Physiopathology and effectiveness of therapeutic vaccines against human papillomavirus

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-known sexually transmitted disorder globally. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the 3rd most common cancer that...     

Persistent organochlorine contaminants in human tissues of the Czech and Slovak populations

The persistence of lipophilic organochlorine substances leads to their incorporation into the food chain and subsequent uptake by humans. Due to their use in the past, Czech and Slovak countries belong to the countries with a relatively high body burden of organochlorines. Levels of PCBs in human tissues based on the congener‐specific analysis are reported in this paper. Samples were analysed for the most abundant PCB congeners. Prevalent persistent organochlorine pesticides and their isomers/metabolites have also been included. The present study is focused on following areas: i) distribution of analysed substances in the various human tissue samples from selected regions of the Czech and Slovak Republic and ii) comparison with the results from other foreign and local studies.     

Degradation of industrial surfactants by photocatalysis combined with ozonation

The efficiency of titanium dioxide-mediated photocatalytic degradation of pollutants can be enhanced by combination with another advanced oxidation procedure such as ozonation. Mineralization of hydroxy- and dihydroxybenzenesulfonate based on these methods, both individually and combined, was investigated by monitoring the total organic carbon content, sulfate concentration, pH, high-performance liquid chromatography as well as the absorption spectral changes. The mineralization efficiency of the combined procedure significantly exceeded the sum of those of the individual techniques. The comparison of the disappearance of the starting material and the formation of the sulfate ions indicates that desulfonation is not the primary step of the degradation. Moreover, in the case of the combined method, ring cleavage, and thus, partial mineralization can occur without desulfonation. Efficient degradation of other, widely used industrial surfactants, such as alkylbenzene sulfonates and alkyl ether sulfates, was also achieved by heterogeneous photocatalysis combined with ozonation, offering an applicable method for the removal of these pollutants.     

Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and apoptotic induction in microglial BV-2 cells treated with sodium arsenate

The treatment of microglial BV-2 cells with sodium arsenate(As(V):0.1-400 μmol/L — 48 hr)induces a dose-dependent response.The neurotoxic effects of high concentrations of As(V)(100,200 and 400 μmol/L) are characterized by increased levels of mitochondrial complexesⅠ,Ⅱ,and Ⅳ followed by increased superoxide anion generation.Moreover,As(V) triggers an apoptotic mode of cell death,demonstrated by an apoptotic SubG1 peak,associated with an alteration of plasma membrane integrity.There is also a decrease in transmembrane mitochondrial potential and mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate ATP.It is therefore tempting to speculate that As(V) triggers mitochondrial dysfunction,which may lead to defective oxidative phosphorylation subsequently causing mitochondrial oxidative damage,which in turn induces an apoptotic mode of cell death.     

The potential conflict between traditional perceptions and environmental behavior: compost use by Muslim farmers

Although traditional societies often have a deep understanding of ecological relationships, traditional or religious values might be in conflict with current environmental values. According to Islamic Law, some compost sources used for agricultural purposes are impure, especially human and pig excreta. This study examined how Muslim farmers perceive the issue of impurity of compost sources and the extent to which the conflict between traditional and modern values affects compost use. Questionnaires were distributed to 77 Muslim and 11 Christian farmers in Israel, examining their personal characteristics, attitudes toward compost use, awareness of its sources and advantages, and the influence of traditional perceptions on the tendency to use compost. Interviews were conducted with agricultural consultants and Muslim clergy. Although the use of compost was limited, a higher level of awareness was found among the younger and/or more educated Muslim farmers. Varied attitudes were expressed regarding the degree of purity/impurity; 52 % of the respondents expressed willingness to use compost if derived from pure materials. The agricultural consultants were acquainted with Muslim farmers who recoiled from the use of compost. The Muslim religious leaders stated that impure substances can be purified through biochemical reactions during the composting process and noted that the use of compost is preferable if chemical fertilizers are harmful to the environment. Although Muslim farmers expressed willingness to use compost if it was proved to be pure according to Islam, this paper addresses how, in practical terms, universal environmental policies may give rise to value conflicts in traditional communities.     

Synthesis and preparation of acid capped CdSe nanocrystals as successful adsorbent and photocatalyst for the removal of dyes from water and its statistical physics analysis

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In this study, mercaptosuccinic acid capped CdSe nanocrystals were successfully synthesized and used as photocatalyst for the effective removal of...     

Cytotoxic and genotoxic evaluation of bisphenol S on onion root tips by Allium cepa and comet tests

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Bisphenol S (BPS) is an analog of bisphenol A, which is used as substitute of BPA in many products like airport luggage tags, baby bottles, plastics,...