Degradation Products Research Articles

Gully-like CQDs/In2O3/TiO2 composite with broad spectral response and its enhanced photocatalytic performance

The morphology and structure of photocatalytic materials often have a great influence on their photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen production capacity can be enhanced by optimizing the morphology and properties of the catalysts. In this paper, on the basis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with up-conversion photoluminescence (UCPL) properties and polystyrene colloid microspheres (PS) as templates, a kind of gully-like CQDs/In2O3/TiO2 composites with wide spectral response was prepared by vacuum impregnation and microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The results show that CQDs/In2O3/TiO2 composites with PS colloid microsphere as templates have a gully structure, which provides more active sites for photocatalytic reaction. The heterostructure formed among components optimizes the charge transfer path, significantly improving the separation and transfer efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes. In the multi-mode photocatalytic experiments, CQDs/In2O3/TiO2 composites show excellent photocatalytic activity for methyl orange, of which photocatalytic activity is much higher than that of pure TiO2, displaying a certain degree of degradation for the different kinds of dyes. In addition, the hydrogen evolution capacity of CQDs/In2O3/TiO2 composites is 1149.3 μmol/g for 8 h, which is 7 times of that of monomer TiO2. The results of the capture experiments show that the possible photocatalytic mechanism of CQDs/In2O3/TiO2 composites is more likely to be the result of a synergy between the traditional band theory and the "Z-scheme".

Photocatalytic degradation of four organophosphorus pesticides in aqueous solution using D-cys/Au NPs modified TiO2 by natural sunlight

The widespread use of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in foods, poses a serious threat to human and environmental health, it is crucial to develop methods that can efficiently degrade residual OPPs. Herein, a chiral TiO2 photocatalyst was developed by modification TiO2 with D-cys/Au NPs (DAT) for the simultaneous degradation of four OPPs (chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, malathion, and parathion) by natural light. The influence of D-Au NPs concentration on the degradation process was optimized, along with the initial pesticide concentration. Under optimal conditions, the photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of DAT for four OPPs were 96.7 %, 56.9 %, 42.6 %, and 49.2 %, respectively, after 12 h of natural light exposure. 12 degradation products of OPPs were identified, among which three products were identified for the first time. The degradation pathway revealed that the degradation of OPPs by DAT involves the oxidation of the P═S bond and the cleavage of the P-O bond and C-O bond. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for applying chiral TiO2 nanomaterials for the photocatalytic degradation of OPPs in foods.

UV/H2O2 produced degradation of 2,4-D and 4-CPA

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D) acid and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA), as widely utilized organochlorine pesticides, are normally detected in wastewater and atmosphere. Their harmfulness to the ecosystem cannot be ignored. UV/H2O2 is one of the most conventional advanced oxidation processes, which has remarkable advantages for the removal of refractory organic pollutants in wastewater. However, the reaction mechanisms and pathways of pollutants with reactive radicals are still unclear. In this study, the degradation efficacy and mechanisms during the photodegradation of 2,4-D and 4-CPA in UV/H2O2 processes were investigated by experiments and density functional theory calculations. The results showed that 2,4-D was more likely to be degraded by UV/H2O2 treatment than UV photolysis alone. In contrast, 4-CPA can be degraded effectively and rapidly under UV irradiation alone. By LC-MS analysis, the degradation products of 2,4-D and 4-CPA in the UV/H2O2 processes were identified and they were produced by hydroxylation and photolysis. Therefore, we speculated a competition mechanism presented between direct photolysis and indirect photolysis in the UV/H2O2 degradation of 2,4-D and 4-CPA. The OH-initiated reaction mechanisms of 2,4-D and 4-CPA in aqueous environments were investigated using quantum chemical methods SMD/M06–2X/6–311++G (3df, 2p)//SMD/M06–2X/6-311 + G (d,p). The pH dependence of the reaction mechanisms and rate constants in their degradation process induced by ·OH was also investigated. The calculation results showed that the ionic forms (2,4-D- and 4-CPA-) were more prone to react with ·OH in comparison to the corresponding molecular forms (2,4-D and 4-CPA). The total rate constants of 2,4-D and 4-CPA with OH increased with the pH from 1 to 10, and decreased with continued pH increase. The toxicities of 2,4-D, 4-CPA and their products were assessed by the QSAR-based toxicity evaluation software. The results showed that several products were more toxic than their parent compounds, such as 2,4-dichlorophenol, 3,5-dichlorocatechol, 4-chlorophenol and hydroquinone. This work can contribute to clarifying the environmental risks of 2,4-D and 4-CPA and offer a complete understanding for the photodegradation behavior of 2,4-D and 4-CPA in aqueous ecosystems.

In-situ construct CuInS2/Bi/Bi2MoO6 S-scheme/Schottky dual heterojunctions catalyst for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac sodium

In this paper, the S-scheme/Schottky heterojunction photocatalyst (CuInS2/Bi/Bi2MoO6, CIS/Bi/BMO) was successfully constructed via a facile in-situ solvothermal method, aimed at enhancing its photocatalytic performance. The results of the study on the photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac sodium (DCF) under simulated solar light irradiation revealed that the as-prepared composite exhibited remarkable catalytic efficiency in comparison to the pristine Bi2MoO6 and CuInS2. The plasmonic bismuth (Bi) was formed during the solvothermal process. Subsequently, CuInS2 and Bi were grown on the surface of Bi2MoO6 leading to forming CIS/BMO S-scheme heterojunction, along with a Schottky junction between Bi and Bi2MoO6. The use of ethylene glycol as a support was the main reason for the significant improvement in photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of DCF. Moreover, the probable photocatalytic mechanisms for the degradation of DCF had been proposed based on the active species quenching experiments. The eleven degradation products were detected by HPLC-MS, and the degradation reaction pathway of DCF was deduced. Additionally, the CIS/Bi/BMO photocatalyst exhibited a consistently high removal rate after four cycles. This study proposes a new strategy for designing efficient S-scheme/Schottky heterojunction photocatalysts for solar energy conversion.

Regarding the ‘Predictive value of D-dimer and fibrinogen degradation product for splanchnic vein thrombosis in patients with severe acute pancreatitis’

Regarding the ‘Predictive value of D-dimer and fibrinogen degradation product for splanchnic vein thrombosis in patients with severe acute pancreatitis’

Exposure to UV-B filter octylmethoxycinnamate and human health effects: Focus on endocrine disruptor actions

Human skin is the first line of photoprotection against UV radiation. However, despite having its defence mechanisms, the photoprotection that the skin exerts is not enough. To protect human skin, the inclusion of UV filters in the cosmetic industry has grown significantly as a photoprotection strategy. Octylmethoxycinnamate, also designated by octinoxate, or 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (CAS number: 5466-77-3) is one of the most widely used UV-B filter in the cosmetic industry. The toxic effects of OMC have alarmed the public, but there is still no consensus in the scientific community about its use. This article aims to provide an overview of the UV filters' photoprotection, emphasizing the OMC and the possible negative effects it may have on the public health. Moreover, the current legislation will be addressed. In summary, the recommendations should be rethought to assess their risk-benefit, since the existing literature warns us to endocrine-disrupting effects of OMC. Further studies should be focus on the toxicity of OMC alone, in mixture and should consider its degradation products, to improve the knowledge of its risk assessment as EDC.

Utilizing chitooligosaccharides from shrimp waste biodegradation via recombinant chitinase A: a promising approach for emulsifying hydrocarbon and bioremediation

BackgroundHydrocarbon pollution stemming from petrochemical activities is a significant global environmental concern. Bioremediation, employing microbial chitinase-based bioproducts to detoxify or remove contaminants, presents an intriguing solution for addressing hydrocarbon pollution. Chitooligosaccharides, a product of chitin degradation by chitinase enzymes, emerge as key components in this process. Utilizing chitinaceous wastes as a cost-effective substrate, microbial chitinase can be harnessed to produce Chitooligosaccharides. This investigation explores two strategies to enhance chitinase productivity, firstly, statistical optimization by the Plackett Burman design approach to evaluating the influence of individual physical and chemical parameters on chitinase production, Followed by response surface methodology (RSM) which delvs into the interactions among these factors to optimize chitinase production. Second, to further boost chitinase production, we employed heterologous expression of the chitinase-encoding gene in E. coli BL21(DE3) using a suitable vector. Enhancing chitinase activity not only boosts productivity but also augments the production of Chitooligosaccharides, which are found to be used as emulsifiers.ResultsIn this study, we focused on optimizing the production of chitinase A from S. marcescens using the Plackett Burman design and response surface methods. This approach led to achieving a maximum activity of 78.65 U/mL. Subsequently, we cloned and expressed the gene responsible for chitinase A in E. coli BL21(DE3). The gene sequence, named SmChiA, spans 1692 base pairs, encoding 563 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 58 kDa. This sequence has been deposited in the NCBI GenBank under the accession number "OR643436". The purified recombinant chitinase exhibited a remarkable activity of 228.085 U/mL, with optimal conditions at a pH of 5.5 and a temperature of 65 °C. This activity was 2.9 times higher than that of the optimized enzyme. We then employed the recombinant chitinase A to effectively hydrolyze shrimp waste, yielding chitooligosaccharides (COS) at a rate of 33% of the substrate. The structure of the COS was confirmed through NMR and mass spectrometry analyses. Moreover, the COS demonstrated its utility by forming stable emulsions with various hydrocarbons. Its emulsification index remained stable across a wide range of salinity, pH, and temperature conditions. We further observed that the COS facilitated the recovery of motor oil, burned motor oil, and aniline from polluted sand. Gravimetric assessment of residual hydrocarbons showed a correlation with FTIR analyses, indicating the efficacy of COS in remediation efforts.ConclusionsThe recombinant chitinase holds significant promise for the biological conversion of chitinaceous wastes into chitooligosaccharides (COS), which proved its potential in bioremediation efforts targeting hydrocarbon-contaminated sand.

On the Chemical Pathways Influencing the Effective Global Warming Potential of Commercial Hydrofluoroolefin Gases.

The enforcement of a global hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant phase down led to the introduction of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) as a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) substitute, given their low atmospheric lifetime. However, to this date it is not fully clear the long-term atmospheric fate of HFOs primary degradation products: trifluoro acetaldehyde (TFE), trifluoro acetyl fluoride (TFF), and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). It particularly concerns the possibility of forming HFC-23, a potent global warming agent. Although the atmospheric reaction networks of TFE, TFF, and TFA have a fair level of complexity, the relevant atmospheric chemical pathways are well characterized in the literature, enabling a comprehensive hazard assessment of HFC-23 formation as a secondary HFO breakdown product in diverse scenarios. A lower bound of the HFOs effective GWP in a baseline scenario is found above regulatory thresholds. While further research is crucial to refine climate risk assessments, the existing evidence suggests a non-negligible climate hazard associated with HFOs.

Psychophysiological Adaptations to Exercise Training in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review.

Many COVID-19 patients display adverse symptoms, such as reduced physical ability, poor quality of life, and impaired pulmonary function. Therefore, this systematic review is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of physical exercise on various psychophysiological indicators among COVID-19 patients who may be at any stage of their illness (i.e., critically ill, hospitalized, postdischarge, and recovering). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 2019 to 2021. Twenty-seven studies, which assessed a total of 1525 patients, were included and analysed. Overall, data revealed significant improvements in the following parameters: physical function, dyspnoea, pulmonary function, quality of life (QOL), lower limb endurance and strength, anxiety, depression, physical activity level, muscle strength, oxygen saturation, fatigue, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), lymphocyte, leukocytes, and a fibrin degradation product (D-dimer). Physical training turns out to be an effective therapy that minimises the severity of COVID-19 in the intervention group compared to the standard treatment. Therefore, physical training could be incorporated into conventional treatment of COVID-19 patients. More randomized controlled studies with follow-up evaluations are required to evaluate the long-term advantages of physical training. Future research is essential to establish the optimal exercise intensity level and assess the musculoskeletal fitness of recovered COVID-19 patients. This trial is registered with CRD42021283087.

0D/1D CuWO4/Mn0.3Cd0.7S S-scheme heterojunctions for full-spectrum bifunctional photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen production

Integrating photocatalytic oxidation for pollutant removal with hydrogen production via photocatalysis presents a promising approach for sustainable water purification and renewable energy generation, circumventing the sluggish multi-electron transfer inherent in photocatalytic water oxidation. This study introduces novel zero-/one-dimensional (0D/1D) CuWO4/Mn0.3Cd0.7S step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunctions that exhibit exceptional bifunctional capabilities in photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen production under full-spectrum illumination. The degradation efficiency for tetracycline (TC) using 5 %-CuWO4/Mn0.3Cd0.7S reaches 94.3 % and 94.5 % within 60 min and 6 h, respectively, under ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and near-infrared (NIR) light. Notably, these 0D/1D CuWO4/Mn0.3Cd0.7S S-scheme heterojunctions demonstrate superior hydrogen production, achieving rates of 12442.03 μL g-1h−1 and 2418.54 μL g-1h−1 under UV–Vis light and NIR light irradiation, respectively—these rates are 2.3 times and 55.2 times higher than that of Mn0.3Cd0.7S alone. This performance enhancement is attributed to the intrinsic dimensional effects, transitions of transition metal d-d orbitals, and S-scheme hole/electron (h+/e−) separation characteristics. Additionally, experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have clarified the modulation of electronic configurations, band alignment, and interfacial interactions via 0D/1D S-scheme heterojunction engineering. This study sheds light on the electron transfer mechanism within S-scheme heterojunction and enhances the effectiveness, economy, and sustainability of recalcitrant pollutant removal and hydrogen production.

Analysis of Lysine Metabolism in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Reveals Modulation of Endocytosis and Glucose Metabolism

Lysine is an essential amino acid that serves as a building block for proteins and plays a role in metabolic processes. While a recent study provided evidence that lysine is beneficial for hypertension-associated kidney disease, possibly through inhibiting renal tubular reabsorption and forming new lysine conjugates, knowledge about the role of lysine in diabetic nephropathy (DN) is rudimentary. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the role of lysine in kidney function in the setting of DN and its underlying mechanisms. We hypothesized that lysine may impact the kidneys in the following ways: 1) by mediating protein endocytosis in proximal tubules; 2) by altering protein abundance in the kidneys and other organs; and 3) by disrupting metabolic pathways through the formation of conjugates or degradation products. We investigated the effects of lysine on proximal tubule endocytosis and other organs using proteomic approaches and studied changes in lysine conjugates and metabolic products using targeted metabolomics. The results of urinary proteomics suggested that lysine’s impact on endocytosis may be associated with the inhibition of megalin and cubilin. Furthermore, lysine affected proteins related to glucose metabolism. Subsequently, we proceeded to investigate the influence of lysine on various organs in Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy (T2DN) rats. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment revealed that lysine exerts tissue-specific effects on different organs, with pathways enriched in the kidney including phagocytosis and enzyme inhibitor activity. Additionally, within the kidney, the lysine-treated group showed downregulation of glycolysis-related enzymes. The metabolomics results showed that lysine leads to a decrease in glucose and an increase in fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, while also resulting in an upregulation of related metabolites in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle). Our findings showed changes in the protein composition involved in lysine-mediated endocytosis and the impact of lysine on glucose metabolism enzymes and metabolites. The specific molecular mechanisms are still under investigation. R01 DK135644 and I01 BX004024 (to AS). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

A Scientific Analytical on the Ancient Shipwrecks Degradation Products Excavated from Underwater: Focused on Sulfur and Iron Degradation Products

A Scientific Analytical on the Ancient Shipwrecks Degradation Products Excavated from Underwater: Focused on Sulfur and Iron Degradation Products

Potential strategies for bioremediation of microplastic contaminated soil

The escalating production and ubiquitous presence of plastics and their degradation products, such as microplastics and nanoplastics, pose a significant environmental threat. Microplastics enter the soil through various pathways, including agricultural practices, plastic degradation, and wastewater disposal. Herein, we discussed the harmful effects of microplastics on the physicochemical properties of soil, plant growth, terrestrial fauna, and microbial activity, potentially affecting the stability and nutrient cycle of the soil ecosystem. This review delves into recent advances in potential microplastic bioremediation approaches, such as phytoremediation strategies utilized by plants and their associated microbes to accumulate, immobilize, and even degrade microplastics. Rhizosphere microorganisms play a crucial role in the degradation of microplastics, potentially utilizing them as a carbon source. Soil animals like earthworms, snails, and mealworms can also contribute significantly to bioremediation by ingesting and degrading microplastics through their gut microbiota. Various soil microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, can degrade different microplastics with the help of enzymes such as laccase, esterase, peroxidase, oxidoreductase, and hydrolases and depolymerise the larger polymer chains into smaller units that ultimately mineralize them into CO2, H2O, and CH4. Genetic engineering and synthetic biology are also used to create strains with enhanced microplastic degrading and mineralization capabilities. It holds promise for efficient bioremediation but requires further research for real-world application and scalable implementation. Overall, this review comprehensively highlights the potential of bioremediation approaches and future recommendations for tackling microplastic pollution. Further research and development are crucial for enhancing biodegradation efficiency and scaling up this strategy for environmental protection.

NETmicroplastic in agricultural soil and its impact on soil properties

AbstractImplementing “soil health” means sustainable management of agricultural soils, avoiding toxicities, and sensible use of resources to minimize waste. In this context, the use of plastic in agriculture in form of plastic products, the application of polymers and additives in fertilizers, and plastic input through littering and tyre wear demands our special attention. Uncertainty and open questions relating to effects of plastic and its degradation products such as microplastic (MP) on the soil environment, the soil biota, and human health partly result from the lack of robust and standardized detection and measurement methods. Also, environmental, economic, and societal problems around MPs in soil cannot be adequately addressed due to lack of coordination among the various relevant players and initiatives in research and policy. NETmicroplastic (www.net-microplastic.eu) responds to the need of connecting among a fragmented research & innovation and policy landscape by creating a community‐supported environment. The network fosters provision of solid data for science‐based impact assessment of MP in soil together with much‐needed technological innovations, including biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastic. Here, we reflect upon a number of action fields that are key to the NETmicroplastic initiative from small to large‐scale perspectives. In addition, we portray the overall awareness situation around MP in soil.

Ameliorative impacts of astaxanthin against atrazine-induced renal toxicity through the modulation of ionic homeostasis and Nrf2 signaling pathways in mice.

Astaxanthin (ASX), a red pigment belonging to carotenoids, has antioxidant activity and anti-oxidative stress effect. Atrazine (ATZ), a frequently used herbicide, whose degradation products are the cause for nephrosis and other oxidative stress associated diseases. This study was aimed to reveal the potential protective mechanism of astaxanthin against atrazine-induced nephrosis. Atrazine was orally given (250mg/kg bw) to the mice along with astaxanthin (100mg/kg bw) for 28days. Serum biochemical indicators, oxidative stress biomarkers, ATPase activities, ion concentration, histomorphology, and various renal genes expression linked with apoptosis, Nrf2 signaling pathway, and aquaporins (AQPs) were assessed. It was found that serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and MDA levels were significantly increased after the treatment of atrazine, whereas serum renal oxidative stress indicators like CAT, GSH, T-AOC, SOD decreased. Renal histopathology showed that atrazine significantly damaged renal tissues. The activities of Ca 2+-Mg 2+-ATPase were increased whereas Na +-K +-ATPase decreased significantly (P<0.05). Moreover, results confirmed that the expression of AQPs, Nrf2, and apoptosis genes were also altered after atrazine administration. Interestingly, astaxanthin supplementation significantly (P<0.05) improved atrazine-induced nephrotoxicity via decreasing SCr, BUN, oxidative stress, ionic homeostasis and reversing the changes in AQPs, Nrf2, and apoptosis gene expression. These findings collectively suggested that astaxanthin has strong potential ameliorative impact against atrazine induced nephrotoxicity.

Analysis of the X-ray induced changes in lipids extracted from hepatocarcinoma cells by means of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

Radiation therapy, particularly X-ray-based treatment, is widely used against cancer due to its ability to induce cell death, hence local tumor control Recently, increasing attention has been devoted to the role of lipid metabolism in the radiation-induced response of tumor cells. This study utilized Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to examine the role of lipids in the response of hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells to X-ray radiation. Infrared spectra were acquired from lipids extracted from HepG2 cells exposed to different X-ray doses (0, 2, and 6 Gy). Results showed that X-ray exposure causes shifts in the peak positions in infrared spectra indicating biochemical changes in lipid components. The phosphate group asymmetric stretching band shifted to higher wave numbers in the 2 and 6 Gy exposed samples, likely due to alterations in membrane fluidity. The 2-Gy exposure led a reduction of sphingolipid, phospholipid, and fatty acid contributions that can be probably ascribed to apoptosis processes. The 6-Gy exposure triggered also changes in sphingolipid content potentially linked to increased lipid peroxidation supported by higher carbonyl contribution. This peroxidation results in smaller lipid fragments and various degradation products. The changes in sphingolipids are also confirmed by the analysis of different ratios between the areas of selected bands and the results of a mass spectroscopy investigation carried out on the same samples.

Flavour characterization of twelve species of edible algae

Integration of algae as ingredients in food products may contribute to the flavour characteristics, on top of providing nutritional requirements. In this study, characterization of the volatile and non-volatile flavour compounds was performed on 12 species of macroalgae and microalgae representing various groups of algae. Nine macroalgae species from three divisions were selected, namely Phaeophyta (brown alga): Laminaria japonica, Undaria pinnatifida, Sargassum fusiforme and Fucus vesiculosus; Rhodophyta (red alga): Porphyra haitanensis, Porphyra yezoensis, Palmaria palmata and Gelidium amansii, and Chlorophyta (green alga): Ulva lactuca. In addition, three microalgae species include Arthrospira platensis, Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina. Volatile compounds were analysed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry-flame ionization detector (GC–MS/FID). Amino acids and nucleotides were analysed using amino acid analyser and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) respectively. Based on the identified volatile and non-volatile compounds, no obvious trend was found within each group of algae. However, some algae variants have been found to contain a unique aroma profile of selected volatile and non-volatile compounds. D. salina was found to be high in volatile aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols, primarily products of carotenoid degradation. U. lactuca contains the highest volatile sulfur content, while F. vesiculosus was found to be high in aldehyde and alcohol compounds, which are potentially fishy odours. C. vulgaris was found to have the highest value of equivalent umami concentration (EUC) followed by roasted P. haitanensis, indicating that both algae have the highest umami potential. Lastly, microalgae species A. platensis and C. vulgaris contained the highest amounts of sulfurous tasting amino acids cysteine and methionine respectively.

Degradation of pharmaceuticals and other emerging pollutants employing bi-metal catalysts/magnesium and/or (green) hydrogen in aqueous solution

Contaminations by pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other emerging pollutants in water resources have become a seriously burgeoning issue of global concern in the first third of the twenty-first century. As societal reliance on pharmaceuticals continues to escalate, the inadvertent introduction of these substances into water reservoirs poses a consequential environmental threat. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate reductive degradation, particularly, catalytic hydrogenation regarding model pollutants such as diclofenac (DCF), ibuprofen (IBP), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), or bisphenol-A (BPA), respectively, in aqueous solutions at lab scale. Iron bimetals (zero valent iron, ZVI, and copper, Cu, or nickel, Ni) as well as zero valent magnesium (Mg, ZVM) in combination with rhodium, Rh, or palladium, Pd, as hydrogenation catalysts (HK), were investigated. Studies were executed through various short-term batch experiments, with multiple sample collections, over a total range of 120 min. The results indicated that DCF was attenuated at over 90 % when exposed to Fe-Cu or a Fe-Ni bimetal (applied as a single model pollutant). However, when DCF was part of a mixture alongside with IBP, EE2, and BPA, the attenuation efficacy decreased to 79 % with Fe-Cu and 23 % with Fe-Ni. Conversely, both IBP and BPA exhibit notably low attenuation levels with both bimetals, less than 50 %, both deployed as single substances or in mixtures. No reaction (degradation) products could be identified employing LC-MS, but sometimes a release of the parent pollutant when applying an acetic acid buffer could be noted to a certain extent, suggesting adsorption processes on corrosion products such as iron hydroxide and/or oxides. Surprisingly, Mg in combination with Rh (Rh-HK) or Pd (Pd-HK) showed a significantly rapid decrease in the concentrations of DCF, EE2, and BPA, in part up to approximately 100 %, that is, within a few minutes only in part due to hydrogenation degradation reactions (related reaction products could actually be identified by LC-MS; adsorption processes were not observed here). Moreover, kinetic modeling of the DCF degradation with Mg-Rh-HK was conducted at different temperatures (15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 35 °C) and varied initial concentrations (2.5 mg/L, 5.0 mg/L, 7.5 mg/L, 10.0 mg/L). The outcomes prove that the degradation of DCF at the Rh-HK’s surface followed a modified first-order kinetics, most probably by catalytic hydrodehalogenation and subsequent hydrogenation of the aromatic moieties (molecular hydrogen was provided by the corrosion of Mg). From the determined reaction rate constants at four different temperatures, the activation energy was estimated to be 59.6 kJ/mol by means of the Arrhenius equation what is in good agreement with similar results reported in the literature. This coupled hydrodehalogenation and hydrogenation approach may be upscaled into a new promising technical process for comprehensively removing such pharmaceuticals and similar pollutants in sewage plants in a single step, furthermore, even in combination with adsorption by activated carbon and/or ozonation which have already been established at some sewage plants in Switzerland and Germany recently.

Alterations of Gut Microbiota in Pyogenic Liver Abscess Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The clinical manifestations of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) vary between patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the relationship between PLA and the gut microbiome remains unknown.This study analyzed the composition of gut microbiota in PLA patients with and without DM and healthy controls (HCs) with the goal of identifying potential reasons for the observed variations in clinical manifestations. Using 16S ribosomal RNA(16S rRNA) gene sequencing, we analyzed the compositions of gut microbiota in 32 PLA patients with DM, 32 PLA patients without DM, and 29 matched HCs. In PLA patients with DM, the D-dimer level, fibrinogen degradation products, and thrombin time were significantly higher compared to the PLA patients without DM (P < 0.05). The abundance and diversity of intestinal flora were reduced in both groups of PLA patients compared with the HCs (P < 0.05). Specifically, the PLA patients with DM showed significant decreases in the relative abundances of Bacteroides, Blautia, Prevotella9, and Faecalibacterium, whereas Enterococcus and Escherichia-Shigella were relatively more abundant (P < 0.05). Compared to PLA patients without DM, those with DM had lower relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Klebsiella (P < 0.05) and showed different bacterial flora, including Anaerosporobacterand Megamonas. PLA patients with DM exhibited more severe clinical manifestations of PLA compared to patients without DM. It is important to monitor blood coagulation in PLA patients with DM to prevent the development of thrombotic diseases. Additionally, PLA patients with DM exhibit distinct differences in the composition and diversity of their intestinal flora compared to both PLA patients without DM and HCs.

Comprehensive Stress Stability Studies Reveal the Prominent Stability of the Liquid-Formulated Biotherapeutic Asymmetric Monovalent Bispecific IgG1 Monoclonal Antibody Format

The developed asymmetric monovalent bispecific IgG1 or Duet monoclonal antibody (Duet mAb) has two distinct fragment antigen-binding region (Fab) subunits that target two different epitope specificities sequentially or simultaneously. The design features include unique engineered disulfide bridges, knob-into-hole mutations, and kappa and lambda chains to produce Duet mAbs. These make it structurally and functionally complex, so one expects challenging developability linked to instability, degradation of products and pathways, and limited reports available. Here, we have treated the product with different sources of extreme stress over a lengthy period, including varying heat, pH, photo stress, chemical oxidative stress, accelerated stress in physiological conditions, and forced glycation conditions. The effects of different stress conditions on the product were assessed using various analytical characterization tools to measure product-related substances, post-translational modifications (PTMs), structural integrity, higher-order disulfide linkages, and biological activity. The results revealed degradation products and pathways of Duet mAb. A moderate increase in size, charge, and hydrophobic variants, PTMs, including deamidation, oxidation, isomerization, and glycation were observed, with most conditions exhibiting biological activity. In addition, the characterization of fractionated charge variants, including deamidated species, showed satisfactory biological activity. This study demonstrated the prominent stability of the Duet mAb format comparable to most marketed mAbs.