Click, Compute, Create: A Review of Web-based Tools for Enzyme Engineering.

Enzyme engineering, though pivotal across various biotechnological domains, is often plagued by its time-consuming and labor-intensive nature. This review aims to offer an overview of supportive in silico methodologies for this demanding endeavor. Starting from methods to predict protein structures, to classification of their activity and even the discovery of new enzymes we continue with describing tools used to increase thermostability and production yields of selected targets. Subsequently, we discuss computational methods to modulate both, the activity as well as selectivity of enzymes. Last, we present recent approaches based on cutting-edge machine learning methods to redesign enzymes. With exception of the last chapter, there is a strong focus on methods easily accessible via web-interfaces or simple Python-scripts, therefore readily useable for a diverse and broad community.

The "forever" per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A critical accounting of global research on a major threat under changing regulations.

The European Commission's current efforts to launch the largest proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in history reflect the dire global plight of PFAS accumulation in the environment and their health impacts. While there are existing studies on PFAS research, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis that both covers the entire research period and provides deep insights into global research patterns, incentives, and barriers based on various parameters. We have been able to demonstrate the increasing interest in PFAS research, although citation numbers are declining prematurely. Policy regulations based on proving and establishing the toxicity of PFASs have stimulated research in developed countries and vice versa, with increasing emphasis on ecological aspects. China, in particular, is investing increasingly in PFAS research, but without defining or implementing regulations - with devastating effects. The separation of industrial and environmental research interests is clear, with little involvement of developing countries, even though their exposure to PFAS is devastating. It, therefore, requires increased globally networked and multidisciplinary approaches to address PFAS contamination challenges.

NBN- and BNB-Phenalenyls: the Yin and Yang of Heteroatom-doped π Systems.

NBN- and BNB-doped phenalenyls are isoelectronic to phenalenyl anions and cations, respectively. They represent a pair of complementary molecules that have essentially identical structures but opposite properties as electron donors and acceptors. The NBN-phenalenyls 1-4 considered here were prepared from N,N'-dimethyl-1,8-diaminonaphthalene and readily available boron-containing building blocks (i. e., BH3⋅SMe2 (1), p-CF3-C6H4B(OH)2 (2), C6H5B(OH)2 (3), or MesBCl2/iPr2NEt (4)). Treatment of 1 with 4-Me2N-2,6-Me2-C6H2Li gave the corresponding NBN derivative 5. The BNB-phenalenyl 6 was synthesized from 1,8-naphthalenediyl-bridged diborane(6), PhNH2, and MesMgBr. A computational study reveals that the photoemission of 1, 4, and 5 originates from locally excited (LE) states at the NBN-phenalenyl fragments, while that of 2 is dominated by charge transfer (CT) from the NBN-phenalenyl to the p-CF3-C6H4 fragment. Depending on the dihedral angle θ between its Ph and NBN planes, compound 3 emits mainly from a less polar LE (θ >55°) or more polar CT state (θ <55°). In turn, the energetic preference for either state is governed by the polarity of the solvent used. An equimolar aggregate of the NBN- and BNB-phenalenyls 3 and 6 (in THF/H2O) shows a distinct red-shifted emission compared to that of the individual components, which originates from an intermolecular CT state.

Förster resonance energy transfer within the neomycin aptamer.

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements between two dyes is a powerful method to interrogate both structure and dynamics of biopolymers. The intensity of a fluorescence signal in a FRET measurement is dependent on both the distance and the relative orientation of the dyes. The latter can at the same time both complicate the analysis and give more detailed information. Here we present a detailed spectroscopic study of the energy transfer between the rigid FRET labels Çmf (donor) and tCnitro (quencher/acceptor) within the neomycin aptamer N1. The energy transfer originates from multiple emitting states of the donor and occurs on a low picosecond to nanosecond time-scale. To fully characterize the energy transfer, ultrafast transient absorption measurements were performed in conjunction with static fluorescence and time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) measurements, showing a clear distance dependence of both signal intensity and lifetime. Using a known NMR structure of the ligand-bound neomycin aptamer, the distance between the two labels was used to estimate κ2 and, therefore, make qualitative statements about the change in orientation after ligand binding with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. The advantages and potential applications of absorption-based methods using rigid labels for the characterization of FRET processes are discussed.

Influence of a large commercial airport on the ultrafine particle number concentration in a distant residential area under different wind conditions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exposure to ultrafine particles has a significant influence on human health. In regions with large commercial airports, air traffic and ground operations can represent a potential particle source. The particle number concentration was measured in a low-traffic residential area about 7 km from Frankfurt Airport with a Condensation Particle Counter in a long-term study. In addition, the particle number size distribution was determined using a Fast Mobility Particle Sizer. The particle number concentrations showed high variations over the entire measuring period and even within a single day. A maximum 24 h-mean of 24,120 cm-3 was detected. Very high particle number concentrations were in particular measured when the wind came from the direction of the airport. In this case, the particle number size distribution showed a maximum in the particle size range between 5 and 15 nm. Particles produced by combustion in jet engines typically have this size range and a high potential to be deposited in the alveoli. During a period with high air traffic volume, significantly higher particle number concentrations could be measured than during a period with low air traffic volume, as in the COVID-19 pandemic. A large commercial airport thus has the potential to lead to a high particle number concentration even in a distant residential area. Due to the high particle number concentrations, the critical particle size, and strong concentration fluctuations, long-term measurements are essential for a realistic exposure analysis.

Small Warriors of Nature: Novel Red Emissive Chlorophyllin Carbon Dots Harnessing Fenton-Fueled Ferroptosis for In Vitro and In Vivo Cancer Treatment.

The appeal of carbon dots (CDs) has grown recently, due to their established biocompatibility, adjustable photoluminescence properties, and excellent water solubility. For the first time in the literature, copper chlorophyllin-based carbon dots (Chl-D CDs) are successfully synthesized. Chl-D CDs exhibit unique spectroscopic traits and are found to induce a Fenton-like reaction, augmenting photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacies via ferroptotic and apoptotic pathways. To bolster the therapeutic impact of Chl-D CDs, a widely used cancer drug, temozolomide, is linked to their surface, yielding a synergistic effect with PDT and chemotherapy. Chl-D CDs' biocompatibility in immune cells and in vivo models showed great clinical potential.Proteomic analysis was conducted to understand Chl-D CDs' underlying cancer treatment mechanism. The study underscores the role of reactive oxygen species formation and pointed toward various oxidative stress modulators like aldolase A (ALDOA), aldolase C (ALDOC), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1B1 (ALDH1B1), transaldolase 1 (TALDO1), and transketolase (TKT), offering a deeper understanding of the Chl-D CDs' anticancer activity. Notably, the Chl-D CDs' capacity to trigger a Fenton-like reaction leads to enhanced PDT efficiencies through ferroptotic and apoptotic pathways. Hence, it is firmly believed that the inherent attributes of Chl-CDs can lead to a secure and efficient combined cancer therapy.

Comparison Between Smoked Tobacco and Medical Cannabis Cigarettes Concerning Particulate Matter.

Introduction: Cannabis is a widely used drug like tobacco and alcohol. In the meantime, it is also prescribed for medical treatment in some countries. Tobacco smoke contains chemical carcinogens and particulate matter (PM) that are both harmful to health. Method: In this study, we investigated PM levels in second-hand smoke (SHS) of hand-tamped cannabis cigarettes compared to cigarettes with tubing tobacco and the 3R4F reference cigarette. Results: It could be demonstrated that the largest proportion of the particle mass is attributable to particles with a diameter of less than 1µm and that every tested cigarette emitted more PM than the 3R4F reference cigarette. In addition, our data clearly revealed that cannabis smoke contains higher PM levels in SHS than tobacco cigarettes. Compared to the reference cigarette, the PM1 emissions of cannabis were 105% higher. Also, the cannabis mixed cigarettes had higher PM levels than the 3R4F cigarettes. For instance, the PM10 emissions were 93% higher. Also, the Gauloises Mélange tubing tobacco also reached higher PM concentrations than the 3R4F cigarette. Discussion: Regardless of negative health effects, cannabis is seen as a harmless drug in the public eye. We found strong indications for potential health risks by PM from cannabis products and, therefore, the public should be educated about a potential harm.

A virus becomes a global concern: research activities on West-Nile virus.

Currently, West-Nile virus (WNV) is spreading worldwide to colder regions due to climate change. Human mortality and morbidity are prevalent and steadily increasing, associated with costs to public health systems. Therefore, the question of the impact of scientific engagement arises. What trends, barriers, and incentives for research related to global burdens are important in this context? To answer these questions, this study provides detailed insights into the publication patterns of WNV research and interprets them using several parameters, such as absolute and relative publication indices and socioeconomic and epidemiological characteristics. It is shown that national interests combined with regional outbreaks significantly influence publication intensity. Thus, a correlation between national publication volume and the number of WNV cases was observed. In contrast to most life science topics, the scientific interest in WNV significantly decreased after 2006. The USA, as the main actor in WNV research, is at the centre of international networking. Recently, European countries are also getting involved according to their new-emerging outbreaks. The results demonstrate national interest in research activities with a lack of globally focused approaches that are urgently needed to better understand and assess the distribution and characteristics of WNV.

Heatwaves: does global research reflect the growing threat in the light of climate change?

BACKGROUND: With the increasing impacts of climate change, heatwaves are placing an enormous burden on health and social systems and threatening ecological diversity around the world. Heatwaves are increasing not only in frequency but also in severity and magnitude. They are causing the deaths of thousands of people. Research is needed on a multidisciplinary, supra-regional, and regional level. METHODS: A detailed evaluation of the research conducted is not yet available. Therefore, this study provides a detailed insight into the publication landscape to identify key players, incentives, and requirements for future scientific efforts that are useful not only for scientists but also to stakeholders and project funders. RESULTS: The number of publications on heatwaves is increasing, outpacing the trend of research indexed by the Science Citation Index Expanded. However, funding is lagging behind comparatively. Looking at absolute numbers, the USA, Australia, China, and some European countries have been identified as major players in heatwave research. If socio-economic numbers are included, Switzerland and Portugal lead the way. Australia and the UK dominate if the change in heatwave-exposed people is included. Nevertheless, exposure and economic strength of publishing countries were identified as the main drivers of national research interests. Previous heatwaves, in particular, have driven research efforts primarily at the national level. CONCLUSION: For an efficient monitoring or early detection system that also includes the economically weak regions, internationally networked efforts are necessary to enable preventive measures and damage limitation against heatwaves. Regardless of previous regional extreme heat events, research approaches should be focused to the global level.

Global mpox research in the light of the current outbreak: demands, drivers, and obstacles.

Following the current outbreak, the mpox virus (formerly: monkeypox virus) is a highly threatening pathogen with public health significance, although mpox is still considered a neglected disease. Previously confined mainly to Africa, the virus spread globally in 2022. However, knowledge about mpox is limited, causing a distorted perception of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to collect all information on scientific mpox publishing and to analyse them according to their chronological, geographical, and epidemiological patterns. It was not until the global outbreak that the relatively small number of publications was replaced by the immense increase in annual publication numbers. The most important player is the USA with a central role in international networking. They collaborated mainly with the Democratic Republic of Congo, a primary endemic country where the first viral clades were determined. Nigeria and other African countries were also represented, although mainly in the form of co-authorships. The fact that few of the first authors are from low- or middle-economic countries demonstrates the need to promote equitable networking at the global level and their support for surveillance and targeted immunization programmes.

Impact of different ventilation conditions on tobacco smoke-associated particulate matter emissions in a car cabin using the TAPaC platform.

Despite antagonizing attempts from the tobacco industry, passive inhalation of tobacco smoke is known to be cancerogenic and toxic to human health for decades. Nonetheless, millions of non-smoking adults and children are still victims of second-hand smoke. Accumulation of particulate matter (PM) in confined spaces such as the car are particularly harmful due to high concentrations. We here aimed to analyze the specific effects of ventilation conditions in the setting of a car. By the use of the measuring platform TAPaC (tobacco-associated particulate matter emissions inside a car cabin), 3R4F reference cigarettes, Marlboro red, and Marlboro gold were smoked in a car interior with a volume of 3.709 m3. Seven different ventilation conditions (C1-C7) were analyzed. Under C1, all windows were closed. Under C2-C7, the car ventilation was turned on power level 2/4 with the air directed towards the windshield. Only the passenger side window was opened, where an outer placed fan could create an airstream speed of 15.9-17.4 km/h at one meter distance to simulate a driving car. C2: Window 10 cm opened. C3: Window 10 cm opened with the fan turned on. C4: Window half-opened. C5: Window half-opened with the fan turned on. C6: Window fully opened. C7: Window fully opened with the fan turned on. Cigarettes were remotely smoked by an automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter and a cigarette smoking device. Depending on the ventilation condition the cigarettes emitted different mean PM concentrations after 10 min under condition C1 (PM10: 1272-1697 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1253-1659 µg/m3, PM1: 964-1263 µg/m3) under C2, C4, and C6 (PM10: 68.7-196.2 µg/m3, PM2.5: 68.2-194.7 µg/m3, PM1: 66.1-183.8 µg/m3) C3, C5, and C7 (PM10: 73.7-139 µg/m3, PM2.5: 72-137.9 µg/m3, PM1:68.9-131.9 µg/m3). Vehicle ventilation is insufficient to protect passengers from toxic second-hand smoke completely. Brand-specific variations of tobacco ingredients and mixtures markedly influence PM emissions under ventilation conditions. The most efficient ventilation mode to reduce PM exposure was achieved by opening the passenger´s window 10 cm and turning the onboard ventilation on power level 2/4. In-vehicle smoking should be banned to preserve innocent risk groups (e.g., children) from harm.

Watching the release of a photopharmacological drug from tubulin using time-resolved serial crystallography.

The binding and release of ligands from their protein targets is central to fundamental biological processes as well as to drug discovery. Photopharmacology introduces chemical triggers that allow the changing of ligand affinities and thus biological activity by light. Insight into the molecular mechanisms of photopharmacology is largely missing because the relevant transitions during the light-triggered reaction cannot be resolved by conventional structural biology. Using time-resolved serial crystallography at a synchrotron and X-ray free-electron laser, we capture the release of the anti-cancer compound azo-combretastatin A4 and the resulting conformational changes in tubulin. Nine structural snapshots from 1 ns to 100 ms complemented by simulations show how cis-to-trans isomerization of the azobenzene bond leads to a switch in ligand affinity, opening of an exit channel, and collapse of the binding pocket upon ligand release. The resulting global backbone rearrangements are related to the action mechanism of microtubule-destabilizing drugs.

The measuring aerosol spreading during countermeasures (MASC) study presents an automated system to investigate face mask efficacy and other aerosol countermeasures in varying environments.

The COVID-19 pandemic exemplified the importance of research on personal protective equipment. In specific, understanding how effective surgical masks or particulate filter respirators are at reducing the transmission of infectious diseases has suddenly become one of the most pressing issues for legislators, regulators, and everyday life. However, there was a lack of available scientific platforms to assess this issue. Therefore, we designed and built a system entitled MASC: measuring aerosol spreading during countermeasures. This platform allows the simulation of various everyday situations and evaluation of the efficacy of masks and respirators in reducing the amount of inhaled particulate matter from the air. Furthermore, MASC can be used to investigate how aerosols propagate in closed spaces, such as offices or classrooms. It can be used to generate aerosols on command and control the room temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Up to four laser aerosol spectrometers can be read simultaneously, and a camera can automatically take pictures to evaluate the efficacy of countermeasures to prevent the spread of aerosols. The aerosol generation, measurement periods, and the number of repetitions for an experiment can be configured digitally and are executed by a computer automatically. A website displays the data in real time and allows monitoring of the experiment. Upon completion, statistical values are calculated automatically to accelerate the evaluation of the gathered data. Codes and technical drawings in this present methodology publication are open source and can be used by the scientific community to establish similar systems.

Environmental and health-related research on application and production of rare earth elements under scrutiny.

BACKGROUND: Unlike most other commodities, rare earth elements (REEs) are part of a wide range of applications needed for daily life all over the world. These applications range from cell phones to electric vehicles to wind turbines. They are often declared as part of "green technology" and, therefore, often called "green elements". However, their production and use are not only useful but also risky to the environment and human health, as many studies have shown. Consequently, the range of global research efforts is broad and highly variable, and therefore difficult to capture and assess. Hence, this study aims to assess the global parameters of global research on REE in the context of environment and health (REEeh). In addition to established bibliometric parameters, advanced analyses using market driver and scientific infrastructure values were carried out to provide deep insight into incentives, necessities, and barriers to international research. RESULTS: The focus of REE research is in line with national aspirations, especially from the major global players, China and the USA. Whereas globally, regional research interests are related to market interests, as evidenced by the inclusion of drivers such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and permanent magnets. The topics receiving the most attention are related to gadolinium used for magnetic resonance imaging and the use of ceria nanoparticles. Since both are used for medical purposes, the medical research areas are equally profiled and mainly addressed in high-income countries. Nevertheless, environmental issues are increasingly in focus. CONCLUSIONS: There is still a need for research that is independent and open-ended. For this, market-independent technologies, substitutes and recycling of REEs need to be addressed scientifically. The results of this study are relevant for all stakeholders, from individual scientists to planners to funders, to improve future research strategies in line with these research mandates.

Ticks in medical and parasitological research: Globally emerging risks require appropriate scientific awareness and action.

BACKGROUND: The spread of ticks has also led to the emergence of regional, previously unknown tick-borne diseases (TBDs) that pose an immediate threat to public health systems worldwide. People who spend time or work outdoors are at risk without closer awareness of regional exposures. That is especially true for tourists, who very easily come into contact with ticks and get bitten while hiking and climbing. A regional lack of surveillance, lack of awareness, lack of scientific background, and misdiagnosis makes it hard to assess the actual threat properly. METHODS: Therefore, this bibliometric study aims to assess the global research on ticks and some TBDs. Geographical and temporal patterns are elaborated under epidemiological and socioeconomic aspects. That will provide a factual basis for targeted action at the scientific, societal, and policy levels against the growing threat associated with ticks. RESULTS: The USA and Brazil can be identified as the key players in tick research, followed by Russia and some Central European countries. The socioeconomic analysis points to epidemiologically relevant regions, as also shown by comparison with the TBD analysis. A correlation between countries' gross domestic product and publication performance was found. Lack of scientific resources limits the necessary research and surveillance programs. CONCLUSIONS: Many regions that are popular travel destinations are threatened by new tick species and thus new health risks. Therefore, outdoor activities in many locations may pose an unknown hazard that requires regionally differentiated scientific investigation and better, globally networked research strategies.

TAPaC-tobacco-associated particulate matter emissions inside a car cabin: establishment of a new measuring platform.

BACKGROUND: Particulate matter (PM) emission caused by tobacco combustion leads to severe health burdens worldwide. Second-hand smoke exposure is extraordinarily high in enclosed spaces (e.g., indoor rooms, car cabins) and poses a particular threat to the health of vulnerable individuals (e.g., children, elderly, etc.). This study aimed to establish a new measuring platform and investigate PM emissions under four different ventilation conditions inside a car cabin without exposing any person to harmful tobacco smoke. METHODS: PM concentrations were measured during the smoking of 3R4F reference cigarettes in a Mitsubishi Space Runner (interior volume 3.709 m3). The cigarettes were smoked with a machine, eliminating exposure of the researchers. Cigarettes were extinguished 4.5 min after ignition, and PM measurements continued until 10 min after ignition. RESULTS: High mean PM concentrations were measured for cigarettes without ventilation after 4.5 min (PM10: 1150 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1132 µg/m3, PM1: 861.6 µg/m3) and after 10 min (PM10: 1608 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1583 µg/m3, PM1: 1133 µg/m3). 3R4F smoked under conditions with turned on ventilation resulted in reduction of PM compared to those smoked without ventilation after 4.5 min (PM10:-47.5 to -58.4%, PM2.5:-47.2 to -58%, PM1:-39.6 to -50.2%) and after 10 min (PM10:-70.8 to -74.4%, PM2.5:-70.6 to -74.3%, PM1:-64.0 to -68.0%). Cigarettes smoked without ventilation generated high PM peaks at 4.5 min (PM10: 2207 µg/m3, PM2.5: 2166 µg/m3, PM1: 1421 µg/m3) and at 10 min (PM10: 1989 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1959 µg/m3, PM1: 1375 µg/m3). PM peaks of cigarettes smoked under different ventilation modes varied at 4.5 min (PM10: 630-845 µg/m3, PM2.5: 625-836 µg/m3, PM1: 543 - 693 µg/m3) and 10 min (PM10: 124 - 130 µg/m3, PM2.5: 124 - 129 µg/m3, PM1: 118 - 124 µg/m3). CONCLUSION: The new measuring platform provides a safer way for researchers to investigate PM emissions of cigarettes. These data are comparable to published research and show that smoking in a parked vehicle with the windows closed generates harmful PM emissions even when the vehicle ventilation is in operation. Future studies should be carried out using the new measuring platform investigating PM exposure and PM distribution of in-vehicle smoking under a wide range of conditions.

Exploring Structure-Property Relations of B,S-Doped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons through the Trinity of Synthesis, Spectroscopy, and Theory.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are prominent lead structures for organic optoelectronic materials. This work describes the synthesis of three B,S-doped PAHs with heptacene-type scaffolds via nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions between fluorinated arylborane precursors and 1,2-(Me3SiS)2C6H4/1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (72-92% yield). All compounds contain tricoordinate B atoms at their 7,16-positions, kinetically protected by mesityl (Mes) substituents. PAHs 1/2 feature two/four S atoms at their 5,18-/5,9,14,18-positions; PAH 3 is a 6,8,15,17-tetrafluoro derivative of 2. For comparison, we also prepared the skewed naphtho[2,3-c]pentaphene-type isomer 4. The simultaneous presence of electron-accepting B atoms and electron-donating S atoms results in a redox-ambiphilic behavior; the radical cations [1•]+ and [2•]+ were characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Several low-lying charge-transfer states exist, some of which (especially S-to-B and Mes-to-B transitions) compete on the excited-state potential-energy surface. Consistent with the calculated state characters and oscillator strengths, this competition results in a spread of fluorescence quantum yields (2-27%). The optoelectronic properties of 1 change drastically upon addition of Ag+ ions: while the color of 1 in CH2Cl2 changes bathochromically from yellow to red (λmax from 463 to 486 nm; -0.13 eV), the emission band shifts hypsochromically from 606 to 545 nm (+0.23 eV), and the fluorescence quantum yield increases from 12 to 43%. According to titration experiments, higher order adducts [Agn1m]n+ are formed. As a suitable system for modeling Ag+ complexation, our calculations predict a dimer structure (n = m = 2) with Ag2S4 core, approximately linear S-Ag-S fragments, and Ag-Ag interaction. The computed optoelectronic properties of [Ag212]2+ agree well with the experimentally observed ones.

Neonicotinoids: A critical assessment of the global research landscape of the most extensively used insecticide.

The broad-spectrum insecticides in the neonicotinoid group are the most widely used worldwide because of their widely recognized advantages in the mode of action. Therefore, their use is growing on a large scale and, moreover, is often used preventively without considering the ecological impact. Studies demonstrated harmful effects on non-target organisms, which in turn negatively impact biodiversity and thus food production. The dramatic decline of honey bee colonies, for example, could be linked to the use of neonicotinoids. Ecologically sustainable solutions to this conflict must be focused by scientific research. The question arose whether the global research efforts meet these requirements on a global scale. Therefore, this review article aimed to analyze the global research landscape on neonicotinoids under ecological, economic, and temporal aspects. To this end, key players and incentives for investigations in this research field are identified. The increase in publications over time is significant and shows a dynamic citation pattern. It indicates a comparatively high interest in current research, with ecological issues becoming more and more the focus of international research. It has been shown that national publication performance and funding are in line with global market interests, with the most publishing country being China. In addition, the elevated status quo of the scientific infrastructure in high-economy countries and their willingness to support research can be linked to national research output. Lower economies are sparsely involved in published studies. The research performance accumulates with a high North-South divide. Therefore, future research projects must have a sustainable focus and take regional requirements worldwide into account. This requires greater involvement of developing countries as the most economically dependent regions with enormously increasing consumption rates. Solutions must be found to ensure sustainable food production against a backdrop of already declining biodiversity due to the large-scale use of neonicotinoids.

Do Budget Cigarettes Emit More Particles? An Aerosol Spectrometric Comparison of Particulate Matter Concentrations between Private-Label Cigarettes and More Expensive Brand-Name Cigarettes.

Private-label cigarettes are cigarettes that belong to the retailer itself. Private-label cigarettes from discounters or supermarkets are cheaper than brand-name cigarettes, and their lower price has allowed them to garner an ever-increasing share of the tobacco product market, especially among lower socioeconomic groups. Particulate matter (PM), a considerable component of air pollution, is a substantial health-damaging factor. Smoking is the primary source of PM in smokers' homes. In a 2.88 m3 measuring chamber, the PM emission fractions PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 from three private-label cigarette brands and three brand-name cigarette brands with identical nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide content were measured and compared to those of a reference cigarette by laser aerosol spectroscopy. All cigarette brands emitted PM in health-threatening quantities. The measurement results ranged from 1394 µg/m3 to 1686 µg/m3 PM10, 1392 µg/m3 to 1682 µg/m3 PM2.5, and 1355 µg/m3 to 1634 µg/m3 PM1, respectively. Only one private-label brand differed significantly (p < 0.001) from the other cigarette brands, which were tested with slightly lower PM levels. All other brands differed only marginally (not significant, p > 0.05) from one another. Significant (p < 0.05) negative correlations between private-label and brand-name cigarettes were found for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 when accounting for tobacco filling densities, and for PM1 when accounting for filter lengths. The especially health-hazardous fraction PM1 accounted for the largest proportion of PM emissions from the cigarettes tested. The results of this study suggest that- cheaper tobacco products are as harmful as more expensive ones, at least regarding PM emissions. This highlights the importance of anti-smoking campaigns, especially for lower socioeconomic groups, where smoking is more widespread. Governments should reduce the price gap between cheap and more expensive tobacco products by implementing specific tobacco taxes. In such a case, at increasing prices of tobacco products, a downward shift to private-label cigarettes would probably decrease.

Base-Free Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of New Schiff Bases Containing Indole Moiety.

Schiff bases represent an essential class in organic chemistry with antitumor, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial activities. The synthesis of Schiff bases requires the presence of an organic base as a catalyst such as piperidine. Base-free synthesis of organic compounds using a heterogeneous catalyst has recently attracted more interest due to the facile procedure, high yield, and reusability of the used catalyst. Herein, we present a comparative study to synthesize new Schiff bases containing indole moieties using piperidine as an organic base catalyst and Au@TiO2 as a heterogeneous catalyst. In both methods, the products were isolated in high yields and fully characterized using different spectral analysis techniques. The catalyst was reusable four times, and the activity was slightly decreased. The presence of Au increases the number of acidic sites of TiO2, resulting in C=O polarization. Yields of the prepared Schiff bases in the presence of Au@TiO2 and piperidine were comparable. However, Au@TiO2 is an easily separable and recyclable catalyst, which would facilitate the synthesis of organic compounds without applying any hazardous materials. Furthermore, the luminescence behavior of the synthesized Schiff bases exhibited spectral shape dependence on the substituent group. Interestingly, the compounds also displayed deep-blue fluorescence with Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) coordinates of y < 0.1. Thus, these materials may contribute to decreasing the energy consumption of the emitting devices.