An optimized approach for estimating benzene in ambient air within an air quality monitoring network.

Benzene is a carcinogenic air pollutant for which European legislation has set an annual limit and criteria for the number of fixed monitoring sites within air quality networks (AQMN). However, due to the limited number of fixed sites for benzene measurement, exposure data are lacking. Considering the relationship between benzene levels and other variables monitored within an AQMN, such as NO, O, temperature, solar radiation, and accumulated precipitation, this study proposes an approach for estimating benzene air concentrations from the related variables.

Influence of the products of biomass combustion processes on air quality and cancer risk assessment in rural environmental (Spain).

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with atmospheric particles represent a significant risk to human health. This issue is even more relevant in environments where biomass combustion processes are considered as the major potential emission sources, such as the rural ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the levels of PM-bound PAHs in several rural locations, their distribution along a year and how weather variables could influence them.

Presence of diclofenac, estradiol, and ethinylestradiol in Manzanares River (Spain) and their toxicity to zebrafish embryo development.

Diclofenac (DCF), 17-β-estradiol (E2), and 17-α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) are emerging pollutants included in the first watch list agreed by European countries and set in the EU Water Directive. The objective of the present study was the analytical monitoring of DCF, E2, and EE2 in surface water and sediment of the Manzanares River in a stretch that crosses the city of Madrid, Spain, and to assess whether such environmental levels could affect the development of aquatic vertebrates through a zebrafish embryo-larval assay. Samples taken during two campaigns in the spring of 2015 were analyzed for DCF, E2, and EE2 by LC-MS or GC-MS.

Indoor and Outdoor PM-Bound PAHs in an Urban Environment. Similarity of Mixtures and Source Attribution.

Given that the European Union lays down air quality objectives associated with outdoor environments, indoor air mixtures' study acquires a remarkable relevance. This work aims to submit a stepwise methodological framework for assessing similarities between indoor and outdoor air mixtures and apportioning potential emission sources. For reaching this goal, PM particles were systematically and simultaneously collected at an indoor (dominant emission sources free) and outdoor environment during a year to determine the PAH content in both air mixtures.

Identification of Off-Patent Drugs That Show Synergism with Amphotericin B or That Present Antifungal Action against Cryptococcus neoformans and spp.

Amphotericin B (AmB) is the antifungal with the strongest fungicidal activity, but its use has several limitations, mainly associated with its toxicity. Although some lipidic and liposomal formulations that present reduced toxicity are available, their price limits their application in developing countries. Flucytosine (5FC) has shown synergistic effect with AmB for treatment of some fungal infections, such as cryptococcosis, but again, its price is a limitation for its use in many regions.