Toxicology of benzyl alcohols: a QSAR analysis

There is an evidence that benzyl alcohols may exhibit toxicity via a radical mechanism. To test this possibility, we studied the toxicity of para substituted benzyl alcohols on rapidly dividing cancer cells (L1210 leukemia). This system has previously found utility in studying the apparent radical toxicity of a variety of phenols. However, no evidence could be found for an electronic effect and the cellular toxicity was associated primarily with hydrophobicity. Comparison of this quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) with others for the reactions of benzyl alcohols in diverse systems provides insight into mechanisms of action. A QSAR for the interaction of benzyl alcohols with protozoa yields an equation that is dependent on both hydrophobicity and acidity of the OH group versus a mixture of bacteria and fungi, the critical dependence on hydrophobicity prevails with a small dependence on a resonance-stabilized, radical mediated electronic effect. The chloramphenicols provide an instructive example, where the radical mediated electronic effect overshadows the hydrophobic contribution to bacterial toxicity. These various QSAR for benzyl alcohols indicate that mechanisms of growth inhibition in vitro vary depending on cell/organism type, the strength of the bond and lability of the hydrogen, and the strength of the initiating radical reagent.     

Microscope and spectacle: On the complexities of using new visual technologies to communicate about wildlife conservation

Wildlife conservation-related organisations increasingly employ new visual technologies in their science communication and public engagement efforts. Here, we examine the use of such technologies for wildlife conservation campaigns. We obtained empirical data from four UK-based organisations through semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Visual technologies were used to provide the knowledge and generate the emotional responses perceived by organisations as being necessary for motivating a sense of caring about wildlife. We term these two aspects ‘microscope’ and ‘spectacle’, metaphorical concepts denoting the duality through which these technologies speak to both the cognitive and the emotional. As conservation relies on public support, organisations have to be seen to deliver information that is not only sufficiently detailed and scientifically credible but also spectacular enough to capture public interest. Our investigation showed that balancing science and entertainment is a difficult undertaking for wildlife-related organisations as there are perceived risks of contriving experiences of nature and obscuring conservation aims.     

Design of reaction conditions for the enhancement of microbial degradation of dyes in sequential cycles

The present study evaluated the potential of white-rot fungal strain Coriolus versicolor to decolorize five structurally di erent dyes in sequential batch reactors under optimized conditions. The experiments were run continuously for seven cycles of 8 d each. High decolorizing activity was observed even during the repeated reuse of the fungus, especially when the old medium was replaced with fresh medium after every cycle. Biodegradation was the dominating factor as the fungus was able to produce the enzyme laccase mainly, to mineralize synthetic dyes. The nutrients and composition of the medium played important roles in sustaining the decolorisation potential of the fungus. Corncob was found be an easy and cheap substitute for carbon source for the fungus. Glucose consumption by the fungus was in accordance to its decolorisation activity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction.     

Deciphering the immunoboosting potential of macro and micronutrients in COVID support therapy

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The immune system protects human health from the effects of pathogenic organisms; however, its activity is affected when individuals become infected....     

Metal accumulation and health risk assessment in wastewater used for irrigation around the Agra Canal in Faridabad,India

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Wastewater application for irrigation is a traditional and economic tool in developing nations. Yet prolonged use of wastewater for agricultural...     

Single and multiple daily dose toxicokinetics of fluoride after oral administration of sodium fluoride along with aluminum sulfate in goats

Our previous study suggested that toxicokinetic parameters of fluoride were significantly changed on the 30th day as compared with 1st day, after repeated oral administration of sodium fluoride alone for 30 days in goats. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether aluminum sulfate has ameliorative effect on the toxicokinetics of fluoride. For this, sodium fluoride (20 mg kg^?1 b. wt.) along with aluminum sulfate (150 mg kg^?1 b. wt.) was administered in goats for 30 days to investigate its effect on toxicokinetics of fluoride on days 1 and 30. The fluoride levels against time were adequately described by one compartment open model. The peak plasma level of fluoride was observed at 2 h. The toxicokinetics data revealed a nonsignificant decrease in β (elimination rate constant) and C _max (the maximum plasma concentration) and increase in t _1/2 K _a (absorption half-lives), t _1/2 β (elimination half-lives), area under the plasma (AUC) concentration versus time curve and mean residence time (MRT) was observed for the last dose from their respective first dose values. On the basis of changes in the toxicokinetic parameters, it was concluded that repeated oral administration has cumulative effect on plasma fluoride level and concurrent oral administration of aluminum sulfate has ameliorative action on the toxicokinetics of fluoride in goats.     

Carbon dioxide sequestration of iron ore mining waste under low-reaction condition of a direct mineral carbonation process

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Mining waste that is rich in iron-, calcium- and magnesium-bearing minerals can be a potential feedstock for sequestering CO2 by mineral carbonation....     

Immunostimulants for shrimp aquaculture: paving pathway towards shrimp sustainability

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - At present, food security is a matter of debate of global magnitude and fulfilling the feeding requirement of?>?8 billion human...     

Arsenic toxicity in mice and its possible amelioration

Oral administration of arsenic trioxide(3 and 6 mg/kg body weight/d) for 30 d caused, as compared with vehicle control, dose-dependent significant reductions in body weight, absolute weight, protein, glycogen, as well as, total, dehydro and reduced ascorbic acid contents both in the liver and kidney of arsenic-treated mice. Succinic dehydrogenase(SDH) and phosphorylase only in the liver activities were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Acid phosphatase activity was significantly decreased in the liver of low dose arsenic-treated animals;however, significant rise in its activity was observed in high dose group. As compared with vehicle control, treatment also caused significant dose-dependent reductions in SDH, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activities in the kidney of mice. Vitamin E cotreatment as well as, 30 d withdrawal of arsenic trioxide treatment with or without vitamin E caused significant amelioration in arsenic-induced toxicity in mice. Administration of vitamin E during withdrawal of treatment also caused significant amelioration as compared from only withdrawal of the treatment. It is concluded that vitamin E ameliorates arsenic-induced toxicities in the liver and kidney of mice.