Oxidative Conditions Research Articles

The Roles of Dietary Organic Trace Minerals on Animal Antioxidative Status, Gut Health, and Environmental Sustainability: A Review

The livestock industry is currently focused on improving production through sustainable nutrition practices. This has spurred scientists to investigate the potential of functional nutrients in providing health benefits beyond their nutritional value. The use of inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) has registered some successes but with some drawbacks arising from their low absorption rate, causing the excretion of copious amounts of trace minerals in manure, which pollutes the environment and becomes detrimental to soil physiology and crop health. Organic trace minerals (OTMs) are relatively more effective due to their stability and lower reactivity, although their functionality and pH depend on production processes. Here, we underscore the effects of OTM supplementation in animal diets to enhance the host’s antioxidant capacity and gut health and promote environmental sustainability, as presented in the graphical abstract. Through adequate dietary OTM supplementation, animals can develop powerful resistance against the negative effects of physiological stressors or diseases by reinforcing the host’s systemic antioxidant defenses and alleviating compromises on the gut’s structure and functions, the gut being the primary site of nutrient digestion and absorption. The high cost of OTMs and the inconsistent outcomes of some across different animal species present significant limitations. Therefore, further research is needed to determine species-specific OTM requirements to optimize health and performance without over-supplementation. Also, researchers should further investigate the impact of OTMs, alone or in combination with other functional nutrients on animals’ immunological responses during oxidative or pathological conditions.

Combining Thermogravimetry‐Mass Spectrometry and Target Factor Analysis for Rapid Characterization of Volatiles from Degradation of Epoxy Paint

ABSTRACTThermogravimetry coupled with simultaneous evolved gas analysis by mass spectrometry was used for discerning organic compounds released during the thermal degradation of paint whose chemical compositions are not readily accessible. Thermogravimetric analyses up to 600°C revealed distinct degradation patterns under inert and oxidative conditions. Significant degradation of paint initiates at around 360°C and concludes at 500°C in a nitrogen atmosphere. However, under oxidative conditions, degradation began at 100°C, with notable mass loss extending from 300 to 600°C, with a distinct event at 500°C. Moreover, the overall mass loss in air has been observed to be 3% higher than that in nitrogen. The rapid characterization of the volatiles was made possible by model‐free target factor analyses of evolved gas mass spectra. The temperature‐correlated mass analyses revealed potential volatile sources, including structural breakdown and oxidative conversion. Comparative analyses revealed predominantly oxidative conversion of organics to CO2 during degradation in air. The evolution of several classes of organics during the thermal degradation of paint is a matter of great concern for postulated accident scenarios in nuclear power plants. The low molecular weight organic volatiles may be taken up by iodine aerosols released into the containment during an accident, potentially forming organic iodides, which are biological hazards. Thus, identifying these volatile organics is crucial for accurately estimating the source term of volatile organic iodine.

Double-Oxidant-Induced Slurry Reaction Mechanism and Performance on Chemical Mechanical Polishing of 4H-SiC (0001) Wafer.

Single-oxidant slurries are prevalently utilized in chemical and mechanical polishing (CMP) of 4H-SiC crystal. Nevertheless, it is a challenge to achieve a high material removal rate (MRR) and surface quality using single oxidant slurries to meet the needs of global planarization and damage-free nanoscale surface processing of SiC wafers. To solve this challenge, a novel method is proposed for SiC CMP processing using the double oxidant slurry. This slurry mainly consists of alumina (Al2O3) abrasive particles, potassium permanganate (KMnO4), potassium persulfate (K2S2O8), and deionized water. Post CMP, MRR is 1045 nm/h calculated by scratch method, and surface roughness Sa is 0.33 nm measured by 3D optical surface morphometer, with the measurement area of 868 μm × 868 μm. Both the MRR and Sa are far better than those under the single oxidant slurry condition. CMP mechanism with double-oxidant slurry conditions is elucidated by energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. Initially, the Si-C bond on the SiC wafer surface was oxidized by KMnO4, then MnO2 as the reduction product of KMnO4 can also catalyze the S2O82- to further oxidize SiC wafer surface, and eventually the oxidation layers were removed by mechanical action of nano-Al2O3 abrasive particles during CMP processing. These findings offer a pioneering approach and novel perspectives to achieve a higher MRR of 4H-SiC CMP, with potential implications for the application in high-performance SiC devices.

Asymmetrically Fused Nanographene‐Porphyrin Architectures

AbstractA strategy to combine three standalone aromatic building blocks in one coherent, fully conjugated molecule is presented. Namely, benzene, pyrene, and hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene (HBC) are assembled around a central porphyrin core in an ABAC type of geometry and interconnected under oxidative Scholl conditions to achieve merging of the individual π‐systems. The three asymmetric porphyrin conjugates obtained this way exhibit intriguing absorption features, namely strongly red‐shifted and broadened spectra. The presented series of molecules demonstrates the ability to control and influence these optical properties with high precision by altering the size of the aromatic system in a controlled manner. Density functional theory calculations gave more profound insights into the electronic structure and optical transitions of the investigated fused architectures.

New Insights into Thermal Degradation Products of Long-Chain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Their Mineralization Enhancement Using Additives.

The products of incomplete destruction (PIDs) of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a substantial ambiguity when employing thermal treatments to remediate PFAS-contaminated materials. In this study, we present new information on PIDs produced in both inert and oxidative environments from five long-chain PFAS, including three now regulated under the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act, one cationic precursor compound, and one C10 PFAS. The data did not support the generation of tetrafluoromethane from any of the studied PFAS, and carbonyl fluoride was found only from potassium perfluorooctanesulfonate (K-PFOS) when heated in air in a narrow temperature range. Oxidative conditions (air) were observed to facilitate PFAS thermal degradation and accelerate the mineralization of K-PFOS. Spectroscopic data suggest that PFAS thermal degradation is initiated by the cleavage of bonds that form perfluoroalkyl radicals, leading to organofluorine PIDs (e.g., perfluoroalkenes). In air, perfluoroalkyl radicals react with oxygen to form oxygen-containing PIDs. The mineralization of PFAS was enhanced by adding solid additives, which were categorized as highly effective (e.g., granular activated carbon (GAC) and certain noble metals), moderately effective, and noneffective. Remarkably, simply by adding GAC, we achieved >90% mineralization of perfluorooctanoic acid at 300 °C and ∼1.9 atm within just 60 min without using water or solvents.

Antioxidant, anti-prostate cancer potential, and phytochemical composition of the ethyl acetate stem bark extract of Boascia coriacea (Pax.).

The antioxidant and anticancer potential of natural compounds, particularly from medicinal plants, is increasingly being explored as alternatives to synthetic antioxidants and chemotherapeutics. Boascia coriacea (Pax) has been traditionally used for treating various ailments, including oxidative stress-related diseases and prostate cancer. However, there is a paucity of empirical evidence to validate the ethnomedicinal claims, hence this study. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was assessed using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl Hydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, alongside total antioxidant capacity. In vitro cytotoxicity was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on Vero CCL-81 normal cells and DU-145 prostate cancer cells. Gene expression levels of ar, bcl-2, caspase 3, cdk1, and p53 were quantified using qPCR to elucidate the mechanisms of action. Phytochemical analysis was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The studied plant extract exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an EC50 of 0.008 μg/ml, 10-fold lower than that of L-ascorbic acid (0.08 μg/ml), indicating potent antioxidant capacity. Similarly, the extract demonstrated substantial hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, albeit with lower efficacy (EC50 of 1039.10 μg/ml) compared to L-ascorbic acid, and a total antioxidant capacity of 454.39±25.26 μg AAE/mg dw. In vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed a CC50 of 68.61 μg/ml against Vero CCL-81 cells and an IC50 of 32.16 μg/ml against DU-145 cells, with a superior selectivity index of 2.13, compared to doxorubicin's 1.46. The extract significantly downregulated the expression of ar, bcl-2, normalised caspase 3, cdk1 genes while upregulating p53 in DU-145 cells, suggesting its role in inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Phytochemical analysis identified 19 compounds, including lup-20(29)-en-3-one (7.99%) and lupeol (59.49%), which are associated with anticancer activity. The ethyl acetate stem bark extract of B. coriacea demonstrates significant antioxidant and anticancer activities, potentially through modulation of apoptosis and cell cycle pathways. The presence of bioactive compounds supports its potential as a therapeutic agent, warranting further investigation for developing novel treatments for prostate cancer and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Molecular insights into the physiological impact of low-frequency noise on sea slug Onchidium reevesii: Activation of p53 signaling and oxidative stress response

To investigate the regulatory role of tumor protein p53 of sea slug (Onchidium reevesii) under oxidative stress conditions, we examined the response mechanisms of O. reevesii to low-frequency noise pollution (1000 Hz) using molecular and cellular biology techniques. We successfully cloned the O. reevesii p53 gene (Orp53) from O. reevesii, obtaining a 3356 bp sequence containing a 2727 bp open reading frame (ORF). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that O. reevesii shares a close evolutionary relationship with other molluscs, including Bulinus truncatus and Elysia marginata. Expression analysis showed that Orp53 is expressed across various tissues, with the highest expression levels in the hepatopancreas. Using RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the Orp53 gene, we found that the mRNA expressions of Orp53 and its downstream apoptosis-related genes, including cytochrome C (Cyt_C), Caspase 9, and Caspase 3, were significantly suppressed until the third day of interference (P < 0.05). Moreover, sip53 treatment resulted in significant reductions in the mRNA expression and protein levels of all studied genes (P < 0.05) compared to the noise-exposed group. In addition, the low-frequency noise exposure decreased central nervous system (CNS) viability while increasing oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione S-transferase (GST). On the other hand, silencing Orp53 expression via siRNA resulted in significant reductions in CNS cell viability (P < 0.05). Our study establishes a molecular basis for evaluating the consequences of marine noise pollution, confirming that low-frequency noise activates the p53 signaling pathway, oxidative stress, and that p53 can regulate oxidative stress and apoptosis-related genes.

Cupressus torulosa, a Source of Antioxidant Polyphenols: An Analytical and Pharmacological Study.

Cupressus torulosa (family Cupressaceae), widely distributed in the northwestern Himalayan region of India, is a coniferous aromatic tree traditionally used for its aerial parts. Its needles are renowned for their anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Antioxidants from this plant are vital in combating oxidative stress, which are implicated in these diseases. This study employed a range of methods, including in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo assays; biochemical estimations such as Total Phenolics Content and Total Flavonoids Content; and UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis, to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Cupressus torulosa needles. Initial screenings demonstrated promising antioxidant activity of 25% aqueous methanol extract of the needles, with SGOT and SGPT values of 55.28±57.07 and 52.27±19.50 IU/L, respectively, when compared to the positive control glibenclamide. Fractionation of the extract into ethyl acetate and butanol fractions revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction showed notable activity, with an EC50 value of 85.6 μg/mL in the DPPH assay, indicating effective free radical scavenging and reduced oxidative damage. UPLC-QTOF-MS characterization of ethyl acetate fraction in negative ion mode identified 34 metabolites, including 10 key antioxidant compounds. These findings underscore C. torulosa's potential as a source of bioactive antioxidants, highlighting its value for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. The research provides a foundation for further isolation, characterization, and clinical testing of these compounds, enhancing our understanding of natural antioxidants in addressing oxidative stress-related conditions.

Experiment investigation and multiscale modeling of biomass oxidative fast pyrolysis in a fluidized bed reactor

Experiments were conducted in a fluidized bed reactor to study the oxidative fast pyrolysis of biomass. The pressure drops along the bed height were measured, and the yield and composition of gas, liquid, and solid products were analyzed at various O2 concentrations. It was found that with the increase in oxygen concentration, the yield of biogas increased, especially CO2 and CO, while yields of bio-oil and biochar decreased. Under oxidative conditions, the fraction of tar in bio-oil was significantly reduced. A multiscale model was developed in the open-source code MFiX by integrating the reactor model based on the coarse-grained DEM-CFD, the intraparticle model, and the biomass oxidative fast pyrolysis kinetics. The model was verified by comparison with experimental data. As the oxygen concentration increases, the mixing and separation of biomass particles decreases, the residence time increases, the axial distribution moves upward, and the Lacey mixing index decreases. This study established experimental and theoretical foundations for designing and scaling up oxidative fast pyrolysis of biomass in fluidized beds.

Machine learning constructs the microstructure and mechanical properties that accelerate the development of CFRP pyrolysis for carbon-fiber recycling

The increasing use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) has led to its post-end-of-life recycling becoming a research focus. Herein, we studied the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of recycled carbon fiber (rCF) during CFRP pyrolysis by innovatively combining typical experiments with machine learning. We first comprehensively studied the effects of treatment time and temperature on the mechanical properties, graphitization degree, lattice parameters, and surface O content of rCF following pyrolysis and oxidation. The surface resin residue was found to largely affect the degradation of the mechanical properties of the rCF, whereas oxidation treatment effectively removes this residue and is the critical recycling condition that determines its mechanical properties. In contrast, pyrolysis affected graphitization in a more-pronounced manner. More importantly, a random forest machine-learning model (RF model) that optimizes using a particle swarm algorithm was developed based on 336 data points and used to determine the mechanical properties and microstructural parameters of rCF when treated under various pyrolysis and oxidation conditions. The constructed model was effectively used to forecast the recovery conditions for various rCF target requirements, with the predictions for different recycling conditions found to be in good agreement with the experimental data.

Fuel properties evaluation and inherent correlation analysis of oxidatively torrefied corn stalk

Fuel properties evaluation and inherent correlation analysis of biochar are important in assessing the variation of fuel performance. This study investigates fuel performance changes under different oxidative torrefaction conditions of corn stalks. The obtained results imply that such a method is conducive to enhancing fuel properties, with the values of energy-mass co-benefit index (EMCI), upgrading energy index (UEI), Hardgrove grindability index (HGI), and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) range at 4-9, 500-3500, 60-120, and 9.5-12. This indicates that oxidative torrefaction is efficient for fuel performance improvement. For elemental transformation and carbonization degree, the oxidatively torrefied biochar possesses a higher proportion of elemental carbon content and better graphitization degree (GD), thus contributing to a more stable structure. Good linear relationships are exhibited from the analysis of comprehensive pyrolysis index (CPI) versus elemental carbon proportion (ECP), comprehensive combustion index (CCI) versus ECP, CPI versus GD, and CCI versus GD, with correlation coefficients of 0.9741, 0.9524, 0.9689, and 0.9166, respectively. This suggests that the carbonization extent is highly related to biochar pyrolysis and combustion characteristics. Overall, the obtained results are conducive to enhancing inherent correlation cognition of fuel property indicators. In doing so, the fuel property can be better adjusted for performance enhancement, thus facilitating efficient biochar production with better industrial application potential.

Green RP-HPLC method for simultaneous quantification of epigallocatechin-3-gallate and rosmarinic acid in lipid-based nanocarriers and biological fluids: Quality by Design-driven optimization and lean six sigma approach

This study presents the development and validation of a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for concurrent quantification of EGCG and RA in prepared lipid-based nanocarriers and biological fluids using a QbD approach, greenness assessment, and Six-Sigma methodology. Initially, variations in critical analytical attributes were identified using the Ishikawa fishbone diagram and Risk Priority Number scores. A Taguchi Orthogonal Array design was employed to screen the critical method parameters influencing method development. Systematic optimization of the RP-HPLC method was subsequently achieved using a Box-Behnken design, with the % organic phase, flow rate, and column temperature as the variables. The responses were retention time, tailing factor, and theoretical plates for both EGCG and RA. Chromatographic separation was accomplished with a methanol and 0.1% formic acid (60:40) isocratic flow system on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) at a 1 mL/min flow rate. The method was rigorously validated according to ICH guidelines. Linearity was observed over a concentration range of 2 to 10 µg/mL for both EGCG and RA, yielding correlation coefficients of 0.998 and 0.999, respectively. The LOD and LOQ were determined to be 0.51 µg/mL and 1.54 µg/mL for EGCG, and 0.35 µg/mL and 1.07 µg/mL for RA. Moreover, the %RSD for all validation parameters were consistently below 2%. Forced degradation studies were conducted under acidic, basic, oxidative, and photolytic conditions to elucidate potential degradation pathways and identify degradation products. The developed method was applied to estimate EGCG and RA in prepared lipid-based nanocarriers and biological fluids like blood plasma and urine. Recovery assays in lipid-based nanocarriers, plasma, and urine samples demonstrated excellent recoveries (96.2–102.1%). The method's greenness was assessed using various tools, and its accuracy was evaluated using Six Sigma methodology. Overall, the developed HPLC method offers a rapid, sensitive, and reliable approach for quantifying EGCG and RA, laying the groundwork for their further investigation as anticancer agents, alone and in combination therapies.

Hemoglobin in Submicron Particles (HbMPs) Is Stabilized Against Oxidation

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) play a crucial role as the first line of defense antioxidant enzymes in a living cell. These enzymes neutralize the superoxide anion from the autooxidation of oxyhemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) and convert hydrogen peroxides into water and molecular oxygen. In this study, we fabricated hemoglobin submicron particles (HbMPs) using the Coprecipitation Crosslinking Dissolution (CCD) technique and incorporating first-line antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD) and second-line antioxidant (ascorbic acid, Vit. C) to investigate a protective effect of modified HbMPs via cyclically oxygenation and deoxygenation. Thereafter, the total hemoglobin (Hb) content and Oxy-Hb content to HbMPs were determined. The results revealed that the HbMPs have a protective effect against oxidation from hydrogen peroxide and potentially neutralizing hydrogen peroxide to water over 16 times exposure cycles. No significant differences in total Hb content were found between normal HbMPs and enzyme-modified HbMPs in the absence of Vit. C. The Oxy-Hb of CAT-HbMPs showed significantly higher values than normal HbMPs. The functional Hb of normal HbMPs and enzyme-modified HbMPs was increased by 60–77% after a short time Vit. C (1:25) exposure. The co-immobilization of CAT and SOD in hemoglobin particles (CAT-SOD-HbMPs) in the presence of Vit. C provides protective effects against oxidation in cyclic Oxygenation and Deoxygenation and shows the lowest reduction of functional Hb. Our studies show that the CCD technique-modified HbMPs containing antioxidant enzymes and a reducing agent (ascorbic acid) demonstrate enhanced Hb functionality, providing protective effects and stability under oxidative conditions.

Decoupling of redox processes from soil saturation in Arctic tundra

Permafrost thaw in warming Arctic landscapes alters hydrology and saturation-driven biogeochemical processes. Models assume that aerobic respiration occurs in drained soils while saturated soils support methanogenesis; however, saturated soils maintain redox gradients that host a range of anaerobic metabolisms. We evaluated how redox potential and redox-active solutes vary with soil moisture in the active layer of permafrost-affected acidic and non-acidic tundra hillslopes. Oxidizing conditions persisted in highly permeable organic horizons of both unsaturated tussock tundra and saturated wet sedge meadows. Redox potential decreased with depth in all soils as increasing soil bulk density restricted groundwater flow and oxygen diffusion. High concentrations of dissolved iron, phosphate, and organic carbon coincided with redox boundaries below the soil surface in acidic tundra, indicating active iron redox cycling and potential release of adsorbed phosphate during iron (oxyhydr)oxide dissolution. In non-acidic tundra, weatherable minerals affected nutrient dynamics more than redox-driven iron cycling, especially in low-lying, saturated areas where thaw reached mineral soils. The role of thaw depth and the ability of saturated soils to maintain oxidizing conditions in organic surface layers highlight the importance of soil physical properties and hydrology in predicting biogeochemical processes and greenhouse gas emissions.

Misfolding of Transthyretin In Vivo is Controlled by the Redox Environment and Macromolecular Crowding

Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is a progressive disorder characterized by peripheral neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction, and cardiomyopathy. The precise mechanism by which TTR misfolds and forms fibrils in vivo remains incompletely understood, posing challenges to the development of effective therapeutics. In this study, we reveal that the recently identified non-native pathological species (NNTTR), which is enriched in the plasma of ttr-val30met gene carriers, exhibits strong amyloidogenic properties, making it a promising therapeutic target. Notably, we demonstrate that NNTTR formation is dependent on an intermolecular disulfide bond and can be promoted by oxidative conditions while being effectively suppressed by reducing agents. The formation of this disulfide bond is incompatible with the native TTR fold, thereby necessitating structural flexibility. We further show that this required flexibility can be constrained using tetramer-stabilizing drugs, thereby suppressing NNTTR formation. Interestingly, the flexibility is also hindered by macromolecular crowding, and NNTTR formation is strongly suppressed by the high protein concentration in plasma. This suppression is released upon dilution, which thus promotes NNTTR formation in areas with lower protein content, highlighting a potential link to the interstitial space, brain, and vitreous body of the eye, where TTR-amyloid is frequently observed. In summary, we demonstrate that NNTTR displays strong amyloidogenic features, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target. We identify the redox environment and macromolecular crowding as key modulatory factors. Our findings propose a mechanistic explanation for TTR misfolding and suggest a novel therapeutic approach.

The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Non-Cholestatoma Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a chronic and persistent inflammation of the middle part of the ear. CSOM is a multifactorial disease that involves interactions between the host, pathogen, genetics, and environment leading to oxidative stress conditions that cause prolonged inflammation. Many studies have been conducted to explain zinc's benefits in fighting oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on non-cholesteatoma CSOM evaluated based on serum zinc and MPO levels and the presence of otorrhea. Materials and Methods: This study was an experimental research with pre and post-test control group design. This study was conducted in the ENT clinic of Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Indonesia, in July–September 2022. Subjects were divided into two different groups. The first group, or treatment group, was treated with 30 mg tablets/day zinc supplementation for 30 days. The second group, or the control group, was treated with a placebo of 30 mg/day for 30 days. Results: The result of this study showed that in the treatment group with zinc supplementation, the mean MPO level decreased significantly from 3.50 ng/mL to 0.73 ng/mL (p&lt;0.001), the mean serum zinc level increased significantly from 119.53 μmol/L to 548.28 μmol/L (p&lt;0.000), and 21 subjects recovered from otorrhea symptoms (p&lt;0.000). Meanwhile, the mean MPO, zinc levels, and otorrhea symptoms did not show significant changes in the control group. Conclusions: Zinc supplementation can reduce serum MPO levels, increase serum zinc levels, and reduce otorrhea symptoms CSOM patients suffer.

Yes-associated protein-mediated melatonin regulates the function of periodontal ligament stem cells under oxidative stress conditions.

Human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) regenerate oral tissue. In vitro expansion causes replicative senescence in stem cells. This causes intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which can impair stem cell function. Tissue engineering efficiency is reduced by exogenous ROS stimulation, which causes premature senescence under oxidative stress. Melatonin (MT), a powerful free radical scavenger, can delay PDLSCs senescence but may not maintain stemness under oxidative stress. This experiment examined the effects of hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress on PDLSCs' apoptosis, senescence, and stemness. To determine if MT can reverse the above effects along with the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. PDLSCs were isolated from human premolars and cultured in different conditions. Flow cytometry was used to characterize the cell surface markers of PDLSCs. Hydrogen peroxide was used to induce oxidative stress in PDLSCs. Cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, ROS, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity were assessed by various assays. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to measure the expression of genes and proteins related to stemness and senescence. MT increases Yes-associated protein expression and maintains cell stemness in an induced inflammatory microenvironment, which may explain its therapeutic effects. We examined how MT affects PDLSCs aging and stemness and its biological mechanisms. Our study reveals MT's role in regulating oxidative stress in PDLSCs and Yes-associated protein-mediated activity, providing insights into cellular functions and new therapeutic targets for tissue regeneration.

Metal-Organic Framework-Templated Synthesis of Nickel-Alumina Nanocatalysts Improves Catalyst-Support Interaction for Higher Activity and Stability in Biogas Reforming under Controlled Oxidizing Conditions.

Tri-reforming methane with CO2, O2, and H2O mixtures requires a delicate balance of dry-reforming, partial oxidation, and steam-reforming reactions to improve the CO2 conversion and H2/CO ratio. Nickel-alumina has been reported before for the tri-reforming of methane, although at higher temperatures (>900 °C). This is because the current approaches for nickel-alumina synthesis are ineffective in generating stronger catalyst-support interactions necessary to maintain higher active sites and stall carbon nanotube (CNT) deposition. Here, we report a synthesis method that allows controlled loading of nickel on alumina-based MIL-53 metal-organic framework followed by calcination to generate 2.5-10 wt % nickel nanoparticles dispersed on alumina. The 5 wt % nickel-alumina mixtures resulted in nanometer-sized crystallites, better metal dispersion, and more active sites for enhanced catalytic activity. This optimal loading of nickel allows stronger interaction with alumina for over 100 h of stable performance of tri-reforming at 800 °C, achieving ∼98% CH4 conversion, ∼36% CO2 conversion, and no carbon deposition while producing Fischer-Tropsch-ready feed containing a H2/CO ratio of 3.2.

Protective effects of geraniol in a male rat model of Alzheimer's disease: A behavioral, biochemical, and histological study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a neurodegenerative disease can cause behavioral impairments due to oxidative stress. Aging and oxidative conditions are some AD risk factors. We assessed the influence of geraniol (GR), an acyclic monoterpene alcohol, on behavioral functions, hippocampal oxidative status, and histological alterations in AD rats induced by amyloid-β (Aβ). Male Wistar rats (n = 70) were randomly allocated to the control, sham, AD, control-GR (100 mg/kg; per oral: P.O.), AD-GR (100 mg/kg; P.O.; treatment), GR-AD (100 mg/kg; P.O.; pretreatment), and GR-AD-GR (100 mg/kg; P.O.; pretreatment + treatment) groups. GR administration was done for four continuous weeks. After treatments, novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests assessed the animals' behavior. Then, hippocampal specimens were collected for biochemical assessment. Finally, the number of intact neurons was identified in the hippocampus using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Aβ microinjection increased learning and memory deficits in both NOR and MWM tests, oxidative stress status, and neuronal loss. Oral GR administration improved behavioral deficits and reduced oxidative stress status and neuronal loss in the Aβ-infused animals. GR ameliorates behavioral impairments through a decrease in neuronal degeneration and oxidative stress.

Role of UeMsb2 in Filamentous Growth and Pathogenicity of Ustilago esculenta

Ustilago esculenta is a dimorphic fungus that specifically infects Zizania latifolia, causing stem swelling and the formation of an edible fleshy stem known as jiaobai. The pathogenicity of U. esculenta is closely associated with the development of jiaobai and phenotypic differentiation. Msb2 acts as a key upstream sensor in the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway, playing critical roles in fungal hyphal growth, osmotic regulation, maintenance of cell wall integrity, temperature adaptation, and pathogenicity. In this study, we cloned the UeMsb2 gene from U. esculenta (GenBank No. MW768949). The open reading frame of UeMsb2 is 3015 bp in length, lacks introns, encodes a 1004-amino-acid protein with a conserved serine-rich domain, and is localized to the vacuole. Expression analysis revealed that UeMsb2 is inducibly expressed during both hyphal growth and infection processes. Deletion of UeMsb2 did not affect haploid morphology or growth rate in vitro but significantly impaired the strain’s mating ability, suppressed filamentous growth, slowed host infection progression, and downregulated the expression of b signaling pathway genes associated with pathogenicity. Notably, the deletion of UeMsb2 did not influence the in vitro growth of U. esculenta under hyperosmotic, thermal, or oxidative stress conditions. These findings underscore the critical role of UeMsb2 in regulating the pathogenicity of U. esculenta. This study provides insights into the interaction between U. esculenta and Z. latifolia, particularly the mechanisms that drive host stem swelling.