Oxidative Activity Research Articles

Gold core@CeO2 halfshell Janus nanocomposites catalyze targeted sulfate radical for periodontitis therapy

The sulfate radical (SO4•-), known for its high reactivity and long lifespan, has emerged as a potent antimicrobial agent. Its exceptional energy allows for the disruption of vital structures and metabolic pathways in bacteria that are usually inaccessible to common radicals. Despite its promising potential, the efficient generation of this radical, particularly through methods involving enzymes and photocatalysis, remains a substantial challenge. Here, we capitalized on the peroxidase (POD)-mimicking activity and photocatalytic properties of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanozymes, integrating these properties with the enhanced concept of plasma gold nanorod (GNR) to develop a half-encapsulated core@shell GNRs@CeO2 Janus heterostructure impregnated with persulfate. Under near-infrared irradiation, the GNRs generate hot electrons, thereby boosting the CeO2's enzyme-like activity and initiating a potent reactive oxygen species (ROS) storm. This distinct nanoarchitecture facilitates functional specialization, wherein the heterostructure and efficient light absorption ensured continuous hot electron flow, not only enhancing the POD-like activity of CeO2 for the production of SO4•- effectively, but also contributing a significant photothermal effect, disrupting periodontal plaque biofilm and effectively eradicating pathogens. Furthermore, the local temperature elevation synergistically enhances the POD-like activity of CeO2. Transcriptomics analysis, as well as animal experiments of the periodontitis model, have revealed that pathogens undergo genetic information destruction, metabolic disorders, and pathogenicity changes in the powerful ROS system, and profound therapeutic outcomes in vivo, including anti-inflammation and bone preservation. This study demonstrated that energy transfer to augment nanozyme activity, specifically targeting ROS generation, constitutes a significant advancement in antibacterial treatment.

Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantatum HFY11 on Colitis in Mice

This study aimed to examine the potential impact of the intervention of Lactiplantibacillus plantatum HFY11 (LP-HFY11) on colitis using in vivo animal trials. The impact of LP-HFY11 intervention on colitis was determined by measuring the levels of relevant indicators in the intestine, colon, and blood after oxazolone-induced colitis in BALB/c mice. The results of the trial show that LP-HFY11 improved the colon weight-to-length ratio, reduced the colitis-induced colon length shortening, and reduced colonic abstinence. Furthermore, it decreased the levels of myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde activities while increasing the glutathione content in the colon tissue of colitis-affected animals. LP-HFY11 lowered the interleukin-10 (IL-10) level and increased the IL-2 level in the serum of colitis mice. LP-HFY11 also upregulated the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, c-Kit, and stem cell factor (SCF), and downregulated the expression of IL-8, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CXCR2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the colon tissue of mice with colitis. LP-HFY11 decreased the expression of Firmicutes in the gut while increasing the expression of Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus. This indicates that LP-HFY11 could control physiological alterations in the serum and colon tissue, as well as the expression of gut microorganism.

Effects of Stocking Density and Pre-Slaughter Handling on the Fillet Quality of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides): Implications for Fish Welfare

There is currently insufficient acknowledgment of the relationship between fish welfare and ultimate fillet quality. The purpose of this study was to assess the impacts of pre-slaughter handling and stocking density as fish welfare markers on fillet quality of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Fish from three stocking densities of 35, 50, and 65 kg·m−3 were reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for 12 weeks and received commercial feed. Ultimately, the fish were either stunned with percussion on the head (control group) or subjected to air exposure for 3 min (anoxia group) before stunning and subsequent collection of blood and fillet samples. Western blot analysis revealed the degradation of actin in both groups. Additionally, higher oxidation progress and lower hardness and pH were observed in anoxia compared to the control group. We observed higher hardness at 35 kg·m−3 in anoxia compared to 50 and 65 km−3. The initial hardness values at 35, 50, and 65 km−3 were 1073, 841, and 813 (g) respectively in the anoxia group. Furthermore, the anoxia and control groups had rigor mortis after 6 and 10 h, respectively. Cortisol and glucose levels, and oxidative enzymes activity were higher in anoxia than in the control group. In conclusion, oxidation induced by anoxia likely plays a crucial role as a promoter of the quality deterioration of largemouth bass fillets.

The effect of magnesium sulfate on memory and anxiety-like behavior in a rat model: an investigation of its neuronal molecular mechanisms

ABSTRACT Background Anxiety is an adaptive response to potentially threatening conditions. Excessive and uncontrolled anxiety responses become nonadaptive and cause anxiety disorders. To better understand the anxiety-modulating effects of Mg sulfate, behavioral test batteries in the assessment of anxiety and learning and memory functions were performed simultaneously over a time period. This study also examines the effects of Mg sulfate compared to diazepam, an anxiolytic drug with amnestic effects on anxiety-like behavior, as well as possible oxidative-nitrosative stress and hippocampal changes in male rats exposed to predator odor. Methods Young adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were used. The rats were assessed using a comprehensive neurobehavioral test battery consisting of novel object recognition, open field, and successive alleys tasks. Anxiety was induced by cat odor, and diazepam and Mg were used as study drugs. Of the frontal cortex and hippocampus, the state of total oxidant and antioxidant and NO levels and histological examination of hippocampal CA1, CA2, CA3, and DG regions were performed. Results Diazepam- and Mg-treated rats showed an improvement in anxiety-related behavior to predator odors. Furthermore, Mg treatment alleviated some of the increasing oxidative stress in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rats, while diazepam treatment in particular enhanced hippocampal oxidant and antioxidant activity. In addition, brain NO increase induced by animal odor exposure or diazepam treatment was ameliorated by Mg administration. Conclusions Overall, our work suggests that Mg had a partial anxiolytic effect on anxiety-like behaviors, although not as much as diazepam, and this effect varied depending on the dose. Mg treatment might counteract increased oxidative stress and elevated NO levels in the brain.

2-Butoxytetrahydrofuran, Isolated from Holothuria scabra, Attenuates Aggregative and Oxidative Properties of α-Synuclein and Alleviates Its Toxicity in a Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Aggregative α-synuclein and incurring oxidative stress are pivotal cascading events, leading to dopaminergic (DAergic) neuronal loss and contributing to clinical manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD). Our previous study demonstrated that 2-butoxytetrahydrofuran (2-BTHF), isolated from Holothuria scabra (H. scabra), could inhibit amyloid-β aggregation and its ensuing toxicity, which leads to Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we found that 2-BTHF also attenuated the aggregative and oxidative activities of α-synuclein and lessened its toxicity in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) PD model. Such worms treated with 100 μM of 2-BTHF showed substantial reductions in α-synuclein accumulation and DAergic neurodegeneration. Mechanistically, 2-BTHF, at this concentration, significantly decreased aggregation of monomeric α-synuclein and restored locomotion and dopamine-dependent behaviors. Molecular docking exhibited potential bindings of 2-BTHF to HSF-1 and DAF-16 transcription factors. Additionally, 2-BTHF significantly increased the mRNA transcripts of genes encoding proteins involved in proteostasis, including the molecular chaperones hsp-16.2 and hsp-16.49, the ubiquitination/SUMOylation-related ubc-9 gene, and the autophagy-related genes atg-7 and lgg-1. Transcriptomic profiling revealed an additional mechanism of 2-BTHF in α-synuclein-expressing worms, which showed upregulation of PPAR signaling cascades that mediated fatty acid metabolism. 2-BTHF significantly restored lipid deposition, upregulated the fat-7 gene, and enhanced gcs-1-mediated glutathione synthesis in the C. elegans PD model. Taken together, this study demonstrated that 2-BTHF could abrogate aggregative and oxidative properties of α-synuclein and attenuate its toxicity, thus providing a possible therapeutic application for the treatment of α-synuclein-induced PD.

Photocatalytic Activity and Antibacterial Properties of Mixed-Phase Oxides on Titanium Implant Alloy Substrates

Titanium alloys are commonly used for implants, but the naturally forming oxides are bioinert and not ideal for bacterial resistance or osseointegration. Anodization processes are a modification technique that can crystallize the oxides, alter oxide surface topography, and introduce beneficial chemistries. Crystalline titanium oxides are known to exhibit photocatalytic activity (PCA) under UVA light. Anodization was used to create mixed-phase oxides on six titanium alloys including commercially pure titanium (CPTi), Ti-6Al-4V (TAV), Ti-6Al-7Nb (TAN), two forms of Ti-15Mo (TiMo-β and TiMo-αβ), and Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta (TNZT). Combined EDS and XPS analyses showed uptake of the electrolyte and substrate alloying elements into the oxides. The relative oxide PCA was measured using methylene blue degradation assays. CPTi and TAN oxides exhibited increased PCA compared to other alloys. Combined XRD and EBSD oxide phase analyses revealed an unfavorable arrangement of anatase and rutile phases near the outermost surfaces, which may have reduced PCA for other oxides. The relative Staphylococcus aureus attachment to each oxide was also assessed. The CPTi and TiMo-αβ oxides showed significantly reduced S. aureus attachment after 1 h of UVA compared to un-anodized CPTi. Cell culture results verified that the UVA irradiation did not negatively influence the MC3T3-E1 attachment or proliferation on the mixed-phase oxides.

Regulation of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats by Egyptian Sidr Honey.

Diabetesmellitusis a global health issuecharacterized by hyperglycemia which leads over time to severe damage to numerous tissues.The present study aimed to estimate the effect of Egyptian Sidr honey against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Diabetic rats were treated with Sidr honey daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The biochemical profile of blood samples was measured. Furthermore, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, nitric oxide (NO), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were examined in liver and pancreas tissues. Moreover, the expression of Bax, Caspase-3, and Bcl2 proteins were measured. Results revealed that the capability of Sidr honey to decline the elevated blood glucose and fructosamine levels compared to diabetic rats. Also, the honey decreased the levels of NO and MDA. Furthermore, it regulated the antioxidant enzymes activity. Moreover, it reduced the expression levels of Caspase-3 and Bax while increased the Bcl2 level. In conclusion, Sidr honey can regulate hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and antioxidant enzymes in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Iron controls the development of airway hyperreactivity by regulating ILC2 metabolism and effector function.

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) rapidly induce a type 2 inflammation in the lungs in response to allergens. Here, we focused on the role of iron, a critical nutritional trace element, on ILC2 function and asthma pathogenesis. We found that transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) is rapidly up-regulated and functional during ILC2 activation in the lungs, and blocking transferrin uptake reduces ILC2 expansion and activation. Iron deprivation reprogrammed ILC2 metabolism, inducing a HIF-1α-driven up-regulation of glycolysis and inhibition of oxidative mitochondrial activity. Consequently, we observed that in vivo iron chelation or induction of hypoferremia reduced the development of airway hyperreactivity in experimental models of ILC2-driven allergic asthma. Human circulating ILC2s rapidly induced TfR1 during activation, whereas inhibition of iron uptake or iron deprivation reduced effector functions. Last, we found a negative relationship between circulating ILC2 TfR1 expression and airway function in cohorts of patients with asthma. Collectively, our studies define cellular iron as a critical regulator of ILC2 function.

Cumin Seed Oil Induces Oxidative Stress-Based Antifungal Activities on Fusarium graminearum

In this study, the antifungal activity of cumin seed oil (CSO) was tested on Fusarium graminearum. (i) Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and related concentrations (IC75, IC50, and IC25) were detected; (ii) toxicity was evaluated by a water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 (WST-1) assay; (iii) genomic/epigenomic alterations were evaluated by the coupled restriction enzyme digestion-random amplification (CRED-RA) method; (iv) oxidative stress was investigated by CAT expression, catalase activity, and DCF-DA staining; (v) deoxynivalenol biosynthesis was evaluated by tri6 expression; (vi) and potential effects of CSO on wheat were tested by a water loss rate (WLR) assay. MIC, IC75, IC50 and IC25 values were detected at 0.5, 0.375, 0.25, and 0.125 mg mL−1. In WST-1 assays, significant decreases (p < 0.001) were detected. Genomic template stability (GTS) related to methylation differences ranged from 94.60% to 96.30%. Percentage polymorphism for HapII/MspI values were as 9.1%/15.8%. CAT (oxidative stress-related catalase) and tri6 (zinc finger motif transcription factor) gene expressions were recorded between 5.29 ± 0.74 and 0.46 ± 0.10 (p < 0.05). Increased catalase activity was detected (p < 0.05) by spectrophotometric assays. DCF-DA-stained (oxidative stressed) cells were increased in response to increased concentrations, and there were no significant changes in WLR values. It was concluded that CSO showed strong antifungal activity on F. graminearum via different physiological levels.

Pregnancy-induced oxidative stress and inflammation are not associated with impaired maternal neuronal activity or memory function.

Pregnancy is associated with neural and behavioral plasticity, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress. Yet, the impact of inflammation and oxidative stress on maternal neural and behavioral plasticity during pregnancy are unclear. We hypothesized that healthy pregnancy transiently reduces learning and memory, and these deficits are associated with pregnancy-induced elevations in inflammation and oxidative stress. Cognitive performance was tested using novel object recognition (recollective memory), Morris water maze (spatial memory), and open field (anxiety-like) behavior tasks in female Sprague-Dawley rats of varying reproductive states [non-pregnant (nulliparous), pregnant (near term), and 1-2 months post-pregnancy (primiparous); n = 7-8/group]. Plasma and CA1 proinflammatory cytokines were measured using a MILLIPLEX® magnetic bead assay. Plasma oxidative stress was measured via advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) assay. CA1 markers of oxidative stress, neuronal activity, and apoptosis were quantified via western blotting. Our results demonstrate CA1 oxidative stress-associated markers were elevated in pregnant compared to nulliparous rats (p ≤ 0.017) but were equivalent levels in pregnant and primiparous rats. In contrast, reproductive state did not impact CA1 inflammatory cytokines, neuronal activity, or apoptosis. Likewise, there was no effect of reproductive state on recollective or spatial memory. Even so, spatial learning was impaired (p ≤ 0.007) while anxiety-like behavior (p ≤ 0.034) was reduced in primiparous rats. Overall, our data suggest maternal hippocampal CA1 is protected from systemic inflammation but vulnerable to peripartum oxidative stress. Peripartum oxidative stress elevations, such as in pregnancy complications, may contribute to peripartum neural and behavioral plasticity.

Catalytic promiscuity, cytotoxicity and protein cleavage mediated by mononuclear copper(II) complexes: oxidative and hydrolytic activities

In this work, we describe the synthesis and structural and spectroscopic characterizations of two copper(II) complexes, [(Cu)(L1)(Cl2)].4H2O (1), where L1 is 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-hexahydropyrimidine, and [Cu(L2)](ClO4)2 (2), where L2 is N1,N1,N3-tris(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)propane-1,3-diamine. The crystalline structure analysis indicates that both complexes are mononuclear and pentacoordinated compounds. In the case of complex 1, it bears a neutral charge, with the ligand coordinating to the Cu(II) center in a tridentate manner, utilizing N-donor atoms. Additionally, two cis-chlorido ligands completing the coordination sphere. On the other hand, complex 2 is a cationic complex, with the ligand coordinated in a pentadentate manner, with only N-donor atoms for coordination around the Cu(II). Complex 1 showed catalytic promiscuity, displaying hydrolytic and oxidative activity. The hydrolytic activity was investigated using bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl) phosphate (2,4-BDNPP) as a phosphodiester substrate and applying the Michaelis–Menten approach, obtaining the following kinetic parameters: kcat = 1.21 × 10-4 s−1; KM = 3.35 × 10-3 molL-1. Complex 1 also accelerates the oxidation of the 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) substrate with catalytic efficiency equal to 6.11 L mol-1s-1. Interestingly, we demonstrated that this Cu(II) complex 1 can also cleave the very stable peptide bonds from BSA (bovine serum albumin) through an oxidative mechanism using ascorbate as a reducing agent. Complexes 1 and 2 show good cytotoxic activity against two cancer cell lines: A431 from human squamous cell carcinoma and K562 from chronic myeloid leukemia. This study showed that complexes 1 and 2 are selective towards cancer cells.

Gradual effects of gradient concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate on the antioxidant ability and gut microbiota of red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a typical persistent organic pollutant that is characterized by environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. In this study, we investigated the gut microbial response of the red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus after 28 days of exposure to 0 ng/L, 1 ng/L, 10 μg/L, or 10 mg/L of PFOS as a stressor. We measured oxidative stress-related enzyme activities and expression of molecules related to detoxification mechanisms to evaluate the toxic effects of PFOS. We found that PFOS disturbed microbial homeostasis in the gut of C. quadricarinatus, resulting in increased abundance of the pathogen Shewanella and decreased abundance of the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus. The latter especially disturbed amino acid transport and carbohydrate transport. We also found that the activities of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase were positively correlated with the expression levels of cytochrome P450 genes (GST1-1, GSTP, GSTK1, HPGDS, UGT5), which are products of PFOS-induced oxidative stress and play an antioxidant role in the body. The results of this study provided valuable ecotoxicological data to better understand the biological fate and effects of PFOS in C. quadricarinatus.

Metallophthalocyanine as ideal antibiotics without light: Mechanisms and applications

The urgent global health problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) calls for the discovery of new antibiotics with innovative modes of action while considering the low toxicity to mammalian cells. This paper proposes a novel strategy for designing antibiotics with selective bacterial toxicity by exploiting the positional differences of electron transport chains (ETC) in bacterial and mammalian cells. The focus is on cytochrome c (cyt C) and its maturation system in E. coli. The catalytic oxidative activity of metallophthalocyanine (MPc), which have a distinctive M-N4 structure, is being investigated. Unlike previous applications based on light-activated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, this study exploits the ability of MPcs to oxidize Fe2+ to Fe3+ in cyt C and catalyze the formation of disulfide bonds between cysteine residues to interfere with cyt C maturation, disrupt the bacterial respiratory chain and selectively kills bacteria. In contrast, in mammalian cells, these MPcs are located in the lysosomes and cannot access the ETC in the mitochondria, thus achieving selective bacterial toxicity. Two MPcs that showed effective antibacterial activity in a wound infection model were identified. This study provides a valuable reference for the design of novel antibiotics based on M-N4-based metal complex molecules.

Early Initiation of SGLT2 Inhibitor is Important Irrespective of Ejection Fraction

Introduction Sodium Glucose Cotransporter inhibitor (SGLTi) has revolutionized the medical management of heart failure in the last decade. This molecule was initially described as a glucose-lowering agent but now it has been recommended in patients with chronic heart failure irrespective of ejection fraction and diabetic status. SGLT2 inhibitor reduces preload by natriuresis and diuresis, reduces afterload, decreases pulmonary artery pressure, improves myocardial energetics, and decreases myocardial fibrosis. It also reduces NTpro BNP levels in heart failure patients, decreases serum uric acid, and promotes weight loss. It has also been proposed that this molecule has a favorable effect on vascular remodeling. SGLT-2i improves cardiac output and attenuates maladaptive cardiac remodeling, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction (ED) by restoring the activity of nitric oxide (NO) within the vascular endothelium. As was foreseeable this molecule became one of the foundation pillars in the management of heart failure with reduced as well as preserved ejection fraction. SGLT2i also has a reno-protective effect, particularly in patients with heart failure and diabetes. Evidence with SGLT2 inhibitor in Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) DELIVER TRIAL has evaluated the effect of dapagliflozin on total (first and recurrent) heart failure events in patients with heart failure having preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). A total of 6263 patients with LVEF of more than 40 %, NHYA Class II-IV, and high NT-pro BNP (>300pg/ml in sinus rhythm and > 600pg/ml in patients with atrial fibrillation) were included over the total study period of two years. Dapagliflozin 10 mg was compared to placebo. In patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF, dapagliflozin reduced the risk of total heart failure events and heart failurerelated hospital admissions. (1)

Coping with salinity stress: segmental group 7 chromosome introgressions from halophytic Thinopyrum species greatly enhance tolerance of recipient durum wheat

Increased soil salinization, tightly related to global warming and drought and exacerbated by intensified irrigation supply, implies highly detrimental effects on staple food crops such as wheat. The situation is particularly alarming for durum wheat (DW), better adapted to arid/semi-arid environments yet more sensitive to salt stress than bread wheat (BW). To enhance DW salinity tolerance, we resorted to chromosomally engineered materials with introgressions from allied halophytic Thinopyrum species. “Primary” recombinant lines (RLs), having portions of their 7AL arms distally replaced by 7el1L Th. ponticum segments, and “secondary” RLs, harboring Th. elongatum 7EL insertions “nested” into 7el1L segments, in addition to near-isogenic lines lacking any alien segment (CLs), cv. Om Rabia (OR) as salt tolerant control, and BW introgression lines with either most of 7el1 or the complete 7E chromosome substitution as additional CLs, were subjected to moderate (100 mM) and intense (200 mM) salt (NaCl) stress at early growth stages. The applied stress altered cell cycle progression, determining a general increase of cells in G1 and a reduction in S phase. Assessment of morpho-physiological and biochemical traits overall showed that the presence of Thinopyrum spp. segments was associated with considerably increased salinity tolerance versus its absence. For relative water content, Na+ accumulation and K+ retention in roots and leaves, oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide) and antioxidant enzyme activities, the observed differences between stressed and unstressed RLs versus CLs was of similar magnitude in “primary” and “secondary” types, suggesting that tolerance factors might reside in defined 7el1L shared portion(s). Nonetheless, the incremental contribution of 7EL segments emerged in various instances, greatly mitigating the effects of salt stress on root and leaf growth and on the quantity of photosynthetic pigments, boosting accumulation of compatible solutes and minimizing the decrease of a powerful antioxidant like ascorbate. The seemingly synergistic effect of 7el1L + 7EL segments/genes made “secondary” RLs able to often exceed cv. OR and equal or better perform than BW lines. Thus, transfer of a suite of genes from halophytic germplasm by use of fine chromosome engineering strategies may well be the way forward to enhance salinity tolerance of glycophytes, even the sensitive DW.

Daidzein ameliorates nonmotor symptoms of manganese-induced Parkinsonism in zebrafish model: Behavioural and biochemical approach.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by motor dysfunction. Environmental factors, especially manganese (Mn), contribute significantly to PD. Existing therapies are focused on motor coordination, whereas nonmotor features such as neuropsychiatric symptoms are often neglected. Daidzein (DZ), a phytoestrogen, has piqued interest due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties. Therefore, we anticipate that DZ might be an effective drug to alleviate the nonmotor symptoms of Mn-induced Parkinsonism. Naïve zebrafish were exposed to 2mM of Mn for 21 days and intervened with DZ. Nonmotor symptoms such as anxiety, social behaviour, and olfactory function were assessed. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and antioxidant enzyme status were measured from brain tissue through biochemical assays. Dopamine levels and histology were performed to elucidate neuroprotective mechanism of DZ. DZ exhibited anxiolytic effects in a novel environment and also improved intra and inter fish social behaviour. DZ improved the olfactory function and response to amino acid stimuli in Mn-induced Parkinsonism. DZ reduced brain oxidative stress and AChE activity and prevented neuronal damage. DZ increased DA level in the brain, collectively contributing to neuroprotection. DZ demonstrated a promising effect on alleviating nonmotor symptoms such as anxiety and olfactory dysfunction, through the mitigation of cellular damage. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of DZ in addressing nonmotor neurotoxicity induced by heavy metals, particularly in the context of Mn-induced Parkinsonism.

Effect of increasing ambient temperature on physiological changes, oxidative stress, nitric oxide, total antioxidant power, and mitochondrial activity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linn.)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of high ambient temperature on physiological changes of live Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linn.) and biochemical parameters in Nile tilapia blood cells. Live Nile tilapia and Nile tilapia blood cells were maintained at temperature ranges from 24 to 34 °C and 24–38 °C, respectively. Then, physiological parameters (body temperature, body color score, pulse rate, ventilation rate, oxygen saturation) of the live Nile tilapia and biochemical parameters (total antioxidant power, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and mitochondrial activity) of the Nile tilapia blood cells were measured for every 2 °C increase. It was found that when the ambient temperature increases, body temperature of live Nile tilapia continually increased. Total antioxidant power and hydrogen peroxide, pulse rate, body color score, malondialdehyde, ventilation rate and mitochondrial activity commenced to increase at 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 °C (P < 0.05), respectively. Blood oxygen saturation decreased at 32 °C (P < 0.05). The response of nitric oxide of Nile tilapia blood cells responded to increased temperature in two phases. In the first phase, nitric oxide decreased at 28–32 °C (P < 0.05), then increased and decreased again at a temperature of 38 °C (P < 0.05). These phenomena indicated that when the live Nile tilapias and the Nile tilapia blood cells were exposed to high ambient temperature, they were under heat stress and oxidative stress. In addition, physiological responses in the live Nile tilapia and biochemical changes in their blood cells when exposed to high ambient temperature occurred in a consistent manner when the temperature continually increased.

Design and synthesis of multi-coloured electrochromic and electrofluorochromic asymmetric materials by adjusting the central potential of the compounds

Carbazole and triphenylamine derivatives have become popular research topics in the field of electrochromism and electrofluorochromic due to their excellent reversible oxidative activity, reversible colour change and reversible fluorescence change during electrochemical processes. Four asymmetric carbazole-triphenylamine derivatives 6a-d were designed and synthesized. Both ultraviolet absorption (UV) spectra and fluorescence emission (PL) spectra changed with the change in voltage applied to all compounds. These compounds were fabricated into electrochromic and electrofluorochromic devices, and these devices exhibited excellent cycling stability (cycling stability remains above 95% after 11000 s), short switching time (1.1 s ∼ 1.6 s), high PL contrast (146 ∼ 172), and high colour contrast (47.2% ∼ 50.6%). All the samples fluoresced off in the oxidised state and exhibited alternating yellow-green characteristics, and fluoresced on in the reduced state while exhibiting a highly transparent and colourless state. The experimental results indicated that these materials are expected to be used for the preparation of wearable devices and transparent displays. The research demonstrated that rich color changes can be achieved by adjusting the electrochemical properties of dual redox centered materials.

Facile construction and enhanced catalytic activity of Co-Mn oxide with rich amorphous/crystalline interfaces for propane oxidation

Cobalt-manganese (Co-Mn) composite oxides show high potential for the catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, the low defect content and poor oxygen mobility of perfect spinel structure crystalline always make it difficult to effectively activate C–H bonds of propane. Here, the catalyst with rich amorphous MnOx/crystalline Co3O4 interfaces was prepared, and the catalytic combustion activity for propane was determined. The rich amorphous/crystalline interfaces CMO-400 (i.e. Co-Mn oxide calcined at 400 °C) catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity for propane with T90 of 200 °C among all bimetallic Co-Mn oxides. Various characterizations and corresponding results have demonstrated that the abundant amorphous/crystalline interfaces could improve the catalytic performances, attributed to high oxygen vacancy concentration, low temperature reducibility, weak Mn−O bond strength, and good surface lattice oxygen mobility. It is noteworthy that the interface engineering of amorphous/crystalline is an effective strategy in VOCs catalytic oxidation.

Differential Effect of 4H-Benzo[d] [1, 3]oxazines on the Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

A family of 4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazines were obtained from a group of N-(2-alkynyl)aryl benzamides precursors via gold(I) catalysed chemoselective 6-exo-dig C-O cyclization. The precursors and oxazines obtained were studied in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, CAMA-1, HCC1954 and SKBR-3 with differential biological activity showing various degrees of inhibition with a notable effect for those that had an aryl substituted at C-2 of the molecules. 4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazines showed an IC50 rating from 0.30 to 157.4 µM in MCF-7, 0.16 to 139 in CAMA-1, 0.09 to 93.08 in SKBR-3, and 0.51 to 157.2 in HCC1954 cells. We observed that etoposide is similar to benzoxazines while taxol effect is more potent. Four cell lines responded to benzoxazines while SKBR-3 cell line responded to precursors and benzoxazines. Compounds 16, 24, 25 and 26 have the potent effect in cell proliferation inhibition in the 4 cell lines tested and correlated with oxidant activity suggesting a possible mechanism by ROS generation. These compounds represent possible drug candidates for the treatment of breast cancer. However, further trials are needed to elucidate its full effect on cellular and molecular features of cancer.