For efficient electrode development in an electrolysis system, Fe₂O₃, MnO, and heterojunction Fe₂O₃-MnO materials were synthesized via a simple sol-gel method. These particles were coated on a Ni-foam electrode, and the resulting material was used as an electrode to be used during an oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A 1000-cycle OER test in a KOH alkaline electrolyte indicated that the heterojunction Fe₂O₃-MnO/NF electrode exhibited the most stable and highest OER activity: it exhibited a low overvoltage (n) of 370 mV and a small Tafel slope of 66 mV/dec. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the excellent redox performance contributed to the synergy of Mn and Fe, which enhanced the OER performance of the Fe₂O₃-MnO/NF electrode. Furthermore, the effective redox reaction of Mn and Fe indicated that the structure maintained stability even under 1000 repeated OER cycles.

Polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyser suffers mainly from slow kinetics regarding oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Noble metal oxides, like IrO2, RuO2, are generally more active for OER than metal electrodes, exhibiting low anodic overpotentials and high catalytic activity. However, issues like electrocatalyst stability under continuous operation and cost minimization through reduction of the catalyst loading are of great importance for the research community. In the present study, unsupported IrO2 of various particle sizes (different calcination temperatures) were evaluated for the OER and as anode electrodes for PEM water electrolyzers [1]. The elec-trocatalysts were synthesized by the modified Adams method [2][3] and the effect of calcination temperature on the properties of IrO2 electrocatalysts is investigated. Physicochemical charac-terization was conducted using X-ray Diffraction, BET, High-Resolution TEM and XPS analyses. For the electrochemical performance of synthesized electrocatalysts in the OER, cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry were conducted in a typical 3-cell electrode configuration, using glassy carbon as working electrode, where the synthesized electrocatalysts were casted on, in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The materials, as anode PEM water electrolysis electrodes, were further evaluated in a typical electrolytic cell using Nafion®115 membrane as electrolyte and Pt/C as cathode elec-trocatalyst. The IrO2 electrocatalyst calcined at 400°C shows high crystallinity with 1.24 nm particle size, high specific surface area (185 m2 g-1) and a high OER activity of 177 mA cm-2 at 1.8 V as anode electrocatalyst for PEM water electrolyzer.

Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) for water electrolysis have received tremendous attention due to their immediate response, high proton conductivity, low ohmic losses and gas crossover rate. However, design high activity, economical and long-term durable electrocatalysts in an acidic environment is still the bottleneck to realize the large-scale commercialization of PEMWEs. Iridium-based materials represent one of the most promising classes of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts due to their intrinsic stability in acid media over ruthenium-based counterparts. However, only a few innovative approaches have been developed to synthesizing iridium-based catalysts (IBCs) in the past decade, mainly due to achieving high activity may deteriorate the stability of IBCs. Accordingly, various engineering strategies of optimizing IBCs have been proposed to address this issue, including doping engineering, morphology engineering, crystal phase engineering and support engineering. Herein, a critical overview focusing on various synthesis and modulation strategies of IBCs is presented, based on an in-depth understanding of the relationship between electronic structures, charge redistribution and activity as well as stability of the electrocatalysts. In addition, the unprecedented achievements in PEMWEs are summarized. The reaction mechanisms and future perspectives are critically discussed to inspire more rational design of IBCs toward practical applications.

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of hydrogen adsorption on titanium nitride had previously shown that hydrogen may adsorb on both titanium and nitrogen sites with a moderate adsorption energy. Further, the diffusion barrier was also found to be low. These findings may qualify TiN, a versatile multifunctional material with electronic conductivity, as electrode material for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This was the main impetus of this work which aims to experimentally and theoretically investigate the electrocatalytic properties of TiN-layers that were processed on Ti substrate using reactive ion sputtering. The properties are discussed focusing on the role of oxygen defects introduced during the sputtering process on the HER. Based on DFT calculations, it is shown that these oxygen defects alter the electronic environment of the Ti atoms which entails a low hydrogen adsorption energy in the range of -0.1 eV; this leads to HER performances that match those of Pt-NPs in acidic media. When a few nanometr thick layer of Pd-NPs is sputtered on-top of the TiN-layer, the performance is drastically reduced. This is interpreted in terms of oxygen defects being scavenged by the Pd-NPs near the surface which is thought to reduce the hydrogen adsorption sites.

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a key half-reaction in electrocatalytic water splitting. Large-scale water electrolysis is hampered by the commercial precious metal-based OER electrocatalysts owing to their high cost and slow kinetics. To address these issues, we present a facile one-pot room-temperature coprecipitation method to quickly synthesize carbon nanotubes-interconnected amorphous NiFe-layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDH@CNT) as low-cost, efficient and stable OER electrocatalyst. NiFe-LDH@CNT hybrid catalyst delivers outstanding OER performance with a low onset overpotential of 255 mV and a small Tafel slope of 51.2 mV dec-1, as well as outstanding long-term stability. The terrific catalytic capability of NiFe-LDH@CNT can be associated with the synergistic effects of its room-temperature synthesized amorphous structure, bi-metallic modulation, and conductive CNT skeleton. The room-temperature synthesis can not only offer economic feasibility, but also obtain amorphous NiFe-LDH without crystalline boundaries, facilitating long-term stability during OER process. The bi-metallic nature of NiFe-LDH guarantees a modified electronic structure, providing additional catalytic sites. Simultaneously, the highly conductive CNT network fosters a nanoporous structure, facilitating electron transfer, O2 release and enriching catalytic sites. This study presents a strategy to purposefully design nanoarchitecture and facilely synthesize amorphous transition metal-based OER catalysts, ensuring the cost effectiveness, production efficiency, and long-term stability.

The poor conductivity and instability of layered dihydroxides (LDHs) limit their widespread application in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, the composite electrode of NiMn-LDHs, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and nickel foam (NF), i.e., NiMn-LDHs/rGO/NF, was prepared by a hydrothermal method. When subjected to oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic performance in a solution of 1 M KOH, the NiMn-LDHs/rGO/NF composite catalyst exhibited an overpotential of only 140 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 49 mV dec-1, which is not only better than the comparing RuO2/NF catalyst, but also better than most of the Mn-based and the Ni–Fe containing bimetallic OER catalysts reported in the literature. The excellent electrocatalytic performance is ascribed to the efficient integration of ultrathin NiMn-LDHs sheets, thin-layered rGO and NF, contributing a lot to the decrease in charge transfer resistance and the increase in electrochemically active surface area. Moreover, NF plays a role of current collector and a role of rigid support for the NiMn-LDHs/rGO composite, contributing extra conductivity and stability to the NiMn-LDHs/rGO/NF composite electrode.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are investigated for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to their structure diversity, high specific surface area, adjustable pore size and abundant active sites. However, the poor conductivity of most MOFs restricts this application. Herein, through a facile one-step solvothermal method, the Ni-based pillared metal-organic framework [Ni2(BDC)2DABCO] (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, DABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), its bimetallic nickel-iron form [Ni(Fe)(BDC)2DABCO] and their modified Ketjenblack (mKB) composites were synthesized and tested towards OER in an alkaline medium (KOH 1 mol L–1). A synergistic effect of the bimetallic nickel-iron MOF and the conductive mKB additive enhance the catalytic activity of the MOF/mKB composites. All MOF/mKB composite samples (7, 14, 22, 34 wt.% mKB) indicated much higher OER performances than the MOFs and mKB alone. The Ni-MOF/mKB14 composite (14 wt. % of mKB) demonstrated an overpotential of 294 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm–2 and Tafel slope of 32 mV dec–1, which is comparable with commercial RuO2 commonly used as a benchmark material for OER. The catalytic performance of Ni(Fe)MOF/mKB14 (0.57 wt% Fe) was improved further to an overpotential of 279 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm–2. The low Tafel slope of 25 mV dec–1 as well as a low reaction resistance due to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement confirm the excellent OER performance of the Ni(Fe)MOF/mKB14 composite. For practical applications, the Ni(Fe)MOF/mKB14 electrocatalyst was impregnated into commercial nickel foam (NF), where overpotentials of 247 and 291 mV at current densities of 10 and 50 mA cm–2, respectively, were realized. The activity was maintained for 30 h at the applied current density of 50 mA cm–2. The electrocatalytic system consisting of earth-abundant Ni and Fe metals only would be attractive for the development of efficient, practical and economical energy conversion materials for efficient OER activity.

Efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts are highly desired in the field of water electrolysis and rechargeable metal-air batteries. In this study, a chelate polymer, composed of copper (II) and dithiooxamide, was used to derive an efficient catalytic system for OER. Upon potential sweep in 1M KOH, copper (II) centers of the chelate polymer were transformed to CuO and Cu(OH)2. The carbon-dispersed CuO nanostructures formed a nanocomposite which exhibits an enhanced catalytic activity for OER in alkaline media. The nanocomposite catalyst has overpotential of 280 mV (at 1 mA/cm2) and a Tafel slope of 81 mV/dec in 1M KOH solution. It has a seven-fold higher current than IrO2/C electrode, per metal loading. A catalytic cycle is proposed, in which, CuO undergoes electrooxidation to Cu2O3 that further decomposes to CuO with releasing oxygen. This work reveals a new method to produce an active nanocomposite catalyst for OER in alkaline media using a non-noble metal chelate polymer and a porous carbon. This method can be applied to the synthesis of transition metal oxide nanoparticles used in the preparation of composite electrodes for water electrolyzers and can be used to derive cathode materials for aqueous-type metal-air batteries.

Iron-containing nickel sulfides, selenides, and sulfoselenides were synthesized via a simple two-step hydrothermal reaction (temperature 160 °C) for their application as electrocatalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in an alkaline solution (1 mol L–1 KOH). The study demonstrated that iron-containing nickel cobalt sulfides and selenides exhibit superior OER performance with lower overpotentials compared to iron-free nickel cobalt sulfide and selenide, which highlights the significant role of iron in enhancing OER nickel cobalt electrocatalysts: Fe0.1Ni1.4Co2.9(S0.87O0.13)4, η50 = 318 mV; Fe0.2Ni1.5Co2.8(S0.9O0.1)4, η50 = 310 mV; Fe0.3Ni1.2Co2.5(S0.9O0.1)4, η50 = 294 mV; Fe0.6Ni1.2Co2.5(S0.83O0.17)4, η50 = 294 mV, Fe0.4Ni0.7Co1.6(Se0.81O0.19)4, η50 = 306 mV compared to Ni1.0Co2.1(S0.9O0.1)4, η50 = 346 mV and Ni0.7Co1.4(Se0.85O0.15)4, η50 = 355 mV (all values at current densities η50 of 50 mA cm–2). Furthermore, the iron-containing nickel cobalt sulfoselenide Fe0.5Ni1.0Co2.0(S0.57Se0.25O0.18)4 displayed exceptional OER performance with η50 = 277 mV, surpassing the benchmark RuO2 electrode with η50 = 299 mV. The superior performance of the sulfoselenide was attributed to its low charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 0.8 Ω at 1.5 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Moreover, the sulfoselenide demonstrated remarkable stability, with only a minimal increase in overpotential (η50) from 277 mV to 279 mV after a 20 h chronopotentiometry test. These findings suggest that trimetallic iron, nickel and cobalt sulfide, selenide and especially sulfoselenide materials hold promise as high-performance, cost-effective, and durable electrocatalysts for sustainable OER reactions. This study provides a valuable approach for the development of efficient electrocatalytic materials, contributing to the advancement of renewable energy technologies.

The surface configurations of the low-index facets of a set of spinel oxides are investigated using DFT+U calculations to derive surface energies and predict equilibrium nanoparticle shapes via the Wulff construction. Two very different conditions are investigated, corresponding to application either in heterogeneous catalysis or in electrocatalysis. First, the bare stoichiometric surfaces of NiFe₂O₄, CoFe₂O₄, NiCo₂O₄, ZnCo₂O₄ spinels are studied to model their use as high-temperature oxidation catalysts. Second, focusing attention on the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and on the CoFe₂O₄ inverse spinel as the most promising OER catalyst, we generate surface configurations by adsorbing OER intermediates, and, in an innovative study, we recalculate surface energies taking into account adsorption and environmental conditions, i.e., applied electrode potential and O₂ pressure. We predict that, under OER operating conditions, (111) facets are dominant in CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticle shapes, in fair agreement with microscopy measurements. Importantly, in the OER case we predict a strong dependence of nanoparticle shape upon O₂ pressure. Increasing O₂ pressure increases the size of the higher-index (111) and (110) facets at the expense of the (001) more catalytically active facet, whereas the opposite occurs at low O₂ pressure. These predictions should be experimentally verifiable and help define the optimal OER operative conditions.

The radiosensitivity of biological systems is strongly affected by the system oxygenation. On the nanoscopic scale and molecular level, this effect is considered to be strongly related to the indirect damage of radiation. Even though particle track radiolysis has been the object of several studies, still little is known about the nanoscopic impact of target oxygenation on the radical yields. We present here an extension of the chemical module of the Monte Carlo particle track structure code TRAX, taking into account the presence of dissolved molecular oxygen in the target material. The impact of the target oxygenation level on the chemical track evolution and the yields of all the relevant chemical species is studied in water under different irradiation conditions: different linear energy transfer (LET) values, different oxygenation levels, and different particle types. Especially for low LET radiation, a large production of two highly toxic species (HO₂^• and O₂^•− ), which are not produced in anoxic conditions, is predicted and quantified in oxygenated solutions. The remarkable correlation between the HO₂^• and O₂^•− production yield and the oxygen enhancement ratio observed in biological systems suggests a direct or indirect involvement of HO₂^• and O₂^•− in the oxygen sensitization effect. The results are in agreement with available experimental data and previous computational approaches. An analysis of the oxygen depletion rate in different radiation conditions is also reported.

Two methods for Pd nanoparticle synthesis were explored with three different carbide-derived carbon (CDC) support materials of which one was nitrogen-doped. These materials were studied for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.1 M KOH solution. The prepared CDC/Pd catalysts were characterized using TEM, XRD and XPS. Using these methods, we can observe the influence of support materials for one-pot synthesis methods as we use the standard citrate method and polyol method with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a capping agent. Comparing the two methods N-doping of carbon material resulted in smaller nanoparticles only in the case of citrate synthesis, suggesting that the influence of support is weaker using polyol method. Citrate method on CDC1, which was predominantly microporous led to a higher degree of agglomeration and larger particle formation in comparison to CDC2 and CDC3 supports, which possessed higher degree of mesoporosity. Smaller Pd particle sizes were achieved using citrate and NaBH4 in comparison to the ethylene glycol-PVP method. CDC2 and CDC3 did not show significant difference suggesting that the N-doping did not have much of an influence on the ORR. Highest SA value was observed on CDC1/Pd_Cit, which could be attributed to formation of larger particles and agglomerates.

The efficiency and performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are primarily influenced by ORR electrocatalysts. In recent years, atomically dispersed met-al-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts have gained significant attention due to their high active center density, high atomic utilization, and high activity. These catalysts are now considered the preferred alternative to traditional noble metal electrocatalysts. The unique properties of M-N-C catalysts are anticipated to enhance the energy conversion efficiency and lower the manufac-turing cost of the entire system, thereby facilitating the commercialization and widespread ap-plication of fuel cell technology. This article initially delves into the origin of performance and degradation mechanisms of Fe-N-C catalysts from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. Building on this foundation, the focus shifts to strategies aimed at enhancing the activity and durability of atomically dispersed Fe-N-C catalysts. These strategies encompass the use of bi-metallic atoms, atomic clusters, heteroatoms (B, S, and P), and morphology regulation to optimize catalytic active sites. The article concludes by detailing the current challenges and future pro-spects of atomically dispersed Fe-N-C catalysts.

Photosystem II (PSII) is a quinone-utilising photosynthetic system that converts light energy into chemical energy and catalyses the splitting of water. PsbA (D1) and PsbD (D2) are the core subunits of the reaction centre that provide most of the ligands to the redox-active cofactors and exhibit photooxidoreductase activities that convert quinone and water into quinol and oxygen. This analysis explored the putative uncoupled electron transfer pathways surrounding P680+ induced by far-red light (FRL) based on photosystem II (PSII) complexes containing substituted D1 subunits in Halomicronema hongdechloris. Chlorophyll f-synthase (ChlF) is a D1 protein paralog. Modelling PSII-ChlF complexes determined several key protein motifs of ChlF. The PSII complexes showed a dysfunctional Mn4CaO5 cluster if ChlF replaced the D1 protein. We propose the mechanism of chlorophyll f synthesis from chlorophyll a via free radical chemistry in an oxygenated environment created by over-excited pheophytin a and an inactive water splitting reaction due to an uncoupled Mn4CaO5 cluster in PSII-ChlF complexes. The role of ChlF in the formation of an inactive PSII reaction centre is under debate and the putative mechanisms of chlorophyll biosynthesis are discussed.

In this paper, we first report that WO_x contained nanoalloys exhibit stable electrocatalytic performance in alkaline media, though bulk WO₃ are easy to be dissolved in NaOH solutions. Carbon supported oxide-rich Pd-W alloy nanoparticles (PdW/C) with different Pd:W atom ratios were prepared by reduction-oxidation method. Among the catalysts, the oxide-rich Pd0.8W0.2/C (Pd/W = 8:2, atom ratio) exhibits the highest catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data shows that ~40% of Pd atoms and ~60% of the W atoms are in their oxides form. The Pd 3d_5/2 peaks in oxide-rich Pd-W nanoalloys are positive shift compared with that of Pd/C, which indicates the electronic structure of Pd is affected by the strong interaction between Pd and W/WO₃. Compare to Pd/C, the onset potential of oxygen reduction reaction at the oxide-rich Pd_0.8W_0.2/C is positive shifted. The current density (mA·mg Pd⁻¹) at the oxide-rich Pd_0.8W_0.2/C is ~1.6 times of that at Pd/C. The oxide-rich Pd_0.8W_0.2/C also exhibits higher catalytic stability than Pd/C, which demonstrate that it is a prospective candidate for the cathode of fuel cells operated with alkaline electrolyte.

The great importance of estimating dissolved oxygen (DO) dictates utilizing proper evaluative models. In this work, a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) network is trained by three capable metaheuristic algorithms, namely multi-verse optimizer (MVO), black hole algorithm (BHA), and shuffled complex evolution (SCE) for predicting the DO using the data of the Klamath River Station, Oregon, US. The records (DO, water temperature, pH, and specific conductance) belonging to the water years 2015 - 2018 (USGS) are used for pattern analysis. The results of this process showed that all three hybrid models could properly infer the DO behavior. However, the BHA and SCE accomplished this task by simpler configurations. Next, the generalization ability of the developed patterns is tested using the data of the 2019 water year. Referring to the calculated mean absolute errors of 1.0161, 1.1997, and 1.0122, as well as Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.8741, 0.8453, and 0.8775, the MLPs trained by the MVO and SCE perform better than the BHA. Therefore, these two hybrids (i.e., the MLP-MVO and MLP-SCE) can be satisfactorily used for future applications.

This work investigates a new nanostructured gas-diffusion-layer (nano-GDL) to improve performance of air-cathode Single-Chamber-Microbial-Fuel-Cells (a-SCMFCs). The new nano-GDLs improves the direct oxygen-reduction-reaction by exploiting the best of nanofibers from electrospinning in terms of high surface ratio to volume and high porosity, and laser-based processing to promote adhesion. Nano-GDLs by electrospinning were fabricated directly collecting two nanofibers mats on the same carbon-based electrode, acting as the substrate. Each layer was designed with a specific function: water resistant, oxygen permeable polyvinylidene-difluoride (PVDF) nanofibers served as a barrier to prevent water-based electrolyte leakage, while an inner layer of cellulose nanofibers was added to promote oxygen diffusion towards the catalytic sites. The maximum current density obtained for a-SCMFCs with the new nano-GDLs is (132.2 ± 10.8) mA m^-2, and it doubles the current density obtained with standard PTFE-based GDL (58.5 ± 2.4 mA m^-2), used as reference material. The energy recovery (EF) factor, i.e. the ratio of the power output to the inner volume of the device, was then used to evaluate the overall performance of a-SCMFCs. a-SCMFCs with nano-GDL provided an EF value of 60.83 mJ m^-3: one order of magnitude higher than the value of 3.92 mJ m^-3 obtained with standard GDL

By planting LEDs on the surfaces of orifice baffles, a novel batch oscillatory baffled photoreactor (OBPR) together with polymer-supported Rose Bengal (Ps-RB) beads are used to investigate reaction kinetics of a photo-oxidation reaction between α-terpinene and singlet oxygen (1O2). In the widely used NMR data analysis for this reaction, α-terpinene and ascaridole are treated as a reaction pair, assuming kinetically singlet oxygen is in excess or constant. We have, for the first time, examined the validity of the method, discovered that increasing α-terpinene initially leads to an increase of ascaridole, indicating that the supply of singlet oxygen is in excess. Applying kinetic analysis, a pseudo first order reaction kinetics is confirmed, supporting this assumption. We have subsequently initiated a methodology of estimating the 1O2 concentrations based on the proportionality of ascaridole concentrations with respect to its maximum under these conditions. With the help of the estimated singlet oxygen data, the efficiency of 1O2 utilization and the photo efficiency of converting molecular oxygen to 1O2 are further proposed and evaluated. We have also identified conditions where further increase of α-terpinene has caused decreases in ascaridole, implying kinetically that 1O2 has now become a limiting reagent, the method of treating α-terpinene and ascaridole as a reaction pair in the data analysis would no longer be valid under those conditions.

The design and fabrication of low-cost catalysts for highly efficient oxygen reduction is of paramount importance for various renewable energy-related technologies, such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Herein, we report the in situ growth of Fe3N nanoparticles encapsulated N-doped carbon nanotubes on the surface of flexible biomass-derived carbon cloth (Fe3N@CNTs/CC) via a simple one-step carbonization process. Taking advantage of its unique structure, Fe3N@CNTs/CC was employed as a self-standing electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and possessed high activity as well as excellent long-term stability and methanol resistance in alkaline media. Remarkably, Fe3N@CNT/CC can directly play the role of both gas diffusion layer and electrocatalytic cathode in a zinc-air battery without additional means of catalyst loading, and display higher open circuit voltage, power density, and specific capacity in comparison with the commercial Pt/C catalyst. This work is anticipated to inspire the design of cost-effective, easy-preparation, and high-performance air electrodes for advanced electrochemical applications.

Oxygen evolution reaction is a momentous part of electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices such as rechargeable metal-air batteries. It is particularly urgent to develop low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reactions. As a potential substitute for noble metal electrocatalysts, transition metal selenides are still challenging in improving the activity of oxygen evolution reaction and the research of reaction intermediates. In this study, a simple one-step solvothermal method was used to prepare a polymetallic compound carbon matrix composite (Co9Se8/Ni3Se4/Fe3O4@C) with a multilayered nanosheets structure. It exhibited good OER activity in an alkaline electrolyte solution with an overpotential of 268 mV at 10 mA/cm2 in an alkaline medium. Besides, this catalyst also showed excellent performance in the 24 hours stability test. The composite presents a multi-layer sheet structure, which effectively improves the contact between the active site and the electrolyte. The selenide formed by Ni and Co has a synergistic effect, Fe3O4 and Co9Se8 form a heterojunction structure, which can effectively improve the reaction activity by initiating the electronic coupling effect through the interface modification. In addition, carbon quantum dots have rich heteroatoms and electron transferability, which improves the electrochemical properties of the composites. This work provides a new strategy for the preparation of highly efficient OER electrocatalysts utilizing the multimetal synergistic effect.

Addressing global environmental problem, water splitting to produce hydrogen fuel by solar energy is getting so much attention. In the water splitting, the essential problem to solve is the development of efficient　catalysts for oxygen production. In this paper, having the prospect for a practical application of photocatalysts to artificial photosynthesis, molecular mechanisms in the current literature are briefly reviewed. At first, recent progress in the function of Mn cluster at the natural photosystem II is briefly described. The kinds of devices in which oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts are used were designated; water electrolyzers, photoelectrodes, and photocatalysts. Some methods for analyzing molecular mechanism in OER catalysis, emphasized by FTIR method, are shown briefly. After describing common OER mechanisms, the molecular mechanisms are discussed for TiO2 and BiVO4 photoelectrodes with our novel data, followed by presenting of co-catalysts IrO2, RuO2, NiO2, and other metal oxides for OER catalysts. Recent reports describing OER catalysts of perovskites, layered double hydroxides (LDH), metal-organic frameworks (MOF), single atom catalysts, as well as metal complexes are reviewed. Finally, by comparing with natural photosystem, the requiring factors to improve the activity of the catalysts for artificial photosynthesis will be discussed.

Glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) form a broad family of antioxidant proteins essential for maintaining redox homeostasis in eukaryotic cells. In this study, we used an integrative approach that combines bioinformatics, molecular biology, and biochemistry to investigate the role of GPxs in reactive oxygen species detoxification in the unicellular eukaryotic model organism Tetrahymena thermophila. Both phylogenetic and mechanistic empirical model analyses provided indications about the evolutionary relationships among the GPXs of Tetrahymena and the orthologous enzymes of phylogenetically related species. In-silico gene characterization and text mining were used to predict the functional relationships between GPxs and other physiologically-relevant processes. The GPx genes contain conserved transcriptional regulatory elements in the promoter region, which suggest that transcription is under tight control of specialized signaling pathways. The bioinformatic findings were next experimentally validated by studying the time course of copper (Cu)-dependent regulation of gene transcription and enzymatic activity. Results emphasize the role of GPxs in the detoxification pathways that, by complex regulation of Cu-dependent GPx gene expression, enables Tetrahymena to survive in high Cu concentrations and the associated redox environment.

We report on the phosphorescence of singlet oxygen photogenerated through a stimulated Raman process. Nanosecond radiation in the green spectral region focused on hexane induces a Raman transition of the dissolved in the solvent oxygen molecules toward the singlet oxygen state producing a Stokes signal in the near infrared. The excited oxygen relaxes to ground emitting an infrared photon at 1269 nm. While the Stokes signal’s wavelength changes with the pumping light’s wavelength, the wavelength of the phosphorescent photon remains unaltered. The result confirms previously reports on stimulated Raman excitation of singlet oxygen.

Recently, electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) as well as oxygen evolution reactions (OERs) hinged on electrospun nanofiber composites have attracted wide research attention. Transition metal elements and heteroatomic doping are important methods used to enhance their catalytic performances. Lately, the construction of electrocatalysts based on metal-organic framework (MOF) electrospun nanofibers has become a research hotspot. In this work, bimetallic NixCoy-ZIF nanocrystals were synthesized in an aqueous solution, followed by NixCoy-ZIF/PAN electrospun nanofiber precursors, which were prepared by a simple electrospinning method. Bimetal (Ni-Co) porous carbon nanofiber catalysts doped with nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur elements were obtained at high-temperature carbonization treatment in different atmospheres (Ar, Air, and H2S), respectively. The morphological properties, structures, and composition were characterized by SEM, TEM, SAED, XRD, and XPS. Also, the specific surface area of materials and their pore size distribution was characterized by BET. Linear sweep voltammetry curves investigated catalyst performances towards oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. Importantly, Ni1Co2-ZIFs/PAN-Ar yielded the best ORR activity, whereas Ni1Co1-ZIFs/PAN-Air exhibited the best OER performance. This work provides significant guidance for the preparation and characterization of multi-doped porous carbon nanofibers carbonized in different atmospheres.

Background: Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) have shown efficacy in delivering adequate oxygen for various patient scenarios; however, there is a lack of research on POCs’ efficacy across different respiratory rates specifically among COPD patients. Methods: This bench study was conducted using the IngMar Medical Active Servo Lung 5000 attached to flexible tubing, which simulated an adult patient’s nares. An oxygen analyzer (Maxtec Handi+) was connected to the tubing 6 inches below the nares to estimate the inspired oxygen concentration at the adult trachea. A standard nasal cannula was placed in the simulated patient nares, which was also attached to each POC. The IngMar Lung was programmed to simulate a COPD patient at the following respiratory rates: 15, 20, 30, and 40 breaths/min. POC devices were then compared to an oxygen wall outlet and a standard oxygen concentrator (non-portable CAIRE device). The POCs included the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort (with Autosat), CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort (without Autosat), Inogen G4, Inogen G5, Phillips SimplyGo Mini, GCE Zen-O lite, Drive Medical iGo2, and Kingon POCs. Descriptive statistics and ANOVAs were computed to determine statistically significant differences between POCS and control devices (wall oxygen and standalone oxygen concentrator). Results: Across most respiratory rate scenarios, the wall oxygen and standalone oxygen concentrator (control group) resulted higher oxygen measurements compared to the POCs. Among the POCs on setting 2, the highest oxygen measurement for 15, 30, and 40 breaths/min was the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort with AutoSat on sensitivity 5 (24.43%, 24.81%, and 25.0%, respectively). On setting 2, the 20 breaths/min highest oxygen measurement was the Inogen G4 (24.43%). For setting 5, the highest oxygen measurement for 15 breaths/min and 40 breaths/min was the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort without AutoSat (31.56% and 26.13%, respectively), while the highest oxygen measurement for 20 breaths/min was the Inogen G5 (30.26%), and the highest oxygen measurement for 30 breaths/min was the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort with AutoSat on sensitivity level 5 (27.89%). Conclusions: The oxygen administered through the wall and the standalone CAIRE oxygen concentrator all delivered higher oxygen levels compared to the POCs (with the exception of the 40 breaths/min scenario on setting 2). However, among the POCs, the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort with AutoSat, CAIRE Freestyle Comfort without AutoSat, and the Inogen G4 all performed the best among the various breathing rate scenarios.

Oxygen and hydrogen mobility are among the important characteristics for operation of solid oxide fuel cells, permselective membranes and many other electrochemical devices. This, along with other characteristics, enables reaching a high power density of solid oxide fuel cells and a high oxygen or hydrogen permeation fluxes for membranes. This work focuses on oxygen and hydrogen diffusion of mixed ionic (oxide ionic or/and protonic) – electronic conducting materials for these devices and its role in the performance. Ionic transport properties of conventional and state-of-the-art materials are reviewed.

Oxygen is a pulmonary vasodilator and plays an important role in mediating circulatory transition from fetal and postnatal period. Alveolar oxygen tension (PAO2) and pulmonary arterial PO2 are the main factors that influence hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). Inability to achieve adequate pulmonary vasodilation at birth leads to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Supplemental oxygen is the mainstay of PPHN management. However, optimal monitoring of oxygenation to achieve low pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and optimize oxygen delivery to vital organs is not known. Noninvasive pulse oximetry measures peripheral saturations (SpO2) and ranges 91-95% are recommended during acute PPHN management. However, for a given SpO2, there is wide variability in arterial oxygen tension, especially with variations in hemoglobin type (transfusions), pH and body temperature. This review evaluates the role of alveolar, preductal, postductal, and mixed venous oxygen tension and SpO2 in the management of PPHN. Translation and clinical studies suggest maintaining an arterial oxygen tension of 50-80 mmHg to help decrease PVR and optimize pulmonary vasodilator management. Nevertheless, there are no randomized clinical trials evaluating outcomes in PPHN based on targeting SpO2 or PO2. However, most critically ill patients have umbilical arterial catheters and postductal arterial oxygenation may not be an accurate assessment of oxygen delivery to vital organs or factors influencing HPV. The mixed venous oxygen tension from umbilical venous catheter blood gas may assess pulmonary arterial PO2 and potentially predict HPV. It is crucial to conduct randomized controlled studies with different PO2/SpO2 ranges and compare outcomes in PPHN.

The energy crisis and environmental problems are becoming more and more severe due to the long-term consumption of fossil fuels. Therefore, energy conversion devices with high energy density and environmental friendliness (such as fuel cells, metal-air batteries, etc.) have been ex-pected to be reliable alternatives to traditional fossil energy. However, due to the inevitable use of precious metals as the electrode catalysts for these devices, the popularization of these alternatives is seriously hindered. Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) exhibit similar surface and adsorption properties to noble metals since the atomic distance between metal atoms increases and the d-band center of metal atoms downshift after the nitrogen atoms enter the metal lattice. TMNs have become one of the best electrode materials to replace noble metal electrocatalysts in energy storage and conversion devices. In this review, the latest development in the electrocatalytic ap-plication of TMNs nanocrystalline is covered. Firstly, we briefly discuss the structure and activity origin of TMNs and introduce the common physical and chemical methods for the preparation of TMNs. Subsequently, we illustrate the applications of unary TMNs and multivariate TMNs in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Finally, we summarize the challenges and problems of TMNs encountered at the present stage, and expect its future de-velopment.

The research aimed to identify the effect of high-intensity compound exercises for physical performance skills using the means of hypoxia training in some biochemical variables in the blood of fencing players. The researcher used the experimental approach and determined the community, namely the players of Maysan governorate teams in fencing and for the three weapons (fencing sword, shish, Arab sword) the category of applicants over the age of (20) years, and by (4) players for each weapon, which reached the number of society (12) players, and some procedures were adopted to achieve the objectives of the study. The study came out the results of the study recorded a significant impact on the high level of measurement of blood biochemical variables (EPOs, FERSs, Hb, Hct) and improved by high-intensity compound exercises using the training hypoxic mask among members of the research community.

Despite the recommendation to treat depression using the transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), novel findings raised doubts over the tDCS efficacy in managing depressive episodes. Neurophysiologic approaches to understand the specificities of brain responses to tDCS in de-pressed patients remains a feature. Objective: to compare the immediate hemodynamic responses to tDCS on left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC; F3-Fp2 montage) in patients with depres-sive disorder and healthy controls (no additional stimuli). Methods: Sixteen participants were al-located in depression group and 16 in the control group. Both groups received 2mA tDCS for 20 minutes, using the F3-Fp2 montage. The hemodynamic effect over the DLPFC was assessed using near-infrared intracranial spectroscopy (NIRS) positioned on the left supraorbital region (Fp1). Mean, minimal and maximal values of baseline and post-stimulation rates of oxygen saturation (SatO2) were recorded. The oxygenated hemoglobin rates (HbO) were extracted. Results: Be-tween-group differences were detected for mean and minimal baseline rates of SatO2 and HbO levels. The depression group showed lower results compared to the control group. After the pro-tocol, only the depression group showed increased mean and minimal rates of SatO2 and HbO. The post-tDCS rates were equal for both groups. Conclusion: The findings showed immediate anodal tDCS effects over DLPFC hemodynamics. The effects were exclusive for the lowest base-line rates group, not affecting the normal oxygen rates group. The minimal increase of SatO2 and HbO rates after the protocol in the depression group suggests that those with reduced cerebral perfusion may be more affected by tDCS.

Screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) is a useful technique that has been widely used in the practical application of biosensors oriented to point-of-care testing (POCT) due to its characteristics of cost-effectiveness, disposability, miniaturization, wide potential window, and easy of electrode design. Compared with gold or platinum electrodes, surface modification is difficult because the carbon surface is chemically or physically stable. Oxygen plasma can easily produce carboxyl groups on the carbon surface, which act as scaffolds for covalent bonds. However, the effect of O2-plasma treatment on electrode performance remains to be investigated from an electrochemical perspective, and sensor performance can be improved by clarifying the surface conditions of plasma treated biosensors. In this research, we compared antibody modification by plasma treated and physical adsorption, using our original immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Consequently, the O2-plasma treatment produced carboxyl groups on the electrode surface, which changed the electrochemical properties owing to electrostatic interactions. It was also found that the surface became hydrophilic, inhibiting non-specific antigen adsorption. The sensitivity was 6.5 times higher than the Limit of Detection (LOD) using physical adsorption.

The wide-ranging effects of healthful vs. damaging consequences of UV irradiation on key physiologic parameters are reviewed in this paper. The effects are largely dependent on the wavelengths encountered, the absolute intensity and duration of the exposure, the tissues exposed, and whether the UV effects were delivered via in vivo or as an extracorporeal exposure in vitro typically performed with freshly obtained heparinized aliquots of whole blood. While damaging effects of high UV intensity may include irreversible irradiation damage to key cellular and molecular components, controlled low dosages of UV irradiation delivered via a conventional biophotonic apparatus at specific, controlled wavelengths can deliver beneficial effects on blood oxygenation, tissue repair, immune responses, glycemia, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations. HbA1c is an important diagnostic marker for the effectiveness of diabetes management. Studies reviewed demonstrate increases in blood oxygenation and corresponding decreases in HbA1c concentrations following nominal biophotonic treatment and indicate that the application of this therapy extends beyond its more commonly applied applications in the treatment and control of infectious illnesses.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming, and one of the most pollutant sectors is heavy industry, where cement production is a significant contributor. This work briefly explores some alternatives: recycling, reducing clinker content, waste heat recovery, and carbon capture, discussing their advantages and drawbacks. Then, it examines the economic viability and benefits of increasing oxygen concentration in the primary burning air from 21% to 27%, which could improve clinker production by 7%, and the production of hydrogen through PEM electrolysis to make up 5% of the fuel thermal fraction, both on a cement plant producing 3000 tons of clinker per day. It is concluded that oxygen enrichment can provide substantial fuel savings for a relatively low cost despite a possible significant increase in NOx emissions. By opposition, hydrogen production at this scale does not appear economically viable.

Activity of the Nox1 centered NADPH oxidase complex depends on the activator NoxA1 and the organizer NoxO1. NoxO1 itself is not involved in electron transfer for superoxide formation. Instead, by creating proximity of all components in the right place NoxO1 enables a constitutive formation of reactive oxygen species by that complex. All subunits should form the complex in a 1:1:1 ratio. When analyzing different cell lines in this study, we found an unequal expression of the component on mRNA level with an excess of NoxO1. Even with plasmid-based overexpression of individual components of Nox1 centered NADPH oxidase complex results in different expression of their mRNA, with NoxO1 mRNA being best expressed. Despite an unchanged high level of NoxO1 mRNA over a wide range of transfected plasmid, protein expression is increased with accelerating plasmid concentrations. We thought to analyze the ability of NoxO1 to induce ROS formation, when present in different ratio to Nox1 and NoxA1. To this end, we used Hek293 cells with constitutive expression of Nox1 and NoxA1 transfected with increasing concentrations of NoxO1. Our results suggest that ROS formation by the Nox1 centered NADPH oxidase strongly depends on the level of NoxO1 and a surplus of NoxO1 further increases the activity of the complex.

The altered nature of archaeological metals means they deteriorate at conditions where metals would be stable. The study of deterioration for such materials is hampered by their complexity, variability and difficulties in measuring deterioration. Placing an object in a sealed container, controlling the RH and pollutant gases and measuring any decrease in oxygen concentration is an accessible method to measure deterioration rate. It has been used for research into suitable environmental conditions to manage deterioration rates of such artefacts including differences in response for artefacts from different excavation sites. Some objects need careful control of RH to low values, this is expensive to maintain and poses risks to other artefacts displayed together. Many objects are actually stable up to quite high RH values and oxygen depletion testing has been used to identify those that can be safely displayed with minimal environmental control. The accelerated corrosion, ‘Oddy’ test is frequently used to sift out unsuitable display materials. The visual assessment is widely recognized to be subjective. The test container has been modified and oxygen depletion appears to give good quantitative measurements of corrosion that correspond with both visual comparison and corrosion quantification for copper, lead and steel, but not for silver.

This is break direction on oxygen sources and conveyance methodologies for COVID-19 treatment. It has been adjusted from WHO and UNICEF's specialized details and direction for oxygen treatment gadgets, which is important for the WHO clinical gadget specialized arrangement, 1 and depends on current information on the circumstance in China and different nations where cases have been distinguished. This direction is proposed for wellbeing office chairmen, clinical leaders, acquisition officials, arranging officials, biomedical architects, foundation engineers and strategy producers. It portrays how to: measure oxygen interest, to distinguish oxygen sources that are accessible, and select suitable flood sources to best react to COVID-19 patients' requirements, particularly in low-and-center pay nations. WHO will refresh these suggestions as new data opens up. Coronavirus pandemic spurred fake interest for oxygen gas chambers for clinical use - both at emergency clinics and inquisitively, for home use by patients. A few patients and surprisingly sound people investigate the conceivable outcomes and likely benefits of utilizing oxygen from chambers for private utilization. Be that as it may, this isn't continuously protected, and sufficient safety measures are to be taken, bombing which there can be fatalities. This paper investigates the significance of keeping up satisfactory degrees of oxygen levels appropriate for human utilization. It advises the clinical use and the advantages and disadvantages of putting away oxygen chambers at home. The investigation likewise addresses lawful and administrative perspectives. The investigation's discoveries can help people settle on an educated choice on the protected use regarding oxygen gas. Further, it cautions on the expanded significance of guidelines and limiting access and use. This paper aims at designing an oxygen level monitoring technique in an oxygen cylinder. The amount of oxygen present inside the oxygen cylinder is very vital information when such cylinder is in use for supply of oxygen to a critical patient. The amount of oxygen present inside the cylinder is measured by the pressure at the outlet nozzle. The pressure is measured using a high precision MEMS Pressure Sensor. The output of the MEMS pressure sensor is voltage of the order milli. An amplifier is used to amplify this milli volt signal. A microcontroller is used in cascade to process the signal and display the pressure of oxygen cylinder.

This research work studies the characteristics of wear and wear resistance of composite powder coatings, deposited by high-velocity oxygen fuel, which contain composite mixtures Ni-Cr-B-Si having different chromium concentrations – 9.9%; 13.2%; 14%; 16% and 20% , at one and the same size of the particles and the same content of the remaining elements. The coating of 20% Cr does not contain B and Si. Out of each powder, composite coatings have been prepared without any preliminary thermal treatment of the substrate and with preliminary thermal treatment of the substrate up to 650оС. The coatings have been tested under identical conditions of dry friction over a surface of solid firmly attached abrasive particles using the tribological testing device „Pin-on-disk“. Results have been obtained and the dependences of the hardness, mass wear, intensity of the wearing process, absolute and relative wear resistance on the Cr concentration under identical conditions of friction. It has been found out that for all the coatings the preliminary thermal treatment of the substrate leads to a decrease in the wear intensity. Upon increasing Cr concentration the wear intensity diminishes and it reaches minimal values at 16% Cr. In the case of coatings having 20% Cr concentration, the wear intensity is increased, which is due to the absence of the components B and Si in the composite mixture, whereupon no inter-metallic structures are formed having high hardness and wear resistance. The obtained results have no analogues in the current literature and they have not been published by the authors.

Research question/problem: This comprehensive review and comparative analysis aims to investigate the significance of enhancing oxygen provision in the context of COVID-19, focusing on the implications for healthcare policies and services.Background/context: The study addresses the shift in the oxygen dissociation curve of blood in COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the impact on oxygen delivery to tissues and the challenges it poses for clinical management. It also explores the disruption of healthcare systems due to the pandemic and the integration of social determinants of health in clinical environments.Methodology: The research incorporates a thorough literature review, comparative analysis of diverse approaches to oxygen delivery, and examination of successful interventions through case studies and best practices. Data collection techniques include the review of scholarly articles, case studies, and policy documents.Results/Key findings: The study highlights the imperative for augmented oxygen supply and the significance of maintaining appropriate oxygen saturation levels, especially in the context of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. It also emphasizes the positive correlation between increased oxygen saturation levels and life expectancy, indicating potential health benefits of enhanced oxygen availability.Conclusions/Implications: The findings underscore the need for a structured approach to oxygen therapy and the importance of equitable distribution of oxygen to underserved regions. The implications of the research extend to enhancing healthcare policies and services regarding oxygen provision during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in rural and remote areas.

Photoacoustic imaging is attracting a great deal of interest owing to its distinct advantages over other imaging techniques such as fluorescence or magnetic resonance image. Availability of photoacoustic probes for reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) could shed light on a plethora of biological processes mediated by these key intermediates. Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) is a non-toxic and non-mutagenic colorless dye that develops a distinctive blue color upon oxidation. In this work we have investigated the potential of TMB as photoacoustic probe for ROS/RNS. Our results indicate that TMB reacts with hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen and nitrogen dioxide to produce the blue oxidation product, while ROS such as the superoxide radical anion, sodium peroxide, hydroxyl radical or peroxynitrite yield a colorless oxidation product. TMB does not penetrate Escherichia coli cytoplasm but is capable of detecting singlet oxygen generated in its outer membrane.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves inhaling nearly 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment and is commonly used to treat various diseases and injuries. Despite its well-known safety, HBOT is associated with complications, with frequent middle ear barotrauma (MEB) and oxygen toxicity. Understanding the characteristics and risk factors associated with these complications is critical for improving patient’s compliance and treatment outcomes. This retrospective multicenter study aimed to analyze the characteristics and factors associated with complications during HBOT using a computer-controlled pressurized monoplace hyperbaric chamber. We conducted a retrospective observational study across two tertiary hospitals in Korea, involving patients who received HBOT from October 2017 to June 2020. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and hyperbaric chamber logs, including patient demographics, medical history, HBOT indications, and details of complications. Statistical analyses, including chi-square and t-tests, were used to compare variables. A total of 247 patients (mean age: 59.35 ± 15.05 years, 63.56% male) were included. The most common indications for HBOT were sudden sensorineural hearing loss (27.94%) and post-graft/flap (24.29%). Hypertension (46.15%) and diabetes mellitus (39.27%) were the most frequent comorbidities. Otalgia was the most prevalent side effect (33.20%), followed by chest discomfort (2.02%) and headache (1.62%). A significant proportion of patients (11.74%) terminated HBOT due to complications, with most pauses occurring at pressures between 1.2 to 1.4 ATA (26.67%). Complications, particularly otalgia, significantly impact patient compliance with HBOT. The incidence of complications varies by pressure level during treatment, suggesting the need for tailored strategies to minimize complications. This study highlights the importance of patient monitoring and education to improve the safety and efficacy of HBOT in monoplace chambers.

The main weakness of non-silicone hydrogel contact lenses is their low oxygen permeability (Dk). Hence, we have tried to optimize their Dk using various concentrations and lengths of the ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) crosslinker in a mixture of N, N- Dimethylacrylamide and Cyclohexyl methacrylate monomers. After synthesizing the different contact lenses, we evaluated the impact of the different EGDMA conditions on their chemical, optical, and mechanical properties. The water content, the contact angle, the refractive index, the transmittance, and the young moduli of the synthesized lenses were slightly affected by crosslinker conditions. On the contrary, the elongation at break and, more importantly, the oxygen permeability, which reached values of up to 74.93 Fatt units, were considerably impacted by crosslinker conditions. This study demonstrates, for the first time to our knowledge, that, in addition to water, other usual hydrogel components, like crosslinkers, can modulate the Dk of non-silicone contact lenses. It also provides a simple and scalable method to fabricate more permeable non-silicone lenses.

This ambitious research project seeks to revolutionize sustainable glucose production by harnessing solar energy for the conversion of atmospheric gases. The process involves water collection, electrolysis for hydrogen and oxygen production, PDMS membrane-based CO2 collection, CO2 splitting, formaldehyde generation, and the synthesis of glucose/sucrose. Key innovations include the strategic application of PDMS membranes with varying pore sizes and non-reactive chemical layers to facilitate selective permeability for specific gases. Our goal is to create a cost-effective, eco-friendly glucose production method, paving the way for renewable and sustainable energy solutions.

Many medicinal plants and their essential oils are used to treat or prevent diseases without the risk of mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, or teratogenicity. Eucalyptus essential oils are commonly used as preservatives, flavoring agents, and in various consumer goods. Eucalyptus leaves are being widely studied due to their volatile essential oils, including 1,8-cineole, p-cymene, α and β-pinene, limonene, citronellal, citral, eudesmol, terpinen-4-ol, terpineol, α–phellanderene, and 9β-sitosterol. Among these compounds, 1,8-cineole is the most abundant. Eucalyptus leaves are rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds and are thus a great source of antioxidants. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays are used to measure antioxidant capacity. The antioxidant activity of Eucalyptus essential oil is stronger than that of standard antibiotics like Erythromycin, Cefixime, and Gentamicin due to the presence of significant terpenoids in addition to phenolic chemicals and flavonoids. The lower the IC₅₀ value, the higher the antioxidant potential. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are often associated with beneficial health outcomes, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, anti-cancer properties, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, prevention of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Flavonoids also play an essential role in plants, including protecting against reduction, fertility, reproduction, and infection. Due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and immune-modulatory properties, flavonoids are crucial for pharmacological, medical, and nutraceutical applications.

The molecular clusters ((HO)3Si-O-Si(OH)3, and (HO)3Al-O-Si(OH)3 ) representative of aluminosilicate mineral surface were employed to study the dissolution of aluminosilicate in acidic condition via density functional theory with the M06-2X+G(d,p) methodology. The surface termination sites (Si and Al) were both tetra-coordinated and the terminal oxygen was protonated in acidic condition. In the dissolution reaction, the calculated barrier height of the six-membered ring transition state complex containing two water molecules was predicted to be lower than that of four-membered ring transition state complex containing one water molecule. In addition, the calculated barrier heights for Al-terminated sites were predicted to be lower than those for the Si-terminated sites, suggesting that breaking the Al-O bond is easier than Si-O bond in the aluminosilicate mineral surface; the barrier heights of the surface termination sites with protonated terminal oxygen were lower than those without protonated terminal oxygen. With the fracture of Si-O and Al-O bonds, the Si and Al release from the aluminosilicate. These results confirm the experimental conclusions that the acidic condition facilitates the release of Si and Al from the aluminosilicate, and the concentration of Al leaching from aluminosilicate is higher than Si.

Each year, the global population and agriculture suffer critical agricultural output losses as a result of severe drought devastation. Physiological drought occurs when plants are unable to extract water from the soil, even though it is available in the root zone. Apart from having a significant effect on plant physiology, drought stress has the effect of reducing crop yield. Drought stress influences plant metabolism both directly and indirectly. Drought stress alters the morpho-anatomical, physiological, and biochemical composition of plants, thereby decreasing transpiration water loss and increasing the efficiency with which plants use their water. Constant water loss through transpiration, combined with previously lost water, results in leaf water deficits. Nonetheless, drought stress has a wide variety of effects, ranging from lesions to confusion. Plant health is harmed when their ability to absorb water and nutrients, interact with their environment, and breathe is harmed. Apart from oxidative damage to plants, it may also result in cell death, which can occur under certain conditions when cells are exposed to their environment. Drought induces a plethora of physiological and molecular changes in plants, the majority of which assist them in adapting to the harsh environment. To mitigate drought's adverse effects, we must first gain a better understanding of how drought affects plant physiology. The purpose of this research is to better understand how drought affects plant development by examining the causes and effects of drought stress.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVMs) in children are rare lesions characterized by abnormal low resistance vascular structures connecting a pulmonary artery to a pulmonary vein, resulting in an intrapulmonary right-to-left shunt. The insidious onset and variable signs and symptoms make diagnosis difficult, especially in children. PAVMs  can be single or multiple, congenital or acquired, and up to 47-80% of cases are associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).We present the  case of a 12-year-old female teenager referred to our center for epistaxis, headache, fatigue and weakness, with evidence of mild oxygen desaturation.  Bubble test showed a right-to-left shunt and pulmonary angio-CT confirmed the diagnosis. Percutaneous selective embolization was performed with full recovery of normal arterial oxygen saturation. When differentiating between mild oxygen desaturation and exercise intolerance in children and adolescents, physicians should be aware of the possibility of PAVMs as a cause. 

Critically ill patients with COVID-19 may develop serious respiratory difficulties, causing a significant reduction in blood oxygen saturation pressure. Physical Ventilation of the lungs is one of the main methods to help critically ill patients through the acute phase of infection. During extreme situations when dysfunctional lungs are filled with sticky sputum in the alveolus or when there are simply not enough ventilators to match the need, the mortality rate can be dramatically increased. Here, we propose an intravenous injection method that may increase and maintain the blood oxygen pressure at normal levels. The intravenous (IV) infusion contains oxygen nanobubbles in physiological saline solution (ONPS), in which the dissolved oxygen content can be 2-6 times higher than the normal oxygen solubility in pure water. This makes it possible to oxygenate blood with a small limited volume of IV fluid without the risk of gaseous bubble formation in blood vessels.

Hypoxia is the main survival challenge that human beings encounter in high altitudes, it is also the leading cause of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Studies have shown that hypoxia induces a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AMS patients, and the surge of ROS leads to the reduction of oxygen delivery capacity of erythrocyte, senescence and inflammatory impairment of erythrocyte and vascular endothelial cells to a certain extent. Through depicting a target-pathway network, our study indicates that Compound Danshen Dropping Pills (CDDP), which is one of the best-known traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of myocardial ischemic diseases, can improve red blood cell oxygen delivery capacity in AMS patients, alleviate tissue and organ damage, relieve a series of clinical symptoms caused by hypoxia through ROS clearance and related mechanisms. We further elucidate the active ingredients of CDDP targeting ROS related pathway by target-ingredient correspondence analysis. Tanshinone IIA, catechol and some other compounds of CDDP were identified to have certain targeting effect on ROS and ROS dependent pathways. This study provides new understandings of CDDP in clinical application on AMS.

Africa spans the hemispheres from temperate region to temperate region, has a long history of hominin evolution and yet has a relatively poorly understood Quaternary climate history. Speleothems, as archives of terrestrial hydroclimate variability, can help reveal this history, and here we review the progress made to date, with a focus on the first version of the Speleothem Isotopes Synthesis & Analysis (SISAL) database. The geology of Africa has limited development of large karst regions to four areas - the northern and eastern coasts bordering the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, west Africa and southern Africa. Exploitation of the speleothem palaeoclimate archives in these regions is uneven, with long histories of research in South Africa and Morocco but no investigations elsewhere e.g. West Africa. Consequently, the evidence of past climate change reviewed here is irregularly sampled in both time and space. Nevertheless, we show evidence of migration of the monsoon belt, with enhanced rainfall during interglacials observed in northeast Africa, southern Arabia and the northern part of southern Africa. Evidence from East Africa also indicates significant centennial scale rainfall variability. In northwestern and southern Africa precession and eccentricity influence speleothem growth, largely through changing synoptic storm activity.

Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are poised to become a global health crisis, and therefore understanding the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis is critical for the development of therapeutic strategies. Mutations in genes encoding presenilin occur in most familial Alzheimer’s disease but the role of PSEN in AD is not fully understood. In this review, the potential modes of pathogenesis of AD are discussed, focusing on calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function. Moreover, research using Caenorhabditis elegans to explore the effects of calcium dysregulation due to presenilin mutations on mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and neurodegeneration is explored.

In this work the influence of the structure forming agent on the composition, morphology and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of Fe-N-C catalysts was investigated. As structure forming agent (SFA), dicyandiamide (DCDA) (nitrogen source) or oxalic acid (oxygen source) or mixtures thereof were used. For characterization, cyclic voltammetry and rotating disc electrode (RDE) experiments were performed in 0.1 M H2SO4. In addition to this, N2 sorption measurements and Raman spectroscopy were performed for the structural characterization. The role of metal, nitrogen and carbon sources within the synthesis of Fe-N-C catalysts has been pointed out before. Here, we show that the optimum in terms of ORR activity is achieved if both N- and O-containing SFAs are used in almost similar fractions. All catalysts display a redox couple, whereat its position depends on the fractions of SFAs. The SFA has also a strong impact on the morphology: Catalysts that were prepared with a larger fraction of N-containing SFA revealed a higher order in graphitization, indicated by bands in the 2nd order range of the Raman spectra. Nevertheless, the optimum in terms of ORR activity is obtained for the catalyst with highest D/G band ratio. Therefore, the results indicate that the presence of an additional oxygen-containing SFA is beneficial within the preparation.

Gene expression variations of plant leaf are investigated by irradiating seed and leaf with oxygen or air plasmas. Enhancement of leaf growth is induced by oxygen plasma irradiation on seeds, which is supported by increased gene expression for protein synthesis, oxidative-reduction reactions and decreased gene expression concerning DNA methylation and histone modification. Suppression of leaf growth is observed by the oxygen plasma, which would be owing to increased gene expression concerning heat shock protein and redox reaction, and decreased expression of photosynthesis and glycoprotein. Also, gene expression variation due to air plasma irradiation is almost same as that of oxygen plasma. Active oxygen species are major factors in both oxygen and air plasmas for the variation of gene expressions in plant.

Microglial cells are highly specialized central nervous system (CNS) cells that can promote the inflammation and neurodegeneration seen in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a neurodegenerative autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal degeneration. In MS patients, demyelination is associated with activated microglia. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor that induces severe and prolonged cerebral vasoconstriction and inflammation. However, the mechanism of how ET-1 activates a proinflammatory response in the CNS is unknown. To investigate ET-1’s role in microglia activation, HMC3 cells were treated with ET-1 in the presence or absence of endothelin receptor B antagonist, BQ788. TNFα and IL-6 levels were measured using ELISA. Nitric Oxide (NO) production was measured using Griess Reagent. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using the MUSE Oxidative Stress kit. ET-1 increases TNFα levels by 56% (p= 0.0003) and IL-6 levels by 86% (p= 0.0111) in HMC3 cells, and it was decreased to basal levels in the presence of BQ788. NO and ROS production is induced by ET-1 (p<0.05), and treatment with BQ788 was able to decrease them. ET-1 increases STAT-1 activation by 3.5 folds compared to control (p <0.0001) in microglia cells. Moreover, to study ET-1 levels in MS, we used C57BL/6 mice brains with or without induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The brain ET-1 levels were measured by qPCR and ELISA. We found that the ET-1 gene and protein were upregulated by 1.5 folds (p= 0.0199) in EAE mice compared to the control. These data suggest that in vitro administration of ET-1-activated microglia significantly increased inflammatory cytokine levels and NO and ROS formation. This novel mechanism of microglial cell activation will provide key information to understand MS pathogenesis.

Carbon dioxides capture chemical looping combustion (CLC) technology uses metal oxides as oxygen transporters (TO). (1) These oxygen transporters, OXMN009 and OXMN009P, are used in a cyclic process that prevents the formation of nitrogen oxides by keeping air and fuel separate. (2) Thermogravimetric balance (TGA) experiments were conducted to evaluate the kinetic behavior of these copper-modified oxygen transporters. (3) It was found that OXMN009P has improved reactivity and oxygen transfer properties due to copper impregnation. The kinetic parameters obtained in the TGA indicate that the reaction is non-thermal and requires less energy to initiate. (4) The results show that OXMN009P has reactivity comparable to other manganese-based materials reported in the literature and can be an effective option for carbon dioxide capture.

In recent years, cerium dioxide (CeO2) has attracted considerable attention owing to its remarkable performance in various applications, including photocatalysis, fuel cells, and catalysis. This study explores the effect of nickel (Ni) doping on the structural, thermal, and chemical properties of CeO2 nanorods, particularly focusing on oxygen vacancy-related phenomena. Utilizing X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), alterations in crystal structure and peak shifts were observed, indicating successful Ni doping and the formation of Ni2O3 at higher doping levels, likely due to non-equilibrium reactions. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed changes in oxygen release mechanisms, with increasing Ni doping resulting in the release of lattice oxygen at lower temperatures. Raman spectroscopy corroborated these findings by identifying characteristic peaks associated with oxygen vacancies, facilitating the assessment of Ni doping levels. Overall, this study underscores the substantial impact of Ni doping on CeO2 nanorods, shedding light on tailored catalytic applications through modulation of oxygen vacancies while preserving the nanorod morphology.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by rapid growth and uncontrolled proliferation of undifferentiated myeloid cells. Metabolic reprogramming is commonly observed in the bone marrow of AML patients, as leukemia cells require increased ATP supply to support disease progression. In this study, we examined the potential role of mesothelin as a metabolic modulator in myeloid cells in AML. Mesothelin is a well-known marker of solid tumors that promotes cancer cell proliferation and survival. We initially analyzed alterations in mesothelin expression in the myeloblast subpopulations, defined as SSC-Alow/CD45dim, obtained from bone marrow of AML patients using flow cytometry. Our results showed overexpression of mesothelin in 34.8% of AML patients. Subsequently, metabolic changes in leukemia cells were evaluated by comparing the oxygen consumption rates (OCR) of bone marrow samples derived from adult AML patients. Notably, higher OCR was observed in the mesothelin-positive compared to the mesothelin-low and non-expressing groups. Treatment with recombinant human mesothelin protein enhanced OCR and increased the mRNA expression of glycolytic enzymes and mitochondrial complex II in KG1α AML cells. Notably, siRNA targeting mesothelin in KG1α cells led to reduction of glycolysis-related gene expression but had no effect on the mitochondrial complex gene. The collective results demonstrate that mesothelin induces metabolic changes in leukemia cells, facilitating acquisition of a rapid supply of ATP for proliferation in AML. Therefore, targeting of mesothelin presents a potentially promising approach for mitigating the progression of AML through inhibition of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration in myeloid cells.

In the context of post-harvest pest management in agricultural products, the adoption of modified atmospheres presents an eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticides. This study focuses on nitrogen gas as a potential agent for insect control in stored commodities, utilizing computational simulations to investigate its penetration and distribution within two common storage configurations: chamber-contained pallets and silos. By employing the convection-diffusion equation, the simulations reveal insights into nitrogen distribution dynamics and duration required for oxygen reduction. The results highlight the influence of boundary conditions, commodity porosity, and convection effects on nitrogen dispersion. In chamber scenarios, boundary condition type significantly affects oxygen reduction time, while in silos, convection and diffusion interact to establish a consistent diffusion layer thickness. This research enhances the understanding of modified atmosphere techniques and their potential for sustainable pest management. It provides practitioners with valuable quantitative insights, paving the way for optimized modified atmosphere strategies in real-world agricultural contexts.

Candidatus Accumulibacter belongs to phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAO) which exhibit cyclic metabolism and are capable of intracellular polyphosphate accumulation and their hydrolysis under feast-famine anaerobic-aerobic cycling. In consortia of activated sludge microorganisms, these bacteria are responsible for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). The spectrum of the substrates used by Ca. Accumulibacter remains insufficiently studied. It was investigated by measuring the oxygen uptake rates (OUR) of Ca. Accumulibacter-enriched culture supplemented with 17 different organic substrates. The highest oxygen uptake rates values were observed in the presence of tryptone, volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), succinate, pyruvate, and amino acids (aspartate and glutamate). Phosphate dynamics in the medium under shifts from anaerobic to aerobic cultivation in batch experiments was studied for these compounds (except for tryptone). All tested substrates were shown to cause phosphate cycling (release in the anaerobic phase and uptake in the aerobic one), with OURs for the substrates correlating with the amount of phosphates consumed during the aerobic phase. It was concluded that OUR may be used as an indicator of the monosubstrates used by Ca. Accumulibacter in the anaerobic/aerobic cycle. The possible pathways for substrate transport and metabolism by Ca. Accumulibacter are discussed using the stoichiometric data and the results of metagenomic analysis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a widely studied subject due to its increasing prevalence and links to diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. It has severe complications, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and portal hypertension that can lead to liver transplantation in some cases. To better prevent and treat this pathology, it is important to understand its underlying physiology. Here, we identify three main factors that play a crucial role in the physiopathology of NAFLD: oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and the key role of carcinoembryonic antigen related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1). We discuss the pathophysiology linking these factors to NAFLD pathophysiology.

The cornea is an avascular tissue which has attracted much attention by the uniqueness of its anatomical characteristics, it has, in proportion, an enormous size, in relation to the number of vessels, because on average few cells in the organism are away more than 30 microns of a blood vessel. However, the cornea, with a diameter of between 11 and 12 mm, is a unique example. It has been tried to explain the notable absence of blood vessels in the cornea, arguing that corneal tissues are able to take oxygen directly from the air. In this article we are explaining that based on the physicochemical characteristics of molecular oxygen and the cell membrane, cytoplasm, water, and cellular metabolism, it is not possible that epithelial corneal cells directly take oxygen from the air, instead, corneal cells have molecules that can dissociate the water molecules thereby these cells, like any other eukaryotic cells, take the oxygen from the intracell water, like plants.

In the near future, the next generation of space travel will be revealed and people are going to live on multiple planets. As a result, because having enough oxygen for human survival is mandatory, in this research article, we are going to find out an appropriate method for producing oxygen on another planet by considering the accessible resources and their limitations.

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic that can adversely affect skeletal muscle, including causing muscle atrophy. Dox is known to induce an event known as mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) in cardiac muscle and this plays an important role in Dox-mediated cardiac toxicity. Further to this, recent evidence identifies MPT as a mechanism of atrophy in skeletal muscle, suggesting that MPT may underlie some of the Dox-related toxicity in skeletal muscle. To test this hypothesis, we used cultured human primary myotubes, C2C12 myotubes, and single adult mouse flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle fibers in experiments involving Dox treatment with or without inhibitors of MPT. Dox treatment of myotubes caused myonuclear translocation of the mitochondrial protein apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS), consistent with the known consequences of MPT. Furthermore, Dox caused atrophy in C2C12 myotubes grown on patterned plates, human primary myotubes, and single muscle fibers from adult mice. Notably, Dox-induced atrophy could be prevented by a wide variety of agents that inhibit MPT, as well as by inhibiting mROS or Caspase 3. In conclusion, our results indicate that MPT plays an important role in driving Dox-mediated skeletal muscle atrophy.

Congenital muscular dystrophy with laminin α2 chain-deficiency (LAMA2-CMD) is a severe neuromuscular disorder without a cure. Using transcriptome and proteome profiling as well as functional assays, we previously demonstrated significant metabolic impairment in skeletal muscle from LAMA2-CMD patients and mouse models. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase when oxygen homeostasis is not maintained and here, we investigate whether oxidative stress indeed is involved in the pathogenesis of LAMA2-CMD. We also analyse the effects of two antioxidant molecules, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and vitamin E, on disease progression in the dy2J/dy2J mouse model of LAMA2-CMD. We demonstrate increased ROS levels in LAMA2-CMD mouse and patient skeletal muscle. Furthermore, NAC treatment (150 mg/kg IP for 6 days/week during 3 weeks) led to muscle force loss prevention, reduced central nucleation and decreased the occurrence of apoptosis, inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress in LAMA2-CMD muscle. In addition, vitamin E (40 mg/kg oral gavage for 6 days/week during 2 weeks) improved morphological features and reduced inflammation and ROS levels in dy2J/dy2J skeletal muscle. We suggest that NAC and to some extent vitamin E might be potential future supportive treatments for LAMA2-CMD as they improve numerous pathological hallmarks of LAMA2-CMD.

Cell-based therapies and tissue engineering applications require biocompatible substrates that support and regulate the growth, survival, and differentiation of specific cell types. Extensive research efforts in regenerative medicine are devoted to the development of tunable biomaterials which support various cell types including stem cells. In this research, the non-cytotoxic biopolymer polycaprolactone (PCL) was fabricated into 2D and 3D scaffolds with or without the low-pressure oxygen plasma treatment to enhance hydrophilicity. Cellular responses and biocompatibility were evaluated using a human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cell line (BCP-K1). The 2D PCL scaffolds enhanced initial cell attachment compared to the 3Ds indicated by a higher expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Whilst, the 3D scaffolds promoted cell proliferation and migration as evidenced by higher cyclin A expression and filopodial protrusion, respectively. The 3D scaffolds potentially protected the cell entering to apoptosis/necrosis program and induced cell differentiation, evaluated by gene expression. Both 2D and 3D PCL appeared to have stronger effects on cell behavior than a control substrate (polystyrene). In summarize, the different configuration and surface properties of PCL scaffolds provide various options for modulation of stem cell behaviors, including attachment, proliferation, survival, and differentiation, when combined with specific growth factors and culture conditions.

The kinetics and efficacy profiles of photoinitiated polymerization are theoretically presented. For the same dose, lower light intensity achieves a higher steady-state-efficacy (SSE) in type-I; in contrast, type-II has an equal SSE. Higher light intensity has a faster rising efficacy, due to faster depletion of photoinitiator (PS) concentration. However, type-II process is also affected by the available oxygen. Higher light intensity produces more efficient singlet oxygen, resulting a higher transient efficacy, in which all intensities reach the same SSE when oxygen is completely depleted. With external oxygen, type-II efficacy increases with time, otherwise, it is governed only by the light dose, i.e., same dose achieves same efficacy. Moreover, type-II has an efficacy follows Bunsen Roscoe law (BRL), whereas type-I follows non-BRL. The measured type-I efficacy and gelation profile are analyzed by our analytic formulas. Schematics of the photocrosslinking stage defined by the availability of oxygen is developed, where both type-I and –II coexist until the oxygen is depleted. The overall efficacy may be enhanced by resupply of PS or oxygen during the light exposure. The roles of light dose and PS concentration on the efficacy of photoinitiated polymerization should be are governed a new concept of a volume efficacy (Ve), defined by the product of the crosslink (or gelation) depth (CD) and local [efficacy].

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) combines the nontoxic photosensitizer (PS) and visible light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative damages in (on) microbial organisms. Previously, we have shown that chitosan can augment the bactericidal efficacy mediated by PDI against bacteria and Candida. In this study, we showed that the antimicrobial action of chitosan to augment PDI relates to the enlargement of cell surface destruction. The microbial cell surfaces exhibit severe irregular shapes after PDI in the presence of chitosan. Furthermore, increase in the concentrations or incubation time of chitosan significantly reduce the amounts of photosensitizers TBO required, indicating that chitosan could be a synergistic agent with PDI against human pathogens. A prolonged lag phase was found in PDI surviving microbial cells, in which chitosan can act to synergistically eradicate the cells. Once the impaired cells rebuild their cellular functions from PDI-induced damage, the increased cytotoxic effect of chitosan disappeared. Together, our results suggest that chitosan with an augmented bactericidal activity after PDI is to inhibit the rehabilitation of PDI surviving cells, leading to microbial death.

The basic oxygen furnace slag (BOF) was wide used in road construction, but there was a lack of characteristics in different asphalt mixtures. This study investigates the properties of hot-mixed asphalt (HMA) containing stone mastic asphalt (SMA), porous asphalt (PA) and dense-graded BOF as a partial substitution for natural aggregates. The purpose of this study is to evaluate various BOF slag contents in the asphalt mixtures would affect the cooling behavior after compaction. Asphalt mixture specimens contained 0%, 20%, 40% and 60% BOF slag, respectively, as coarse aggregate. Test results showed that BOF slag has a lipophilic property, so it can be adsorbed by asphalt cement, thereby reducing the cost of asphalt. The stability value of all asphalt mixtures increases with the proportion of BOF slag replacement. In addition, the voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA) value variable exhibited significant differences among asphalt mixtures, and could determine the deviation of the cooling trend of asphalt mixtures. Furthermore; it was found that the cooling procedure of the BOF slag used in dense-graded asphalt mixture takes about 100 min, and that the temperature tends to be moderate; however, it took about 120 min of cooling the SMA and PA mixture with BOF slag. In addition, the voids distribution of dense asphalt mixture was not uniform. It would result in various locations of thermal energy temperature on asphalt mixtures that were inconsistent.

Heart aging involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental influences, leading to a gradual deterioration of cardiovascular integrity and function. Age-related physiological changes, including ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, increased arterial stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction, are influenced by key mechanisms like autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of plant-derived bioactive antioxidants in mitigating heart aging. These compounds, often rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals, exhibit notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. Through a comprehensive analysis of preclinical and clinical studies, this work highlights the mechanisms associated with heart aging and the promising effects of plant-derived antioxidants. The findings may helpful for researchers in identifying specific molecules with therapeutic and preventive potential for cardiovascular aging.

Hydrogen has the potential to decarbonize the energy and industrial sector in the future, mainly if it is generated by water electrolysis. Proton Exchange Membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) system is regarded as a propitious technology to produce green hydrogen from water using power supplied by renewable energy sources. It offers many benefits such as high performance, high proton conductibility, quick response, compact size, and low working temperature. Many conceptual and functional parameters influence the effectiveness of PEM, including temperature, pressure of anode and cathode regions, water content and wideness of layer, and cathode and anode exchange current density. In addition, the anodic half reaction (known as oxygen evolution reaction (OER)), and cathodic half reaction (known as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)) perform an important function in the development of PEMWE. The current paper aims at presenting these parameters and discussing their impacts on the performance of PEM. Also, the PEM efficiency is presented. The different methods used to enhance the scattering of OER electrocatalyst and minimizing catalyst loading to minimize the price of PEMWE are also highlighted. Moreover, the alternative of noble metals that could be used as electrocatalyst in HER and OER to minimize the cost of PEM are reviewed and presented.

Pesticides are chemical compounds or mixtures of hazardous substances that are used by humans to increase and protect crops from pests and control disease-carrying insects. Because of its wide use, it may be poisonous to helpful and non-targeting plants and animals. Spraying or spreading pesticides over whole fields of crops can cause runoff to transfer the chemicals into aquatic ecosystems, and wind can carry the chemicals to nearby grazing regions, farms, and populated areas, where they can endanger other animals. This review summarises recent studies on pesticide combination toxicity to aquatic biota and approaches used to anticipate toxic effects. When toxicants harm economically significant organisms that humans consume, the negative effects become more severe and can cause stress conditions, vital organ damage, biochemical damage, or even the death of living things in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Pesticides are highly toxic to aquatic organisms such as snails, fish, etc. Neurological dysfunction in freshwater organisms is also caused by pesticides. By producing excessive ROS, pesticides can cause severe biochemical and histological changes in freshwater organisms. So, it is therefore easy to understand the attention of the public on these substances. Because aquatic organisms play a major part in the food chain. However, through the biomagnification process, the quantity of pesticides increases in the higher organisms through the food chain. Which results play a terrific role in the higher organism’s body. So, It's essential to comprehend the way that insecticides work on aquatic organisms. In this review article, we are focusing on the way that pesticides work, which will help in the system of biomonitoring.

Metals play vital roles in biological systems, with iron/heme being essential for cellular and metabolic functions necessary for survival and/or virulence in many bacterial pathogens. Given the rise of bacterial resistance to current antibiotics, there is an urgent need for the development of non-toxic and novel antibiotics that do not contribute to resistance to other antibiotics. Gallium, which mimics iron, has emerged as a promising antimicrobial agent, offering a novel approach to combat bacterial infections. Gallium does not have any known functions in biological systems. Gallium exerts its effects primarily by replacing iron in redox enzymes, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth by targeting multiple iron/heme-dependent biological processes and suppressing the development of drug resistance. The aim of this review is to highlight recent findings on the mechanisms of action of gallium and provide further insights into the development of gallium-based compounds. Understanding the mechanisms underlying gallium’s biological activities will enhance its therapeutic application across various medical fields, offering promising avenues for the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer, and inflammatory conditions.

Cancer remains a leading cause of death despite advancements in research and treatment, with traditional therapies often causing significant side effects and resistance. Oxyhydrogen gas, a mixture of 66% molecular hydrogen (H₂) and 33% molecular oxygen (O₂) has shown exceptional promise as a novel therapeutic agent due to its ability to modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. H2, a key component of oxy-hydrogen gas, neutralises reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, enhancing existing treatments and reducing harmful oxidative states in cancer cells. H₂ also lowers pro-inflammatory mediators including chemokines, cytokines and interleukins, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and boosting the effectiveness of conventional therapies. Additionally, hydrogen can induce apoptosis in cancer cells by modulating pathways such as MAPK and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt phosphorylation cascade. Preclinical and clinical evidence supports oxyhydrogen gas's potential in treating various cancers. In lung cancer models, it inhibits cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and enhances chemotherapy sensitivity. Similar results have been observed in breast cancer, where patients reported improved quality of life. In colorectal cancer, oxyhydrogen gas suppresses tumour growth, induces apoptosis and improves intestinal microflora dysbiosis. The unique properties of oxyhydrogen gas make it a promising adjunctive or standalone cancer treatment. However, further research is needed to understand H₂'s mechanisms, optimise treatment protocols, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy in human patients.

Background and aim: Apigenin (API), a dietary flavone subclass of flavonoid found in herbs, fruits, and vegetables, exhibits various pharmacological effects. However, its role in triggering oxidative stress- induced apoptosis in uterine cells remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis induced by apigenin in rat uterine leiomyoma ELT3 cells. Material and methods: ELT3 cells were treated with 50 and 100 µM API for 48 hours. We assessed oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde), antioxidant defense (glutathione reductase activity), cell proliferation, and apoptotic gene expression (p53, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-9) using relevant assays and real-time PCR. Results: API treatment decreased cell proliferation and glutathione reductase activity in ELT3 cells. This coincided with increased levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and lactate dehydrogenase activity, indicating oxidative stress and cell damage. Furthermore, apigenin upregulated pro-apoptotic genes (p53, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9) and downregulated the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, suggesting activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Conclusion: API induces apoptosis in rat uterine leiomyoma cells through a mechanism involving oxidative stress-mediated activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.

In this work, we report the synthesis of a new thiosemicarbazone-based drug of N'-(di(pyridin-2-yl)methylene)-4-(thiazol-2-yl)piperazine-1-carbothiohydrazide (HL) featuring a thiazole spectator for the efficient coordination with Cu(II) to give [CuCl(L)]2 (1) and [Cu(NO3)(L)]2 (2). Both 1 and 2 exhibit dimeric structures ascribed to the presence of di-2-pyridylketone moieties that demonstrate dual functions of chelation and intermolecular bridging. HL, 1 and 2 are highly toxic against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines Hep-G2, PLC/PRF/5, and HuH-7, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values as low as 3.26 nmol/mL (HL), 2.18 nmol/mL (1), and 2.54 × 10−5 nmol/mL (2) for PLC/PRF/5. While the free ligand HL may elicit its anticancer effect via sequestration of bio-relevant metal ions (i.e. Fe3+ and Cu2+), 1 and 2 are also capable of generating cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Our preliminary pharmacokinetic studies revealed that oral administration (per os, PO) of HL has a significantly longer half-life t1/2 of 21.61 ± 9.4 h, nearly doubled as compared to that of the intravenous (i.v.) administration of 11.88 ± 1.66 h, certifying HL as an effective chemotherapeutic drug via PO administration.

The present study evaluated the effect of Prosthechea karwinskii leaves extract on antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in a model of obese rats with insulin resistance to know its nutraceutical potential on insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Obesity and insulin resistance were induced in rats by administering 40% sucrose in water. Once the model was established, four groups were evaluated (control, obese, obese administered with extract, and obese administered with metformin), and the indices of insulin resistance and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were measured. In addition, compounds in the extract were identified with UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS. The glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and insulin resistance indicators (HOMA-IR and TyG) increased in obese rats. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes evaluated increased in the obese group, apparently as an adaptive response to oxidative stress to inhibit reactive oxygen species formed by hyperglycemia. Administration of P. karwinskii extract and metformin reduced glucose, insulin, triglyceride levels, insulin resistance indicators and antioxidant enzymes to values like those of the control group. This study shows the nutraceutical potential of P. karwinskii extract as an ingredient in the formulation of food supplements or functional foods to help treat diseases related to insulin resistance and oxidative stress.

Formaldehyde (HCHO), an indoor volatile organic compound, is seriously harmful to human health. Therefore, green and effective decomposition of HCHO is essential. TiO2 has been employed for the degradation of HCHO via photocatalytic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (O2-, ·OH), yet the low specific surface area of crystalline TiO2 depressed the catalytic performance. Herein, we prepared TiO2 aerogels with high specific surface area and high porosity by sol-gel method, and added PVA to introduce flexible molecular chains for pore size regulation. The photocatalytic performance test verifies that the pore size of TiO2 aerogel is one of the important factors for HCHO decomposition. Notably, through the establishment of theoretical model and calculation, we validated that the efficiency of HCHO decomposition is related to the oxygen pressure in the pores of TiO2 aerogel, and the oxygen pressure is inversely proportional to the pore size. Accordingly, the optimal pore size of TiO2 aerogel for the photocatalytic HCHO decomposition is 2 nm-10 nm. This study provides a theoretical idea for TiO2 aerogels in the decomposition reaction of HCHO, which is expected to inspire more breakthroughs in the study of TiO2 aerogels for green chemistry.

Cutaneous mycoses are common infections whose treatment has become more complex due to increasing antifungal resistance and the need for prolonged therapies, hindering patient adher-ence and increasing the incidence of adverse effects. Consequently, the use of physical therapies, especially photodynamic therapy (PDT), has increased for the treatment of onychomycosis due to its antimicrobial capacity mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species. This study investigates the in vitro effect of the combination of blue light (448 nm) and red light (645 nm) with terbinafine on the cell viability of human keratinocytes and the production of reactive ox-ygen species. The combination of terbinafine and blue light exhibits a synergistic effect on the production of reactive oxygen species and a significant increase in the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme involved in the reduction of superoxide ions (O2-) and the genera-tion of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Such effect could be useful in clinical practice to improve the response of cutaneous mycoses to pharmacological treatment, reduce their toxicity, and shorten their duration.

Effects of oxygen content on microstructure and creep property of FGH96 superalloy were investigated. When oxygen content increased from 135ppm to 341ppm, prior particle boundary (PPB) rose from degree 2 to degree 3, and the size of γ′ phase on PPB enlarged from 1.07μm to 1.27μm, and MC carbide size grew from 77.4nm to 104.0nm. Meanwhile, the steady creep rate accelerated form 4.34×10-3 h-1 to 1.87×10-2 h-1, and the creep rupture life shortened from 176h to 94h, and the creep rupture mode transferred from intergranular and transgranular mixed fracture to along PPB fracture. During creep, the micro-twins formation and gliding will be restrained by ∑3 boundaries. FGH96 superalloy with higher oxygen content contains less ∑3 boundaries and its micro-twins cross slipped instead of single direction slip in lower oxygen content superalloy. Consequently, specimen with higher oxygen content creeped faster and raptured earlier.

Background: Early postoperative airway management after laryngo-tracheal surgery is crucial. Acute respiratory failure due to glottis’ oedema may occur, requiring reintubation. This can prolong ventilatory assistance, jeopardizing the anastomosis. To date, only judicious steroid administration and fluid management are available to avoid more invasive procedures. High-Flow-Oxygen-Therapy(HFOT) is a noninvasive O2 support method providing humidification, warmed air, Positive-End-Expiratory-Pressure(AIRVO2). No data exist about HFOT use to prevent early complications after laryngo-tracheal surgery. Methods: Between Sept.2020-Sept.2022, 107 consecutive patients underwent laryngo-tracheal surgery received HFOT(Group A). Data and long-term results were compared with those of 80 patients operated between Sept.2018-Aug.2020(Group B), when HFOT was not available. All patients were operated in a single center. No pre- or post-operative settings changed, except for HFOT introduction. We analyzed and compared the risk for “delayed” reintubation (unexpected reintubation within the first 24-48 hours after extubating/laryngeal mask removal) in the two groups. Results: No patients reported HFOT-related adverse events. Control group(B) presented “delayed” reintubation in 37% (p= 0.027), Intensive Care Unit admission in 67%(p=0.005) and longer hospital stay(p=0.001) compared to HFOT group(A). Minor complications rate was 3% in both group and overall mortality was 0%. Re-stenosis was described in 4.6% of HFOT group, without a statistically significant difference (p=0.7006). Conclusions: Our study is the first to investigate HFOT use in patients undergoing laryngo-tracheal surgery, potentially representing a consistent innovation in the peri-operative management of these patients. With the limit of a retrospective series, we would suggest HFOT use for preventing post-operative reintubation rate, possibly reducing ICU admission and hospital stay.

Erastin (ER) induces cell death by utilizing the process of ferroptosis via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ferroptosis is characterized by accumulation of ROS within the cell, leading to an iron-dependent oxidative damage-mediated cell death. Here, we have examined ferroptosis-dependent mechanism(s) of cytotoxicity of ER in K-RAS mutant human ovarian tumor OVCAR-8 and NCI/ADR-RES cell lines. We used these cell lines to decipher the mechanisms of ER as NCI/ADR-RES cells express higher activities of SOD, glutathione peroxidase and transferases than OVCAR-8 cells. We found that ER was equally cytotoxic to both cells; ER formed more ROS in OVCAR-8 cells than in NIH/ADR-RES cells. Ferrostatin-1, an inhibitor of ferroptosis, inhibited ER-induced cell death in both cell lines. In contrast, RSL3 (RAS-selective lethal 3), an inducer of ferroptosis, significantly enhanced cell death in both cell lines. ER induced significant lipid peroxidation only in OVCAR-8 cells. We found that RSL3 was more cytotoxic to NCI/ADR-RES cells and significantly enhanced ER-induced lipid peroxidation in both cells, indicating GPX4 was involved in the process of ER-mediated ferroptosis. ER treatment also differentially modulated several ferroptosis related genes (e.g., HMOX1/OH1, and CHAC1) in these cells, indicating ER-induced cell death may be mediated differently in OVCAR-8 and NCI/ADR-RES ovarian cells. Our studies suggest that combinations of ER and RSL3 may contribute significantly to the treatment of ovarian cancers, including those that are resistant to other therapeutic agents due to the presence of P-gp or tumors with Ras mutation in the clinic. ER induced ferroptosis may also be an important treatment modality for resistant tumors expressing MDR1 in the clinic.

Recent developments in the field of room temperature ferromagnetic metal oxide semiconductors (RTFMOS) have shown promising potential for improved photocatalytic performance. This review focuses on the combined study of photocatalytic and ferromagnetic properties at room temperature, with a particular emphasis on metal oxides, such as TiO2, which have emerged as a key area of interest in the domains of magnetism and environmental remediation. Despite extensive research over the years, the precise mechanism behind the interplay of ferromagnetism and photocatalysis in these materials remains incompletely understood. Several critical factors contributing to magnetism have been hinted at, including oxygen vacancies and various metal doping. Numerous reports have demonstrated that these factors play a primary role in room temperature ferromagnetism and photocatalysis in wide-band-gap metal oxides. However, establishing a direct correlation between magnetism, oxygen vacancies, dopant concentration, and photocatalysis has proven challenging. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in understanding the magnetism and photocatalytic behaviour of metal oxides. By examining the latest findings, this study sheds light on the potential of RTFMOS as effective photocatalysts, thereby contributing to advancements in environmental remediation and related applications.

In recent years, magnetic fields have emerged as a non-thermophysical treatment with a signifi-cant impact on microbial fermentation processes. Brassica trispora is a microorganism known for its indus-trial-scale production of lycopene and high yield of single cells. This study aimed to in-vestigate the impact of low frequency magnetic fields on lycopene synthesis by Brassica trispora and elucidate the underlying mechanism for enhancing lycopene yield. The results indicated that both the intensity and duration of the magnetic field treatment influenced the cell. Exposing the cell to a 0.5 mT magnetic field for 48 hours on the second day of fermentation resulted in a lyco-pene yield of 1473.16 mg/L, representing a re-markable increase of 216.1% compared to the con-trol group. Transcriptome analysis revealed that al-ternating magnetic field significantly up-regulated genes related to ROS and cell membrane structure, leading to a substantial increase in lycopene production. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the magnetic field treatment resulted in rough, loose, wrinkled surface morphology of the mycelium, along with a few mi-cropores, thereby altering the cell membrane permeability to some extent. Moreover, there was a significant increase in intracellular ROS content, cell membrane permeability, key enzyme activi-ty involved in lycopene metabolism, and ROS-related enzyme activity. In conclusion, the alter-nating fre-quency magnetic field can activate a self-protective mechanism that enhances lyco-pene synthesis by modulating intracellular ROS content and cell membrane structure. These find-ings not only deepen our understanding of the impact of magnetic fields on microbial growth and metabolism but also provide valuable insights for developing innovative approaches to en-hance carotenoid fermentation.

The interaction between O2 and reduced ceria nanocubes was mainly investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. Nanorods and nanoparticles were also studied for comparison. Adsorption of O2 at 100 K on unreduced ceria produces only O2 molecularly adsorbed on Ce4+ sites. The Ce3+ cations in H2-reduced ceria were monitored by the 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 electronic transition band at 2133-2095 cm-1. This band possesses a fine structure well resolved at 100 K. The positions of the individual components depend on the Ce3+ environment, including the presence of nearby species such as OH groups. Even at 100 K, the interaction of O2 with reduced ceria leads to fast oxidation of about half of the Ce3+ cations, including all Ce3+ sites bound to OH groups and carbonates, and the simultaneous formation of superoxo (O2) and peroxo (O22) species. The remaining fraction of Ce3+ sites disappears upon heating up to 348 K. At higher temperatures, the peroxo species decompose directly, yielding lattice oxygen. Superoxides are converted to hydroperoxides, which then decompose to terminal OH groups. Reduced samples evacuated at T < 773 K contain sorbed H2. Part of this hydrogen is also fast oxidized to H2O even at 100 K.

Broomrape (Orobanche cumana), root parasitic weed, negatively affects sunflower, thereby causing severe yield losses and required controls on O. cumana infestation. Brassinosteroids (BRs) plays key roles in plant growth and provides resilience to weed infection. This designed study evaluated the mechanisms by which BRs ameliorates O. cumana infection in sunflower (Helianthus annuus). The pretreatment of sunflower seeds with various concentrations of BRs (1, 10, and 100 nM) were applied with and without O. cumana infestation. Under O. cumana infection, a significant reduction in plant height (38.61%), fresh/dry biomass, photosynthesis and regulation in plant defense (POX, GST), BRs signaling (BAK1, BSK1 to BSK4) and synthesis (BRI1, BR6OX2) associated genes. Moreover, O. cumana elevated the levels of MDA, OH‒, H2O2 and O2•‒ in leaves/roots by 77%/112%, 62%/104%, 57%/98% and 55%/89.4% and caused ultrastructural damages in leaves/roots, suggesting the severe oxidative or cellular damages in sunflower. In response, plants activate activities of SOD and POD enzymes as well as reduced or oxidized glutathione, but unable to stimulate APX and CAT activities. Addition of BRs, especially at 10 nM notably lowered the production of oxidative stress, activated the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The downregulation in the reported genes by BRs attributed to the increased resilience of sunflower (via susceptible reaction). In nutshell, the pretreatment of BRs enhanced the sunflower resistance to O. cumana infection by improving the planta growth and biomass, photosynthesis, activating the antioxidant defense system, lowering the oxidative stress, cellular damages and modulating the expression of BR synthesis and signaling genes.

Osteoporosis, often linked to increased osteoclast activity due to menopause or aging, was the focus. In this study, the inhibitory effects of Salicornia europaea L. (SE) water extract of desalted SE (WSE) were investigated on osteoclast differentiation and bone loss in ovariectomized mice. The findings revealed that WSE effectively inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, as evidenced by TRAP staining, and also suppressed bone resorption and F-actin ring formation in a dose-dependent manner. Gene expressions related to osteoclast differentiation, including NFATc1, TRAP, cathepsin K, and DC-STAMP, were downregulated by WSE. Oral administration of WSE improved bone density and structural parameters in ovariectomized mice. Dicaffeoyl quinic acids (DCQAs) and saponins in WSE were detected, with 3,4-, 3,5-, and 4,5-DCQA isolated and identified. All tested DCQAs, including the aforementioned types, inhibited osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption, and the expression of osteoclast-related genes. Furthermore, WSE and DCQAs reduced ROS production mediated by RANKL. These results indicate the potential of WSE and its components, DCQA, as preventive or therapeutic agents against osteoporosis and related conditions.

The airflow carried by artificial aeration provides oxidant O2 for microbial growth and mineral dissolution in heap bioleaching. To investigate the effect of forced aeration rate on bioleaching of low-grade copper sulfide ores, column bioleaching experiments with six columns were conducted in the aeration range of 0~150 L/h at 30~45 ℃. The results showed that when the aeration rate was higher than 95 L/h, the proportions of heap settlement and fine particles mass were much greater than that without aeration. The final total Fe concentration and bacterial cell numbers in pregnant leach solution increased with the increase of aeration rate.The final concentrations of Cu2 + in the mother liquor under aeration conditions of 60-150 L / h were 1.411, 1.432, 1.498, 1.491 and 1.583 g / L, respectively, which were higher than 1.345 g / L under non-aeration conditions. When the aeration rate was 150 L / h, the final Cu leaching rate was 80.1 %, which was 11.4 % higher than that without aeration ( 68.7 % ). Furthermore, in the early stage of leaching, copper leaching rate with 95 L/h aeration rate remained the highest. 结论Artificial aeration accelerates the bioleaching of low-grade copper sulfide ores by improving porosity structure, temperature range of bacterial activity and microbial catalyzed dissolution of targeted minerals.

Keywords: Post-Stroke; Hyperbaric oxygen therapy; Sequelae; Feasibility; Out-patient.

In the literature, it is well known the correlation between poor semen quality and DNA sperm integrity, which can turn into negative outcomes in terms of embryo development and clinical pregnancy. Sperm selection plays a pivotal role in clinical practice and the most widely used methods are mainly based on sperm motility and morphology. The cumulus oophorus complex (COC) during natural fertilization represents a barrier that spermatozoa must overcome to reach the zona pellucida and fertilize the oocyte. Spermatozoa that can pass through the COC have better structural and metabolic characteristics as well as enhanced acrosome reaction (AR). The present study aimed to evaluate the exposure of sperm to cumulus cell secretome during swim-up treatment (SUC), compared to the routinely used swim-up method (SU). To determine the effectiveness of this method biological factors critical for the ability of sperm to fertilize an oocyte, including capacitation, AR, tyrosine phosphorylation signature, DNA integrity, and mitochondrial functionality were assessed. The SUC selection assures recovery of high-quality spermatozoa, with enhanced mitochondrial functionality and motility compared to both SU-selected or unselected (U) sperm. Furthermore, by this modified swim-up procedure significantly reduced sperm DNA damage (p<0.05) was detected. In conclusion, the SUC approach is a more physiological and integrated method for sperm selection that deserves further investigation for its translation into clinical practice.

Oxygen based heterocyclic moieties hold an ample range of therapeutic activities. Heterocyclic molecules are nominated as vital components of an extensive array of structural motifs with both biological and pharmaceutical significance. The oxygen-based scaffolds act as anticancer candidates and are also present in numerous phytomolecules viz; irinotecan, camptothecin, topotecan, taxol, taxotere, podophylotoxin, etoposide, daunorubicin and teniposide. The architectural design of numerous structural motifs for amelioration of cancer has become progressively amplified in recent past years. Until now presently there is no strategic treatment which is so capable that can cure cancer from its roots. Henceforth, it is very indispensible to design novel anticancer structural motifs with least side effects. The oxygen containing heterocyclic scaffolds includes flavonoids, pyrans, xanthones and coumarins are of utmost importance in medical chemistry for the mitigation of cancer. This assemblage offers several recent developments as anticancer oxygen containing heterocyclic molecules all-round the globe and attracted the structural motifs of auspicious molecules, along with their mechanistic insights, IC50 values, structure–activity relationships, and molecular docking studies. The encouraging properties discovered by these oxygen-based scaffolds unconditionally engaging them at frontline in invention of potential drug candidates. Consequently, these probably will be of amazing attention to scientists working on the design and synthesis of antitumor candidates.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by itching, impaired epidermal barrier function and unbalanced inflammatory response. The pathophysiology involves immune dysregulation, with a predominance of T-helper 2 cells. AD is triggered by many known and unknown factors, including oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to AD pathogenesis by causing cellular damage and inflammation. Moreover, increased oxidative stress in AD leads to hyperactivation of the MAP kinase pathway, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38, with DNA damage and subsequent skin barrier dysfunction. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of natural antioxidant compounds, highlighting their potential therapeutic value in AD management. They include vitamin D, vitamin E, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), Vitamin C, carotenoids and melatonin, in AD. Despite some studies have shown an association between vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C and carotenoids levels and AD course, conflicting results exist. Pyridoxine supplementation has shown mixed results, and melatonin has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in AD; in fact, melatonin treatment resulted in a decrease in symptoms in patients with AD, although no significant correlation with changes in sleep latency was reported. In addition, iron and zinc (Zn) supplementation can also improve AD symptoms. Further research is needed to elucidate the optimal use of these natural antioxidants in AD treatment

Salinity stress affect plant growth and development by causing osmotic stress, and nutrient imbalances through excess Na+, K+ and Cl- ion accumulations that induce toxic effects during germination, seedling development, vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit set. However, the effects of salt stress on such processes, especially in polyploidised leguminous plants remains unexplored and scantly reported compared to their diploid counterparts. This paper discusses the physiological and molecular response of legumes towards salinity stress based osmotic and ionic imbalances in plant cells. A multigenic response involving various compatible solutes, osmolytes, ROS, polyamines and antioxidant activity, together with genes encoding proteins involved in the signal transduction, regulation and response mechanisms to this stress were identified and discussed. This discussion reaffirms polyploidisation as the driving force in plant evolution and adaptation to environmental stress constraints such as drought, feverish temperatures, and in particular, salt stress. As a result, thorough physiological and molecular elucidation of the role of gene duplication through induced autopolyploidisation and possible mechanisms regulating salinity stress tolerance in grain legumes must be further studied.

Photocatalytic technology based on specific band structure of semiconductors offers a promising way to solve the urgent energy and environmental issues in modern society. In particular, hydrogen production from water splitting over semiconductor photocatalysts attracts great attention owing to the clean source and application of energy, which highly depends on the performance of photocatalysts. Among the various photocatalysts, TiO2 has been intensively investigated and used extensively due to its outstanding photocatalytic activity, high chemical stability, non-toxicity and low cost. However, pure TiO2 has a wide band gap of approximately 3.2 eV, which limits its photocatalytic activity for water splitting to generate hydrogen only under ultraviolet light, excluding most of the inexhaustible sunlight for human beings. Fortunately, the band gap of semiconductors can be manipulated, in which introducing oxygen defects is one of the most effective measures to narrow the band gap of titanium oxides. This review starts out by the fundamentals of photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production over TiO2, discusses the latest progress in this field, and summarizes the various methods and strategies to induce oxygen defects in TiO2 crystals. Then, the next section outlines the modification approaches of oxygen-deficient titanium oxide (TiO2-δ) to further improve its photocatalytic performance. Finally, a brief summary and outlook of the researches on TiO2-δ photocatalysts for water splitting to produce hydrogen were presented.

Activated sludge process is a well known method to treat municipal and industrial waste water. In this complex process, the oxygen concentration in the reactors plays a critical role in the plant efficiency. This paper proposes the use of a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network to identify an input-output model suitable for the design of an oxygen concentration controller. The model is identified from easy-accessible measures collected from a real plant. This dataset covers almost a month. The performances achieved with the proposed LSTM model are compared with the ones obtained with a standard AutoRegressive model with eXogenous input (ARX). Both models catch the oscillation and the overall behaviour (ARX ρ=0.833 , LSTM ρ=0.921), but, while the ARX model fails in reaching the correct amplitude (FIT=41.20%), the LSTM presents satisfactory performance (FIT=60.56%).

The paper portrays predictive models for dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in an urban lake using common water quality parameters like Temperature, pH, Conductivity and ORP at a time. Data were sampled using three real-time, industry-standard sensors, OPTOD, CTZN, and PHEHT, and then interpolated using the ArcGIS kriging technique. Correlation studies were analyzed through the ML algorithm, the correlation study signified a highly positive correlation between DO and other water parameters and the model was corroborated by R-score in order to create the linear regression model. In addition, an artificial neural network- a machine learning method using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm was developed to build a model to predict the do as well. Then, the performance of the models was validated and also the R² accuracy was checked of the predicted data against the actual data. Thus, the appropriateness of the ANN model for the forecasting of investigated attributes is indicated by the fact that the discrepancy between the forecasted and real ANN model is significantly lesser than that of the regression model. However, the model can be used to reveal DO data from unknown urban lake water.

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is one of the most important factors to consider when evaluating water contamination. BOD5 is the amount of oxygen consumed in five days by microorganisms that oxidize biodegradable organic materials in an aerobic biochemical manner. The primary objective of this effort is to use microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to shorten the time required for BOD5 measurements. We created a regression artificial neural network (AI), and the predictions we obtained for BOD5 measurements were taken over 6 – 24 hours with an average error of just 7%. The outcomes demonstrated by our AI MFC/BES BOD5 sensor’s viability for use in real-world scenarios.

Standard cell culture is routinely performed at supraphysiological oxygen concentrations (~18% O2). Conversely, oxygen levels in most tissues range from 1%–6% (physioxia). Such hyperoxic conditions can alter reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, energy metabolism, mitochondrial network dynamics, and response to drugs and hormones. The aim of this project was to investigate the transcriptional response to different oxygen levels and whether it is similar across cell lines, or cell-line specific. Using RNA-seq, we performed differential gene expression and functional enrichment analyses in four human cancer cell lines, LNCaP, Huh-7, PC-3, and SH-SY5Y cultured at either 5% or 18% oxygen for 14 days. We found that oxygen levels affected transcript abundance of hundreds of genes, with the affected genes having little overlap between cell lines. Functional enrichment analysis also revealed different processes and pathways being affected in each cell line. Interestingly, we found that the top differentially expressed genes are involved in cancer biology. Further, we observed several hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) targets upregulated at 5% oxygen, suggesting a role of HIF at physiological oxygen conditions. Finally, oxygen strongly induced transcription of mitochondrial genes in most cell lines, in a cell-type specific manner too. We conclude that cellular response to oxygen is widely cell-type specific, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physioxia in cell culture.

The development and improvement of methods for the synthesis of environmentally friendly catalysts based on base metals is currently an urgent and promising task of modern catalysis. Catalysts based on nanoscale magnetite and maghemite have fast adsorption-desorption kinetics and high chemical activity. The purpose of this work was to obtain magnetic composites, determine their physicochemical characteristics and verify their activity in the process of liquid-phase oxidation of phenol with oxygen. Magnetic nanocomposites were obtained by chemical co-deposition of salts of ferrous and trivalent iron. The synthesized magnetic composites were studied by X-ray diffractometry, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and Mössbauer spectroscopy, IR-Fourier spectroscopy, elemental analysis. To increase the catalytic activity in oxidative processes, the magnetite surfaces were modified using cobalt nitrate salt. Further, CoFe2O4 was stabilized by adding polyethylenimine (PEI) as a surfactant. Preliminary studies of the oxidation of phenol with oxygen, as the most typical environmental pollutant were carried out on the obtained Fe3O4, CuFe2O4, CoFe2O4/PEI catalysts. The spectrum of the reaction product shows the presence of CH in the aromatic ring and double C=C bonds, stretching vibrations of the C=O groups of carbonyl compounds; the band at 3059 cm–1 corresponds to the presence of double C=C bonds, the band at 3424 cm–1 hydroquinone compounds. The band at 1678 cm–1 and the intense band at 1646 cm–1 refer to vibrations of the С=О bonds of the carbonyl group of benzoquinone. Peaks at 1366 cm–1 and 1310 cm–1 can be related to the vibrations of C–H and C–C bonds of the quinone ring. Thus it was demonstrated that produced magnetic composites based on iron oxide are quite effective in the oxidation of phenol with oxygen.

Cold stress is a major environmental factor affecting the growth, development, and productivity of various crop species. With the current trajectory of global climate change, low temperatures are becoming more frequent and can significantly decrease crop yield. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the first crop to be domesticated and is the most popular cereal crop in the world. Due to a lack of systematic research on cold response pathways and gene regulatory networks, the underlying molecular mechanisms of cold signal transduction in wheat are poorly understood. This study reviews recent progress in wheat, including the ICE-CBF-COR signaling pathway in cold stress and the effects of cold stress on hormonal pathways, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and epigenetic regulation. This review also highlights outstanding issues that are crucial for understanding the interactions between wheat and low-temperature conditions.

Familial colorectal cancer (CRC) is only partially explained by known germline predisposing genes. We performed whole genome sequencing in 15 Polish families of many affected individuals, without mutations in known CRC predisposing genes. We focused on loss-of-function variants and functionally characterized them. We identified a frameshift variant in the CYBA gene (c.246delC) in one family and a splice site variant in the TRPM4 gene (c.25-1 G>T) in another family. While both variants were absent or extremely rare in gene variant databases, we identified four additional Polish familial CRC cases and two healthy elderly individuals with the CYBA variant (odds ratio 2.46, 95% confidence interval 0.48-12.69). Both variants led to a premature stop codon and to a truncated protein. Functional characterization of the variants showed that knockdown of CYBA or TRPM4 depressed generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LS174T and HT-29 cell lines. Knockdown of TRPM4 resulted in decreased MUC2 protein production. CYBA encodes a component in the NADPH oxidase system which generates ROS and controls, e.g., bacterial colonization in the gut. Germline CYBA variants are associated with early onset inflammatory bowel disease, supported with experimental evidence on loss of intestinal mucus barrier function due to ROS deficiency. TRPM4 encodes a calcium-activated ion channel, which in a human colonic cancer cell line controls calcium-mediated secretion of MUC2, a major component of intestinal mucus barrier. We suggest that the gene defects in CYBA and TRPM4 mechanistically involve intestinal barrier integrity through ROS and mucus biology, which converges in chronic bowel inflammation.

Purpose:To explore (theoretically) the key parameters and their influence on the time profiles of photosensitizer (riboflavin), free radicals, singlet oxygen, oxygen and the efficacy of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL)in both type-I and oxygen-mediated type-II mechanisms, specially the role of oxygen and the initiator regeneration. Methodology:Coupled kinetic equations are derived and numerically solved under the quasi-steady state condition for the 2-pathway mechanisms of CXL. The key parameters explored include (bI, V, Q', K, K',Q,P) and their influence on the time profiles of photosensitizer (riboflavin, C), radicals (R), singlet oxygen(S), oxygen (X) and efficacy (E), parameters of (K,K',Q) define the relative strength of type-I and type-II process. The oxygen depletion profile, X(t), and the associated singlet oxygen, S(t), depend on the parameters of V, Q' and the initial value of oxygen. The coupling strength given by (bI) governs almost all profiles, where b is an effective absorption parameter and I is the UV light intensity.Results:Our numerical method for CXL dynamic profiles demonstrated the following important features: (i) Type-I and type-II coexit in CXL, in the presence of oxygen. However, there is no type-II when oxygen is depleted or in a condition without oxygen. (ii) Type-I with bimolecular termination, the radical R(t) is a function of [K'(bIgC)]^0.5, leading to the steady-state efficacy given by a scaling law of 1/(bI)^0.5, in contract to that of type-II which is almost independent to the light intensity. (iii) The depletion rate (2 to 5 minutes) of X(t) is much faster than that of C(t) (10 to 20 minutes), (iv) Thepure type-II profile, has a transition point from straight line to saturating curve and matches the depletion point of singlet oxygen S(t). (v) Improved CXL efficacy of type-I and type-II may be achieved by external supply of photoinitiator (riboflavin) and oxygen, respectively.