Foot dermatitis caused by the textile dye Basic Red 46 in acrylic blend socks

Optimized synthesis of mono and bimetallic nanoparticles mediated by unicellular algal (diatom) and its efficiency to degrade azo dyes for wastewater treatment

The silver/palladium nanoparticles (Ag/Pd NPs) were efficiently absorb UV-Visible light and reveal greater photocatalytic activity as compared to monometallic NPs. The aim of this study is photodegradation of the industrial azo dye using bimetallic Ag/Pd NPs and monometallic Ag NPs in presence of UV light for wastewater treatment. Bacillariophyceae (diatom) algae extract was utilized for the green synthesized Ag and Ag/Pd NPs. Biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by various useful characterization techniques viz. UV-Vis, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, and XRD. The crystallite size is found to be ∼23 nm and ∼56 nm for Ag NPs and Ag/Pd NPs, respectively, which is same as results obtained from TEM analysis, as the particle size and shape were analyzed as ∼27 and ∼56 nm, with a spherical geometry. The NPs was used to develop the optimization parameters for dye degradation such as time, temperature, and NP concentrations. A total 15 runs were considered for the study and procured by statistical software. Response surface methodology technique was implied and Box-Behnken design (BBD) design was built into the workflow. The results of the present study manifested a good connection between experimental and predicted values (R² = 0.9838). Therefore, present study promises that the prepared NPs possess excellent photocatalytic activity against harmful dyes.

Anti-oviposition activities of used sock media against a dengue vector: prospects of eco-friendly control and solutions to pollution

Yearly, huge amounts of sock refuse are discarded into the environment. Socks contain many molecules, and worn ones, which are rich in smell-causing bacteria, have a strong influence on animals' behaviors. But the impacts of sock odor on the oviposition behavior of dengue vectors are unknown. We assessed whether Aedes albopictus changes its oviposition activity in response to the presence of used socks extract (USEx) in potential breeding grounds, using choice and no-choice bioassays (NCB). When furnished even chances to oviposit in two sites holding USEx and two others containing water (control), Ae. albopictus deposited significantly less eggs in USEx than in water sites. A similar pattern of oviposition preference was also observed when there were more oviposition options in water. When there were greater oviposition opportunities in USEx sites, Ae. albopictus oviposited preferentially in water. Females laid significantly more eggs during the NCB involving water than USEx. Also, significantly more mature eggs were retained by females in the NCB with USEx than in that with water. These observations strongly suggest the presence of molecules with either repellent or deterrent activities against Ae. albopictus females and provide an impetus to advocate the integration of used socks in dengue control programs. Such applications could be a realistic end-of-life recourse to reroute this waste from landfills.

Potential of Hydrocotyle vulgaris for phytoremediation of a textile dye: Inducing antioxidant response in roots and leaves

The potential of Hydrocotyle vulgaris as an aquatic plant species was evaluated for phytoremediation of C.I. Basic Red 46 (BR46) from nutrient solution. Under the optimized experimental conditions, BR46 was removed up to 95% from incubation medium by H. vulgaris. The ability of the plant in consecutive removal under long term repetitive experiments confirmed the biodegradation process. Accordingly, a number of produced intermediate compounds were identified. An artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to predict the biodegradation efficiency. A predictive performance (R(2)=0.974) was obtained based on the network results. Interestingly, dye stress enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase in H. vulgaris roots and leaves. Enzymatic responses found to be highly depended on the plant organ and dye concentration in the liquid medium. Overall, the increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes was much higher in the roots than in the leaves. Nevertheless, no significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was detected in both roots and leaves which reflects the high efficiency of antioxidant system in the elimination of reactive oxygen species.

Allergic contact dermatitis to basic red 46 occurring in an HIV-positive patient

A 41-year-old HIV-positive man presented with a 2-month history of a generalized pruritic rash, which had started on his feet. Patch testing made a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis to the textile dye basic red 46, likely to have been present in his dark-blue-coloured socks. Complete resolution of his symptoms occurred with avoidance of these socks. The patient had developed allergic contact dermatitis with a low CD4 T lymphocyte count of 361 cells/microl (normal range 410-1545 cells/microl). This raised the question of the level of CD4 count necessary for an individual to develop allergic contact dermatitis to an allergen, given its role in delayed hypersensitivity. It was concluded that a low CD4 count as a result of HIV infection does not decrease the ability of an individual to develop allergic contact dermatitis. Whereas the effector role in delayed type 4 hypersensitivity reactions is mediated by CD4 T lymphocytes, in allergic contact dermatitis it appears that CD4 T lymphocytes have the suppressor role, with CD8 T lymphocytes having the effector role.

A multicentre review of the footwear allergens tested in the UK

Footwear allergens used for patch testing vary between dermatology centres in the UK. The aim of our study is to ascertain the footwear allergens currently in use and their test results in several dermatology centres in the UK. Data were obtained from databases in 9 dermatology departments. A new footwear series consisting of 19 allergens including those with positive results and current/past relevance in this study based on collective experience is proposed for wider use and further evaluation.