Effect Of Ozone Treatment Research Articles

SARS-CoV-2 RNA viability on high-touch surfaces and evaluation of a continuous-flow ozonation treatment.

The COVID-19 emergency has highlighted the importance of prevention systems and environ-mental microbiological monitoring as fundamental elements in the response to epidemics and other such threats to individual and collective health. The use of automated "No-touch" room disinfection systems eliminates or reduces the dependence on operators, thus allowing an improvement in the effectiveness of terminal disinfection. In the present study, we focused on possible SARS-CoV-2 contamination of surfaces of com-mercial services, and the effectiveness of ozone treatment on the virus. Analyses were conducted on 4-7 October and 27-30 December 2021 in four supermarkets in an Apulian city; supermarkets A and B were equipped with an ozonisation system, while C and D were without any environmental remediation. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by real-time RT-PCR only in December, in 6% of the surfaces tested, and all examined samples were found to be negative after viral culture, since no cytopathic effect was observed. A statistically significant difference emerged from the comparison of October vs. December (p = 0.0289), but no statistically significant difference (p = 0.6777) emerged from the comparison between supermarkets with and without the ozonisation system. Although no important changes were observed by treating the environments with ozonisation systems, further studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of environmental treatments with airborne disinfectants.

Effects of Ozone Treatment on Health-Related Quality of Life and Toxicity Induced by Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy in Symptomatic Cancer Survivors.

(1) Background: The continuous improvement in cancer treatment has led to improvement in patients’ survival and a subsequent increase in the number of cancer survivors living with adverse side effects of cancer treatments, sometimes with a high and adverse impact on their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Side effects of cancer treatments are frequently associated with chronic status of oxidative stress, inflammation, and/or ischemia. The potential for ozone treatment to modulate those processes and improve some of those adverse effects has previously been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ozone treatment on the HRQOL and grade of toxicity in symptomatic cancer survivors. (2) Methods: Before and after ozone treatment, we assessed (i) the HRQOL (according to the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire) and (ii) the grade of toxicity (according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events of the National Cancer Institute of EEUU (CTCAE v.5.0)) in 26 cancer survivors with chronic side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. (3) Results: There was a significant (p < 0.001) improvement in the EQ-5D-5L index as per the self-reported outcome evaluation of patients’ health status. All the dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire (mobility, self-care, activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression) and the self-evaluation of the health status using the visual analog scale were significantly improved (p < 0.05). The grade of toxicity was also significantly decreased (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: In cancer survivors with chronic side effects of cancer treatment, ozone treatment can improve the grade of toxicity and the HRQOL. These results merit additional research. Further studies are ongoing.

Effects of ozone treatment on gene profiling involved in ASA-GSH cycle in postharvest cantaloupe

Ozone has been proven to be an environmental-friendly method in postharvest storage of cantaloupe with the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the mechanism is not clear. In this study, the activity of key enzymes, transcriptomics, and the content of Ascorbic acid(ASA), Reduced glutathione (GSH), H2O2, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured as typical indicators to investigate the effect of ozone treatment on the ascorbic acid-glutathione (ASA-GSH) cycle metabolism of the antioxidant defense system of cantaloupe after harvest. The results showed that the formation of H2O2 and MDA and the accumulation of ASA and GSH in cantaloupe were reduced and increased in the ozone treatment group (OT), respectively. Ozone promoted the activity of the key enzymes of the ASA-GSH cycle in cantaloupe during storage, particularly Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR), which was confirmed with the variation of H2O2, MDA, ASA, and GSH. The 14 genes associated with the ASA-GSH cycle were identified using transcriptomics, and the FPKM in GR-2, MDHAR-3, and MDHAR-4 were greater in OT than in the control group (CK) on the 10th day, all AO genes were stimulated in OT compared to CK on the 30th day, indicating that AO and MDHAR genes of ASA-GSH cycle may be the target genes induced by ozone treatment in the postharvest cantaloupe. Correlation analysis indicated that the ability of ozone-treated cantaloupe to regulate ROS was a synergistic effect of enzyme activity and gene expression related to the ASA-GSH cycle. This study was to lay a foundation for future studies on the possible effects of ozone on the ASA-GSH cycle of many fruit and vegetable.

Effects of ozone treatment on storage quality and antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut water fennel [Oenanthe javanica

Water fennel is vulnerable to a loss in quality during storage. To improve postharvest quality, fresh-cut water fennel was treated with 37.04 mg m-3 ozone for 15 minutes every 5 days, and then stored at 5 °C for 20 days, and the related quality and antioxidant capacity indexes were determined. The results showed that compared with the control group, the ozone-treated water fennel had better sensory quality, color (L*, a*, ΔE, Chroma ) and firmness after 20 days of storage, and the weight loss decreased by 47%, malondialdehyde content decreased by 41%, soluble solids content decreased by 20%.The ozone treatment also effectively inhibited the increase of respiratory rate and phenolic substances during storage of fresh-cut water fennel. Meanwhile, ozone treatment maintained the content of ascorbic acid, inhibited the activity of polyphenol oxidase and induced an increase of peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, but reduced the content of reduced glutathione. Water fennel after ozone treatment maintained the appearance, texture characteristics and high commercial value during storage. Therefore, ozone treatment may be used as an effective preservation technology for postharvest storage and circulation of water fennel.

Effect of Ozone Treatment on the Physiochemical Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Guava and Pomegranate Juices Packed in Two Types of Packaging

Effect of Ozone Treatment on the Physiochemical Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Guava and Pomegranate Juices Packed in Two Types of Packaging

Evaluation of the effect of ozone therapy on the treatment of cutaneous wounds with tissue-loss in dogs and cats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ozone treatments on the rapid and uncomplicated recovery of the wound or the shortening of the time of suture placement. This study was carried out on a total of 40 patients who were admitted to our surgery clinic with 20 cats and 20 dogs of different ages, races, and genders. These animals were divided into 4 groups. According to the statistics obtained; The patients in group 1 (ozonated oil) had the best reduction in wound size and clinical efficacy. This group was followed by group 3, which was supported by treatment with ozonated water. There was no statistically significant difference in both ozone bagging and control groups. As a result, it was observed that in addition to the treatment of skin wounds with tissue loss, ozonated oil or ozonated water accelerated healing by 50% on average.

EFFECTIVENESS OF OZONE TREATMENT IN CURING UTERINE INFECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED MASTITIS IN DAIRY ANIMALS

To find the association between uterine infection and mastitis and to compare the effectiveness of ozone treatment and antibiotics in curing these infections, 200 dairy cows were screened by culturing uterine and milk samples on blood agar containing 5% sheep blood. A total of 52 animals either suffering from mastitis or uterine infections were isolated and divided into four groups to receive antibiotic or ozone treatments i.e., MA (mastitis animals treated with antibiotics), MO (mastitis animals treated with ozone), UA (uterine infected animals treated with antibiotics) and UO (uterine infected animals treated with ozone). The UA and UO groups were further treated with ovsynch estrus synchronization protocol on 14th day after the start of ozone or antibiotic treatment. The estrus response and pregnancy rate were determined to evaluate the efficiency of ozone or antibiotic treatment in uterine infected animals. The results showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) association between uterine infection and mastitis based on the presence of common pathogen. The cure rates in MO (53.8%) was higher (P&lt;0.05) than MA (23.1%). Similarly, estrus response and pregnancy rate were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in UO group than UA group. In conclusion, ozone therapy is more effective in curing mastitis and uterine infections.

An Efficient Processing Strategy to Improve the Flavor Profile of Egg Yolk: Ozone-Mediated Oxidation.

This study investigated the effect of ozone treatment on egg yolk volatiles and fatty acids. The composition and content of volatile substances and the fatty acid content of the egg yolk were changed significantly after ozonation. With proper ozone treatment (30 min), the aldehyde content in the egg yolk increased from 78.08% to 94.63%, and the relative content of dibutyl amine decreased from 1.50% to 0.00%. There were no significant differences among the types of fatty acids in the egg yolks after being treated with ozone, but there were differences in their relative contents. The results of SDS-PAGE showed no significant difference in yolk protein composition and contents among the groups. SEM results showed that moderate ozone treatment (20 min and 30 min) led to a regular and dense network structure of egg yolk. These results provided a theoretical basis for expanding the application of ozone technology in the egg yolk processing industry.

Multi-step ozone treatments of malting barley: Effect on the incidence of Fusarium graminearum and grain germination parameters

The effect of multi-step ozone treatments at 20 ± 1 °C in aqueous phase on the reduction of the incidence of Fusarium graminearum in artificially contaminated malting barley (104 CFU/g) was studied. Samples (50 g of infected barley) were ozonated in a bubble column that contained 500 mL water. Percentage of infected grains was assessed at three incubation temperatures (15, 20, and 25 °C). Ozonation in three steps of 45 min each (9.0 g ozone/L water per step) led to a significant reduction of the mould's incidence in barley, from 100% to 47%, 81%, and 78% at the three incubation temperatures, respectively. Germination parameters were tested separately in non-infected samples to evaluate the effect of ozone treatments on the grains' suitability for malting: germinative capacity and germinative energy were not significantly affected by the treatments (100% and 98%, respectively), whereas water sensitivity (related to the excessive absorption of water by grains, which impairs germination) was reduced from 19 to 11%. Grains treated in three steps achieved the moisture content (42%, wet basis) needed to start the germination stage in a steeping period (2.25 h) shorter than the traditional ones (36–52 h).Industrial relevance: The reduction of the incidence of F. graminearum in barley by the multi-step application of ozone in the steeping stage of the malting process is proposed as a strategy for improving the quality of malt and beer, without significant impact on barley germinative capacity and germinative energy, and reduction of water sensitivity. Shorter steeping periods are feasible, as well as the possibility of water reutilization, by these residue-free treatments.

Effect of ozone treatment on the chemical and mechanical properties of flax fibers

The surface of flax fiber is covered by noncellulosic substances, which results in many individual fibers that are bound into bundles. These noncellulosic materials must be removed to extract the usable fiber. In this study, ozone was used to remove the noncellulosic components from the surface of flax fiber. The changing regularity and mechanism of ozone treatment on the lignin content and degree of polymerization (DP) in flax fiber under different operational conditions (pH value, moisture content, ozone feed rate, and reaction time) were fully investigated. Then, the quality of untreated, ozone-treated (ozone 130 mg･L −1 ･min −1 , 20 min), ozone and acid treated (ozone 130 mg･L −1 ･min −1 , 20 min, pH 2.0, moisture content 70%) flax fiber were compared. The effect of ozone treatment on the change in strength, elongation, whiteness, copper number, and thermal stability of flax fiber was systematically tested. The results showed that the lignin content, DP, strength, elongation and thermal stability of flax fiber decreased after ozone treatment. The crystallinity, whiteness, copper number and roughness of flax fiber increased after ozone treatment. This phenomenon was more evident after ozone and acid treatment. Simultaneously, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the noncellulosic components on the fiber surface were partially removed after ozone treatment and were thoroughly separated after ozone and acid treatment. This study could offer guidance into the removal of noncellulose materials on the surface of flax fiber using ozone treatment. • Ozone treatment was conducted in the gas phase under room temperature and pressure. • The noncellulosic components were removed after ozone treatment. • Lignin content and degree of polymerization was decreased after ozone treatment. • The effect of ozone treatment on flax fibers under acidic conditions were observed.

Impact of ozone treatment on food polyphenols – A comprehensive review

Increasing the bioavailability of bioactive ingredients in foods, mainly phenolic compounds, is essential for enhancing health status and preventing chronic diseases. However, the challenge in front of food processors is to maintain bioactive compounds in food while achieving a long shelf life and fresh-like sensory quality. Consequently, ozone technology offers a competitive advantage over thermal processing as a means of food preservation. The interaction between ozone and food induces the antioxidant defence system against oxidative damage and enhances the production of antioxidant and stress-related secondary metabolites. This article examines the effect of ozone treatment on polyphenolic compounds in food. Among the areas of greatest interest are not only the pre and post-harvest treatments of food matrixes, but also the explanation of mechanisms involved in the ozone-related response and the main pathways for secondary metabolites biosynthesis. The available literature indicates that ozone treatment has significant effects on secondary metabolites accumulation and health-related properties depending on many factors such as cultivar, ozone form (aqueous or gaseous), dose, and application method. According to most published literature, ozone boosts the bioavailability of antioxidant compounds (e.g., polyphenols) and stress-related volatiles, supporting the hypothesis that polyphenols could be enhanced in different foods by means of ozone.

Determination of the Effects of Different Aqueous Ozone Doses and Temperature on Germination and Seedling Development of Vetch Seeds

ABSTRACT Various effects of ozone treatment on seed germination and development are known. This feature of ozone has gained more importance in recent years. On the other hand, it is reported that ozone used in excessive amounts causes adverse effects. The method of application of ozone and the results obtained vary according to the material used. In this study, two different vetch species (hairy vetch and common vetch), for 30 minutes four different ozone doses application [control (0.40 g/m3), 1.60 g/m3, 2.80 g/m3, 4.00 g/m3] and three different temperatures (10, 15 and 20 °C) were examined. As a result of applications; germination rate, radicle length, plumule length, seedling length, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight and vigor index values were calculated. It was determined that plumule length, seedling length, seedling fresh weight and vigor index values of the species were affected by ozone doses and temperature applications. Also, it was determined that the cultivar ˟ temperature ˟ ozone dose interaction had significant effects on the length of the radicle (P < 0.01) and the seedling fresh weight (P < 0.05). According to the results of the study; it has been determined that the applications of ozonized water up to 2.80 g/m3 positively affect the germination, radicle and seedling development of hairy vetch and common vetch seeds compared to the control. Besides, it was observed that the highest dose, 4.00 g/m3 dose, negatively affected the same parameters. It was found that the effect of temperature and ozone dose applications were significant on germination and seedling development.

Effects of Post-Harvest Ozone Treatment on Some Molecular Stability Markers of Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt. Fruit during Cold Storage.

Fruits of Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt. ex M. Roem. (Nutt.) are a good source of bioactive compounds and vitamins. Due to the fact that the berries are a soft fruit, they require special procedures to increase their molecular and mechanical stability during cold storage. The study investigated the effects of ozone treatment applied cyclically (every 24 h) on selected chemical and mechanical parameters of saskatoon berries kept in storage. For this purpose, measurements were performed to assess changes in some molecular markers such as antioxidant potential, content of vitamin C, and total polyphenols, as well as microbial stress and maximum destructive force under uniaxial compression of samples. The effectiveness of the storage process was also assessed in relation to the conditions used by determining the proportion of fruit affected by diseases occurring in storage. The findings show that ozone treatment led to increased content of bioactive compounds at the initial stages of storage and resulted in decreased loss of water and bioactive compounds at the later stages. Ultimately, irrespective of the conditions applied during ozone treatment, it was observed that the growth of micro-organisms on the fruit surface was inhibited, and as a result, storage losses during the relevant period were significantly reduced.

Changes in Fusarium and Aspergillus Mycotoxin Content and Fatty Acid Composition after the Application of Ozone in Different Maize Hybrids.

Mycotoxins in maize represent a great threat to human health. For this reason, novel technics such as ozone treatment are used to reduce the content of maize mycotoxins. However, there is little knowledge about the effect of ozone treatment on maize quality parameters. This study investigated the changes in Fusarium and Aspergillus mycotoxins and the changes in fatty acids during the ozone treatment of maize samples. Sixteen maize hybrids were visually tested for the naturally occurring ear rot severity and treated with three different concentrations of ozone (40, 70, and 85 mg/L). Mycotoxin content in maize samples was determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system, whereas dominant fatty acids were determined using gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Ozone treatments could be successfully applied to reduce the content of mycotoxins in maize below the detection limit. Ozone treatments increased the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and decreased the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), i.e., linoleic acid (36.7% in relation to the lowest applied ozone concentration), which negatively affected the nutritional value of maize.

Effect of Ozone Treatment on the Contents of Selected Bioactive Phytochemicals in Leaves of Alligator Plant Kalanchoe daigremontiana

The study investigated the effect of ozone treatment applied to Kalanchoe daigremontiana plants on the contents of selected phytochemicals and on markers of oxidative stress in the leaves. For this purpose, alligator plants were exposed to the gaseous ozone applied at a rate of 5 and 10 ppm for 1, 5, and 10 min. Subsequently, tests were performed to assess the ozone-treated plants for the ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), and for the activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), i.e., enzymes responsible for the decomposition of ROS. Measurements were also carried out to determine antioxidant potential, total contents of polyphenols, and vitamin C in plants as well as their mechanical properties. The findings show that the use of controlled conditions of ozone treatment (10 ppm; 1 min) resulted in increased contents of selected bioactive compounds (enhancement of total polyphenols 79%, enhancement of antioxidant potential ABTS 55.6% and DPPH 65.8%) in the ozone-treated raw material, with no phytotoxic effects of the process observed. It was shown that a short duration of ozone treatment is related to the increased activity of SOD (max 44%) and CAT (max 18.8%), which contributes to the lower production of ROS in cells of Kalanchoe daigremontiana.

Effect of Ozone on Bond Strength of Different Restorative Materials to Enamel and Dentin

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to examine the effects of ozone treatment applied at two different times, followed by the in vitro application of a reductant solution, on the shear bond strength of four different restorative materials to enamel and dentin. A total of 400 caries-free human molar teeth were randomly divided into enamel and dentin groups, and each was divided into five subgroups. The O20 group received 20-s ozone, O20 + R received 20-s ozone+reductant solution, O80 received 80-s ozone, O80 + R received 80-s ozone+reductant solution, and C was the control group. Each subgroup was then divided into four more subgroups based on restorative material (i.e., nanohybrid resin composite, silorane-based microhybrid resin composite, compomer, or conventional capsulated glass ionomer cement). After water storage for seven days, shear bond-strength data (MPa) were measured using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture, and failure types were examined. The effects of ozone and ozone+reductant applications on enamel and dentin were examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bond strength data were statistically evaluated using a three-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s honestly significant difference test (a = 0.05). The bond strength of the control group was like that of the O20 group (p > 0.05), but it was higher than all other groups regardless of the type of restorative material or tooth structure (p < 0.05). Adhesive-type failures were found in most groups. Via SEM examinations, it was observed that ozone applications did not change the enamel morphology, but they did cause narrowing of the dentinal tubule openings in O80 + R.

Effect of ozone treatment on lignification and postharvest quality of water bamboo shoots

AbstractOzone treatment is a useful approach to maintain postharvest quality for various fruits and vegetables. In this study, the effects of ozone fumigation on lignification and postharvest quality changes in water bamboo shoots were investigated. Water bamboo shoots were respectively treated with ozone at the concentrations of 0 (control), 3, 6, 9, and 12 µl L−1, packaged in polyethylene packing bag and stored at 2 ± 1°C for 60 days. The results showed that ozone treatment maintained the lightness, whiteness index values and retarded the lignification during storage. Water bamboo shoots treated with 9 µl L−1 ozone showed the best fruit quality and the least lignification. Ozone treatment also slowed the decrease of soluble pectin content and cellulose accumulation by inhibiting the activities of cellulase (Cx) and polygalacturonase. In addition, ozone treatment also protected cell ultrastructure. Ozone treatment could be a potential alternative for inhibiting lignification and delaying quality deterioration of water bamboo shoots during storage.

Effectiveness and Safety of Ozone Therapy for Dermatological Disorders: A Literature Review of Clinical Trials.

Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent, capable of promoting therapeutic effects such as antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant and healing activities, with low probability of toxicity when used in a specific dosage range. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review to assess clinical trials available over the past 10 years regarding the effectiveness and safety of ozone therapy to treat dermatological disorders. The search for bibliographic material was carried out through PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar electronic databases. The inclusion criteria covered only controlled clinical trials published from 2011 to 2021 and written in English. The 18 selected clinical trials included 1279 patients (ranging from 12 to 400 patients per study), of which 1185 patients were adults and 94 were children. Ozone therapy was evaluated regarding the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, digital ulcers, chronic venous leg ulcers, atopic dermatitis, skin burns, onychomycosis, tinea pedis, cutaneous leishmaniasis, balanitis xerotica obliterans and multiple common warts. Only three studies, addressing the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, skin ulcers and skin burns, evidenced lack of effectiveness of ozone treatment. Mild adverse effects occurred in three clinical trials, whereas severe side effects occurred in only one clinical trial, regarding skin ulcers. Therefore, ozone therapy may be suggested as an alternative or complementary treatment in some types of dermatological conditions specially affecting refractory patients. Though, a greater number of high-quality clinical trials is needed to clearly establish the safety of ozone therapy in dermatological disorders.

Grain disinfestation with ozone-air mixture

Grain pests cause significant damage to agriculture. In the process of storage, in the absence of proper monitoring and control over the state of the grain heap, various harmful insects develop in it. In the conditions of the laboratory of Voronezh State Agrarian University named after Emperor Peter I, granary weevils (Sitophilus granaries L.) and flour weevils (Tribolium confusum L.) were found in winter wheat grain, which were subjected to subsequent ozonation. Since ozone concentrations in the ozone-air mixture are very high (70...2000 mg/m3), which is very dangerous for human health, the aim of the studies was to determine the effectiveness of ozone treatment under less stringent regimes. As a result, it was found that to completely destroy the granary weevils (Sitophilus granaries L.), an ozone concentration in the range of 2.86...5.06 mg/m3 with an exposure time of 280 min is sufficient. Since it is very difficult to maintain a constant gas content, it is necessary to focus on the dose of ozone above 1200 mg·min/m3. To completely destroy the flour weevils (Tribolium confusum L.), it should be ozonize at the specified parameters for at least 460 min. In this case, the dose of ozone should exceed 2000 mg·min/m3. Ozonize should be carried by the death of insects until 40...50%, the rest die within the next 24 hours.

Ozone protects cardiomyocytes from myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury through miR-200c/FOXO3 axis

Purpose Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) is a detrimental process contributing to the pathological progression of coronary artery diseases. Studies indicate that miRNAs are implicated in ischemic heart disease, and ozone therapy could protect the heart from ischemic heart disease. In this study, we investigated the effect of ozone on miR-200c expression and the potential role of miR-200c in an I/R myocardial injury model. Methods A myocardial cellular model of I/R was established to detect the expression of miR-200c. Cardiomyocytes with I/R induction were treated with ozone as a cellular model to detect miR-200 expression and investigate its functional roles. The downstream target of miR-200c was predicted with Starbase online tools and validated by dual luciferase reporter assay. The function of miR-200c/FOXO3 axis in I/R was examined by CCK-8 proliferation and apoptotic assays. Results miR-200c was upregulated in primary cardiomyocytes of the I/R model. In cardiomyocyte cells, cell proliferation in the I/R group was significantly impaired, which could be partially rescued by miR-200c inhibitor or ozone treatment. Cell death detected by LDH release and apoptosis assay in the I/R model could also be inhibited by miR-200c inhibitor or ozone treatment. FOXO3 was identified as a downstream target of miR-200c, which was induced by ozone treatment and suppressed by miR-200c. Silencing FOXO3 abrogated the protective effect of ozone treatment on the I/R cell model. Conclusion Overall, our results suggest that ozone plays a cardio-protective role in I/R through regulating miR-200/FOXO3 axis, and indicate that targeting miR-200/FOXO3 axis could potentially alleviate I/R.