particularly by youth.The aim of this scoping review was to collate and evaluate the published scientific evidence to date, with acut‑off of 1 January 2024, investigating the impact of HTPs on population‑level health.This evaluation suggests that HTP use is almost exclusively observed among those with a history of cigarette smoking, and there is a growing body of evidence for the ability of HTPs to provide support for adult smokers to transition away from cigarette smoking, in the absence of any significant "gateway" into tobacco use initiation. Many studies have reported a significant degree of dual use of cigarettes and HTPs, and efforts to assess the reasons for such patterns of use, whether these provide overall exposure reductions, and whether dual use acts as a bridge towards a complete transition away from cigarette smoking, requires further investigation. In addition, correction of the widespread and increasing misperceptions of HTPs among adult smokers is recommended to promote HTP uptake as a potentially less harmful alternative to smoking in this population.

A Corporate Managerial Framework for Collaboration Skills Training of Employees From Formerly Oppressed Communities

It is widely recognized that countries scoring high in capitalism, democracy, and the rule of law (CDR) tend to have impressive levels of real per capita gross domestic product (GDP) adjusted for purchasing power parity (GDPppp). However, the key to the rule of law is collaboration, and the ability to work together may have been eroded in communities that have experienced past traumas such as forced labor, excessive discrimination and exposure to harmful chemicals. These distressing outcomes can be inherited by future generations through negative epigenetic transgenerational psycho-sequela, leading to poor academic and employment performance, low income, self-harm, negative community relations, and increased aggression. This paper aims to explore the development of a managerial framework for rehabilitating psychological health that aims to revive lost collaboration skills. The originality of this work lies in the managerial framework that facilitates the restoration of collaboration skills, which are fundamental to exceptional economic growth and higher average income countrywide.

Enhancing Cellulose and Lignin Fractionation from Acacia Wood: Optimized Parameters Using a Deep Eutectic Solvent System and Solvent Recovery.

Cellulose and lignin, sourced from biomass, hold potential for innovative bioprocesses and biomaterials. However, traditional fractionation and purification methods often rely on harmful chemicals and high temperatures, making these processes both hazardous and costly. This study introduces a sustainable approach for fractionating acacia wood, focusing on both cellulose and lignin extraction using a deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of choline chloride (ChCl) and levulinic acid (LA). A design of experiment was employed for the optimization of the most relevant fractionation parameters: time and temperature. In the case of the lignin, both parameters were found to be significant variables in the fractionation process (p-values of 0.0128 and 0.0319 for time and temperature, respectively), with a positive influence. Likewise, in the cellulose case, time and temperature also demonstrated a positive effect, with p-values of 0.0103 and 0.028, respectively. An optimization study was finally conducted to determine the maximum fractionation yield of lignin and cellulose. The optimized conditions were found to be 15% (w/v) of the wood sample in 1:3 ChCl:LA under a treatment temperature of 160 °C for 8 h. The developed method was validated through repeatability and intermediate precision studies, which yielded a coefficient of variation lower than 5%. The recovery and reuse of DES were successfully evaluated, revealing remarkable fractionation yields even after five cycles. This work demonstrates the feasibility of selectively extracting lignin and cellulose from woody biomass using a sustainable solvent, thus paving the way for valorization of invasive species biomass.

Use of Biological Agents to Control the Number of Halyomorpha halys Stål

Background: Halyomorpha halys Stål, commonly known as the brown marmorated stink bug, poses a significant threat to various crops, necessitating repeated seasonal insecticide applications for control. However, these methods carry environmental and human health risks. Considering these concerns, there is a pressing need to explore alternative, eco-friendly approaches to managing H. halys populations. This study sets out to investigate innovative strategies that minimize reliance on harmful chemicals while still effectively controlling the stink bug menace. By delving into the realm of sustainable pest management, the aim is to develop methods that strike a balance between pest control efficacy and environmental stewardship. This study aims to explore eco-friendly approaches to managing H. halys populations.Methods: The research involved monitoring the population dynamics of H. halys in the central zone of the Krasnodar Territory, Russia. It also evaluated the efficacy of local parasitic insects Pediobius cassidae and Anastatus bifasciatus in reducing pest infestations, conducted laboratory tests on the insecticidal properties of essential oils from plants such as wormwood, coriander, and Siberian fir, and performed field trials on biological control agents.Results: Infestation rates by parasitic insects remained relatively low, ranging from 5-10%. Laboratory experiments demonstrated the potent insecticidal properties of essential oils derived from wormwood, coriander, and Siberian fir. Field trials further confirmed significant mortality rates of H. halys specimens when exposed to biological control agents.Conclusions: The study underscores the potential efficacy of utilizing parasitic insects and plant-derived essential oils in managing H. halys populations. These findings offer practical insights for promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the central zone of the Krasnodar Territory.Keywords: Brown marmorated stink bug; Biorational insecticides; Essential oils

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pandanus tectorius aerial root extract: Characterization, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and photocatalytic properties, and ecotoxicological assessment

Nanotechnology, a rapidly developing field of research, has several applications in various disciplines of applied science. The eco-friendly synthesis method presented here provides a sustainable alternative to traditional methods that frequently rely on harmful chemicals. Following the synthesis, the antibacterial and anti-cancer properties of the nanoparticles produced through this environmentally-friendly. In the present study, the reducing agents for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were aqueous extracts of the aerial root of Pandanus tectorius. The green synthesized Ag nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, and SEM, as well as EDX analysis. Artemia nauplii larvae were used to test the nanoparticles’ eco-toxicity, cytotoxicity against HeLa cells, and antibacterial activity using the well diffusion assay. The synthesized Ag-NPs exhibited maximum absorbance in the visible band at 415 nm. In the XRD spectrum of crystalline Ag-NPs, four prominent peaks with 2θ values of 38.12°, 54.14°, 64.18°, and 77.48° are observed. These peaks correspond to the crystallographic planes 111, 200, 220, and 311, respectively. The synthesized nanoparticles SEM-TEM image revealed a spherical shape. EDX spectral peak was found at 3.0 keV. Maximum growth inhibitory activity was noticed against P. aeruginosa (14 mm) through determining the zones of inhibition on disc diffusion method. The studied bacterial strains have demonstrated effective inhibition by these Ag-NPs. In vitro cytotoxicity assessment of Ag-NPs exhibited an IC50 value of 47.58 μg/mL against HeLa cancer cells. Methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under solar radiation was investigated for its photocatalytic properties. The findings demonstrated that after 120 min in the light, MB deteriorated by 82.6 %. Overall, the results of this investigation suggest that Ag-NPs biosynthesized by P. tectorius may have photocatalytic, antibacterial and anticancer properties.

Dyeing of Mixed Cotton and Polyester Fabrics with New Dyes—Complexes of Collagen with Transition Metal Ions

Uniform, stable, one-step dyeing of textile fabrics made from a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers using traditional methods remains problematic to this day. As an alternative to traditional methods, a one-step method for dyeing mixed cotton and polyester fabrics with a new natural dye—a complex of collagen and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ions—was proposed for the first time. Dyeing of pre-prepared cotton, polyester, and cotton–polyester fabrics is carried out by dipping in an aqueous dye solution, squeezing, drying, and heat setting. The influence of the mass ratio of dye components, fixation temperature, and pH of the solution on the degree of dye fixation was determined. A degree of sorption of dyes (14–25%) from the solution onto the surface of fabrics was established, which after heat fixation decreases slightly (1–3%). During washing processes, the copper complex is almost completely washed out from polyester and blended fabrics and remains in small quantities (2.4–3.8%) on the surface of cotton fabrics. After water washing, the degree of fixation of the collagen–chrome complex in fabrics is as follows: in cotton—8–10%, in polyester—10–12%, and in cotton–polyester—8–9%. The color coordinates of cotton and cotton–polyester fabrics hardly change before and after washing, but for polyester fabric, the changes are significant. The mechanism of interaction of the complex dye with the fibers was studied using the Fourier transform infrared method, and the morphology and distribution of the dye on the surface of the samples using the SEM-EDS method. The dye binds to cellulose through ionic and coordination bonds, and to polyester through joint melting. Therefore, unlike pure polyester fabric, cotton and cotton–polyester fabrics demonstrated high color fastness to washing and light fastness. The use of production waste, the exclusion of synthetic dyes and harmful chemicals, and single-stage dyeing of the material reduce the environmental burden.

Application and optimization of electro-Fenton technology in advanced treatment of petrochemical industry wastewater

Within this research endeavor, a refined electric-Fenton remediation protocol was put forth for the enhanced reconditioning of intensely polluted organic effluents originating from the petrochemical sector. Using DSA (Dimensionally Stable Anode) electrode material and ultraviolet (UV) catalysis, the wastewater treatment efficiency and the ability to degrade refractory organic compounds were significantly improved. By optimizing the reaction parameters, the mineralization speed and treatment efficiency of organic matter are significantly improved, the use of H2O2 is reduced, and the cost of chemicals and energy consumption are reduced. At the same time, the technology avoids the use of a large number of harmful chemicals and mitigates the peril of subsequent contamination, thus rendering it appropriate for a spectrum of petrochemical effluents. Moreover, it exhibits efficacious abatement on diverse categories of organic contaminants.

Food process contaminants: formation, occurrence, risk assessment and mitigation strategies - a review.

Thermal treatment of food can lead to the formation of potentially harmful chemicals, known as process contaminants. These are adventitious contaminants that are formed in food during processing and preparation. Various food processing techniques, such as heating, drying, grilling, and fermentation, can generate hazardous chemicals such as acrylamide (AA), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs), furan, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), monochloropropane diols (MCPD) and their esters (MCPDE) which can be detrimental to human health. Despite efforts to prevent the formation of these compounds during processing, eliminating them is often challenging due to their unknown formation mechanisms. It is critical to identify the potential harm to human health in processed food and understand the mechanisms by which harmful compounds form during processing, as prolonged exposure to these toxic compounds can lead to health problems. Various mitigation strategies, such as the use of diverse pre- and post-processing treatments, product reformulation, additives, variable process conditions, and novel integrated processing techniques, have been proposed to control these food hazards. In this review, we summarize the formation and occurrence, the potential for harm to human health produced by process contaminants in food, and potential mitigation strategies to minimize their impact.

Impact of Pernicious Chemicals on Geopolymer and Alkali-Activated Composites Incorporated with Different Fiber Types: A Review

Over the past decade, developing geopolymer mixes to replace ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) composites has yielded positive results, leading to extensive research. The incorporation of fibers in geopolymers, besides impacting the mechanical properties, has also significantly impacted durability, mainly when dealing with the most pernicious forms of deterioration resulting from chloride attack, water penetration, sulfate attack, acid attack, as well as freeze-thaw, which occurred through chemical transgression. This study presents a systematic approach to thoroughly review the durability properties of fibrous geopolymer composites exposed to harmful chemicals and extreme environmental conditions. The multi-parameters and factors critically influencing fibrous geopolymers' physical and chemical stability are examined. The study is further aimed at providing an update on the research work undertaken to assess the impact of fiber incorporation on the durability of geopolymer and alkali-activated composites thus far. Furthermore, this review hopes to promote and facilitate research on durability for the long-term, large-scale adoption, and commercialization of advanced fibrous, non-OPC-based materials.

Deep-Eutectic-Solvent-in-Water Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Starch Nanoparticles.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have received extensive attention in green chemistry because of their ease of preparation, cost-effectiveness, and low toxicity. Pickering emulsions offer advantages such as long-term stability, low toxicity, and environmental friendliness. The oil phase in some Pickering emulsions is composed of solvents, and DESs can serve as a more effective alternative to these solvents. The combination of DESs and Pickering emulsions can improve the applications of green chemistry by reducing the use of harmful chemicals and enhancing sustainability. In this study, a Pickering emulsion consisting of a DES (menthol:octanoic acid = 1:1) in water was prepared and stabilized using starch nanoparticles (SNPs). The emulsion was thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including optical microscopy, transmission microscopy, laser particle size analysis, and rheological measurements. The results demonstrated that the DES-in-water Pickering emulsion stabilized by the SNPs had excellent stability and retained its structural integrity for more than 200 days at room temperature (20 °C). This prolonged stability has significant implications for many applications, particularly in the field of storage and transportation. This Pickering emulsion based on DESs and SNPs is sustainable and stable, and it has great potential to improve green chemistry practices in various fields.

Prevalence and concentration of aflatoxin M1 in breast milk in Africa: a meta-analysis and implication for the interface of agriculture and health

Breast milk is one of the many distinct forms of food that can be contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). They may be consumed by eating contaminated foods, such as contaminated meat and crops, which would then be present in breast milk and cause health problems, including nervous system disorders and cancers of the lungs, liver, kidneys, and urinary tract. However, the prevalently inconsistent explanation of prevalence and concentration remains a big challenge. Thus, this meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence and concentration of harmful chemicals in breast milk in an African context. The databases MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for both published and unpublished research. To conduct the analysis, the collected data were exported to Stata version 18. The results were shown using a forest plot and a prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model. The Cochrane chi-square (I2) statistics were used to measure the studies' heterogeneity, and Egger's intercept was used to measure publication bias. This review included twenty-eight studies with 4016 breast milk samples and newborns. The analysis showed the overall prevalence and concentration of aflatoxin M1 in breast milk were 53% (95% CI 40, 65; i2 = 98.26%; P = 0.001). The pooled mean aflatoxin M1 concentration in breast milk was 93.02 ng/l. According to this study, the eastern region of Africa was 62% (95% CI 39–82) profoundly affected as compared to other regions of the continent. In subgroup analysis by publication year, the highest level of exposure to aflatoxins (68%; 95% CI 47–85) was observed among studies published from 2010 to 2019. This finding confirmed that more than half of lactating women’s breast milk was contaminated with aflatoxin M1 in Africa. The pooled mean aflatoxin M1 concentration in breast milk was 93.02 ng/l. According to this study, the eastern region of Africa was profoundly affected compared with other regions. Thus, the government and all stakeholders must instigate policies that mitigate the toxicity of aflatoxins in lactating women, fetuses, and newborns.

The Assessment of Selenium, Aluminum, and Zinc in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ASD is a complex condition defined by many causes, one of them being excessive concentrations of necessary and harmful chemicals in children. The serum, hair, and nails of children with ASD have lower levels of critical trace elements, according to studies. It is quite obvious that bio elements are involved in physiology and pathophysiology. Thus, this study examined trace element contents in serum samples from children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specifically zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), and selenium (Se). The study also looked for links between trace element levels and autistic severity. The study included 47 children with autism spectrum disorder, and the Gilliam's Scale was used for severity. The study also included 53 healthy kids with age and gender-matched with those of ASD. For serum trace element analysis, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used. The study found significant decreases in selenium and zinc concentration (OR, 5.25; CI, 1.96 ~ 14.08; p < 0.001) and increases in aluminum level (OR, 39.34; CI, 8.20 ~ 89.45; p < 0.001) in children with ASD compared to the control group. The area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.85 for Se, 0.98 for Al, and 0.7 for Zn showed high sensitivity and specificity for all parameters. Results indicate a strong positive connection between ASD and their levels of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) (β, 0.48; CI, 0.280 ~ 0.679; p < 0.001 and β, 0.31; CI, 0.10 ~ 0.52; p = 0.005). There is a negative correlation between ASD and aluminum (Al) (β 0.83; CI, 0.71 ~ 0.95; p < 0.001). This element may be a biomarker for autism in youngsters. High odds ratio (OR) values indicate trace element risk in autistic children.

Transformation towards a Low-Emission and Energy-Efficient Economy Realized in Agriculture through the Increase in Controllability of the Movement of Units Mowing Crops While Simultaneously Discing Their Stubble

When harvesting cereals and fodder grasses, a two-phase method is often used. This process is carried out using trailed and suspended collecting units. The former are asymmetrical and often pose problems regarding the stability of their movement in the horizontal plane. In practice, suspended harvesting units with a front-mounted header are becoming more and more widely used. The disadvantage of their use is that the soil is exposed after passing through the space between the swaths of the mown crop. This is followed by an intense loss of moisture. In order to eliminate this shortcoming, a collecting unit was proposed, consisting of a tractor with a front attachment and a disc harrow mounted at the rear. An appropriate mathematical model was developed to justify the scheme and parameters of such a unit. In this case, this model is used to assess the controllability of the movement of the dynamic system under the influence of control action in the form of the angular rotation of the tractor’s steered wheels. As a result of mathematical modelling, it was found that satisfactory controllability of the movement of the harvesting units can be ensured by acting on the tractor’s driven wheels with a frequency of 0–1 s−1 and a working speed of close to 3 m·s−1. In this case, it is desirable to set the deflection resistance coefficient of the rear tyres of the tractor (and therefore, the air pressure in them) to a smaller value, and that of the front tyres to a larger value. This helps both to improve the movement controllability of the harvesting unit and to reduce its energy consumption by an average of 6.75%. The emissivity of selected harmful chemicals and particulates emitted by the harvesting unit, depending on the fuel burned, was also examined. The way in which the use of the harvesting unit affects the reduction of emissions of harmful compounds into the atmosphere was also revealed.

A Personalized Intervention to Increase Environmental Health Literacy and Readiness to Change in a Northern Nevada Population: Effects of Environmental Chemical Exposure Report-Back.

Interventions are needed to help people reduce exposure to harmful chemicals from everyday products and lifestyle habits. Report-back of individual exposures is a potential pathway to increasing environmental health literacy (EHL) and readiness to reduce exposures. Our objective was to determine if report-back of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can reduce EDC exposure, increase EHL, and increase readiness to change (i.e., to implement EDC exposure-reduction behaviors). Participants in the Healthy Nevada Project completed EHL and readiness-to-change surveys before (n = 424) and after (n = 174) a report-back intervention. Participants used mail-in kits to measure urinary biomarkers of EDCs. The report-back of results included urinary levels, information about health effects, sources of exposure, and personalized recommendations to reduce exposure. EHL was generally very high at baseline, especially for questions related to the general pollution. For questions related to chemical exposures, responses varied across several demographics. Statistically reliable improvements in EHL responses were seen after report-back. For readiness to change, 72% were already or planning to change their behaviors. Post-intervention, women increased their readiness (p = 0.053), while men decreased (p = 0.007). When asked what challenges they faced in reducing exposure, 79% cited not knowing what to do. This dropped to 35% after report-back. Participants with higher propylparaben were younger (p = 0.03) and women and participants who rated themselves in better health had higher levels of some phthalates (p = 0.02-0.003 and p = 0.001-0.003, respectively). After report-back, monobutyl phthalate decreased among the 48 participants who had valid urine tests before and after the intervention (p < 0.001). The report-back intervention was successful as evidenced by increased EHL behaviors, increased readiness to change among women, and a decrease in monobutyl phthalate. An EHL questionnaire more sensitive to chemical exposures would help differentiate high and low literacy. Future research will focus on understanding why men decreased their readiness to change and how the intervention can be improved for all participants.

Adsorptive and oxidative removal of phenolphthalein by sono-assisted synthesized FeAcC in advanced oxidation-integrated fluidized bed reactor

ABSTRACT Environmental water sources are under increasing threat due to the addition of harmful chemicals not addressed by conventional water treatment processes. To work on this concern, the current study aimed to synthesize sono-assisted Fe-modified activated carbon-chitosan (FeAcC) composite and construct a laboratory-scale ozone-integrated fluidized bed reactor (FBR) to eliminate phenolphthalein (php). Following 120 min of incubation, the adsorbent demonstrated a 27.28 mg g−1 of php adsorption capacity at pH 4 with 0.5 g L−1 of adsorbent dosage. The adsorption efficacy and mechanism were defined using isotherm and kinetic models. The study investigated the impact of different factors including, initial concentration, reuse of FeAcC, recirculation flow rate, and hydraulic retention time (HRT), on the efficiency of php removal. The optimum removal efficiency was observed at approximately 95% after 20 min of operation at 1.5 L min−1 recirculation flow rate (batch FBR) and 70 min of HRT (continuous FBR) under 400 mg h−1 ozonation rate. Experimental parameters were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) to improve php removal. The large-scale implementation of the findings in the future can be a step for adding new technology for clean water treatment processes for emerging toxic pollutants.

Health risks associated with hazardous airborne chemicals in beauty salons: A pilot study in Kuwaiti salons

The beauty industry has become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to a surge in salon visits for various beauty treatments. However, public concerns were raised about the possible health dangers linked to the widespread use of harmful chemicals in beauty salons. To address these concerns, a pilot study was conducted in Kuwait to evaluate and identify the ten most commonly occurring hazardous airborne chemicals in different beauty salons. Air samples were gathered from inside and outside ten beauty salons situated in diverse regions of Kuwait, covering various periods, including working hours, non-working hours, and a continuous 24-h period. The study used diffusion tubes for sampling and employed the thermo-desorption gas chromatograph/mass spectroscopy technique (TD-GC/MS) to identify the chemical compounds. In addition, the measured concentration of compounds was utilized to assess the potential inhalation health risks associated with both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic substances, employing the USEPA Cancer Risk Indicator (CRI) and Hazard Quotient Indicator (HQI). The findings indicated that indoor concentrations of hazardous chemicals were significantly higher than those recorded outdoors. A total of 55 hazardous chemicals were detected in the indoor air quality inside beauty salons, and benzene concentrations exceeded ACGIH thresholds, suggesting a potential health concern. Although concentrations of toluene, ethylbenzene, m/p-xylene, and o-xylene remained below NIOSH recommendations, health risk assessments indicated the potential carcinogenicity of three compounds in the indoor air of beauty salons: benzene, ethylbenzene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. Additionally, 15 compounds were identified by non-carcinogenic risk assessments, such as ethyl acetate and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. These findings emphasize the urgency of implementing measures to address the exposure in Kuwait's beauty salons and conducting further research.

Effects of Combustible Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products on Systemic Inflammatory Response in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Diseases.

Smoke derived from combustible cigarettes (CCs) contains numerous harmful chemicals that can impair the viability, proliferation, and activation of immune cells, affecting the progression of chronic inflammatory diseases. In order to avoid the detrimental effects of cigarette smoking, many CC users have replaced CCs with heated tobacco products (HTPs). Due to different methods of tobacco processing, CC-sourced smoke and HTP-derived aerosols contain different chemical constituents. With the exception of nicotine, HTP-sourced aerosols contain significantly lower amounts of harmful constituents than CC-derived smoke. Since HTP-dependent effects on immune-cell-driven inflammation are still unknown, herein we used flow cytometry analysis, intracellular staining, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine the impact of CCs and HTPs on systemic inflammatory response in patients suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both CCs and HTPs significantly modulated cytokine production in circulating immune cells, affecting the systemic inflammatory response in COPD, DM, and UC patients. Compared to CCs, HTPs had weaker capacity to induce the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, IL-17, TNF-α), but more efficiently induced the production of immunosuppressive IL-10 and IL-35. Additionally, HTPs significantly enhanced the synthesis of pro-fibrotic TGF-β. The continuous use of CCs and HTPs aggravated immune-cell-driven systemic inflammation in COPD and DM patients, but not in UC patients, suggesting that the immunomodulatory effects of CC-derived smoke and HTP-sourced aerosols are disease-specific, and need to be determined for specific immune-cell-driven inflammatory diseases.

Fabrication of eco-friendly nanocellulose-chitosan-calcium phosphate ternary nanocomposite for wastewater remediation

Nanocomposites have emerged as promising materials for pollutant removal due to their unique properties. However, conventional synthesis methods often involve toxic solvents or expensive materials. In this study, we present a novel ternary nanocomposite synthesized via a simple, cost-effective vacuum filtration method. The composite consists of calcium phosphate (CaP), biowaste-derived nanocellulose (diameter <50 nm) (NC), and chitosan (CH). The nanocomposite exhibited exceptional pollutant removal capabilities due to the hybrid approach of combining adsorption and size exclusion that widens and accelerates pollutant removal. When tested with synthetic wastewater containing 10 ppm of Ni ions and 10 ppm of Congo red (CR) dye, it achieved impressive removal rates of 98.7% for Ni ions and 100% for CR dye. Moreover, the nanocomposite effectively removed heavy metals such as Cd, Ag, Al, Fe, Hg, Mo, Li, and Se at 100%, and Ba, Be, P, and Zn at 80%, 92%, 87%, and 97%, respectively, from real-world municipal wastewater. Importantly, this green nanocomposite membrane was synthesized without the use of harmful chemicals or complex modifications and operated at a high flux rate of 146 L/m2.h.MPa. Its outstanding performance highlights its potential for sustainable pollutant removal applications.

Sustainable Agriculture: Impact on Public Health and Sustainable Development

Sustainable agriculture involves the use of organic farming technologies, which excludes the use of growth stimulants, hormones and chemical additives in animal feeding as well as fertilisers with pesticides and other hazardous chemicals. Sustainable land management practices are aimed at preserving soils, water resources and biodiversity. They mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural environments. Organic agriculture produces environmentally friendly food that contains fewer harmful chemicals, potentially reducing the incidence of diet-related disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis (via VOSviewer 1.6.16, Bibliometrix / Biblioshiny App) to explore the sustainable agriculture impact on public health and sustainable development of nations. Applying the Scopus database, 427 relevant papers were reviewed to identify trends, influential works, and key research themes. The analysis reveals that sustainable agricultural practices, which aim to reduce environmental impact, conserve resources and enhance productivity, have gained increasing attention since the mid-1990s. Noteworthy, contributions include fundamental works, influential studies and various UN and WHO publications. The research highlights keywords such as agriculture, public health, nutrition, and food security. Leading countries in this research domain include the USA, China, Canada, India, and the UK, demonstrating extensive international collaboration. The findings underscore the critical role of sustainable agriculture in addressing global challenges, promoting environmental stewardship, and supporting socio-economic progress, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The study provides valuable insights into the development of sustainable practices and policies essential for future research and implementation.

Effectiveness of Mangifera Indica, Carica Papaya, and Citrus Limon Peels as Bio-Floor Wax for Classroom Use in the Philippines

The Philippines has a tradition of using floor wax to enhance the shine and durability of floors. However, commercial floor wax often contains harmful chemical substances that pose significant health risks. The study evaluated the potential of Mangifera indica, Carica papaya, and Citrus limon as bio-floor wax. Using a quantitative research approach, the research examined the odor, shininess, friction, and water resistance properties of these fruit peels. An antimicrobial sensitivity test was also conducted, and the mango extract had the highest average inhibition zone, while the combined extract had the lowest. The results showed that lemon peels have the highest friction on ceramic tiles, while papaya peels performed best on wood flooring. Mango peels showed the highest shininess on scarlet oak surfaces. The water resistance test showed no significant differences across different tiles. The results showed that the fruit peels could be a viable option for bio-floor wax in Philippine classrooms. Further research is recommended to develop formulations suitable for broader applications and to validate the product’s performance under different environmental conditions.