Hesperidin protects against aluminum-induced renal injury in rats via modulating MMP-9 and apoptosis: biochemical,histological, and ultrastructural study

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Aluminum, one of the most abundant metallic elements, is known to be toxic to multiple organs including the kidneys. This study aimed to investigate...     

Protective role of isoflavones against the toxic effect of cypermethrin on semen quality and testosterone levels of rabbits

Cypermethrin is considered as one of the endocrine disruptors. Isoflavones play an important role in various physiological processes in the body. It has both estrogenic and antioxidant effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective role of isoflavones (2 mg/kg B.W) on semen quality and plasma testosterone levels of male New Zealand White rabbits given sublethal dose (24 mg/kg BW every other day for 12 weeks) of cypermethrin. Results showed that treatment with cypermethrin caused a significant decreases (P < 0.05) in ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility (%), total motile sperm per ejaculate (TMS), packed sperm volume (PSV), semen initial fructose and plasma testosterone. In addition, live body weight (LBW), dry matter intake (DMI) and relative weights of testes and epididymis were decreased. On the other hand, treatment with cypermethrin increased (P < 0.05) the numbers of abnormal and dead sperms, and initial hydrogen ion concentration (pH). Results indicated that the presence of isoflavones together with cypermethrin was capable to minimize its harmful effects. Treatment with isoflavones alone had positive effects on some semen characteristics in spite of it is considered as estrogen-like compound. Since it causes significant increases in libido (by decreasing the reaction time), PSV, sperm motility and TMS, while abnormal and dead sperm were reduced compared to control animals. Meanwhile, isoflavones had no negative effect on ejaculate volume, total sperm output, sperm concentration, initial fructose concentration, pH and plasma testosterone levels. Results demonstrated the beneficial influences of isoflavones in reducing the negative effects of cypermethrin on reproductive characteristics of mature male rabbits. Interestingly, data showed that isoflavones alone caused an improvement in some semen quality and had no negative effects on male fertility, and did not have negative effects on male fertility.     

Toxicity evaluation of ZnO and TiO2 nanomaterials in hydroponic red bean (Vigna angularis) plant: Physiology, biochemistry and kinetic transport

The toxicity and kinetic uptake potential of zinc oxide(Zn O) and titanium dioxide(TiO_2)nanomaterials into the red bean(Vigna angularis) plant were investigated. The results obtained revealed that Zn O, due to its high dissolution and strong binding capacity, readily accumulated in the root tissues and significantly inhibited the physiological activity of the plant. However, TiO_2 had a positive effect on plant physiology, resulting in promoted growth. The results of biochemical experiments implied that Zn O, through the generation of oxidative stress, significantly reduced the chlorophyll content, carotenoids and activity of stress-controlling enzymes. On the contrary, no negative biochemical impact was observed in plants treated with TiO_2. For the kinetic uptake and transport study, we designed two exposure systems in which Zn O and TiO_2 were exposed to red bean seedlings individually or in a mixture approach. The results showed that in single metal oxide treatments, the uptake and transport increased with increasing exposure period from one week to three weeks.However, in the metal oxide co-exposure treatment, due to complexation and competition among the particles, the uptake and transport were remarkably decreased. This suggested that the kinetic transport pattern of the metal oxide mixtures varied compared to those of its individual constituents.     

Polymeric Nanocomposite-Based Herbicide of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Coated-Zinc/Aluminium Layered Double Hydroxide-Quinclorac: A Controlled Release Purpose for Agrochemicals

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - In this work, the use of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is highlighted in enhancing the controlled release behaviour of zinc/aluminium layered double...     

Determinants of deforestation in Nepal's Central Development Region

The process of deforestation in the Central Development Region (CDR) of Nepal is diverse in space and time, with rapid deforestation still occurring in areas outside the national parks and wildlife reserves. This paper identifies the spatial driving forces (SDFs) of deforestation in the CDR for 1975–2000 using satellite data of 1975 (MSS), 1990 (TM), and 2000 (ETM+) along with socio-demographic and socioeconomic variables. Radiometrically calibrated satellite images are individually classified into seven distinct classes and merged together to cover the entire CDR. Classification accuracies are also assessed. Areas of land use and cover within the areas of each Village Development Committee (VDC) and municipality represented by GIS polygons are calculated from the classified images by overlaying vector files of 1845 polygons representing sections of VDCs and municipalities in 30–1199 m, 1200–2399 m, 2400–4999 m and >5000 m elevation levels. These elevation levels were estimated from the DEM compiled from 24 ASTER scenes taken on different dates. Only the first three elevation levels are used in the analysis because area >5000 m is under permanent snow cover where human related forestry activities are almost negligible. A transition matrix is generated for 1975–1990 using classified images of 1975 and 1990 and then this product is used to further develop another transition matrix for 1990–2000 with the classified ETM+ 2000 images as the final stage. The GIS polygon layer is overlaid on the transition matrices to calculate deforestation areas for 1975–1990 and 1990–2000. Biophysical and socioeconomic information collected from various sources is then brought into a GIS platform for statistical analyses. Six linear regression models are estimated using SAS; in effect, two models for each elevation range representing the 1975–1990 and 1990–2000 periods of change to identify SDF influences on deforestation. These regression analyses reveal that deforestation in the CDR is related to multiple factors, such as farming population, genders of various ages, migration, elevation, road, distance from road to forest, meandering and erosion of river, and most importantly the conversion of forestland into farmland.     

Environmental technological education in a developing country—Libya

Summary The environmental education needs of a currently wealthy developing country, Libya, are outlined. Because of specific local requirements, the data presented clearly shows how such educational requirements differ in many respects from the various Western-style environmental sciences curricula. The aim is to produce graduates capable of comprehending environmental problems as they arise in the different regions of Libya. This involves not only dealing with the effects of new developments but also with peoples who must adapt to new life-styles.Since most of what has to be learned is communicated originally in English to Arabic-speaking students via lectures, visits and books, special emphasis is laid upon the added importance oflocally produced bilingual audio-visual teaching aids supported by spoken commentaries, printed texts and glossaries of technical terms used in both languages. A technique for producing such aids has been evolved at the Higher Institute of Technology, Brack, Libya.     

Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Farmers’ Perceptions of Land Degradation and Stonewall Terraces in Central Palestine

Land degradation by soil erosion is a socioeconomic and environmental problem facing many developing countries. Application of stonewall terraces for soil moisture conservation is vital to reducing the environmental impacts of this phenomenon. To this end, a field plot experiment was conducted in the study area along with the use of a closed-ended questionnaire. The object of the experiment was to study the socioeconomic impacts of soil erosion on local farmers and their adoption of the stonewall terrace technique. The study showed a higher net profit in areas that had implemented terrace conservation practices than in areas that had not (i.e., 3.5 to 6 times higher net profit). Correlation analysis indicated that the farmers’ perceptions, land ownership, and geomorphology were significantly related to the farmers’ incentives and willingness to adopt terraces as soil conservation measures (P < 0.05), although the correlations were negative. Smallholder farmers (52% of the interviewed farmers) were involved in the sale of the agricultural land for urban uses, largely because of the high price and immediate returns offered. However, the associated land use changes warrant greater involvement of both the private and public sectors. This cooperation may be accomplished through the introduction of a long-term agricultural loan system and the development of proper legislation accompanied by a comprehensive and durable infrastructure and service system with the goal of reducing the negative impact of land use changes and encouraging sustainable use of resources.