Higher Oxidative Levels Research Articles

Adaptive Changes in Human Leukocytes in Response to a Long-Term Stay in Antarctica

Oxidative stress and aging are known to alter the copy number (CN) of satellite III repeat (1q12) (SatIII(1q)) and telomeric repeat (TR) in the DNA of human cells. The extreme conditions of Antarctica could potentially affect the CN of these repeats in human blood cells, which may be associated with inhibition of the antioxidant system and activation of apoptosis. In this work, we analyzed the CN of ribosomal DNA (rDNA), SatIII(1q), and TR repeats in the leukocytes of 11 male members of the expedition to Vostok station in 2019–2020. To observe dynamic changes in the number of repeating elements of the genome and the degree of their oxidation, six blood samples were taken: before arrival in Antarctica, after 27, 85, 160, 270, and 315 days of wintering. To analyze adaptive changes, the expression levels of the BAX, BCL2, NOX4, NRF2, SOD1, and HIF1 genes were measured. We detected a decrease in SatIII(1q) CN and an increase in TR CN against the background of a stable rDNA CN in human blood cells during wintering. These changes, along with a decrease in the 8-oxodG in DNA, are associated with an increase in the activity of the NOX4 gene, a decrease in the activity of the NRF2 gene, and an increase in the expression of the proapoptotic protein BAX. Thus, wintering in Antarctica stimulates an adaptive response in the human body, which includes increased elimination from the bloodstream of “ballast” cells with a high level of DNA oxidation, a high SatIII(1q) content, and a low TR content. An increase in ROS levels due to chronic activation of the NOX4 gene along with the blocked NRF2 gene may play a significant role in the development of the response.

Environmental Degradation Study of Polypropylene Films Incorporating Pro-Oxidants: Comprehensive Analysis and Ecotoxicological Assessment

Our research described in this paper investigated the environmental degradation of polypropylene (PP) films incorporating pro-oxidants and assessed their impact on the ecosystem. Weathering aging effects were monitored through Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, revealing significant changes in carbonyl, hydroxyl and amorphous regions post-aging. The presence of pro-oxidants intensified these changes, indicating higher oxidation levels. Contact angle measurements demonstrated decreased hydrophobicity upon aging, particularly pronounced in pro-oxidant-containing films (initial contact angle: 87.79° for PP/1% Co/1% Fe, sample (F6) decreased to 79.24° after aging). Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) analysis revealed decreased melting temperatures (initial Tm: 159.5 °C for F6 decreased to 148 °C after aging) and the crystallinity post-aging (initial χ: 73.25% for F6 decreased to 60.17% after aging), suggesting increased susceptibility to degradation. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) showed decreased thermal stability after aging, especially in PP/pro-oxidant films; the Tonset (T5); 432.00 °C for F6, decreased to 268.00 °C after aging; where Tonset is the temperature corresponding to 5% weight loss. Biodegradation tests indicated enhanced biodegradability in the pro-oxidant-containing films, with cobalt and ferrous stearate mixtures showing the highest degradation degrees (e.g., PP/1% Co/1% Fe: ≈ 77% biodegradation after 140 days). Ecotoxicological evaluations, including microbial toxicity and plant germination and growth tests, revealed no inhibitory effects of the degradation products on soil flora or plant growth, confirming their nontoxic nature. Overall, we believe this comprehensive study provides insights into the environmental fate of PP films with pro-oxidants, highlighting their potential for accelerated degradation without adverse ecological impacts.

Chemical Differences between Phenolic Secondary Organic Aerosol Formed through Gas-Phase and Aqueous-Phase Reactions.

Phenolic compounds, which are significant emissions from biomass burning (BB), undergo rapid photochemical reactions in both gas and aqueous phases to form secondary organic aerosol, namely, gasSOA and aqSOA, respectively. The formation of gasSOA and aqSOA involves different reaction mechanisms, leading to different product distributions. In this study, we investigate the gaseous and aqueous reactions of guaiacol-a representative BB phenol-to elucidate the compositional differences between phenolic aqSOA and gasSOA. Aqueous-phase reactions of guaiacol produce higher SOA yields than gas-phase reactions (e.g., roughly 60 vs 30% at one half-life of guaiacol). These aqueous reactions involve more complex reaction mechanisms and exhibit a more gradual SOA evolution than their gaseous counterparts. Initially, gasSOA forms with high oxidation levels (O/C > 0.82), while aqSOA starts with lower O/C (0.55-0.75). However, prolonged aqueous-phase reactions substantially increase the oxidation state of aqSOA, making its bulk chemical composition closer to that of gasSOA. Additionally, aqueous reactions form a greater abundance of oligomers and high-molecular-weight compounds, alongside a more sustained production of carboxylic acids. AMS spectral signatures representative of phenolic gasSOA have been identified, which, together with tracer ions of aqSOA, can aid in the interpretation of field observation data on aerosol aging within BB smoke. The notable chemical differences between phenolic gasSOA and aqSOA highlighted in this study also underscore the importance of accurately representing both pathways in atmospheric models to better predict the aerosol properties and their environmental impacts.

Enhancement of interaction between Shenhua coal and GON-based dispersant with “surface-to-surface” adsorption by regulating the oxidation degree of GON: Experiments and simulations

The present study focuses on the synthesis of several graphene oxide nanosheet (GON)-based dispersants with an adsorption mode of “surface-to-surface” for the preparation of Shenhua coal (SC) water slurry (SCWS), achieved by grafting allyl polyoxyethylene ether (APEG) onto GON edges with varying degrees of oxidation using emulsion polymerization and esterification techniques. The impacts of the oxidation degree of GON on its structural characteristics and the performance of GON-based dispersants in SCWS were comprehensively assessed through a range of experimental techniques, alongside molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results demonstrated that with the increase in oxidation degree, there was an elevation of oxygen-containing groups, in which the content of COH decreased while the content of COC increased. Among all dispersants, GA-2, which was synthesized using GON-2 as the raw material with a graphite-to-KMnO4 mass ratio of 1:2.5, exhibited superior viscosity-reducing and stabilizing abilities compared to other dispersants. All SCWSs demonstrated pseudoplastic fluid behavior and showed good agreement with the Herschel-Bulkley model. After the adsorption of dispersants in SC, both the Zeta potential and surface wettability of SC significantly improved, especially with GA-2. The interaction mechanism between the dispersant and SC was analyzed by establishing and employing three adsorption models (M-1, M-2, and M-3). The interfacial adsorption structure confirmed that the dispersant exhibited “surface-to-surface” mode on coal through hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and π–π interaction. Energy studies revealed that M-2 with the highest Eads (−105.31 kcal/mol) demonstrated superior adsorption strength compared to M-1 and M-3. Investigations into water molecule mobility revealed that the interaction between the GON-based dispersant and SC resulted in a reduction of water molecule mobility, thereby promoting water molecule aggregation to facilitate the formation of hydration films and enhance SCWS stability. In summary, an optimal oxidation degree of GON was found to be crucial for enhancing the performance of GON-based dispersants; higher oxidation levels may hinder dispersant adsorption on coal surfaces by converting hydroxyl and carboxyl groups into epoxide groups, thus impairing the conjugated structure.

Bioactive matrix scaffold of oxidized sacchachitin via green catalyst of siliacat tempo for enhancing bone regeneration

Bone regeneration remains a critical challenge in orthopedic medicine. Extracellular matrix proteins play important roles in bionic mineralization and osteogenesis. Sacchachitin nanofibers (SCNFs) oxidized via TEMPO have shown great potential as biomaterial scaffolds due to the introduction of carboxylic groups that mimic the natural extracellular matrix. However, TEMPO is harmful to the environment, which calls for greener and sustainable alternatives. Therefore, this study explored the green fabrication of oxidized-SCNFs through SiliaCat-TEMPO (STEMPO) as a renewable catalyst with various amount of oxidation agents to evaluate their bone regeneration ability. We developed an optimal STEMPO oxidation process, enabling efficient removal of most STEMPO particles through centrifugation with minimal residue. The oxidation efficiency of recovered STEMPO particles remained comparable to fresh ones. STEMPO-oxidized SCNFs, oxidized at increasing NaClO levels, showed an increase in carboxylate content, from 0.1360 mmol/g to 3.2415 mmol/g. Additionally, STEMPO-oxidized SCNFs exhibited excellent biocompatibility with MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells, facilitating calcium precipitation, cell migration, and osteogenic differentiation. Mixed composites of β-tricalcium phosphate (BCP) and STEMPO-oxidized SCNFs with higher oxidation levels further enhanced osteogenic differentiation. In vivo studies using a rat femur defect model showed that SCNFs at the highest oxidation level (ST100SC) significantly promoted bone regeneration to full recovery, achieving a bone volume to total tissue volume (BV/TV) ratio of 75.6 %, compared to 48.3 % in the control. These results demonstrated that STEMPO-oxidized SCNFs with higher oxidation levels can be used as a bioactive matrix scaffold to achieve full recovery of bone regeneration.

Human sperm mitochondrial DNA copy numbers and deletion rates: Comparing persons living in two urban industrial agglomerations differing in sources of air pollution

Persons living in industrial environments are exposed to levels of air pollution that can affect their health and fertility. The Czech capital city, Prague, and the Ostrava industrial agglomeration differ in their major sources of air pollution. In Prague, heavy traffic produces high levels of nitrogen oxides throughout the year. In the Ostrava region, an iron industry and local heating are sources of particulate matter (PM) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), especially in the winter. We evaluated the effects of air pollution on human sperm mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Using real-time PCR, we analysed sperm mtDNA copy number and deletion rate in Prague city policemen in two seasons (spring and autumn) and compared the results with those from Ostrava. In Prague, the sperm mtDNA deletion rate was significantly higher in autumn than in spring, which is the opposite of the results from Ostrava. The sperm mtDNA copy number did not show any seasonal differences in either of the cities; it was correlated negatively with sperm concentration, motility, and viability, and with sperm chromatin integrity (assessed with the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay). The comparison between the two cities showed that the sperm mtDNA deletion rate in spring and the sperm mtDNA copy number in autumn were significantly lower in Prague vs. Ostrava. Our study supports the hypothesis that sperm mtDNA deletion rate is affected by the composition of air pollution. Sperm mtDNA abundance is closely associated with chromatin damage and standard semen characteristics.

Assessment of a color measurement-based method for the characterization of polymer thermo-oxidation

Epoxy resins are used in various applications where environmental factors can interact and degrade the material. Thermo-oxidation is one of the degradation processes that can lead to both mechanical and chemical changes. This work aims to present a technique for characterizing thermo-oxidative degradation based on color analysis. The UV–vis spectroscopy reveals the direct link between the chemical modification and the color variation. The color difference ΔEab* between a virgin and an aged sample (in CIELAB color space) provides an excellent indicator of oxidation degree. Calibration correlations have been developed based on reference samples aged under known conditions of temperature and pressure, translating color differences into an oxidation equivalent duration, represented as an equivalent time t* or to directly estimate mechanical properties. The t* parameter is the time that the sample should be exposed to the reference conditions to undergo the same oxidation level (equivalent to the same color difference change and then, degradation). Nanoindentation measurements were performed to validate the color measurement method. Some limitations were identified, including the poor correlation under non-equivalent time-temperature-pressure conditions, poor relevance for assessing high oxidation levels, and the impact of light scattering in areas with strong color gradients. The spatial resolution of color measurement is ten times higher than nanoindentation. Furthermore, the color measurement is non-destructive, can be conducted in situ, and is suitable for monitoring the aging of industrial components.

Understanding the impact of soil components on the environmental existence of Nonylphenol:From the perspective of soil aggregates

Nonylphenol (4-NP) has significant adverse effects on the male reproductive system. 4-NP is commonly used in agriculture as a plasticizer and pesticide emulsifier. In the current study, two soil samples with different textures were collected to evaluate the impact of soil components on the environmental existence of 4-NP among soil aggregates. It was found that the presence of soil POM resulted in 4-NP exhibiting a significantly polarized distribution in soil aggregates, instead of the expected increase in content with decreasing particle size. High levels of organic matter and metal oxides result in a high carrying capacity of small aggregates for 4-NP in both soil textures, while POM results in a higher carrying capacity of large aggregates for 4-NP in clay soil. Another important finding is that the existence of 4-NP in soil was regulated by the percentage of aggregates. The results of contribution shown that although small aggregates in sand presented stronger 4-NP carrying capacity, whereas 4-NP was mainly distributed in large aggregates in sand. For clay soil, 4-NP was predominantly located in small aggregates with the 4-NP contributions of small aggregates amounting to 63.17%, despite the highest carrying capacity of 4-NP was observed in large aggregates. These results provide a theoretical basis to investigate the transport and transformation of 4-NP in the soil environment.

Impact of Different Extraction Processes on the Quality of Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) Produced by Women in the Northern Regions of Côte d’Ivoire

Aims: The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of different extraction processes on the quality of butter produced in each region. Study Design: The production of shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) is an activity widely practiced in the North of Côte d’Ivoire using different processes, specific to each region. This leads to the great variability of butters on the market, calling into question the control of the quality of butter and limiting its valorization in the food and even technological fields. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Food Biochemistry and Tropical Products Technology, between June 2021 and July 2022. Methodology: To do this, the physical and chemical properties of butter from four (4) regions of northern Côte d'Ivoire (Poro, Bagoué, Tchologo and Hambol) were studied to judge their qualities. These different butters were then subjected to an organoleptic test in order to evaluate their levels of acceptability by a panel trained for this purpose. Results: The results obtained reflect a significant influence of all the processes on the physical and chemical properties of the butter, particularly on the quality criteria. We observe a high level of oxidation between 10.347±0.01 meq/kg (Poro) and 10.430±0.011 meq/kg (Bagoué), an accentuated acidity where the acid number varied from 10.763±0.01 mg/g (Tchologo) to 11.373±0.01 mg/g (Bagoué), leading to high free fatty acid contents of 5.986±0.02% (Bagoué), 5.891±0.01% (Poro), 5.771±0.010% (Hambol) and 5.665±0.010 (Tchologo) and an impurity phase to monitor ranging from 0.168±0.002 to 0.192±0.001. These impurity indices mostly show non-compliance for direct consumption (category I butter). However, some conformities are recorded when butters are downgraded to category II intended for the food industry with vigilance on these said conformities. Finally, the organoleptic analysis revealed a strong correlation of the general appreciation of butters with the taste but also texture and color which were influenced by the processes. Conclusion: This study highlighted the impact of all the extraction processes on the shea butter produced in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly on the peroxide indices and free fatty acids; confirmed by sensory testing.

The Effective Capacitance Behaviour of Argon Plasma Exposed Al Dopped CdO Electrode Used in Efficient Metal ‐Air Batteries

AbstractThe impact of employing DC glow discharge plasma on aluminum‐doped cadmium oxide (Al‐doped CdO) electrodes is explored in the context of advanced energy storage, particularly focusing on Al‐air batteries. Utilizing various characterization techniques including XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, FESEM, and EDS, we identify significant changes in structure and morphology induced by plasma treatment, such as nano scale clustering, increased surface roughness, and higher oxidation levels. Electrochemical tests with a three‐electrode system shows remarkable improvements in charge storage capacity after plasma treatment, particularly with argon plasma, resulting in increased capacitance (1140 Fg−1), specific capacity (681 mAhg−1), and reduced charge transfer resistance (4.2 Ω), with notable changes in behavior, especially in potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte.

Effect of Fenton reaction parameters on the structure and properties of oxidized wheat starch

Wheat starch was oxidized through a Fenton reaction by hydrogen peroxide and Iron II sulfate as a catalyst at various concentrations and reaction duration. The formation of carbonyl and carboxyl groups confirmed the starch oxidation as determined with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The degree of oxidation was estimated by carbonyl and carboxyl titration. The various oxidized wheat starches presented considerable variations in their oxidation level as a function of the catalyst concentration and oxidative process duration. The effect of the Fenton reaction parameters on the starch macromolecular chains and microstructure was evaluated by X-ray diffraction and amylose content estimation. Significant depolymerization of the starch macromolecules was observed, mainly in the starch amorphous phase, followed by a degradation of the crystalline phase at a higher oxidation level. SEM observations revealed changes in starch structure, which ranged from minor degradation of the starch granules to a more crosslinked morphology.

Microplastic pollution in surface sediments of Coromandel coastline, South-East Coast, India: Diversity index, carbonyl index, pollution load index, risk fraction and MPs inventory

The investigation along the Coromandel coastline of South-east India focused on assessing microplastics abundance using Simpson's diversity index (DIMP), Degradation-carbonyl index (DgCIMP), Pollution load index (PLIMP) and Ecological risk fraction (RfMP). These indices evaluated the dissemination and transportation of MPs across a 1076 km stretch divided into five zones from Chennai to Kanyakumari. During the wet season, average microplastics abundance (101 ± 36.6 items/kg dw) was lower compared to the dry season (143 ± 56.2 items/kg dw). Notably, 54% and 45% of microplastics were found in the 0.1–0.5 mm size range, with 45% and 64% being colored microplastics, and 80% and 71% being fibers during the wet and dry seasons respectively. Micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR) analysis showed rayon (34%) and PE (64%) dominance in ports and estuaries during both seasons. Kottaipattinam Port exhibited higher diversity indices (DIMPsh=0.56,DIMPsz=0.66,DIMPco=0.50andDIMPpo=0.65) compared to other zones, with an overall diversity index IDIMP of 0.57. Notably, among the DgCIMP values (n = 96), only 12 fell within the moderate photo-chemical oxidation range (0.16–0.35), while the majority (n = 60) surpassed 0.35 indicating higher oxidation levels, with some (n = 24) exceeding 0.50, signifying extreme oxidation. PLIMP revealed that 42% of sampling stations had very low to negligible MP contamination levels in ports and estuaries. However, ecological risk fraction RfMP values ranged from 10.2 to 13,670, with 27% of values exceeding 1500, indicating higher coastal ecological risk in 13 sampling stations.

The familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated A4V SOD1 mutant is not able to regulate aerobic glycolysis

Under certain stress conditions, astrocytes operate in aerobic glycolysis, a process controlled by pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) inhibition through its E1 α subunit (Pda1) phosphorylation. This supplies lactate to neurons, which save glucose to obtain NADPH to, among other roles, counteract reactive oxygen species. A failure in this metabolic cooperation causes severe damage to neurons. In this work, using humanized Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells in which its endogenous Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) was replaced by human ortholog, we investigated the role of human SOD1 (hSOD1) in aerobic glycolysis regulation and its implications to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease. Yeast cells ferment glucose even in the presence of oxygen and switch to respiratory metabolism after glucose exhaustion. However, like cells of SOD1-knockout strain, cells expressing A4V mutant of hSOD1 growing on glucose showed a respiratory phenotype, i.e., low glucose and high oxygen consumptions and low intracellular oxidation levels in response to peroxide stress, contrary to cells expressing wild-type (WT) SOD1 (yeast or human). The A4V mutation in hSOD1 is linked to ALS. In contrast to WT SOD1 strains, PDH activity of both sod1Δ and A4V hSOD1 cells did not change in response to a metabolic shift toward oxidative metabolism, which was associated to lower Pda1 phosphorylation levels under growth on glucose. Taken together, our results suggest that A4V mutant cannot regulate aerobic glycolysis via Pda1 phosphorylation the same way WT hSOD1, which might be linked to problems observed in the motor neurons of ALS patients with the SOD1 A4V mutation.

Study of sequential abiotic and biotic degradation of styrene butadiene rubber

Styrene butadiene rubber is one of the main constituents of tire tread. During tire life, the tread material undergoes different stresses that impact its structure and chemical composition. Wear particles are then released into the environment as weathered material. To understand their fate, it is important to start with a better characterization of abiotic and biotic degradation of the elastomer material. A multi-disciplinary approach was implemented to study the photo- and thermo- degradation of non-vulcanized SBR films containing 15 w% styrene as well as their potential biodegradation by Rhodoccocus ruber and Gordonia polyisoprenivorans bacterial strains. Each ageing process leads to crosslinking reactions, much surface oxidation of the films and the production of hundreds of short chain compounds. These degradation products present a high level of unsaturation and oxidation and can be released into water to become potential substrates for microorganisms. Both strains were able to degrade from 0.2 to 1.2 % (% ThOD) of the aged SBR film after 30-day incubation while no biodegradation was observed on the pristine material. A 25–75 % decrease in the signal intensity of water extractable compounds was observed, suggesting that biomass production was linked to the consumption of low-molecular-weight degradation products. These results evidence the positive impact of abiotic degradation on the biodegradation process of styrene butadiene rubber.

The NMR relaxivity of gadolinium (III) solutions as the function of oxidation level and flake size of graphene oxide

Chelating by graphene oxide (GO) results in dramatic shortening of the proton relaxation times of Gd3+ aqueous solutions. However, the factors, leading to the increase of relaxivity values, and the mechanisms behind the observed phenomena remain elusive. In this work, we investigated how the relaxation times of the GO/Gd3+ solutions depend on the oxidation level and the flake size of GO. The values of spin-lattice (r1) and spin-spin (r2) relaxivities increase with the oxidation degree of the used GO samples. The relaxivity also increases with decreasing the particle size of GO flakes by sonication. The observed phenomena are explained by the increase in the number of the edge functional groups, generated under the influence of both parameters. The content of these groups, their formation, and chelation of Gd3+ ions is discussed in the manuscript. Viscosity of solutions does not directly affect the relaxation times. With the use of high oxidation level and small particle size GO samples we have registered the record high relaxivity values: r2 = 114.7 mM−1 s−1, and r1 = 97.0 mM−1 s−1. This opens straight routes for developing the GO/Gd3+ based MRI contrast agents.

A peptidomic approach to discover the potential biomolecular signatures discriminating in-bag dry- and wet-aged lamb

The study assessed the peptidomic profile of in-bag dry-aged (2 °C, RH 75 %, 0.5 m.s−1, n = 30) and wet-aged (-1.5 °C, n = 30) lamb with high and low levels of lipid oxidation. A total of 1056 low molecular weight peptides (< 10 kDa) were identified in aged lamb samples, using LC-MS/MS and label free quantification (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD047738). Partial Least Squares – Discriminant analysis highlighted that all discriminating peptides in dry-aged lamb were from titin, whereas discriminating peptides in the wet-aged samples were predominantly from nebulin, myotilin, collagen type IV, LIM domain binding 3, and heat shock protein family B. Comparison of peptides from aged lamb meat with high- and low-levels of lipid oxidation showed that most discriminatory peptides within an ageing method are derived from oxidatively modified peptides from creatine kinase. These peptides could thus potentially be used as signature biomolecules to discriminate ageing techniques and indicate lipid oxidation levels.

CoFe2O4 as a source of Co(II) ions for imidacloprid insecticide oxidation using peroxymonosulfate: Influence of process parameters and surface changes

Nanometric cobalt magnetic ferrite (CoFe2O4) synthesized by distinct methods was used for in situ chemical activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under neutral conditions to oxidize imidacloprid (IMD) insecticide. The effect of CoFe2O4 load (0.125–1.0 g L−1) and PMS concentration (250–1000 μM) was investigated as well as the influence of phosphate buffer and Co(II) ions. PMS activation by Co(II) ions, including those leached from CoFe2O4 (>50 μg L−1), exhibited a strong influence on IMD oxidation and, apparently, without substantial contributions from the solid phase. Within the prepared solid materials (i.e., using sol-gel and co-precipitation methods), high oxidation rates (ca. 0.5 min−1) of IMD were attained in ultrapure water. Phosphate buffer had no significant influence on the IMD oxidation rate and level, however, its use and solution pH have shown to be important parameters, since higher PMS consumption was observed in the presence of buffered solutions at pH 7. IMD byproducts resulting from hydroxylation reactions and rupture of the imidazolidine ring were detected by mass spectrometry. At optimum conditions (0.125 g L−1 of CoFe2O4 and 500 μM of PMS), the CoFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibited an increase in the charge transfer resistance and an enhancement in the surface hydroxylation after PMS activation, which led to radical (HO● and SO4●–) and nonradical (1O2) species. The latter specie led to high levels of IMD oxidation, even in a complex water matrix, such as simulated municipal wastewater at the expense of one-order decrease in the IMD oxidation rate.

Iron-Based Nanoplatforms Achieve Hepatocellular Carcinoma Regression Through a Cascade of Effects.

Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of associated lipid peroxides (LPO), which can induce cell death when a certain level is reached. However, the extremely complex tumor microenvironment (TME) has the characteristics of antioxidant, even if it induces ferroptosis of tumor cells, its killing effect on tumor cells is still very limited. To solve this problem, we constructed a novel nanomaterials (GOx/EC@Fe3O4@CCM). We evaluated the anticancer effect of this nanomaterial in inhibiting tumor growth through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments. We successfully synthesized GOx/EC@Fe3O4 by one-pan synthesis method, then coated the Hepatocellular carcinoma cell membrane on its surface by co-extrusion technology, and finally synthesized the GOx/EC@Fe3O4@CCM nanoplatforms. We characterized the compounds in terms of morphology, particle size, and Zeta potential. In addition, we also studied the anti-tumor effect of GOx/EC@Fe3O4@CCM nanoplatforms from the following aspects, including the performance test of the nanoplatform, the intracellular effect of the nanoplatform, the anti-tumor effect in vitro, the intracellular ROS analysis, the intracellular effect of EC, and the anti-tumor effect in vivo. The iron-based carriers in GOx/EC@Fe3O4@CCM nanoplatforms are released and produce ferrous ions (Fe2+) in an acidic environment. Due to the limitation of the endogenous level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), we introduced GOx into the TME or tumor cells. Under the catalysis of GOx, glucose reacted rapidly to produce a large amount of H2O2, which then combined with Fe2+ to produce a large number of Hydroxyl radical (·OH). Its toxicity leads to dysfunction of cell membrane and organelles, and then causes cell damage. EC inhibits Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cancer cells, which effectively down-regulates downstream gene products, including NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1). A series of chain reactions reduce the escape effect of oxidative stress (OS) and effectively maintain a high level of intracellular oxidation. Furthermore, it induces sustained and intense ferroptosis in tumor cells. Finally, the use of cancer cell membrane modified nanoplatforms due to the homology of membrane protein components improves the tumor cell targeting of the nanoplatforms, showing significant tumor cell inhibition and killing effect in vivo. The results showed that the GOx/EC@Fe3O4@CCM nanoplatforms successfully induced significant ferroptosis of Hepatocellular carcinoma cells through a cascade effect, and finally effectively promoted cancer cell regression.

Burden of Uncontrolled Severe Asthma With and Without Elevated Type-2 Inflammatory Biomarkers

Many patients with asthma have type-2 airway inflammation, identified by the presence of biomarkers, including history of allergy, high blood eosinophil (EOS) count, and high fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels. To assess disease burden in relation to type-2 inflammatory biomarker status (history of allergy, blood EOS count, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide level) in patients with uncontrolled and controlled severe asthma in the NOVEL observational longiTudinal studY (NOVELTY) (NCT02760329). Asthma diagnosis and severity were physician-reported. Control was defined using Asthma Control Test score (uncontrolled <20, controlled ≥20) and/or 1 or more severe physician-reported exacerbation in the previous year. Biomarker distribution (history of allergy, blood EOS count, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide level), symptom burden (Asthma Control Test score, modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale), health status (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire score), exacerbations, and health care resource utilization were assessed. Of 647 patients with severe asthma, 446 had uncontrolled and 123 had controlled asthma. Among those with uncontrolled asthma, 196 (44%) had 2 or more positive biomarkers, 187 (42%) had 1 positive biomarker, 325 (73%) had low blood EOS, and 63 (14%) were triple-negative. Disease burden was similarly high across uncontrolled subgroups, irrespective of biomarker status, with poor symptom control (Asthma Control Test score 14.9-16.6), impaired health status (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score 46.7-49.4), clinically important breathlessness (modified Medical Research Council grade ≥2 in 47.3%-57.1%), and 1 or more severe exacerbation (70.6%-76.2%). Type-2 inflammatory biomarkers did not differentiate disease burden in patients with severe asthma. Patients with low type-2 inflammatory biomarker levels have few biologic therapy options; their needs should be addressed.

Chiroptical Switching of Electrochromic Polymer Thin Films.

The interaction between light and chiroptical polymers plays a crucial role in chiroptics, spintronics, and chiral-spin selectivity. Despite considerable successes in creating dissymmetric polymer films, the elucidation of chiroptical activities under electrochemical switching remains unexplored. Here homogeneous chiral electrochromics is reported using chiral assembly of conjugated polymers through a transient solidification process with molecular chiral templates. In their neutral state, the chiral electrochromic polymers directly produce a remarkably dissymmetric polarization-dependent transmittance. The circular dichroism (CD) and dissymmetric transmission can be tuned by adjusting the doping level of the electrochemically active polymer films. Under high levels of oxidation, the chiroptical activities are reversed with strong bleaching in the visible, leading to formation of monosignate CD spectra over the infrared region. The matching between circular polarization handedness and chirality of chiroptical polymers makes a distinct impact on optical contrast and color switching dynamics due to the flipped chiroptical activities through polymer redox reactions. The differential circularly polarized transmission in the chiral see-through display can make a well-resolved color change in human eyes, demonstrating proof-of-concept devices for 3D imaging and information encryption. This work serves as a foundation to develop advanced on-chip fabrication of circular polarization-multiplexed display in flexible and highly integrated platforms.