Microplastic Materials for Inhalation Studies: Preparation by Solvent Precipitation and Comprehensive Characterization.

Assessing the inhalation hazard of microplastics is important but necessitates sufficient quantity of microplastics that are representative and respirable (<4 µm). Common plastics are not typically manufactured in such small sizes. Here, solvent precipitation is used to produce respirable test materials from thermoplastics polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA-6), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

Prolonged Hypoxia in Rat Living Myocardial Slices Affects Function, Expression, and Structure.

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Reduced oxygen supply and myocardial hypoxia lead to tissue damage and impairment of the heart function. To the best of our knowledge, the primary functional effects of hypoxia in the multicellular model of living myocardial slices (LMSs) have not been investigated so far.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell line (PNUSCRi005-A) generated from severe type of Hunter syndrome patient carrying exonic deletion (exon 4-7 del) in in human iduronate 2-sulfatase gene.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type Ⅱ, as Known as Hunter syndrome, is a rare X-liked genetic disease caused by mutations in iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) gene. We obtained peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a patient with a severe type of Hunter syndrome carrying c.418 + 495_1006 + 1304 deletion in the IDS gene.

Heterotropic Activation of Cytochrome P450 3A4 by Perillyl Alcohol.

: Perillyl alcohol (POH), a monoterpene natural product derived from the essential oils of plants such as perilla (), is currently in phase I and II clinical trials as a chemotherapeutic agent. In this study, we investigated the effect of POH on cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity for evaluating POH-drug interaction potential. : The investigation was conducted using pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs), recombinant CYP3A4 (rCYP3A4) enzymes, and human pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatic organoids (hHOs) employing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Compared Inhibitory Activities of Tamoxifen and Avenanthramide B on Liver Esterase and Correlation Based on the Superimposed Structure Between Porcine and Human Liver Esterase.

Exposure to tamoxifen can exert effects on the human liver, and esterases process prodrugs such as antibiotics and convert them to less toxic metabolites. In this study, the porcine liver esterase (PLE)-inhibitory activity of tamoxifen has been investigated. PLE showed inhibition of a PLE isoenzyme (PLE5).

Evaluation of Genotoxic Effects of N-Methyl-N-Nitroso-Urea and Etoposide on the Differentiation Potential of MSCs from Umbilical Cord Blood and Bone Marrow.

The present study investigates the influence of nitrosamines and etoposide on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in a differentiation state- and biological age-dependent manner. The genotoxic effects of the agents on both neonatal and adult stem cell populations after treatment, before, or during the course of differentiation, and the sensitivity of the different MSC types to different concentrations of MNU or etoposide were assessed. Hereby, the multipotent differentiation capacity of MSCs into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes was analyzed.

Targeting Insulin Resistance, Reactive Oxygen Species, Inflammation, Programmed Cell Death, ER Stress, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction for the Therapeutic Prevention of Free Fatty Acid-Induced Vascular Endothelial Lipotoxicity.

Excessive intake of free fatty acids (FFAs), especially saturated fatty acids, can lead to atherosclerosis and increase the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. FFAs also contribute to obesity, hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Palmitic acid (PA) is human plasma's most abundant saturated fatty acid.

Controllable construction of γ-FeO nanocubes anchored on carbon nanotube nanoribbons; boosting electrocatalytic activity for organic pollutant detection in vegetables.

Developing a highly efficient electrocatalyst for detecting hazardous bisphenol S (BPS) is essential to minimize health risks. Herein, we fabricate γ-FeO nanocubes (IONCs) anchored on carbon nanotube nanoribbons (CNRs) (denoted as IONCs-CNRs) for the electrochemical detection of BPS in vegetables. Importantly, the IONCs can be selectively formed only on CNRs via amperometric deposition, while γ-FeO cubic clusters (IOCCs) form in the absence of CNRs.

Research review and transcriptomic insights into Benzalkonium chloride inhalation and disease association.

The widespread use of disinfectants, particularly during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, has significantly increased human exposure to biocides, raising concerns about their potential health risks, especially when inhaled. Benzalkonium chloride (BKC), a quaternary ammonium compound commonly used as a disinfectant and preservative, is a notable example because it is frequently used in household products and medical settings. Despite its broad usage, limited research has been conducted on the respiratory and systemic toxicities of BKC.

Collaborative activities in a biological dosimetry network for radiation emergencies in South Korea.

Purpose: Biological dosimetry is an essential analytic method to estimate the absorbed radiation dose in the human body by measuring changes in biomolecules after radiation exposure. Joint response in a network to mass-casualty radiation incidents is one way to overcome the limitations of biological dosimetry, sharing the workload among laboratories. This study aimed to investigate the current performance, collaborative activities and technical advances of the Korea biodosimetry network (K-BioDos), and suggest the future directions toward successful joint response.

A sensitive molecular probe exhibiting significant change in their photophysical and morphological behavior upon interaction with Fe ion.

An efficient molecular probe 8 has been designed and synthesized. The photophysical, electrochemical and morphological behavior of the probe has been examined in the absence and presence of different ions. The probe 8 at 90 % water fraction in acetonitrile showed aggregation induced emission (AIE).

A Comprehensive Review of Arsenic-Induced Neurotoxicity: Exploring the Role of Glial Cell Pathways and Mechanisms.

The review aims to examine the neurotoxic effects of arsenic, particularly exploring the roles of glial cells-astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, amid its widespread environmental contamination and impact on cognitive impairments. It highlights the role of altered neurotrophin and growth factor signaling in disrupting neuronal health and cognitive performance. It elucidates the intricate interactions between oxidative stress, DNA damage, neurotransmitter disruption, and cellular signaling alterations, underscoring the vital importance of the glial cells.

Enhancing toxicity prediction for natural products in herbal medicine and dietary supplements: Integrating (Q)STR models and in vitro assays.

New approach methods (NAMs) are required to predict human toxicity effectively, particularly due to limitations in conducting in vivo studies. While NAMs have been established for various industries, such as cosmetics, pesticides, and drugs, their applications in natural products (NPs) are lacking. NPs' complexity (multiple ingredients and structural differences from synthetic compounds) complicates NAM development.

Comprehensive analysis of proteomic and biochemical responses of Daphnia magna to short-term exposure to polystyrene microplastic particles.

Microplastic (MP) represent a pervasive and escalating threat to aquatic ecosystems, impacting organisms from cellular to population levels. To investigate the immediate molecular impacts of MP exposure, we exposed Daphnia magna, a keystone species in freshwater ecosystems, to polystyrene microplastic particles (5 μm, 5 μg/L) for 48 h. Through proteomic and biochemical analyses, we identified extensive disruptions in key physiological pathways.

KCNJ15 inhibits chemical-induced lung carcinogenesis and progression through GNB1 mediated Hippo pathway.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are important environmental carcinogens that can cause lung cancer. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanism during PAHs-induced lung carcinogenesis has remained largely unknown. Previously, we screened some novel epigenetic regulatory genes during 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MCA)-induced lung carcinogenesis, including the potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 15 (KCNJ15) gene.

Glucocorticoid-Dependent Retinal Degeneration and Vision Impairment in Mice Susceptible to Prenatal Stress-Induced Behavioral Abnormalities.

Chronic exposure to prenatal stress can impair neurogenesis and lead to irreversible cognitive and neuropsychiatric abnormalities in offspring. The retina is part of the nervous system; however, the impacts of prenatal stress on retinal neurogenesis and visual function remain unclear. This study examined how elevated prenatal glucocorticoid levels differentially affect retinal development in the offspring of pregnant mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).

A Simplified Protocol for Isolation and Culture of Keratinocyte Stem Cells from Neonatal Mice.

Isolation of primary keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) from neonatal mouse epidermis is essential for studying skin physiology and related disorders. Traditional methods often struggle to balance keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, and although recent advancements using low-calcium culture conditions have improved these techniques, protocols remain scattered. This study presents a streamlined approach to expand mouse KSCs in low-calcium medium (<0.

Oxidative stress reactions in rats with pulmonary injuries induced by sulfur mustard (1 LD).

Objective: Sulfur mustard (SM) is an important chemical warfare agent. The mechanisms underlying SM toxicity have not been completely elucidated. However, oxidative stress and the subsequent damage to macromolecules have been considered ascrucial steps in SM toxicity.

Advances in the development of N-glycopeptide enrichment materials based on hydrophilic interaction chromatography.

Protein glycosylation is one of the most important post-translational modifications, implicated in the development of various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancers. However, the low content of glycoproteins in biological samples, the diversity and heterogeneity of glycan structures, and insensitive detection methods make glycosylation analysis challenging. As a result, efficient enrichment of glycopeptides from complex samples is a critical step.

Didecyldimethylammonium chloride-induced lung fibrosis may be associated with phospholipidosis.

In the current study, we dosed didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) in mice by pharyngeal aspiration for 28 days or 90 days (weekly) and tried to elucidate the relationship between lamellar body formation and the lesions. When exposed for 28 days (0, 5, 10, 50, and 100 μg/head), all the mice in the 50 and 100 μg/head groups died since Day 2 after the third dosing (Day 16 after the first dosing). Edema, necrosis of bronchiolar and alveolar epithelium, and fibrinous exudate were observed in the lungs of all the dead mice, and chronic inflammatory lesions were observed in the lung tissues of alive mice.

Biochemical and molecular mechanisms of Rhodococcus rhodochrous IITR131 for polyethylene terephthalate degradation.

Aims: To isolate polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-degrading bacteria and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PET biodegradation through biochemical and genome analysis.

Methods And Results: Rhodococcus rhodochrous IITR131 was found to degrade PET. Strain IITR131 genome revealed metabolic versatility of the bacterium and had the ability to form biofilm on PET sheet, resulting in the cracks, abrasions, and degradation.

Assessment of potential ecological risk for microplastics in freshwater ecosystems.

Microplastics (MPs) are one of the most widespread environmental pollutants, but their risk assessment to freshwater ecosystems has not been clearly investigated. Risk assessment has been constrained by the absence of MP concentration in some environment, the diverse types and shapes of MPs, and limitations of polystyrene (PS)-biased toxicity studies. This study examined exposure to MPs in rivers and lakes worldwide, including China (the Three Gorges Dam & Yangtze River (TGD & YR) and the lakes of Wuhan city (WL)), Vietnam (seven lakes of Da Nang city (7UL)), Europe (the Rhine River (RR)), Finland (Kallavesi Lake (KL)), Argentina (nine lakes in the Patagonia region (9LP)), Brazil (Guaiba Lake (GL)), and South Korea (Nakdong River (NR), Han River (HR), and Anyang Stream (AS)), and assessed the risks to aquatic ecosystems based on the toxicity information and morphology of MPs.

Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovers heterogenous immune cell responses upon exposure to food additive (E171) titanium dioxide.

The prospective use of food additive titanium dioxide (E171 TiO) in a variety of fields (food, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics) prompts proper cellular cytotoxicity and transcriptomic assessment. Interestingly, smaller-sized E171 TiO can translocate in bloodstream and induce a diverse immunological response by activating the immune system, which can be either pro-inflammatory or immune-suppressive. Nevertheless, their cellular or immunologic responses in a heterogeneous population of the immune system following exposure of food additive E171 TiO is yet to be elucidated.

Method for determination of cytisine in post-mortem biological matrices and its application to two forensic cases.

Purpose: Cytisine is the active ingredient in preparations used for smoking cessation. Its popularity is attributed to its low cost, efficacy, and low incidence of adverse effects. Additionally, its easy over-the-counter availability is also significant.

A critical review on the symbiotic effect of bacteria and microalgae on treatment of sewage with biofertilizer production.

Wastes like sewage, kitchen and industrial are the major sources of environmental pollution and health hazards. Sewage contains 99.9% water and 0.