INTRODUCTION: Cosmetic products contain a wide range of chemicals to which we are exposed every day. The aim of the study was to determine the presence of potential dangerous substances which can cause adverse health effects by examining product labels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 283 products were collected from various shops in Lecce (Italy) and divided into 3 categories: rinse-off, leave-on and make-up. The label of every product was examined and a list including fragrances, preservatives and other chemicals of concern was created. RESULTS: Fragrances were present in 52.3% of the examined products, mostly limonene (76.9%) and linalool (64.6%) but also citronellol (34.1%), geraniol (31.5%), coumarin (30%) and hexyl cinnamal (29.2%). Preservatives showed a rate of 60% and the most frequently identified were phenoxyethanol (48.7%), sodium benzoate (35.6%), potassium sorbate (22%), methylparaben (15.2%) and MI/MCI (9.9%). The other chemicals of concern were detected in 58% of products; included PEGs (62.3%), acrylate copolymer (34%), petrolatum (17.2%), polysorbates (14,8%), BHT (14.7%), ethylhextyl methoxycinnamate (13.6%), benzophenone-1 (3.7%), benzophenone-3 (4.9%), BHA (1.6%), cocamide DEA and toluene (1.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of many of these substances is allowed within certain limits, due to their toxicity at higher concentrations. Other important aspects should be considered as, for instance, the possibility of long-term effects. On the other hand, other substances may induce several acute adverse side-effects, i.e. contact dermatitis and allergic reactions. For these reasons, an enhancement of the criteria used for cosmetics formulation is required since many chemicals used singularly or combined are potentially unsafe.
The growing amount of electronic waste (e-waste) creates serious occupational safety and health risks worldwide. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate the E-Waste Integrated Safety and Health Effects (E-WISE) questionnaire to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, safety practices, and health effects among formal e-waste recovery workers in Malaysia. The E-WISE domains were identified through a literature review and expert verification. The questionnaire was developed in Malay using a multistage questionnaire development framework. Content validation by six experts ensured relevance and accuracy, while face validation with ten e-waste workers assessed clarity. A pretest evaluated the questionnaire's practicality. Item analysis for the Knowledge domain examined difficulty and discrimination indices. Exploratory Factor Analysis using Principal Axis Factoring and internal consistency reliability analyses were performed to evaluate the questionnaire's construct structure and internal stability. A total of 76 e-waste workers from 18 licensed recovery facilities across eight Malaysian states participated. Content and face validation showed excellent relevance and clarity (S-CVI/Ave = 0.99-1.00; S-FVI/Ave = 0.97-1.00). Item analysis for the Knowledge domain indicated acceptable difficulty (p = 0.50-0.88) and strong discrimination (DI = 0.43-0.90). EFA confirmed a one-factor structure for the Attitude and Perception domains and a two-factor structure for Safety Practices representing personal protective equipment and hygiene compliance and adherence to safety procedures, accounting for 56.11% of the total variance. All domains demonstrated satisfactory to excellent reliability (KR-20/Cronbach's α = 0.82-0.97), supporting the internal stability of the E-WISE questionnaire. The E-WISE questionnaire demonstrated strong validity and reliability in assessing occupational safety and health among e-waste recovery workers. The instrument provides a structured and context-specific tool for evaluating occupational safety culture, safety practices, and health effects within formal e-waste recovery facilities in Malaysia and may support future occupational health monitoring and intervention efforts.
Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health concern in rural Ghana, particularly in climatically vulnerable and underserved settings. This study assessed the microbiological and chemical quality of drinking water and evaluated nitrate-related health risks in the North Gonja and North-East Gonja Districts of the Savannah Region. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2025. A total of 460 water samples were collected from groundwater sources and household storage containers. Microbial analyses targeted total coliforms and Escherichia coli. Physicochemical and chemical parameters included nitrate-nitrogen, pH, residual chlorine, major ions, and trace metals. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, spatial interpolation, and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment based on the hazard quotient (HQ) approach. Widespread microbial contamination was observed, with 91.5% of household water samples positive for total coliforms and 46.6% for E. coli. Contamination of source water was significantly higher in North Gonja than in North-East Gonja. Overall, 49.1% (n = 55) of groundwater sources exceeded the World Health Organization guideline value for nitrate-nitrogen, with exceedances predominantly occurring in North Gonja. Additionally, 67.0% (n = 75) of samples were outside the acceptable pH range (6.5-8.5), including 74 samples below 6.5 and one above 8.5. Residual chlorine was not detected in any of the samples. Health risk assessment indicated potential non-carcinogenic risks associated with nitrate exposure, particularly among infants and children. The study demonstrates significant microbial contamination and nitrate-related health risks in the study area, particularly in North Gonja. Interventions such as improved source protection, routine water quality monitoring, chlorination, household water treatment, and implementation of Water Safety Plans are recommended to enhance drinking water safety and reduce associated public health risks.
Background/Objectives: L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) are widely used in health and sports supplementation settings to improve energy metabolism, reduce fatigue, and support recovery. Although generally perceived as safe, their safety profiles are mainly based on pre-marketing studies and selected clinical populations, while real-world pharmacovigilance evidence remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting patterns associated with L-carnitine and CoQ10 using the EudraVigilance database. Methods: A retrospective pharmacovigilance analysis was conducted using spontaneous individual case safety reports (ICSRs) retrieved from the EudraVigilance database. ADRs associated with L-carnitine and CoQ10 were analyzed and compared at the System Organ Class (SOC) level. Disproportionality analyses were performed using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and proportional reporting ratio (PRR). Results: A total of 257 ICSRs for L-carnitine and 271 for CoQ10 were identified. Serious cases accounted for 34.2% of L-carnitine reports and 74.5% of CoQ10 reports. For L-carnitine, the most frequently reported SOC categories were gastrointestinal disorders, skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, general disorders and administration site conditions, and nervous system disorders. For CoQ10, the most commonly reported SOC categories were general disorders and administration site conditions, nervous system disorders, investigations, and gastrointestinal disorders. Comparative disproportionality analysis showed higher reporting frequencies for CoQ10 in blood and lymphatic system disorders (ROR 3.04; PRR 2.99), musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (ROR 2.63; PRR 2.52). Conclusions: Real-world pharmacovigilance data suggest partially different ADR reporting patterns for L-carnitine and CoQ10 compared with those described in pre-marketing studies. CoQ10 was associated with a higher proportion of serious reports and greater disproportionality signals for selected SOC categories; however, these findings should be interpreted cautiously, as reporting patterns may be influenced by reporting bias, comorbidities, concomitant therapies, and differences in the populations using these compounds. Continuous pharmacovigilance monitoring and periodic reassessment of their benefit-risk profile remain essential given their widespread use in health and sports supplementation settings.
Hospitals are complex organizations where personnel are exposed to diverse occupational hazards. While medical staff are often the focus, non-medical support personnel such as maintenance, laundry, and nutrition staff face significant health risks due to their specific work environments. This study aimed to assess occupational health hazards and health risks among medical support personnel in a community hospital in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand, to propose effective control measures. This study aimed to assess occupational health hazards and health risks among medical support personnel working in a community hospital in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the Occupational Health Risk Assessment High with the maximum score of 6 in s Form developed by the Bureau of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, Department of Disease Control. The results revealed that laundry and engineering departments had high risks from physical and chemical hazards, while the central supply and sterilization unit (CSSD) showed high biological and chemical risks. The nutrition department faced moderate risks, primarily in ergonomic and psychosocial aspects. Accident, fire and psychosocial hazards were consistently high across all units. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive risk management, including engineering, administrative, and behavioral interventions to enhance occupational health and safety in hospital settings.
Diet is recognized as both a determinant of health and a potential exposure source of environmental chemicals, but evidence linking comprehensive dietary indices to chemicals remains limited. We investigated the associations between diet quality, measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2020 (HEI-2020), and exposures to multiple environmental chemicals in a nationally representative U.S. NHANES 2017-2020 data (n = 4944) were used for the primary analysis, and NHANES 2013-2020 data (n = 11,739) were used for multi-cycle validation. Survey-weighted regression models assessed associations between HEI-2020 scores and chemical concentrations. Generalized additive models explored nonlinearity, and component-level analyses identified dietary components contributing to selected associations. Higher HEI-2020 scores were positively associated with urinary nitrate (β = 0.008), urinary arsenic (β = 0.002), and blood mercury (β = 0.005). Negative associations were observed for blood cadmium (β = -0.001) and perfluorononanoic acid (β = -0.002). Arsenic and mercury showed nonlinear patterns, and multi-cycle analyses supported the general stability of most associations. Component-level analyses suggested that vegetables and greens were major contributors to the nitrate association, seafood and plant proteins were related to mercury and arsenic, and fruit components were inversely associated with cadmium. Healthier diet patterns may accompany beneficial nutrients but also elevate certain contaminant exposures. These results support integrated nutrition and environmental health strategies to maximize dietary benefits while minimizing toxicant exposure.
Background and Objectives: Nowadays synthetic sweeteners are widely used as sugar substitutes in beverages, processed foods, and pharmaceutical products, largely due to their low caloric content and perceived benefits for weight management and glycemic control. Their consumption has increased markedly over recent decades, paralleling global efforts to reduce added sugar intake and combat obesity and diabetes. This review examines the regulation of artificial sweeteners, their impact on vulnerable populations, and the increased concern about their health effects, including metabolic effects, effects on gut microbiota and neurological and behavioral issues. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was performed across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, to identify studies relevant to synthetic sweeteners and human health. Results: While considered safe, artificial sweeteners are linked to potential influence on hormonal responses, affecting glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion, as well as effects on gut microbiota composition and glucose metabolism. However, the results reveal inconsistencies of the impact of artificial sweeteners on vulnerable populations, as well as their effects on the human gut microbiota, neurological behavior and endocrine effects and evidence remain limited. Conclusions: Continuous human trials, post-market surveillance and regulatory evaluations are therefore essential to ensure the safety of sugar substitutes for consumers' health.
Ophiopogon japonicus (O. japonicus) is a herbaceous plant belonging to the lily family. It is famous for traditional medicinal value and food nutrition, including soothing the mind, moistening the lungs, and feeding yin. The primary water-soluble active component in this plant is O. japonicus polysaccharides (OJPS), which boasts a range of biological functions. This paper presents an extensive review of the last decade's research on OJPS, focusing on its extraction, purification, physical and chemical properties, and structural characterization. Notably, only less than 18% of the isolated OJPS has undergone detailed structural analysis, highlighting the need for further in-depth studies. Furthermore, this paper also delves deeply into the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, liver-protective, regulation of intestinal flora, and maintenance of intestinal health functions of OJPS. Among them, the IC50 values of OJPS for α-glucosidase and α-amylase can be as low as 0.060 and 0.021 mg/mL respectively. Finally, the structural-activity relationship, chemical modification, safety evaluation, current applications and future prospects of OJPS were also discussed. This review serves as a comprehensive resource, offering extensive literature references and theoretical backing for further in-depth research, medical applications, and the high-value utilization of OJPS as a food nutritional resource.
This study assessed heavy metal accumulation and associated human health risks in Amaranthus cruentus and Corchorus olitorius irrigated with River Osun water in selected peri-urban communities of Osogbo, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from four irrigation locations (Owode, Oke-Osun, Gbodofon, and Ebunoluwa), while borehole water served as the control. The study followed an organized sequence encompassing site selection, sample collection, laboratory analysis, vegetable production and determination of heavy metals in the vegetables using regulatory standards. Heavy metal concentrations in irrigation water, soil, and harvested vegetables were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Total Carcinogenic Risk (TCR) were used to evaluate contamination and health risks. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at p < 0.05. Results showed that River Osun water contained elevated concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, As, Hg, and other metals above permissible limits, while the cultivation soil initially exhibited low contamination levels. Vegetable concentrations of Pb (2.92-5.12 mg kg⁻1), Cd (3.56-3.98 mg kg⁻1), Cr (3.18-3.99 mg kg⁻1), and As (1.86-2.29 mg kg⁻1) exceeded FAO/WHO limits. ANOVA revealed significant effects of irrigation location and vegetable type on metal accumulation (p < 0.05). Contamination factors indicated severe enrichment, particularly for As (49.50-71.67) and Cd (41.22-54.43), while PLI values ranged from 5.98-8.47. Hazard Index values (75.21-94.64) and TCR values (2.15 × 10⁻1-2.83 × 10⁻1) greatly exceeded acceptable limits. The study concludes that continuous irrigation with untreated River Osun water poses significant food safety and public health risks and requires urgent pollution-control interventions.
Organic ultraviolet filters (OUVFs) used as ingredients in sunscreens, personal care products (PCPs) and industrial products are persistent, bioaccumulative contaminants of growing concern. Information on the occurrence and health risk assessment of OUVFs in fish from freshwater environments in Nigeria is lacking. We investigated the occurrence and potential health risk of four OUVFs (benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), avobenzone (AVO) and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC)) in six different fish species from Dandaru River and Eleyele Lake in Ibadan, Nigeria. A modified QuEChERS extraction, in combination with a dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) clean-up, was used and instrumental analysis was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Human health risk was evaluated for three different age groups (adult, children and infant) using standard models and indices. The concentration levels of target OUVFs (35.07-44.68 ng/g for BP-3, 40.19-48.88 ng/g for 4-MBC and 31.79-45.29 ng/g for AVO) were quantified in the fish samples from both water bodies. Hazard index (HI) values of target OUVFs for the consumption of fish collected from Dandaru River and Eleyele Lake ranged from 0.058 to 0.669 and 0.056-0.867, respectively. The HI values obtained for all the investigated fish species were below safety thresholds for all age groups, suggesting non-carcinogenic risk was not evident. The findings emphasize the need for sufficient regulation of OUVFs usage in Nigeria and their discharge into the environment to avoid potential health risk to humans.
Anthropogenic activities and fast industrial growth influence the level of PTEs in the soil and the food chain. The contents of PTEs were examined in two wild Cosmos species (C. bipinnatus and D. cosmos) from Jiangsu City, using chemical and AAS methods to determine the risk to human health. The highest mean concentrations of PTEs in plants showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences between diverse plant parts and followed the decreasing order Mn (85.0 mg kg-1 in flower) > Zn (62.0 mg kg-1 in flower) > Cu (12.0 mg kg-1 in flower) > Cr (4.3 mg kg-1 in root) > Ni (0.97 mg kg-1 in root) > Cd (0.38 mg kg-1 in root) > Pb (0.03 mg kg-1 in shoot) > As (0.025 mg kg-1 in root). The highest values of Cr, Mn, Zn, and Cd in plant samples exceeded the permitted limit. While the quantity of Cr in the soil sample was high, the transfer coefficients (K) were high for Zn and Mn. The high percentage of Mn in roots was 68% and 61%, respectively, for C. bipinnatus and D. cosmos. The THQ values for Mn and HI exceeded 1 in all plant parts, except for the D. cosmos shoot (S2) and flower (F2). The assessment revealed that they are indicating a potential non-carcinogenic risk in human health. The TCR values for Cd and Ni showed a potential carcinogenic risk in adult and child health. This study reveals, for the first time, that wild Cosmos plants in an urban environment accumulate PTEs at levels posing a potential human health risk. The key risk metrics (HI > 1, TCR for Cd/Ni > 10-4) are highlighting significant health concerns. It is recommended to limit the use of urban-grown wild Cosmos plants for food purposes until further safety assessments are conducted.
Digital databases such as pharmacovigilance (PV) databases could provide unique opportunities to monitor trends in suspected antibiotic resistance, ineffectiveness, and misuse, extending beyond their traditional role of tracking adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This approach is potentially valuable globally but particularly advantageous in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) where formal resistance surveillance systems are often insufficiently developed. Leveraging PV data could help generate early signals of resistance and inappropriate antibiotic use and support antimicrobial stewardship in resource-constrained settings. To explore the potential use of PV databases in monitoring suspected antibiotic resistance trends and inappropriate use in LMICs. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using VigiBase. Data were extracted in October 2024 from inception to January 1, 2024. Reports involving antibacterials for systemic use, Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes J01 and J04 from LMICs were included. Selected Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) preferred terms were mapped according to RIOLE classification to the "resistance," "ineffectiveness," "off-label use," and "error" categories to identify reporting patterns. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize reports' characteristics, and associations between categorical variables were examined using chi-squared tests. A total of 1570 ICSRs from 37 LMICs were identified, yielding 2958 drug-adverse event pairs, with reporting increasing markedly after 2016. The "off-label use" (38.6%) and "ineffectiveness" (37.0%) were the dominant RIOLE categories, driven mainly by the preferred terms (PTs) of Off-label use (795; 26.4%) and Drug ineffective (751; 25.4%). Resistance-related PTs accounted for 12.7% of pairs, most frequently Drug resistance (210; 7.0%) and Pathogen resistance (132; 4.5%), while "error" category (11.7%) was led by Product use issue (60; 2.0%) and Medication error (44; 1.5%). Watch antibiotics predominated, especially azithromycin, ceftriaxone, and meropenem, with significant associations observed between RIOLE categories and age, reporter type, ATC class, reaction outcome, AWaRe category, and WHO region. These findings demonstrate that PV databases can provide valuable insights into suspected antibiotic resistance and inappropriate use patterns in LMICs, supporting their potential role as additional data sources in antimicrobial stewardship. Antibiotics sometimes fail to work as expected, either because the bacteria are resistant, the wrong antibiotic was chosen, or the medicine was used incorrectly. In this study, we analyzed reports from lower‐ middle‐income countries (LMICs) submitted to the World Health Organization's global safety database (VigiBase) to understand why antibiotic treatments go wrong. We found that most reports were related to antibiotics being used for the wrong indication or not working as intended, while only a smaller number described confirmed resistance. These patterns likely reflect challenges in LMICs' health systems, such as limited access to diagnostic tests and the need to make treatment decisions based on symptoms alone. The study also shows that safety reporting systems, originally designed to detect side effects, can provide important early warnings about possible antimicrobial resistance, especially in places where laboratory testing is limited. Strengthening antibiotic prescribing practices, improving how health workers report treatment failures, and integrating pharmacovigilance data into national antimicrobial resistance programs could help countries identify problems sooner and support safer, more effective use of antibiotics.
Salinity and heavy metal contamination represent major limitations to sustainable crop production in arid and semi-arid areas, particularly where irrigation relies on low-quality or industrial wastewater. Herein, we evaluated the potential of zeolite and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to mitigate salinity stress and cadmium (Cd) toxicity in wheat grown under saline soil conditions irrigated with Cd-contaminated wastewater. A split-split plot experiment was conducted with two field capacity (FC) levels (50 and 75%), two AMF treatments (with and without inoculation), and three zeolite application rates (0, 1.2, and 2.4 t ha-1). The integrated application of zeolite and AMF under higher soil moisture significantly improved soil physicochemical properties by reducing pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and exchangeable sodium, while enhancing microbial biomass, enzymatic activities, soil organic matter, and cation exchange capacity. Soil structural quality was noticeably improved, as evidenced by reduced bulk density and augmented porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Notably, zeolite and AMF substantially reduced Cd residues in soil post-harvest and wheat tissues as well, resulting in a pronounced decrease in grain Cd residues. These soil-level improvements were reflected in enhanced plant physiological performance, including improved Na+/K+ homeostasis, water relations, photosynthetic capacity, and redox homeostasis. Consequently, grain yield and yield components were significantly increased under the combined treatment. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that zeolite-AMF integration under optimized soil moisture establishes an effective, eco-friendly strategy for remediation of saline and Cd-contaminated soils while maintaining crop productivity.
Environmental stability forms the foundation for sustaining healthy ecosystems and protecting human life, but the relentless accumulation of persistent heavy metals severely undermines both ecological integrity and public health. Accurate assessment of heavy metal contamination and its food safety implications is crucial for effective risk management. Traditional environmental risk assessment (ERA) methods remain limited by labour and time-intensive processes. Emerging New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) now offer innovative, efficient alternatives for evaluating environmental and food safety risks linked to heavy metal pollution. NAMs encompass in-silico approaches, high-throughput screening methodologies, and predictive modelling frameworks that enable rapid, cost-efficient, and reliable evaluation of the hazards and risks associated with heavy metals. In contemporary toxicology, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) further expands analytical capabilities, allowing the interpretation of complex, large-scale datasets to identify mechanistic insights and toxicity patterns. This review dissects the strengths and limits of new NAMs, illuminating their potential amplified by AI, ML, multi-omics integration, and hybrid mechanistic-data paradigms to enhance precision, reproducibility, and efficiency in ERA and global food safety amid heavy metal contamination.The findings presented here aim to inform researchers, regulators, and policymakers, facilitating evidence-based adoption and strategic integration of NAMs to address the persistent challenges posed by heavy metal pollution in environmental and food systems.
The aim of this study was to discover and optimize a novel chemical scaffold capable of selectively inhibiting p38α, a kinase involved in inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite decades of work, most p38α inhibitors have failed clinically due to limited selectivity, compensatory signaling, and safety issues. We sought to combine computational and experimental approaches to identify potent, drug-like, and selective inhibitors suitable for further development. A consensus virtual screening workflow (ESSENCE-Dock), integrating DiffDock, LeadFinder, and GNINA, was applied to the Eurofins-Villapharma compound library. The top hit guided similarity searching and clustering to identify related analogues for structure-activity relationship studies. Binding modes and substituent contributions were analyzed using molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations. Biochemical HTRF assays, ADME profiling, NanoBRET intracellular target engagement, and kinome-wide screening were used to evaluate potency, cellular activity, and selectivity. Virtual screening identified a previously unreported 3,5-disubstituted dihydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazinone scaffold as a potent p38α inhibitor (IC50 = 26 nM). Evaluation of related analogues yielded several compounds with sub-10 nM activity. Molecular dynamics simulations supported stable binding through interactions with MET109, ASP168, and LYS53. Selected compounds demonstrated high plasma stability, moderate solubility and permeability, strong intracellular target engagement (IC50 < 10 nM), and excellent selectivity across a 468-kinase panel. This study identifies and characterizes a novel and drug-like p38α inhibitor scaffold with potent biochemical activity, high kinome selectivity, and confirmed intracellular target engagement. The combined computational-experimental workflow provides a strong foundation for further optimization toward therapeutic candidates for inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
Chemical risks represent a significant concern in laboratory environments, especially in organic laboratories where hazardous substances such as benzene and toluene are commonly used. This study evaluates the potential health risks associated with exposure to these volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among laboratory staff and students and examines the effectiveness of plant-based biofilters (PBBFs) in improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Measurements of total VOCs, CO, CO2, PM2.5, and PM10 were conducted in an operational pharmaceutical laboratory using a Henan Oceanus OC-1000 multi-gas detector under both control conditions and after the introduction of indoor plants. Four ornamental species Cordyline fruticosa, Syngonium podophyllum, Epipremnum aureum, and Chlorophytum comosum were selected based on their phytoremediation potential and evaluated for their impact on IAQ. The four tested species demonstrated substantial pollutant removal, with Cordyline fruticosa achieving the highest VOC (87.5%) and CO (88.2%) reductions, Syngonium podophyllum achieving up to 100% reduction under controlled experimental laboratory conditions of PM2.5 and PM10, and all species showing measurable reductions in CO2 (20?37%). Health risk assessment confirmed that at benzene (0.3 mg/m3) and toluene (4 mg/m3) exposure levels, both cancer and non-cancer risks for staff and students remained within the U.S. EPA?s acceptable threshold (??1.0?×?10?6 for cancer risk; hazard quotient?<?1 for non-cancer risk), indicating that plant-based biofilters effectively mitigate laboratory air pollution while maintaining safe exposure conditions.
Beef consumption in Europe has steadily declined due to shifting consumer preferences, health concerns, and growing awareness of environmental and ethical issues. In parallel, interest is increasing in native breeds that support biodiversity, sustainable farming, and differentiated products. The Bruna dels Pirineus, an endangered breed native to the Catalan Pyrenees, is a valuable genetic and cultural resource, yet its potential for premium beef production remains underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of dry- and wet-aging for 4 and 8 weeks on the technological, sensory, and microbial characteristics of sirloins from 11 Bruna dels Pirineus cattle. Analyses included technological traits, sensory evaluation, microbial enumeration pathogen screening via PCR, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Aging significantly influenced color, tenderness, and texture, with very tender meat achieved after 4 weeks. Beef odor and flavor remained stable, while aged notes slightly increased over time. Microbial enumeration revealed higher viable counts in dry-aged meat, increased lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in wet-aged samples, and contrasting trends for Pseudomonas spp. and yeasts/molds. No foodborne pathogens were detected. Metataxonomic analysis revealed distinct communities, with wet-aged meat dominated by LAB (Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Carnobacterium) and dry-aged meat by Pseudomonas spp. and Brochothrix thermosphacta. These findings demonstrate that both aging methods enhance meat quality through controlled physicochemical and microbial transformations while maintaining safety. This work supports the valorization of Bruna dels Pirineus beef and highlights the need for further studies linking microbial dynamics to sensory and chemical traits.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies represent one of the most complex contexts for defense systems and public health. The use of drones now provides concrete tools to reduce direct personnel exposure, enhance environmental data collection, and optimize healthcare logistics. This paper analyzes the technological evolution of drones in the healthcare sector, highlighting the main types employed and their operational prospects in CBRN emergencies. A central section is devoted to the training of CBRN UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) operators, considered a strategic prerequisite for the effective integration of these technologies into safety and response protocols. Through a hypothetical/propositional approach, training models based on integrated modules, realistic simulations, and joint-force exercises are outlined, identifying the regulatory and organizational challenges that remain open. The conclusions emphasize the need for a unified training system capable of leveraging the expertise already present within Italian military structures and promoting inter-agency cooperation for a safer and more efficient response to CBRN emergencies.
Zinc ions (Zn2+) are essential trace elements that play crucial roles in numerous physiological processes. However, their imbalance can induce harmful effects. This dual nature renders the monitoring and removal of Zn2+ critical for public health. In addition, the widespread use of glyphosate (Glyp) pesticide in the environment poses a serious threat to the eco-system. Therefore, developing integrated platforms that combine precise tracking with efficient absorption of Zn2+/Glyp from environmental and food matrices is essential for ensuring food safety and safeguarding public health. Herein, we developed a high-performance Zn2+ chemosensor, X6, via one-step condensation of pyridoxal hydrochloride and 1H-indole-2-carbohydrazide. X6 rapidly (within 30 s) and selectively reacted with Zn2+ to form a stable 1:1 complex (X6-Zn2+), accompanied by a distinct colorless-to-yellow color change and an immediate fluorescence "turn-on" response. Meanwhile, the resulting metal complex, X6-Zn2+, demonstrated high performance in glyphosate (Glyp) detection within 20s, achieving a detection limit of 33.6 nM. Taking advantage of the three-dimensional network structure of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for controlled loading and release, X6 was embedded into a PVA hydrogel, enabling both dual-signal sensing and efficient removal of Zn2+ from aqueous environments. For practical applications, X6-based test strips were integrated with smartphone-assisted analysis, enabling real-time visual and sequential detection of Zn2+ and Glyp residues in complex matrices. Moreover, X6 was successfully applied to the qualitative detection of Zn2+ and Glyp residues in food and biological samples. This work presents a multifunctional sensor platform for Zn2+ that integrated rapid visual detection, quantitative analysis, efficient removal, and bioimaging capabilities. Furthermore, this platform also provided a versatile strategy for monitoring Glyp residues, demonstrating considerable potential for applications in environmental monitoring, food safety, and biological imaging.
Cortex Dictamni, the dried root bark of the plant Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. from the Rutaceae family, contains alkaloids as its primary bioactive components, which exhibit a wide range of pharmacological effects. This study aims to optimize the extraction process and to characterize the chemical composition of Cortex Dictamni extract (CDE), as well as to evaluate its in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the extraction process of CDE, while Q-Orbitrap high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized to identify the chemical components in the CDE. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities were evaluated using ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays and by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), respectively. The results indicated that the optimized extraction yield of CDE was 44.73%. The optimal extraction conditions were: ethanol concentration of 70%, material-to-liquid ratio of 1:40 g/mL, and extraction time of 35 min. A total of 10 components were identified in the extract, including alkaloids, lactones, terpenes, and flavonoids. The extract demonstrated notable oxygen-free radical scavenging capabilities, as evidenced by its DPPH (IC50 = 0.316 mg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 = 0.166 mg/mL) values. Additionally, it exhibited antibacterial effects, particularly against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≥128 mg/mL. CDE may serve as a potential natural compound for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.