Search Results (5)

Organized by the Environmental Health Association of Canada (EHAC-ASEC) and the Environmental Health Association of Quebec (ASEQ-EHAQ), Resilience: An International Conference on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, a groundbreaking event, was held online over two days, on 1 and 2 May 2025, and brought together experts and stakeholders from multiple sectors to address a condition that has received limited attention in health, policy and research contexts. The conference convened leading international researchers, legal experts, medical professionals, policymakers, and advocates to examine one of the most pressing but under-represented public health and human rights challenges of our time. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a disabling condition affecting a growing number of individuals globally. Despite its prevalence, MCS remains marginalized and under-recognized in healthcare systems, policy frameworks, and scientific discourse. The conference spanned 2 days, drew nearly 900 participants, and featured engaging presentations and discussions that integrated scientific evidence, lived experience, and cross-sector perspectives. A central theme emerged: recognition of MCS extends beyond medical considerations, encompassing accessibility, gender equity, environmental justice and human rights. Full article

The rheological properties of aqueous solutions of wormlike micelles (WLMs) of cationic surfactant erucyl bis(hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride (EHAC) in the presence of hydrotropic salt sodium salicylate (NaSal) and inorganic salt sodium chloride (NaCl) have been studied. The conditions for maximum zero-shear viscosity at fixed surfactant concentration were investigated. It has been shown that charged WLMs in the presence of NaSal have higher viscosities than well-screened micelles in the presence of NaCl. This is because the adsorption of hydrophobic salicylate ions onto the micelles increases their length more significantly than the presence of a large amount of sodium ions in the solution. It was discovered that the effect of temperature on the rheological properties depends on both the type of salt used and the salt/surfactant molar ratio. An unusual increase in zero-shear viscosity and elastic modulus was observed at a NaSal concentration that corresponds to the maximum zero-shear viscosity when the WLMs are linear, charged, and “unbreakable”. These results expand the possibilities of using hydrotropic salts to create stable, highly viscous systems in various fields, and opening up new horizons for applications in oil production, cosmetics, and household chemicals. Full article

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress play significant roles in the development of various diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of Annona crassiflora (Araticum-do-Cerrado) leaves, specifically focusing on their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiglycation properties. To achieve this, a hydroethanolic extract of the plant’s leaves (EHAC) was prepared and subjected to phytochemical analysis and in vitro tests to evaluate its effects. The tests included assessing its impact on fibroblast cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory capabilities (phagocytosis and macrophage spreading), antioxidant activity (DPPH and lipid peroxidation), and antiglycation activity. The results indicated that the EHAC contains high levels of phenolic compounds, including rutin and quercetin. The extract demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity by significantly inhibiting phagocytosis and macrophage spreading. Furthermore, it exhibited high antioxidant capacity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and scavenging free radicals. Additionally, it showed notable antiglycation activity by completely inhibiting the formation of AGEs at the tested concentrations. The cell viability remained above 95% at concentrations up to 800 µg/mL. In conclusion, the EHAC has significant therapeutic potential, and further research is warranted for its development as a phytotherapeutic, with the aim of preserving the biodiversity of the Brazilian Cerrado. Full article

Ionic liquids, which are extensively known as low-melting-point salts, have received significant attention as the promising solvent for CO₂ capture. This work presents the synthesis, thermophysical properties and the CO₂ absorption of a series of ammonium cations coupled with carboxylate anions producing ammonium-based protic ionic liquids (PILs), namely 2-ethylhexylammonium pentanoate ([EHA][C5]), 2-ethylhexylammonium hexanoate ([EHA][C6]), 2-ethylhexylammonium heptanoate ([EHA][C7]), bis-(2-ethylhexyl)ammonium pentanoate ([BEHA][C5]), bis-(2-ethylhexyl)ammonium hexanoate ([BEHA][C6]) and bis-(2-ethylhexyl)ammonium heptanoate ([BEHA][C7]). The chemical structures of the PILs were confirmed by using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy while the density (ρ) and the dynamic viscosity (η) of the PILs were determined and analyzed in a range from 293.15K up to 363.15K. The refractive index (n_D) was also measured at T = (293.15 to 333.15) K. Thermal analyses conducted via a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) indicated that all PILs have the thermal decomposition temperature, T_d of greater than 416K and the presence of glass transition, T_g was detected in each PIL. The CO₂ absorption of the PILs was studied up to 29 bar at 298.15 K and the experimental results showed that [BEHA][C7] had the highest CO₂ absorption with 0.78 mol at 29 bar. The CO₂ absorption values increase in the order of [C5] < [C6] < [C7] anion regardless of the nature of the cation. Full article

The viscoelastic properties and structure parameters have been investigated for aqueous solutions of wormlike micelles of cationic surfactant erucyl bis(hydroxyethyl) methylammonium chloride with long C22 tail in the presence inorganic salt KCl. The salt content has been varied to estimate linear to branched transition conditions due to screening of the electrostatic interaction in the networks. The local cylindrical structure and low electrostatic repulsion was obtained by SANS data. The drastic power law dependencies of rheological properties on surfactant concentrations were obtained at intermediate salt content. Two power law regions of viscosity dependence were detected in semi-dilute solutions related to “unbreakable” and “living” micellar chains. The fast contour length growth with surfactant concentration demonstrated that is in good agreement with theoretical predictions. Full article