Harmful Components Research Articles

(Invited) High Energy Density and Ecofriendly Lithium-Ion Battery with Operando Monitoring

In addition to recent worldwide renewable energy commitments, advances in electrical vehicle technologies, flexible electronics, smart wearable devices, and internet of things, have contributed to the increasing demand for batteries with a wide range of electrochemical and electromechanical properties. In response, the battery industry has launched intensive research and development efforts in search for new materials, technologies, and concepts. However, these rapid developments give rise to a growing concern on the impact of this industry on Nature. Hence, the rapidly growing battery market demands resolutions for both energy and waste-management challenges in anticipation of about two million metric tons of annual battery waste generated globally. One way to resolve this energy and environment dilemma is by revising the conventional battery architecture to assure both high energy density and efficient recyclability aiming at circular economy. Within this strategy we fabricated self-standing composite electrodes that eliminated electrochemically inactive metal current collectors and binders from the Li-ion battery architecture, increasing energy density up to 40%. These electrodes were prepared via in situ mixing of as-grown single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with aerosolized electrode active materials in ratios (≥0.25 wt%) that provide adequate electrical conductivity and mechanical robustness under stretching (≤15%), bending (d≥2 mm) and twisting (θ~180o) cycles. Remarkably, the resultant SWNT scaffold in composite electrodes operates as an intrinsic piezoresistive strain sensor (Gauge Factor ~6.2) that for the first time allows in situ/operando self-monitoring of battery structural health without interfering with electrochemical reactions. Moreover, the developed solution-free fabrication method eliminates hazardous, toxic, and environmentally harmful components and procedures from the electrode production line and allows their recycling by simple sonication and recovering of the active materials. In addition, the absence of current collector foils and binder allows for easy recycling and recovery of the constituent materials by using physical separation methods. These new features not only reduce consumption of the natural resources but also promote the eco-friendly circular economy for batteries.

Analytical review of methods for the determination of nitrogen oxides in tobacco and nicotine containing products

Reducing the toxicity of tobacco products is a pressing issue today. Manufacturers offer consumers innovative types of nicotine containing products, such as electric tobacco heating systems, as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. This type of nicotine containing products differs from cigarettes, i.e. the ECNT has a different way of consumption, which is the formation of the dispersed phase, which consists of the smallest solid particles in the absence of combustion by heating the filler. The presence of innovative products requires on the market evaluating and monitoring the quality of products, therefore, it is necessary to develop or improve existing methods to identify potentially harmful components for the body, including nitrogen oxides (NO, NOx), which are part of the generated aerosol. This paper presents a characteristic of nitrogen oxides (NO, NOx), reviews the formation process, toxic properties affecting the body, as well as an overview of the methods for determining nitrogen oxides using a smoking machine and chemiluminescent gas analyzer. The level of nitrogen oxides content (NO, NOx) in the gaseous phase of tobacco products aerosol compared with the content of nitrogen oxides in the gaseous phase of tobacco smoke of control cigarette 3R4F is also given. Particular attention is paid to the consideration of regulatory documentation for the regulation of innovative products. There is no generally accepted approach in the sphere of standard setting for regulation of innovative nicotine containing products at the present time and it is under development. The article substantiates the need to develop and implement in the national standard for tobacco heated methodology for determining nitrogen oxides.

The skin is the best alarm bell for recognizing the presence of the Omicron variant in younger asymptomatic patients

The skin is the best alarm bell for recognizing the presence of the Omicron variant in younger asymptomatic patients

Quality of Bottom Sediments of Sołtmany Lake (Masurian Lake District, Poland) in the Light of Geochemical and Ecotoxicological Criteria—Case Study

The quality of bottom sediment is important for the condition of aquatic environments. High levels of potentially harmful components in sediments negatively affect the quality of surface water environments. Lake bottom sediments are commonly used to control the quality of the environment in terms of both heavy metals and harmful organic compounds. This paper presents new data on the compositions of bottom sediments from Sołtmany Lake, located in the Masurian Lake District (Poland). The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical properties of bottom sediments and to assess their quality based on geochemical and ecotoxicological criteria. The field study was conducted in July 2021. Thirty sediment samples were collected for analysis from six study sites located in the upper central and lower part of the reservoir. Contamination of the bottom sediments with trace metals was determined on the basis of the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), while an ecological risk assessment was carried out on the basis of calculated values of TEC (Threshold Effect Concentration) and PEC (Probable Effect Concentration) indices. The study shows that the concentration of trace metals in sediments was characterised by slight variation and that the maximum values did not exceed: 1.1 mg·kg−1 for Cd, 8.7 mg·kg−1 for Cr, 10.9 mg·kg−1 for Cu, 7.7 mg·kg−1 for Ni, 12.9 mg·kg−1 for Pb and 52.3 mg·kg−1 for Zn. The analyses further showed that the concentration of trace elements in the sediment surface layer increased in the following order: Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd. The maximum pH value of H2O was 7.1, while that of KCl was 7.0. The maximum values of Corg, Ntot, P2O5, K2O and Mg were, respectively: 6.1 g·kg−1, 1.4 g·kg−1, 40.2 mg·100 g−1, 31.2 mg·100 g−1 and 35.1 mg·100 g−1. The assessment of the degree of lake pollution is essential for the conservation of biodiversity and the organisation of environmental management activities.

Detoxification and comprehensive recovery of stainless steel dust and chromium containing slag: Synergistic reduction mechanism and process parameter optimization

Stainless steel dust and chromium containing slag are representative harmful solid wastes produced in modern iron and steel metallurgy industry. Based on the study of stainless steel dust reduction, the direct reduction process with low energy consumption and high efficiency was obtained by changing the addition amount of chromium containing slag and the conditions of reduction process system. The results show that with the addition of chromium containing slag, the basicity of raw materials decreases, the recovery of metal is improved, and the self-pulverization effect of reducing slag is improved. The optimum process conditions are as follows: the mixing ratio of stainless steel dust to chromium containing slag is 94%: 6%, the reduction temperature is 1400 °C, the reduction time is 25 min, the FC/O is 0.9, the recoveries of Fe, Cr and Ni in the reduction products are 90.5%, 90.6% and 91.2%, respectively, the grades of Fe, Cr and Ni in Fe-Cr-Ni-C alloy are 61.3%, 19.9% and 3.7%, respectively, and the contents of harmful components such as S and P are very low. The self-pulverization rate of reduction slag can reach 92.8%, and the residues of metal Fe, Cr and Ni in reduction slag are 134 ppm, 96 ppm and 129 ppm, respectively.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Inorganic Ions and Their Selective Removal from the Reconstituted Tobacco Extract Using Electrodialysis.

Many tobacco stalks, dust, and fines are discharged in the tobacco industry, rich in inorganic minerals ions and nicotine salts. The high salinity and nicotine salts are challenging to be addressed by traditional treatment and are a severe threat that ought to be overcome. Thus, proper techniques can regenerate the tobacco stalks into reconstituted tobacco flakes used as cigarette filler. The electrodialysis process has been a viable approach to removing the inorganic ingredients in wastewater. We studied concentration, pH, and co-related influences with the nicotine and sugar/nicotine contents on the desalination performance. The results show that the inorganic ions such as Cl−, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ ions were successfully removed. When the feed concentration ranges from 3 to 15%, the removal ratio of the K+ ions is higher than Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. As we reported previously, the K+ and Ca2+ ions are unfavorable for the total particulate matter emission but beneficial to decreasing the HCN delivery in mainstream cigarette smoke. Selective ED is a robust technology to reduce the harmful component delivery in cigarette smoke.

Catalytic gasification of phenol in supercritical water with different metal cations

Phenol is a representative compound in coal industrial wastewater. Metal cations are the main harmful components in the wastewater of the electroplating and dyeing industries. Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of phenol with metal cations could provide a promising way to degrade coal chemical wastewater and metal-containing wastewater simultaneously. In this study, SCWG of phenol with Mg2+, Mn2+, and Ni2+ was carried out to investigate the effect of metal cations on gasification results. Results showed that the gaseous product was mainly composed of H2, CO, CH4 and CO2, and CO2 was dominant. Prolonging residence time and increasing the concentration of metal cations increased the gas yield of CO2 and carbon gasification efficiency. Higher concentrations of metal cations facilitated methane-reforming reaction and water–gas shift reaction. Metal cations could enhance the ring-opening reaction of phenolic compounds and facilitate the conversion of phenol and liquid intermediates to minor molecule gaseous products. The order of catalytic effect was ranked as Ni2+>Mn2+>Mg2+. Mg2+, Mn2+ and Ni2+ were finally transformed into the corresponding metal hydroxides and metal oxides which could be recycled for reutilization. NiO could be reduced into metallic Ni, which consumed the H2 but effectively catalyzed SCWG of phenol.

The Development and Evaluation of a Literature-Based Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota

ObjectivesTo develop and evaluate a novel dietary index for gut microbiota (DI-GM) that captures dietary composition related to gut microbiota profiles. MethodsA literature review of longitudinal studies on the effect of diet on gut microbiota in adult populations was conducted, extracting those dietary components with evidence of beneficial or harmful effects on gut microbiota. Using 24-hour dietary recall data collected on two separate days from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005–2010, n = 3,821), DI-GM scores were computed and associations with biomarkers of gut microbiota diversity (urinary enterodiol and enterolactone) were examined using linear regression. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounding effect of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Lastly, congruence of the DI-GM with pre-existing dietary indices (Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS)) were examined. ResultsFrom a review of 121 articles, 14 foods were identified as components of the DI-GM, including fermented dairy, chickpeas, soybean, whole grains, fiber, cranberries, avocados, broccoli, coffee, and green tea (beneficial components) and red meat, processed meat, refined grains, and high fat diet (≥40% of energy from fat) (harmful components). Each component was scored 0 or 1 based on sex-specific median intakes and scores were summed to develop the DI-GM score. In NHANES, DI-GM scores ranged from 0–13 because intake of green tea was not reported, and the mean DI-GM was 4.8 (SD = 0.04). Positive associations between DI-GM and urinary enterodiol (β=0.123, 95%CI: 0.079, 0.166) and enterolactone (β=0.138, 95%CI: 0.091, 0.184) were observed in multivariable-adjusted models. The DI-GM showed moderate positive correlation with HEI-2015 (r = 0.537, p < 0.001) and MDS (r = 0.423, p < 0.001). ConclusionsA novel DI-GM was developed based on published literature to score the quality of diet in terms of maintaining healthy gut microbiota. The DI-GM was significantly associated with markers of gut microbiota diversity in NHANES, signifying the potential utility of this index for gut-health related studies. Funding SourcesNone.

RECYCLING OF SEWAGE WATER FOR APARTMENT

Recycling of sewage water is most important topic in the world. In most of the areas waste water is thrown off in river and sea without any treatment. This waste water contents many pollutant components that can be harmful for human health and environment. Due to wastewater natural resources of fresh water are polluted and aquatic life is in dangerous. Knowing the importance of water and evaluating the risk makes waste water treatment necessary for avoiding future problem. The purpose of this project is to prevent natural water sources and to treat wastewater coming from human activity and prevent environment and human health. So minimize harmful component present into the wastewater using various method.

Порівняльна шкодочинність кровосисних двокрилих комах щодо тварин

Goal. To determine and substantiate the degree of harmfulness of various components of biting insects, such as ectoparasites of cattle, based on a comparative calculation of the bodyweight of female insects with the amount of blood they absorb. Methods. Field, parasitological, laboratory, and computational. Results. The experiments used the indices of the size and bodyweight of female insects, as well as the amount of blood they consumed to compare the harmfulness of various components of biting insects. The ratio of blood mass consumed to the bodyweight of hungry female insects is different for different groups. At low body weight there is a tendency to increase this parameter, i.e. small insects concerning their weight absorb more blood than large ones. It is advisable to use the mass of blood-saturated female insects to compare the harmful components of the biting insects, as this allows to level the indicators obtained by the weight of hungry female insects and the mass of absorbed blood, between which there is no direct relationship. Data on the number of different components of biting insects, which were compared according to the degree of harmful effects on animals, also make it possible to calculate conditional coefficients. Conclusions. The degree of harmfulness of various components of biting insects as ectoparasites of cattle is substantiated based on comparative calculation of the bodyweight of female insects with the amount of blood absorbed by them. Compared to the volume of blood absorbed by a female insect of medium-sized gadflies (as a reference unit), the conditional coefficient of absorbed blood by a female of large gadflies is 0.48; checkered and horse-flies — 3.54; mosquitoes — 30.7; buffalo gnats — 76.5; malanders — 474. These data can be used to determine the estimated loss of productivity of animals depending on the number of blood-sucking Diptera insects.

Recent advancements in baking technologies to mitigate formation of toxic compounds: A comprehensive review

Conventional hot air baking is a widely used food processing technology, which involves simultaneous heat and mass transfer processes. Chances of acrylamide and hydroxymethylfurfural formation is high in baked products due to high-temperature treatment. Since acrylamide and hydroxymethylfurfural are harmful to human health, it becomes crucial to develop novel baking technologies to mitigate these harmful components without affecting the sensorial properties of the final baked product. The formation of hydroxymethylfurfural and acrylamide are closely related to baking temperature, baking time, and ingredients. Novel technologies and pretreatments are shown promising results to mitigate these harmful components in the end products. This review describes the suitable pretreatment methods, novel baking technologies, and effective post-baking techniques that help mitigate the development of harmful compounds without affecting the textural attributes of baked products. Novel baking technologies, such as vacuum baking, high voltage electrical discharge, supercritical carbon dioxide extrusion process, power ultrasound, infrared, microwave and halogen lamp baking; different pretreatment technologies – ozone treatment, plasma treatment, high-pressure processing, ohmic heating, ultraviolet irradiation and ligh emitting diode treatment are discussed together with a comprehensive insight to the understanding of mechanisms involved in the formation of harmful components during processing and post-baking. • Mechanism of baking and heat transfer reactions occurred in baking are summarized. • Effect of pre-treatments on the harmful compounds in final baked product is discussed. • Application of novel baking technologies is outlined. • There is a miles away to produce healthier baked products with minimal toxic component.

The dynamic behaviour of sunscreens under in-service conditions.

Discussion continues over various aspects of sunscreen science: regulation, test methods, sun protection factor (SPF), labelling claims, potentially harmful components, among others. In this paper the UV transmission properties of a number of commercial sunscreens have been determined at constant sunscreen film thickness under different local UV Index conditions. The data demonstrate difficulties facing the public and the sunscreen industry as a whole, even though SPF values and other data stated on the sunscreen packaging are assumed to be correct according to standard testing methods. This work has shown that at realistic application rates the critical factors are the intensity of the incident solar radiation and the accumulated erythema UV dose transmitted over time. In one example, on 'Extreme' UV Index days, an SPF 30 sunscreen under test transmitted one minimal erythema dose (MED) of UV in only 35min. In another example, although it should not, in theory, transmit one MED until several hours of exposure, this level was reached in 1h by an SPF 50 sunscreen under these typical Australian summer conditions (UV Index 12) in Wollongong, NSW (34.4°S). Such properties could have severe consequnces if these sunscreens were used by individuals with Fitzpatrick Skin Type 1, organ transplant recipients or other immuno-compromised individuals.

Effect of the addition of zeolites and silicate compounds on the composition of the smoke generated in the decomposition of Heet tobacco under inert and oxidative atmospheres

Five potential additives, three zeolites and two silicates, have been studied for reducing the amount of compounds generated when smoking Heet tobacco. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry experiments (Py-GC/MS) show that this type of tobacco generates large amounts of nicotine and glycerol and compounds such as phenol, acetaldehyde, acetone and formaldehyde that are classified as harmful components and potentially harmful (HPHC). USY and SBA-15 are the additives that present major reductions in inert and oxidative atmosphere, being these reductions greater for SBA-15. These results have been confirmed by smoking experiments that show significant reductions for SBA-15, especially in the total particle matter (TPM) where a reduction of more than 40% is obtained for most of the compounds, being for several compounds even higher than 60%. These additives may further reduce the toxicity of Heet tobacco.

In vitro cytoxicity profile of e-cigarette liquid samples on primary human bronchial epithelial cells.

Cigarette smoke is associated to severe chronic diseases. The most harmful components of cigarette smoke derive from the combustion process, which are significantly reduced in the electronic cigarette aerosol, thus providing a valid option in harm reduction strategies. To develop safer products, it is therefore necessary to screen electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids) to meet high safety standards defined by government regulations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of metal- and plastic-derived contaminants in four different commercial e-liquids with high concentration of nicotine and their cytotoxic effect in normal human bronchial epithelial cells by a number of in vitro assays, in comparison with the 1R6F reference cigarette, using an air-liquid interface (ALI) exposure system. Moreover, we evaluated the effect of aerosol exposure on oxidative stress by measuring the production of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial potential. Our results showed no contaminants in all e-liquids and a significantly reduced cytotoxic effect of e-liquid aerosol compared to cigarette smoke as well as a maintained mitochondria integrity. Moreover, no production of reactive oxygen species was detected with e-cigarette aerosol. In conclusion, these results support the reduced toxicity potential of e-cigs compared to tobacco cigarettes in an in vitro model resembling real life smoke exposure.

Differential Effects of Heated Tobacco Products and Conventional Cigarettes on Cardiovascular System A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials

Background: Heated tobacco products (HTP) are alternative forms to traditional cigarettes. Harmful components contained in HTP tobacco aerosol are in lower amounts than those in smoke from traditional cigarettes. That’s why HTP are believed to reduce the burden of smoking related-diseases. However, due to its potentially toxic chemicals and the increased concentration of nicotine, HTP devices may not be as safe as the industries claim. This review was completed to summarize effects of HTP on user’s health, in particular on cardiovascular system.Methods: A systematic search of the literature in PubMed database was performed to identify significant articles published from 2015 to 2021. For this review we selected randomized clinical trials that explore the effects of heat-not-burn cigarettes on the cardiovascular system. Independent and sponsored studies by the tobacco industry were included. Conclusion: The analysis of biomarkers of biological effect, such as those for oxidative stress, platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, antioxidant reserve and others showed differences between smokers and people using heated tobacco products in favor of the latter. However, studies comparing the acute effects of different tobacco products on arterial stiffness, heart rate and myocardial function indicated no relevant differences between IQOS and traditional cigarettes. So, Heated Tobacco Products appear less harmful. Nevertheless, due to conflicting information and the restricted knowledge of IQOS exposure, further long-therm human studies are needed to assess the potential benefit and risk of heated tobacco products

Differential Effects of Heated Tobacco Products and Conventional Cigarettes on Cardiovascular System A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials

Background: Heated tobacco products (HTP) are alternative forms to traditional cigarettes. Harmful components contained in HTP tobacco aerosol are in lower amounts than those in smoke from traditional cigarettes. That’s why HTP are believed to reduce the burden of smoking related-diseases. However, due to its potentially toxic chemicals and the increased concentration of nicotine, HTP devices may not be as safe as the industries claim. This review was completed to summarize effects of HTP on user’s health, in particular on cardiovascular system.Methods: A systematic search of the literature in PubMed database was performed to identify significant articles published from 2015 to 2021. For this review we selected randomized clinical trials that explore the effects of heat-not-burn cigarettes on the cardiovascular system. Independent and sponsored studies by the tobacco industry were included. Conclusion: The analysis of biomarkers of biological effect, such as those for oxidative stress, platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, antioxidant reserve and others showed differences between smokers and people using heated tobacco products in favor of the latter. However, studies comparing the acute effects of different tobacco products on arterial stiffness, heart rate and myocardial function indicated no relevant differences between IQOS and traditional cigarettes. So, Heated Tobacco Products appear less harmful. Nevertheless, due to conflicting information and the restricted knowledge of IQOS exposure, further long-therm human studies are needed to assess the potential benefit and risk of heated tobacco product

Improved Foods Using Enzymes from Basidiomycetes

Within the kingdom of fungi, the division Basidiomycota represents more than 30,000 species, some with huge genomes indicating great metabolic potential. The fruiting bodies of many basidiomycetes are appreciated as food (“mushrooms”). Solid-state and submerged cultivation processes have been established for many species. Specifically, xylophilic fungi secrete numerous enzymes but also form smaller metabolites along unique pathways; both groups of compounds may be of interest to the food processing industry. To stimulate further research and not aim at comprehensiveness in the broad field, this review describes some recent progress in fermentation processes and the knowledge of fungal genetics. Processes with potential for food applications based on lipases, esterases, glycosidases, peptidases and oxidoreductases are presented. The formation and degradation of colourants, the degradation of harmful food components, the formation of food ingredients and particularly of volatile and non-volatile flavours serve as examples. In summary, edible basidiomycetes are foods—and catalysts—for food applications and rich donors of genes to construct heterologous cell factories for fermentation processes. Options arise to support the worldwide trend toward greener, more eco-friendly and sustainable processes.

Extra-Oral Taste Receptors-Function, Disease, and Perspectives.

Taste perception is crucial for the critical evaluation of food constituents in human and other vertebrates. The five basic taste qualities salty, sour, sweet, umami (in humans mainly the taste of L-glutamic acid) and bitter provide important information on the energy content, the concentration of electrolytes and the presence of potentially harmful components in food items. Detection of the various taste stimuli is facilitated by specialized receptor proteins that are expressed in taste buds distributed on the tongue and the oral cavity. Whereas, salty and sour receptors represent ion channels, the receptors for sweet, umami and bitter belong to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. In particular, the G protein-coupled taste receptors have been located in a growing number of tissues outside the oral cavity, where they mediate important processes. This article will provide a brief introduction into the human taste perception, the corresponding receptive molecules and their signal transduction. Then, we will focus on taste receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which participate in a variety of processes including the regulation of metabolic functions, hunger/satiety regulation as well as in digestion and pathogen defense reactions. These important non-gustatory functions suggest that complex selective forces have contributed to shape taste receptors during evolution.

Residential Radon Exposure in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer in Lublin Region, Poland.

Exposure to radon is the second most common factor causing lung cancer in smokers and the first among non-smokers. We aimed to measure the impact of the radon exposure on patients with different histological types of advanced lung cancer. The measurement of radon exposure was performed in 102 patients with lung cancer in stage 3B or higher (Poland). There were 78.4% of patients with non-small cell carcinoma and 21.6% of patients with small cell carcinoma. One month radon exposure measurement was performed with trace detectors in order to control whether high radon concentrations (>800 Bq/m3) were found in the homes of patients with cancer diagnosed. Results of the determinations were then compared with the representation of the most common types of lung cancer in the study population. In the analyzed group, the average concentration of radon during the exposure of the detector in the residential premises of the respondents accounted for 69.0 Bq/m3 [37.0–117.0] and had no statistically significant effect on the type of lung cancer developed in patients. The lack of statistical significance may result from the small study group and the accompanying exposure to other harmful components. As the incidence of lung adenocarcinoma is increasing and exposure to tobacco smoke is decreasing, the search for other modifiable causes of lung cancer should be the task in the future.

Harmful Components in Tobacco Smoke and Factors Affecting Their Content

Harmful Components in Tobacco Smoke and Factors Affecting Their Content