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Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are a class of cross-coupled hydrophilic networks that have an extraordinary capacity to absorb and retain water. It is primarily because of the additional ionic cross-linking of SAPs, their porous wavy structure, a large number of hydrophilic functionalities, the high elasticity of the chains, and the enlarged free volumes between the polymeric chains, that all contribute to the enhancement of the swelling capability of superabsorbent hydrogels. These exceptional attributes have endowed them to be an alternative to conventional hydrogels in various applications. In view of the importance of this class of absorbent material and their diverse appliances, this review deliberates the experimental methods for characterizing superabsorbent polymers, including the officially accepted industrial measurements of their unique attributes, namely, swelling among others. In addition, the review highlights recent advances in the field of superabsorbent polymers encompassing nanofiltration, heat resistance, and absorbency, drug delivery, disposable hygiene products, nanomedicines, and the removal of heavy metals from wastewater and agriculture domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper packaging is considered a sustainable solution and is already used as outer packaging (secondary packaging) or in direct product contact (primary packaging), for example as folding boxes and jars for hair and body care products or pallets for decorative cosmetics. They are biodegradable, recyclable and have a lower environmental impact than plastic packaging. However, the increasing demand for paper is leading to traditional raw material sources such as wood being called into question. Alternative raw material sources are therefore needed. Our research project “Paludiverpackung” is successfully investigating the use of paludicultures as an alternative raw material source for the production of sustainable paper packaging, developing efficient processes for pulp production and improvements in paper production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand hygiene is essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections. However, hand hygiene compliance is often hin-dered by a number of factors, one of which is irritant contact dermatitis. Illustrating the benefits of skin friendly hand disin-fectants and their effect on skin condition could positively influence hand hygiene compliance. The aim of this study was to analyse the skin hydrating effect of a hand disinfectant with a comprehensive skin care complex using Capacitive Contact Imaging (CCI) as a method to assess and visualise skin hydration in comparison to conventional cor-neometry. In addition to established parameters, including pH value, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and dermatological assessments, the study investigated the dermatological effects of a two-week application of a hand disinfectant foam. Frequent daily application of the product led to an improvement in skin hydration without causing intolerability. The results from CCI and corneometry were consistently comparable and showed significantly elevated skin hydration after the two-week application period. CCI illustrated the increased skin hydration and it’s potential to be used as an additional method to evaluate and demonstrate the effect of hand hygiene products on skin health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women’s health is intricately linked to the vaginal microbiome. This symbiotic relationship is closely tied to oestrogen levels which are subject to changes during a woman´s lifespan but also during the monthly menstrual cycles. While research in this area is relatively new, it is nonetheless captivating. A woman’s overall well-being is significantly influenced by the dynamic interplay between hormones, microbiota, and vaginal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive skin and accompanying multiple sensory skin symptoms such as itching, burning, tightness, and stinging are a globally relevant consumer issue that is still on the rise. In this article, we will discuss SymCalmin® Avena [INCI: Malto-dextrin, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract], a modern natural, COSMOS certified, skin microbiome-friendly, enriched oat ex-tract standardized to 200-250 ppm of avenanthramides and its benefits to soothe sensitive skin by prevention of itch and improvement of skin comfort and hydration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng is known to cause numerous changes and deficiencies in its environment, impacting the availability of nutrients, especially nitrogen. To survive in this hostile environment, the Sphingomonas panaciterrae bacterium, present in the ginseng rhizosphere, deploys protective mechanisms via the production of sphingane-type Exopolysaccharides (EPS). It exhibits for itself and its host bio-protective and bio-stimulating properties, granting it an incredible “vitality capital” that SILAB has chosen to enhance through a unique biotechnological process that led to the development of REVILIENCE®. By reactivating the biological pathways related to metabolism and protection in deficient skin, this natural active ingredient restores the skin’s “vitality signature”, thus providing radiance-boosting and hydrating benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturers of liquid non-food products are challenged with making their packaging as sustainable as possible. Elopak, one of the leading suppliers of carton packaging and filling machines, has transferred the advantages of the liquid carton in terms of functionality and sustainability to the detergents and cleaning agents segment. Here, the D-PAK™ carton is a low-plastic solution that offers high functionality and user-friendliness. It not only protects products but is also practical to use and predominantly made from renewable raw materials. Consumer tests show that the D-PAK™ carton offers clear advantages over the primarily used plastic pouches in terms of sustainability and handling. Consumers’ willingness to buy liquid non-food products in carton packaging is correspondingly high, especially in the refill packaging segment. As the demand for D-PAK™ cartons is increasing, Elopak established its own business unit for non-food solutions at the beginning of 2024 and now offers a broad product portfolio for numerous applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Part 1 describes the types of water that are generally available and how they are to be characterised from a chemical and microbiological point of view. For use in the production of cosmetic products (water as a raw material and water for cleaning purposes), certain microbiological quality requirements must be specified for the water. This is usually done by assigning microbiological purity requirements. These include, on the one hand, limiting the total viable count (TVC) (drinking water limits are usually used as a minimum standard) and, on the other hand, excluding certain specified microorganisms. In order to provide water of the desired quality, a suitable treatment system is required. The system must be designed to provide sufficient antimicrobial treatment of the water (there are various methods available). In addition, the water must be kept in constant circulation to prevent the accumulation of microorganisms (avoidance of biofilm!). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homosalate (HMS) is a UV filter used in sunscreens and personal care products as a mixture of cis- and trans-isomers. Systemic absorption after sunscreen use has been demonstrated in humans, and concerns have been raised about possible endocrine activity of HMS, making a general population exposure assessment desirable. In a previous study, it was shown that the oral bioavailability of cis-HMS (cHMS) is lower than that of trans-HMS (tHMS) by a factor of 10, calling for a separate evaluation of both isomers in exposure and risk assessment. The aim of the current study is the investigation of HMS toxicokinetics after dermal exposure. Four volunteers applied a commercial sunscreen containing 10% HMS to their whole body under regular-use conditions (18–40 mg HMS (kg bw)−1). Parent HMS isomers and hydroxylated and carboxylic acid metabolites were quantified using authentic standards and isotope dilution analysis. Further metabolites were investigated semi-quantitatively. Elimination was delayed and slower compared to the oral route, and terminal elimination half-times were around 24 h. After dermal exposure, the bioavailability of cHMS was a factor of 2 lower than that of tHMS. However, metabolite ratios in relation to the respective parent isomer were very similar to the oral route, supporting the applicability of the oral-route urinary excretion fractions for dermal-route exposure assessments. Exemplary calculations of intake doses showed margins of safety between 11 and 92 (depending on the approach) after single whole-body sunscreen application. Human biomonitoring can reliably quantify oral and dermal HMS exposures and support the monitoring of exposure reduction measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In low- to middle-income communities, the lack of affordability of conventional sanitary products during menstrual cycles can cause psychological and health issues, ultimately affecting their quality of life. It is crucial to develop alternative products that are affordable and accessible to all while also promoting menstrual health and hygiene. Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) are a vital component in current disposable sanitary pads and nappies. However, these SAPs are often non-biodegradable and non-biocompatible. Therefore, the use of eco-friendly materials for the production of SAPs is gaining popularity in the hygiene industry, as it offers a means to reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact associated with traditional SAPs made from non-renewable petroleum-based materials. SAPs made from polysaccharides often have naturally occurring antibacterial properties, making them appealing for commercial applications in sanitary products such as sanitary pads. In addition, the move toward reusable sanitary pads with antibacterial properties can significantly reduce waste generated by single-use products and prevent the growth of bacteria, improving the safety and hygiene of the product. Furthermore, computational modeling and artificial intelligence are now important tools in SAP synthesis, providing advantages such as predicting polymer properties, rationalizing synthesis pathways, and improving quality control. These tools can reduce synthesis costs by eliminating the need for trial-and-error approaches in polymer synthesis, ultimately promoting more affordable products for end users. Overall, these advancements in polymer synthesis and material design can help to create a more sustainable industry and promote menstrual hygiene and product accessibility to those who need it most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antiseptics, disinfectants, and hand hygiene products can be contaminated with bacteria and cause healthcare-associated infections, which are underreported from low- and middle-income countries. To better understand the user-related risk factors, we conducted a knowledge, awareness, and practice survey among hospital staff in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Self-administered questionnaire distributed among healthcare workers in three tertiary care hospitals (Burkina Faso, Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo). Results: 617 healthcare workers (85.3% (para)medical and 14.7% auxiliary staff) participated. Less than half (45.5%) had been trained in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC), and only 15.7% were trained < 1 year ago. Near two-thirds (64.2%) preferred liquid soap for hand hygiene, versus 33.1% for alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR). Most (58.3%) expressed confidence in the locally available products. Knowledge of product categories, storage conditions and shelf-life was inadequate: eosin was considered as an antiseptic (47.5% of (para)medical staff), the shelf life and storage conditions (non-transparent container) of freshly prepared chlorine 0.5% were known by only 42.6% and 34.8% of participants, respectively. Approximately one-third of participants approved using tap water for preparation of chlorine 0.5% and liquid soap. Most participants (> 80%) disapproved recycling soft-drink bottles as liquid soap containers. Nearly two-thirds (65.0%) declared that bacteria may be resistant to and survive in ABHR, versus 51.0% and 37.4% for povidone iodine and chlorine 0.5%, respectively. Depicted risk practices (n = 4) were ignored by 30 to 40% of participants: they included touching the rim or content of stock containers with compresses or small containers, storing of cotton balls soaked in an antiseptic, and hand-touching the spout of pump dispenser. Filling containers by topping-up was considered good practice by 18.3% of participants. Half (52.1%) of participants acknowledged indefinite reuse of containers. Besides small differences, the findings were similar across the study sites and professional groups. Among IPC-trained staff, proportions recognizing all 4 risk practices were higher compared to non-trained staff (35.9% versus 23.8%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The present findings can guide tailored training and IPC implementation at the healthcare facility and national levels, and sensitize stakeholders' and funders' interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home and personal care industry is currently witnessing a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic surfactants. This increase is fueled by concerns over the delayed degradation and environmental impact of the latter. To this, biosurfactants possess important properties such as biodegradability, low toxicity, and renewable sourcing. These qualities position them as compelling replacements of traditional synthetic surfactants. Their diverse attributes including emulsification, antimicrobial efficacy, surface tension reduction, and foaming capability, make them well-suited choices for home and personal care products. Biosurfactants can be produced through several inexpensive and renewable sources which contributes to their commercialization potential. This article discusses various microbial derived biosurfactants including rhamnolipids, sophorolipids, mannosyl-erythritol lipids, trehalolipids and lipopeptides, unraveling and comparing their distinctive roles and advantages in the home and personal care industry. It also focuses on the recent patent innovations in the production of biosurfactants which have aimed at improving their economic viability and performance attributes. Finally, the article sheds light on the challenges and future trajectories for better integration of these sustainable biosurfactants into mainstream consumer products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-residue UHPLC–MS/MS analytical method, previously developed for monitoring 52 pharmaceuticals in drinking water, was used to analyse these pharmaceuticals in wastewater originating from healthcare facilities in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, the methodology was expanded to include the evaluation of the effectiveness of drug removal in Czech wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Of the 18 wastewater samples analysed by the validated UHPLC-MS/MS, each sample contained at least one quantifiable analyte. This study reveals the prevalence of several different drugs; mean concentrations of 702 μg L−1 of iomeprol, 48.8 μg L−1 of iopromide, 29.9 μg L−1 of gabapentin, 42.0 μg L−1 of caffeine and 82.5 μg L−1 of paracetamol were present. An analysis of 20 samples from ten WWTPs revealed different removal efficiencies for different analytes. Paracetamol was present in the inflow samples of all ten WWTPs and its removal efficiency was 100%. Analytes such as caffeine, ketoprofen, naproxen or atenolol showed high removal efficiencies exceeding 80%. On the other hand, pharmaceuticals like furosemide, metoprolol, iomeprol, zolpidem and tramadol showed lower removal efficiencies. Four pharmaceuticals exhibited higher concentrations in WWTP effluents than in the influents, resulting in negative removal efficiencies: warfarin at −9.5%, indomethacin at −53%, trimethoprim at −54% and metronidazole at −110%. These comprehensive findings contribute valuable insights to the pharmaceutical landscape of wastewater from healthcare facilities and the varied removal efficiencies of Czech WWTPs, which together with the already published literature, gives a more complete picture of the burden on the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic and linear siloxanes are compounds synthesized from silicon consisting of alternating atoms of silicone and oxygen [Si-O] units with organic side chains. The most common cyclic siloxanes are octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6), while the most common linear siloxanes are high molecular weight polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) and low molecular weight volatile linear siloxanes known as hexamethyldisiloxane (L2), octamethyltrisiloxane (L3), decamethyltetrasiloxane (L4), dodecamethylpentasiloxane (L5). These compounds (1) exhibit low dermal toxicity, (2) are generally inert and non-reactive, and (3) are compatible with a wide range of chemicals offering beneficial chemical properties which include the following: wash-off or transfer resistance from the skin, sun protection factor (SPF) enhancement, emolliency in cleaning products). Because of these properties, these compounds are incorporated into multiple consumer products for use on the skin, such as cosmetics and health-care products, with over 300,000 tons annually sold into the personal care and consumer products sector. Because of their widespread use in consumer products and potential for human dermal exposure, a comprehensive understanding of the dermal absorption and overall fate of siloxanes following dermal exposure is important. This review summarizes available data associated with the dermal absorption/penetration as well as fate of the most commonly used siloxane substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfactants are commonly used as disinfection agents in personal care products against bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. However, there is a lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the inactivation of viruses by surfactants. Here, we employ coarse grain (CG) and all-atom (AA) molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interaction between general families of surfactants and the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To this end, we considered a CG model of a full virion. Overall, we found that surfactants have only a small impact on the virus envelope, being inserted into the envelope without dissolving it or generating pores, at the conditions considered here. However, we found that surfactants may induce a deep impact on the spike protein of the virus (responsible for its infectivity), easily covering it and inducing its collapse over the envelope surface of the virus. AA simulations confirmed that both negatively and positively charged surfactants are able to extensively adsorb over the spike protein and get inserted into the virus envelope. Our results suggest that the best strategy for the design of surfactants as virucidal agents will be to focus on those strongly interacting with the spike protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] It has been a challenge to prepared polyether block amide (PEBA) fibrous membrane via solution electrospinning. The only few reported methods though involved hazardous solvents and surfactants which were against the principle of green chemistry. In this work, uniform fibrous membrane of PEBA was successfully fabricated by solution electrospinning with a bio-based solvent dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene). To further improve the mechanical strength and adsorption performance of the PEBA membrane, a hierarchical magnesium hydrogen phosphate (MgHPO 4 ·1.2H 2 O, MHP) was synthesized to blend evenly into the PEBA matrix. A Janus MHP/PEBA membrane with one side of hydrophobic surface and the other side of hydrophilic surface was subsequently prepared, which exhibited fast adsorption, high capacity, good selectivity and reusability towards ibuprofen, acetaminophen, carbamazepine and triclosan. In addition, the Janus membrane showed high removal efficiency of the above contaminants in secondary wastewater effluent with good long term stability. It demonstrated that this Janus MHP/PEBA membrane had a good potential in practical wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of value-added chemicals from renewable feedstocks is an attractive platform to alleviate the shortage of petroleum resources and to minimize CO2 emissions. Among different renewable feedstocks, glycerol is an organic triol molecule that is produced from triglycerides of plant and animal sources. This alcohol is produced as the main by-product in a large quantity of about 10% (w/w) in biodiesel production. In addition to its applications in food industries, and medicinal and personal care products, the utilization of glycerol as a key raw material in organic synthesis has garnered significant attention. As an example, selected technologies for the conversion of glycerol into other essential chemicals such as acrylic acid, 1,2-propanediol, glycerol carbonate, epichlorohydrin, and solketal have been well developed. In recent years, glycerol has also been used as the key starting material for the synthesis of amines in laboratories. In general amines are important fine and bulk chemicals used as central precursors and intermediates for advanced chemicals and many life science molecules including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. In the last five years, some key advancements have been made using glycerol in carbon–nitrogen bond-forming processes to prepare different kinds of amine in the presence of suitable catalytic systems. Based on the advantages of glycerol including its derived molecules as feedstocks and the importance of amines, we believe it is worthwhile to write a review summarizing the recent reports on glycerol amination and related reactions. In this regard, this review article discusses the latest developments in catalytic amination reactions using glycerol and its tangible applications in modern organic synthesis. We believe that this review will be interesting and beneficial to scientists working in the areas of catalytic utilization of glycerol aminations and valorization of renewable feedstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although humic acids (HAs) have been used to prepare absorbent hydrogels, their applications in many areas, such as agriculture, wastewater treatment and hygienic products, are not satisfactory due to their low solubility in organic solvents. In this work, biochemical fulvic acid (BFA), as a kind of HA, was initially methylated for preparation of the methylated BFA (M-BFA), which contributed to enhancing the solubility in organic solvents. Then, M-BFA reacted with N,N′-methylene diacrylamide (MBA) in the N,N-Dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) solution, and the expected hydrogel (M-BFA/DMAA) was successfully obtained. XPS confirmed that there were more C=O and C-N groups in M-BFA/DMAA than in DMAA; thus, M-BFA/DMAA was able to offer more reactive sites for the water adsorption process than DMAA. The combined results of BET and SEM further demonstrated that M-BFA/DMAA possessed a larger BET surface area, a larger pore volume and a more porous structure, which were favorable for the transfer of water and accessibility of water to active sites, facilitating water adsorption and storage. In addition, the swelling ratio and water retention were investigated in deionized (DI) water at different conditions, including test times, temperatures and pHs. Amazingly, the swelling ratio of M-BFA/DMAA was 10% higher than that of DMAA with the water retention time from 100 to 1500 min. Although M-BFA/DMAA and DMAA had similar temperature sensitivities, the pH sensitivity of M-BFA/DMAA was 0.9 higher than that of DMAA. The results proved that M-BFA/DMAA delivered superior water retention when compared to the pristine DMAA. Therefore, the resultant materials are expected to be efficient absorbent materials that can be widely used in water-deficient regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Personal care product chemicals (PCPCs) are the chemicals used in personal care products. Many of them are endocrine disruptors and have potential adverse effects on humans. The concentrations of PCPCs in urine are the main biomarker for assessing human exposure. Methods: A method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 14 PCPCs in human urine using dispersive liquid–liquid extraction combined with ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). Results: Compared with liquid–liquid extraction, this method had the advantages of time efficiency, sensitivity, and limited organic solvent consumption. It produced good linearity (0.9965–0.9996), limits of detection (2.82–36.36 pg mL−1), limits of quantitation (9.39–121.08 pg mL−1), matrix effect (−0.90%–2.55%), intra‐day precision (relative standard deviations [RSDs] <15%), and inter‐day precision (RSDs <19.9%). The method had satisfactory relative recovery at three concentration levels. Conclusions: A rapid method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of 14 PCPCs in human urine. The practicability of the method was verified with 21 urine from university students. It is expected that this method will provide a powerful reference for the assessment of exposure to PCPCs in large populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metastable vaterite polymorph of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) holds significant practical importance, particularly in regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and various personal care products. Controlling the size and morphology of vaterite particles is crucial for biomedical applications. This study explored the synergistic effect of ultrasonic (US) irradiation and acidic amino acids on CaCO3 synthesis, specifically the size, dispersity, and crystallographic phase of curved-edge vaterite with chiral toroids (chiral-curved vaterite). We employed 40 kHz US irradiation and introduced L- or D-aspartic acid as an additive for the formation of spheroidal chiral-curved vaterite in an aqueous solution of CaCl2 and Na2CO3 at 20 ± 1 °C. Chiral-curved vaterites precipitated through mechanical stirring (without US irradiation) exhibited a particle size of approximately 15 μm, whereas those formed under US irradiation were approximately 6 μm in size and retained their chiral topoid morphology. When a fluorescent dye was used for the analysis of loading efficiency, the size-reduced vaterites with chiral morphology, produced through US irradiation, exhibited a larger loading efficiency than the vaterites produced without US irradiation. These results hold significant value for the preparation of biomimetic chiral-curved CaCO3, specifically size-reduced vaterites, as versatile biomaterials for material filling, drug delivery, and bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the relationship between urine concentrations of phthalate metabolites (UCOM) and personal care products (PCPs) used in adults and examined the change in UCOM according to the usage frequency of PCPs based on raw data from the 3rd Korean National Environmental Health Survey conducted between 2015 and 2017. The relationship between PCP use frequency and UCOM was analyzed using multiple regression analysis, adjusting for baseline factors. The regression model consisted of a Crude Model with log-transformed UCOM before and after adjustment for urine creatinine concentrations. Model 1 was additionally adjusted for age, sex, and obesity, while Model 2 was additionally adjusted for smoking, alcohol consumption, pregnancy history, average monthly income of the household, and PCP exposure within the past 2 days. PCP usage frequency was significantly associated with the UCOM without adjustment for urine creatinine and correlated with demographic characteristics, urine creatinine concentration, and PCP exposure within the past 2 days. This study on exposure to urinary phthalates will play a crucial role in Korean public health by aligning with the fundamentals of research priorities and providing representative data on phthalate exposure for conducting population-level studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study attempts to ascertain the impact of health consciousness and environmental concern on millennials' buying behavior (through attitude and intentions) towards green personal care products. It also assesses reference group influence's impact on the association between green buying intentions and behaviors. This study collects first-hand data from 402 millennials who use green personal care products to meet their routine needs. A purposive-cum-simple random sampling method was adopted. The partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used for the analysis. Findings show that health consciousness and environmental concerns impact consumers' attitudes in predicting green purchase behavior. The formed attitude strongly influences green buying intentions and behavior. In addition, reference group influence dampens the linkages between green purchase intentions and the behavior of Indian millennial consumers. The findings can be used to create new organizational strategies and policies for emerging economies and better understand green consumer behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the impact of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) on the environment and the need for further research in this area. It acknowledges the concerns raised about the potential effects of PPCPs on public health, biodiversity, and ecosystems. The article highlights the progress made in understanding the occurrence, fate, effects, and risks of PPCPs in the environment since the late 1990s. However, it also emphasizes the gaps in knowledge and the need for broader research in terms of geographical areas, chemicals, species, and life stages. The article suggests various strategies to manage the risks associated with PPCPs, including reducing pharmaceutical use, green chemistry, and improved waste management. It concludes by calling for a more systematic approach to generate necessary data and for stronger policy implementation to address the issue of PPCPs in the environment. [Extracted from the article]

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are an indispensable component of a healthy society. However, they are well‐established environmental contaminants, and many can elicit biological disruption in exposed organisms. It is now a decade since the landmark review covering the top 20 questions on PPCPs in the environment (Boxall et al., 2012). In the present study we discuss key research priorities for the next 10 years with a focus on how regions where PPCPs pose the greatest risk to environmental and human health, either now or in the future, can be identified. Specifically, we discuss why this problem is of importance and review our current understanding of PPCPs in the aquatic environment. Foci include PPCP occurrence and what drives their environmental emission as well as our ability to both quantify and model their distribution. We highlight critical areas for future research including the involvement of citizen science for environmental monitoring and using modeling techniques to bridge the gap between research capacity and needs. Because prioritization of regions in need of environmental monitoring is needed to assess future/current risks, we also propose four criteria with which this may be achieved. By applying these criteria to available monitoring data, we narrow the focus on where monitoring efforts for PPCPs are most urgent. Specifically, we highlight 19 cities across Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia as priorities for future environmental monitoring and risk characterization and define four priority research questions for the next 10 years. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:575–588. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translation of environmental science to the practice aims to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services, and our future ability to do so relies on the development of a precision ecotoxicology approach wherein we leverage the genetics and informatics of species to better understand and manage the risks of global pollution. A little over a decade ago, a workshop focusing on the risks of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment identified a priority research question, "What can be learned about the evolutionary conservation of PPCP targets across species and life stages in the context of potential adverse outcomes and effects?" We review the activities in this area over the past decade, consider prospects of more recent developments, and identify future research needs to develop next‐generation approaches for PPCPs and other global chemicals and waste challenges. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:526–536. © 2023 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) occur as variable mixtures in surface waters receiving discharges of human and animal wastes. A key question identified a decade ago is how to assess the effects of long‐term exposures of these PPCP mixtures on nontarget organisms. We review the recent progress made on assessing the aquatic ecotoxicity of PPCP mixtures—with a focus on active pharmaceutical ingredients—and the challenges and research needs that remain. New knowledge has arisen from the use of whole‐mixture testing combined with component‐based approaches, and these studies show that mixtures often result in responses that meet the concentration addition model. However, such studies have mainly been done on individual species over shorter time periods, and longer‐term, multispecies assessments remain limited. The recent use of targeted and nontargeted gene analyses has improved our understanding of the diverse pathways that are impacted, and there are promising new "read‐across" methods that use mammalian data to predict toxicity in wildlife. Risk assessments remain challenging given the paucity of ecotoxicological and exposure data on PPCP mixtures. As such, the assessment of PPCP mixtures in aquatic environments should remain a priority given the potential for additive—as well as nontarget—effects in nontarget organisms. In addition, we need to improve our understanding of which species, life stages, and relevant endpoints are most sensitive to which types of PPCP mixtures and to expand our knowledge of environmental PPCP levels in regions of the globe that have been poorly studied to date. We recommend an increased use of new approach methodologies, in particular "omics," to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanics of mixture effects. Finally, we call for systematic research on the role of PPCP mixtures in the development of antimicrobial resistance. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:549–558. © 2023 SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic‐resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are important environmental contaminants. Nonetheless, what drives the evolution, spread, and transmission of antibiotic resistance dissemination is still poorly understood. The abundance of ARB and ARGs is often elevated in human‐impacted areas, especially in environments receiving fecal wastes, or in the presence of complex mixtures of chemical contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Self‐replication, mutation, horizontal gene transfer, and adaptation to different environmental conditions contribute to the persistence and proliferation of ARB in habitats under strong anthropogenic influence. Our review discusses the interplay between chemical contaminants and ARB and their respective genes, specifically in reference to co‐occurrence, potential biostimulation, and selective pressure effects, and gives an overview of mitigation by existing man‐made and natural barriers. Evidence and strategies to improve the assessment of human health risks due to environmental antibiotic resistance are also discussed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:637–652. © 2022 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How can data on the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment and the quality of ecosystems exposed to PPCPs be used to determine whether current regulatory risk assessment schemes are effective? This is one of 20 "big questions" concerning PPCPs in the environment posed in a landmark review paper in 2012. Ten years later, we review the developments around this question, focusing on the first P in PPCPs, that is, pharmaceuticals, or more specifically the active ingredients included in them (active pharmaceutical ingredients, APIs). We illustrate how extensive data on both the occurrence of APIs and the ecotoxicological sensitivity of aquatic species to them can be used in a retrospective risk assessment. In the Netherlands, current regulatory risk assessment schemes offer insufficient protection against direct ecotoxicological effects from APIs: the toxic pressure exerted by the 39 APIs included in our study exceeds the policy‐related protective threshold of 0.05 (the "95%‐protection level") in at least 13% of sampled surface waters. In general, anti‐inflammatory and antirheumatic products (e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen) contributed most to the overall toxic pressure, followed by sex hormones and modulators of the genital system (e.g., ethinylestradiol) and psychoanaleptics (e.g., caffeine). We formulated three open questions for future research. The first relates to improving the availability and accessibility of good‐quality ecotoxicity data on pharmaceuticals for the global scientific, regulatory, and general public. The second relates to the adaptation of regulatory risk assessment frameworks for developing regions of the world. The third relates to the integration of effect‐based and ecological approaches into regulatory risk assessment practice. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:611–622. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are released from multiple anthropogenic sources and thus have a ubiquitous presence in the environment. The environmental exposure and potential effects of PPCPs on biota and humans has aroused concern within the scientific community and the public. Risk assessments are commonly conducted to evaluate the likelihood of chemicals including PPCPs that pose health threats to organisms inhabiting various environmental compartments and humans. Because thousands of PPCPs are currently used, it is impractical to assess the environmental risk of all of them due to data limitations; in addition, new PPCPs are continually being produced. Prioritization approaches, based either on exposure, hazard, or risk, provide a possible means by which those PPCPs that are likely to pose the greatest risk to the environment are identified, thereby enabling more effective allocation of resources in environmental monitoring programs in specific geographical locations and ecotoxicological investigations. In the present review, the importance and current knowledge concerning PPCP occurrence and risk are discussed and priorities for future research are proposed, in terms of PPCP exposure (e.g., optimization of exposure modeling in freshwater ecosystems and more monitoring of PPCPs in the marine environment) or hazard (e.g., differential risk of PPCPs to lower vs. higher trophic level species and risks to human health). Recommended research questions for the next 10 years are also provided, which can be answered by future studies on prioritization of PPCPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:488–501. © 2022 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environment plays a critical role in the development, dissemination, and transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) enter the environment through direct application to the environment and through anthropogenic pollution. Although there is a growing body of evidence defining minimal selective concentrations (MSCs) of antibiotics and the role antibiotics play in horizontal gene transfer (HGT), there is limited evidence on the role of non‐antibiotic PPCPs. Existing data show associations with the development of resistance or effects on bacterial growth rather than calculating selective endpoints. Research has focused on laboratory‐based systems rather than in situ experiments, although PPCP concentrations found throughout wastewater, natural water, and soil environments are often within the range of laboratory‐derived MSCs and at concentrations shown to promote HGT. Increased selection and HGT of AMR by PPCPs will result in an increase in total AMR abundance in the environment, increasing the risk of exposure and potential transmission of environmental AMR to humans. There is some evidence to suggest that humans can acquire resistance from environmental settings, with water environments being the most frequently studied. However, because this is currently limited, we recommend that more evidence be gathered to understand the risk the environment plays in regard to human health. In addition, we recommend that future research efforts focus on MSC‐based experiments for non‐antibiotic PPCPS, particularly in situ, and investigate the effect of PPCP mixtures on AMR. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:623–636. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent to which chemicals bioaccumulate in aquatic and terrestrial organisms represents a fundamental consideration for chemicals management efforts intended to protect public health and the environment from pollution and waste. Many chemicals, including most pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), are ionizable across environmentally relevant pH gradients, which can affect their fate in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Existing mathematical models describe the accumulation of neutral organic chemicals and weak acids and bases in both fish and plants. Further model development is hampered, however, by a lack of mechanistic insights for PPCPs that are predominantly or permanently ionized. Targeted experiments across environmentally realistic conditions are needed to address the following questions: (1) What are the partitioning and sorption behaviors of strongly ionizing chemicals among species? (2) How does membrane permeability of ions influence bioaccumulation of PPCPs? (3) To what extent are salts and associated complexes with PPCPs influencing bioaccumulation? (4) How do biotransformation and other elimination processes vary within and among species? (5) Are bioaccumulation modeling efforts currently focused on chemicals and species with key data gaps and risk profiles? Answering these questions promises to address key sources of uncertainty for bioaccumulation modeling of ionizable PPCPs and related contaminants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:502–512. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are insufficient toxicity data to assess the ecological risks of many pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). While data limitations are not uncommon for contaminants of environmental concern, PPCPs are somewhat unique in that an a priori understanding of their biological activities in conjunction with measurements of molecular, biochemical, or histological responses could provide a foundation for understanding mode(s) of action and predicting potential adverse apical effects. Over the past decade significant progress has been made in the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs) to efficiently quantify these types of endpoints using computational models and pathway‐based in vitro and in vivo assays. The availability of open‐access knowledgebases to curate biological response (including NAM) data and sophisticated bioinformatics tools to help interpret the information also has significantly increased. Finally, advances in the development and implementation of the adverse outcome pathway framework provide the critical conceptual underpinnings needed to translate NAM data into predictions of the ecologically relevant outcomes required by risk assessors and managers. The evolution and convergence of these various data streams, tools, and concepts provides the basis for a fundamental change in how ecological risks of PPCPs can be pragmatically assessed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:537–548. © 2022 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of reclaimed water in agriculture is an effective way to alleviate water scarcity. However, reclaimed water often contains pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), which might be introduced into agricultural soil and crops through reclaimed water irrigation. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the concentrations of PPCPs in the soil-cereal system after reclaimed water irrigation in 2015 and 2016 in the North China Plain. Three different water qualities were used for summer maize and winter wheat: reclaimed water, mixed water (reclaimed water and groundwater, 1:1), and groundwater. The total concentration of 11 PPCPs in winter wheat grain, summer maize grain and the topsoil (0–20 cm depth) was 1.37–7.65, 4.33–5.07, and 5.85–13.7 μg/kg, respectively. And the total bioaccumulation factors (BCFs) of the 11 PPCPs for summer maize and winter wheat were 3.40–5.23 and 0.11–0.21, respectively. There were no significant differences in the PPCP concentrations in the topsoil-cereal system or in the BCFs among the three irrigation treatments. The total hazard quotients for the 11 PPCPs were 0.019 and 0.053 for adults and toddlers, respectively, suggesting that consumption of the cereal grains in the current research (irrigation with groundwater, mixed water, or reclaimed water) presented little risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial compound widely used in personal hygiene products such as mouthwash and toothpaste; and has been found in human blood, breast milk, and urine. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1 beta (IL-1β) are pro-inflammatory cytokines regulating cell growth, tissue repair, and immune function; increased levels of each have been associated with many diseases, including cancer. Previous studies showed that TCS at concentrations between 0.05 and 5 µM consistently increased the secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 from human immune cells within 24 h of exposure. The current study demonstrates that this increase in secretion was not due simply to release of existing stores but was due to an increase in cellular production/levels (both secreted and intracellular levels) of each of these cytokines. Production of IL-1β and IL-6 was increased by exposure to one or more concentration of TCS at each length of exposure (10 min, 30 min, 6 h, and 24 h). TCS-induced stimulation of cytokine production was shown to be dependent on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p44/42 (ERK 1/2). It was also shown that these TCS-induced increases in IL-1β and IL6 production were accompanied by increased mRNA for IL-1β and IL-6. The ability of TCS to increase production indicates that rather than activating a self-limiting process of depleting cells of already existing stores of IL-1β or IL-6, TCS can stimulate a process that has the capacity to provide sustained production of these cytokines and thus may lead to chronic inflammation and its pathological consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among nanoparticles (NPs), titanium dioxide is one of the most highly manufactured worldwide and widely used in multiple products for both industrial use and personal care products. This increases the probability of release into aquatic environments, potentially affecting these ecosystems. The present study aimed to evaluate TiO2 P25 NP toxicity in zebrafish embryos and eleutheroembryos by evaluating LC50, hatching rate, embryo development, and chemical analysis of the TiO2 concentration accumulated in eleutheroembryo tissues. Zebrafish embryos ~2 h post-fertilization (hpf) were exposed to 75, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/L TiO2 P25 NPs for 48 and 96 h. A total of 40–60 embryos were placed in each Petri dish for the respective treatments. Three replicates were used for each treatment group. Ti4+ concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and a conversion factor was used to calculate the TiO2 concentrations in the tissues. The highest calculated concentrations of TiO2 in zebrafish larvae were 1.0199 mg/L after 48 h and 1.2679 mg/L after 96 h of exposure. The toxicological results indicated that these NPs did not have a significant effect on the mortality and hatching of zebrafish embryos but did have an effect on their development. LC20 and LC30 were determined experimentally, and LC50 and LC80 were estimated using four different methods. Up to 11% of embryos also presented physical malformations. These effects can be detrimental to a species and affect ecosystems. Physical malformations were observed in all treatments, indicating teratogenic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose was isolated from recycled pulp and paper sludge and used to synthesize cellulose nanocrystals. Response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design model were used to predict, improve, and optimize the cellulose isolation process. The optimal conditions were a reaction temperature of 87.5 °C, 180 min with 4% sodium hydroxide. SEM and TEM results revealed that the isolated cellulose had long rod-like structures of different dimensions than CNCs with short rod-like structures. The crystallinity index from XRD significantly increased from 41.33%, 63.7%, and 75.6% for Kimberly mill pulp sludge (KMRPPS), chemically purified cellulose and cellulose nanocrystals, respectively. The TGA/DTG analysis showed that the isolated cellulosic materials possessed higher thermal stability. FTIR analysis suggested that the chemical structures of cellulose and CNCs were modified by chemical treatment. The cellulose surface was highly hydrophilic compared to the CNCs based on the high water holding capacity of 65.31 ± 0.98% and 83.14 ± 1.22%, respectively. The synthesized cellulosic materials portrayed excellent properties for high-end industrial applications like biomedical engineering, advanced materials, nanotechnology, sustainable packaging, personal care products, environmental remediation, additive manufacturing, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small proportion of women are found in the prison population worldwide and consequently they have been ignored in prison studies and policy engagements designed to mitigate their "pains of imprisonment." Despite the growing literature on prison science, only a few data-based studies have investigated the negative experiences of women prisoners in Nigeria. This research, therefore, sets out to empirically examine the gender-specific problems facing female inmates. A thematic analysis of the in-depth oral interview data generated from 25 inmates purposively selected from the women population revealed that their dietary, medical, personal hygienic and motherhood needs were grossly insufficient and dehumanizing. The situation is so debilitating that they have no option but to reuse such personal hygienic requirements as sanitary/menstrual pads and sometimes, use toilet papers and pieces of cloths in its stead. Other needs were occasionally met by their family members, churches, charity organizations, and individual donors. Confining women in correctional facilities established and equipped for men rather intensified their plight. The study calls for continuous determined efforts by governments, civil liberty organizations, faith-based institutions, and the academia to obtain – through policy, research, and practice – empirical evidence that is capable of providing practical solution to the problem. The intervention is both multi-sectoral and cross-disciplinary based, demonstrating a new drive and potential for harm reduction, as well as strengthening the growing advocacy on the treatment of (women) prisoners for better results. The call for further studies was also discussed to justify any perceived limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This plastic waste degrades into nanoparticles, which are referred to as nanoplastics (NPs) pollutants, due to faulty reuse and recycling processes. These micro and nano plastic pollutants have the ability to absorb and interact with common pollutants and have a high surface area to volume ratio, which causes serious effects on the environment, especially plants. The size of pollutants is so small that they can cross the biological barriers and affect the cellular and molecular levels. Exposure to nanoplastics in photosynthetic species affects the growth and photosynthesis mechanism of the plants. Nanoplastics also affect humans through intake of the exposed plant materials. These pollutants can be plastic pellets, personal care products, marine coatings, synthetic textiles, etc. Plastic pollutants may enter the human body mainly through contaminated food and water. This review incorporates the toxicity of such pollutant and how their remediation is being done. The focus is also on the advancement of detection and remediation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products are contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in water. Photocatalysis (PC) and photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) are potential advanced oxidation processes for the effective degradation of these contaminants. In this work a bench-scale photoelectrocatalytic reactor utilizing a UVA-LED array was designed and tested for the degradation of diclofenac as a model CEC. Reduced graphene oxide-titanium dioxide (rGO-TiO 2) composite, prepared by the photocatalytic reduction of rGO on TiO 2 , was immobilised on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) glass and evaluated as a photoanode. The influence of UVA intensity and rGO:TiO 2 ratio on the degradation rate was studied. Surface modification of the TiO 2 with 1% rGO gave the highest photocurrent and best degradation rate of diclofenac, as compared to unmodified TiO 2. However, following repeat cycles of photoelectrocatalytic treatment there was an observed drop in the photocurrent with rGO-TiO 2 anodes and the rate of diclofenac degradation decreased. Raman and XPS analysis indicated the re-oxidation of the rGO. Attempts to regenerate the rGO in-situ by electrochemical reduction did not prove successful, suggesting that the site of photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of rGO was different to the reduction site targeted in the photocatalytic reduction for the formation of the rGO-TiO 2 composites. [Display omitted] • A bench-scale photoelectrocatalytic reactor was tested for diclofenac degradation in water. • Scaled-up efficient photoelectrocatalytic reactor for water treatment using UVA LED arrays. • rGO-TiO 2 composite showed enhanced photocurrent and an increased rate of diclofenac degradation as compared to bare TiO 2. • rGO reoxidation was observed following repeat cycles of photoelectrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation and pollutants causes several skin disorders, calling for protection methods such as sunscreen application. However, common sunscreen contains chemicals that have displayed toxicity when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, alternatives approaches have been recently developed, such as the use of natural phytochemicals as active ingredients in photoprotection preparations. Here, we review skin protection with focus on the physics of ultraviolet radiation and photoprotection by ultraviolet filters. We present sensors for measuring ultraviolet radiation and ultraviolet radiation in ecosystems. We discuss the phototoxicity of drugs, preservatives, personal care products, and pollutants. Photocarcinogenesis, photoallergy, photostability, and toxicity of sunscreen ingredients and their impacts on human health and skin, are also reviewed. We observed that phytochemicals are promising for photoprotection due to their ability to absorb photon energy, and thus act as antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbitol, which is a six carbon polyol typically derived from glucose, is widely used in food, personal care and pharmaceutical products. Sorbitol production processes that use cellulose as feedstock are much less developed than those that use glucose and are important for future sustainability. Herein, we review the latest progress in chemocatalytic production of sorbitol from cellulose with emphasis on sustainable chemistry. Relevant feedstocks include isolated cellulose solids, pretreated biomass, and raw lignocellulosic biomass that use homogeneous multi-step, heterogeneous one-pot, or flow-chemistry catalytic approaches for sorbitol production. In the processes analyzed, we focus on state-of-the-art results achieved with supported metal catalysts, and explore their characteristics, active site functionalities, reaction kinetics and mechanisms for guiding the design of future sorbitol chemocatalytic production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean spring ecosystems are unique habitats at the interface between surface water and groundwater. These ecosystems support a remarkable array of biodiversity and provide important ecological functions and ecosystem services. Spring ecosystems are influenced by abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors such as the lithology of their draining aquifers, their climate, and the land use of their recharge area, all of which affect the water chemistry of the aquifer and the spring discharges. One of the most relevant characteristics of spring ecosystems is the temporal stability of environmental conditions, including physicochemical features of the spring water, across seasons and years. This stability allows a wide range of species to benefit from these ecosystems (particularly during dry periods), fostering an unusually high number of endemic species. However, global change poses important threats to these freshwater ecosystems. Changes in temperature, evapotranspiration, and precipitation patterns can alter the water balance and chemistry of spring water. Eutrophication due to agricultural practices and emergent pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides, is also a growing concern for the preservation of spring biodiversity. Here, we provide a synthesis of the main characteristics and functioning of Mediterranean spring ecosystems. We then describe their ecological value and biodiversity patterns and highlight the main risks these ecosystems face. Moreover, we identify existing knowledge gaps to guide future research in order to fully uncover the hidden biodiversity within these habitats and understand the main drivers that govern them. Finally, we provide a brief summary of recommended actions that should be taken to effectively manage and preserve Mediterranean spring ecosystems for future generations. Even though studies on Mediterranean spring ecosystems are still scarce, our review shows there are sufficient data to conclude that their future viability as functional ecosystems is under severe threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclosan is a widely used antimicrobial agent in personal care products, household items, medical devices, and clinical settings. Due to its extensive use, there is potential for humans in all age groups to receive lifetime exposures to triclosan, yet data on the chronic dermal toxicity/carcinogenicity of triclosan are still lacking. We evaluated the toxicity/carcinogenicity of triclosan administered dermally to B6C3F1 mice for 104 weeks. Groups of 48 male and 48 female B6C3F1 mice received dermal applications of 0, 1.25, 2.7, 5.8, or 12.5 mg triclosan/kg body weight (bw)/day in 95% ethanol, 7 days/week for 104 weeks. Vehicle control animals received 95% ethanol only; untreated, naïve control mice did not receive any treatment. There were no significant differences in survival among the groups. The highest dose of triclosan significantly decreased the body weight of mice in both sexes, but the decrease was ≤ 9%. Minimal-to-mild epidermal hyperplasia, suppurative inflammation (males only), and ulceration (males only) were observed at the application site in the treated groups, with the highest incidence occurring in the 12.5 mg triclosan/kg bw/day group. No tumors were identified at the application site. Female mice had a positive trend in the incidence of pancreatic islet adenoma. In male mice, there were positive trends in the incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma (combined), with the increase of carcinoma being significant in the 5.8 and 12.5 mg/kg/day groups and the increase in hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma (combined) being significant in the 2.7, 5.8, and 12.5 mg/kg/day groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we propose the concept of epistemic ghosting to describe problems that have arisen in the articulation between the menstrual activism campaign #MenstruAcción, the state and firms marketing menstrual hygiene materials in Argentina. The hypothesis we are trying to prove is that this articulation was not strong enough to acknowledge and fully leverage the knowledge developed by activists within the framework of the campaign for the benefit of the menstruating population, or to safeguard its emancipatory nature. This article defines the phenomenon of epistemic ghosting as the appropriation of the knowledge and symbolic discourse produced by activism and their subsequent effacement, showing how it operates in the institutionalization and commodification of Argentine menstrual activism. The ultimate aim is for the concept to be reappropriated into other contexts for its detection and solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial composting is one of the most cost-effective techniques for degradation, remediation, nutrition, etc. Currently, there is faster growth and development in nanotechnology in different sectors. This development leads nanoparticles (NPs) to enter into the composts in different ways. First, unintentional entry of NPs into the composts via: waste discharge, buried solid waste, surface runoff, direct disposal into wastes (consumer goods, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products). Second, intentional mediation of the NPs in the composting process is a novel approach developed to enhance the degradation rate of wastes and as a nutrient for plants. The presence of NPs in the composts can cause nanotoxicity. Conversely, their presence might also be beneficial, such as soil reclamations, degradation, etc. Alternatively, metal NPs are also helpful for all living organisms, including microorganisms, in various biological processes, such as DNA replication, precursor biosynthesis, respiration, oxidative stress responses, and transcription. NPs show exemplary performance in multiple fields, whereas their role in composting process is worth studying. Consequently, this article aids the understanding of the role of NPs in the composting process and how far their presence can be beneficial. This article reviews the significance of NPs in: the composting process, microbial bioprocess performance during nano composting, basic life cycle assessment (LCA) of NP-mediated composting, and mode of action of the NPs in the soil matrix. This article also sheds insight on the notion of nanozymes and highlights their biocatalytic characterization, which will be helpful in future composting research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic musks (SMs) have been widely used as fragrance ingredients in various daily consumer products. Due to their mass production and usage, the presence of SMs has been reported in environmental and human biological samples, raising global concerns over human health effects. This review outlines the current knowledge on human exposure pathways and internal exposure to environmental SMs. The biotransformation of SMs in humans is also highlighted. Compared to exposure through inhalation and oral ingestion pathways, dermal contact from SMs-containing personal care products is the dominant pathway, accounting for 82–93% of total human SMs daily exposure. After penetrating the skin barrier, SMs can be absorbed by the dermis, causing potential skin irritation. Regarding internal human exposure, around half of the limited studies focused on breast milk, indicating considerable risks for vulnerable global populations (e.g. pregnant women and babies). The health effects of SMs are assessed synergistically based on the existing data and our calculated toxicological predictions. SMs could induce endocrine disruption and mutagenic toxicity according to historical analysis of data. Our computational toxicology data suggested negative impacts on the cardiovascular system for the first time. However, caution should be applied when interpreting adverse health effects using the available data, as the effective toxic doses of different SMs in laboratory studies were greater than actual environmental concentrations in most cases. Based on an analysis of research progress, this review also proposed the need to study the relationship between long-term low-dose exposure and adverse human health effects in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]