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The catalytic degradation of hazardous organic contaminants in industrial wastewater is a promising technology. Reactions of tartrazine, the synthetic yellow azo dye, with Oxone® in the presence of catalyst in strong acidic condition (pH 2), were detected by using UV–Vis spectroscopy. In order to extend the applicability profile of Co-supported Al-pillared montmorillonite catalyst an investigation of Oxone® induced reactions were performed in extreme acidic environment. The products of the reactions were identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Along with the catalytic decomposition of tartrazine induced by radical attack (confirmed as unique reaction path under neutral and alkaline conditions), the formation of tartrazine derivatives by reaction of nucleophilic addition was also detected. The presence of derivatives under acidic conditions slowed down the hydrolysis of tartrazine diazo bond in comparison to the reactions in neutral environment. Nevertheless, the reaction in acidic conditions (pH 2) is faster than the one conducted in alkaline conditions (pH 11). Theoretical calculations were used to complete and clarify the mechanisms of tartrazine derivatization and degradation, as well as to predict the UV–Vis spectra of compounds which could serve as predictors of certain reaction phases. ECOSAR program, used to estimate toxicological profile of compounds to aquatic animals, indicated an increase in the harmfulness of the compounds identified by LC-MS as degradation products from the reaction conducted for 240min. It could be concluded that an intensification of the process parameters (higher concentration of Oxone®, higher catalyst loading, increased reaction time, etc.) is needed in order to obtain only biodegradable products. [Display omitted] • Degradation of tartrazine was investigated in the presence of Oxone®. • Co2+ impregnated pillared clay was tested as catalyst for degradation of tartrazine. • Mechanism of the reaction in an extremely acidic environment was clarified. • Toxicological profile of products to aquatic organisms was evaluated. • Degradation capacity and exquisite applicability in wide range of pH was proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal disease (PD), a degenerative bacterially induced disease of periodontium, can lead to bone resorption and teeth loss. Development of PD includes a strong inflammatory reaction, which involves multiple immune cells and their secreting factors including interleukin-17 (IL-17), which is not only an important modulator of immune and hematopoietic responses but also affects bone metabolism. In the present study we aimed to determine whether IL-17 affects the regenerative potential of periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells (PDLSCs) by investigating its ability to modulate osteogenic differentiation of these cells in vitro along with associated signaling pathways. Our results revealed that IL-17 inhibited both the proliferation and migration of PDLSCs and decreased their osteogenic differentiation by activating ERK1,2 and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinases. Obtained data suggested that IL-17 might contribute to alveolar bone loss in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper deals with the direct measurement of total (fixed plus removable) surface activity in the presence of interfering radiation fields. Two methods based on Monte Carlo simulations are used: one for a Geiger–Muller (GM) ionisation probe and the other for sodium iodide (NaI) detector with lead collimators; equations for the most general case and the geometry models for Monte Carlo simulation of both (GM and NaI) detectors are employed. Finally, an example of application is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The degradation of tartrazine in the presence of cobalt activated Oxone® (potassium peroxymonosulfate) was investigated at different initial pH values. Aluminum pillared clay had the role of a support for catalytically active cobalt oxide species. The degradation of tartrazine and the formation of a mixture of degradation products were monitored using the Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The exact qualitative composition of this mixture and the determination of the most probable mechanism of degradation (the primary goal) were obtained using GC-MS. Besides, the main reaction pathway (reaction with SO 4 ˙ˉ radical anion) and secondary pathways were proposed depending on the pH value. At pH = 6 the reaction with HO˙ radical was proposed. At pH = 11 decarboxilation was suggested as the first step of the secondary proposed reaction pathway. The combination of results acquired from the deconvolution of UV–Vis spectra and the theoretical UV–Vis spectra of degradation products, whose occurrence was predicted by quantum-chemical calculations, was proven to be beneficial for the identification of tartrazine degradation products and for defining UV–Vis predictors of particular degradation steps. An additional contribution of this paper, from the reactivity aspect, was the establishment of the critical structural demand for the radical degradation of any diazo compound. The existence of a hydrogen atom bound to a diazo group was found to be the essential prerequisite for the radical cleavage of diazo compounds. [Display omitted] • Co2+ impregnated pillared clay was tested as catalyst in presence of SO 4 ˙ˉ radical. • Uv–Vis spectroscopy, GC-MS and DFT calculations were used to determine pH influence. • Predictors of mechanisms of pH dependent tartrazine degradation were established. • Besides main reaction pH dependent different competitive paths were proposed. • H atom bonded to diazo group is essential for radical cleavage of diazo compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]