One of the challenges of our time is replacing the existing fossil fuel-based economy with a green one in the framework of developing a sustainable society. The biological synthesis of nanoparticles from plant extracts is currently under study for developing environmentally compatible nanoparticle synthesis and avoiding adverse effects. The environmental impacts of emissions, energy requirements, and energy losses are calculated to comparatively evaluate the effects of the traditional process, in addition to any new one, in obtaining TiO₂ nanoparticles from the life cycle point of view. The two methods are syntheses via green chemistry (using an aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus) and via the chloride route, which are some of the most used methods for the synthesis of TiO₂ nanoparticles owing to them having the most advanced production processes. The life cycle analysis was carried out using OpenLCA software, which showed that the production of chemically synthesized TiO₂ contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and respiratory effects caused by inorganic substances. On the other hand, green synthesis contributes to reductions in toxicity and greenhouse gas emissions.

Background: Restricting antibiotics sales to those with medical prescriptions only is a central strategy for promoting appropriate use and containing antibiotic resistance; however, many low and middle income countries have not enforced policies that prevent widespread self-medication with antibiotics. In 2010, the Mexican government announced the enforcement of antibiotic sales regulations, a policy that gained media prominence. This study analyzes media coverage of issues, stakeholder representation, and positions taken during policy agenda setting, drafting, and implementation to shed light on policy making to promote appropriate antibiotic utilization. Methods: We carried out a quantitative content analysis of 322 newspaper articles published between January 2009 and December 2010 in 18 national and regional newspapers. Additionally, we conducted a qualitative content analysis to understand the positions adopted and strategies developed by nine key stakeholders. Framing theory guided the analysis. Results: The Ministry of Health dominated media coverage, justifying the enforcement policy by focusing on risks of self-medication, and to a lesser degree dangers of increasing antibiotic resistance. Pharmacy associations appeared to be the leading opponents, arguing that the policy created logistical difficulties and corruption, and had negative economic impact for pharmacies and their clients. The associations developed strategies against the regulation such as attempting to delay implementation and installing physicians’ consultation offices within pharmacies. While medical associations and academic institutions called for a comprehensive strategy to combat antibiotic resistance, improve prescription quality, and create public awareness, these issues had little impact on media coverage. Consumer groups and legislators received very little media coverage. Conclusions: The narrowly-focused and polarized media coverage ─centred on problems of self- medication and economic impact ─ was a missed opportunity to publicly discuss and to develop a comprehensive national strategy on antibiotic use in Mexico. It highlights the need for discussing and developing interventions within the framework of a pharmaceutical policy.

A no-ionic gemini surfactant, namely bis(2-((2-palmitoamidoetil) amino) etil) 1H-imidazol-4,5-dicarboxilate, was synthesized from the fatty acids contained in the palm oil and evaluated as corrosion inhibitor for UNS S41425 type supermartensitic stainless steel in presence of H₂S. Used techniques involved potentiodynamic polarization curves, linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance measurements. Additionally, the obtained inhibitor was characterized by Infrared and 1H, 13C RMN spectroscopy. Results have shown that the corrosion rate of the steel was markedly decreased by the addition of the imidazole-type of inhibitor, reaching its maximum efficiency at certain inhibitor concentration, decreasing with a further increase in its concentration. This decrease in the corrosion rate was due to the physical adsorption of the inhibitor on to the steel surface following a Langmuir type of adsorption isotherm, affecting both anodic and cathodic reactions. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT