The photo-based treatment technology simultaneously removes resistant bacteria and resistant genes from wastewater.

Because of the recent widespread usage of antibiotics, the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) were prevalent in the majority of habitats. Generally, the biological wastewater treatment processes used in wastewater treatment plants have a limited efficiencies of antibiotics resistant bacteria (ARB) disinfection and ARGs degradation and even promote the proliferation of ARGs. Problematically, ARB and ARGs in effluent pose potential risks if they are not further treated. Photocatalytic oxidation is considered a promising disinfection technology, where the photocatalytic process generates many free radicals that enhance the interaction between light and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for ARB elimination and subsequent degradation of ARGs. This review aims to illustrate the progress of photocatalytic oxidation technology for removing antibiotics resistant (AR) from wastewater in recent years. We discuss the sources and transfer of ARGs in wastewater. The overall removal efficiencies of ultraviolet radiation (UV)/chlorination, UV/ozone, UV/H2O2, and UV/sulfate-radical based system for ARB and ARGs, as well as the experimental parameters and removal mechanisms, are systematically discussed. The contribution of photocatalytic materials based on TiO2 and g-C3N4 to the inactivation of ARB and degradation of ARGs is highlighted, producing many free radicals to attack ARB and ARGs while effectively limiting the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in wastewater. Finally, based on the reviewed studies, future research directions are proposed to realize specific photocatalytic oxidation technology applications and overcome current challenges.

Degradation of carbamazepine by the UVA-LED365/ClO2/NaClO process: Kinetics, mechanisms and DBPs yield.

A mixed oxidant of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and NaClO was often used in water treatment. A novel UVA-LED (365 nm)-activated mixed ClO2/NaClO process was proposed for the degradation of micropollutants in this study. Carbamazepine (CBZ) was selected as the target pollutant. Compared with the UVA365/ClO2 process, the UVA365/ClO2/NaClO process can improve the degradation of CBZ, with the rate constant increasing from 2.11×10-4 sec-1 to 2.74×10-4 sec-1. In addition, the consumption of oxidants in the UVA365/ClO2/NaClO process (73.67%) can also be lower than that of UVA365/NaClO (86.42%). When the NaClO ratio increased, both the degradation efficiency of CBZ and the consumption of oxidants can increase in the UVA365/ClO2/NaClO process. The solution pH can affect the contribution of NaClO in the total oxidant ratio. When the pH range of 6.0-8.0, the combination process can generate more active species to promote the degradation of CBZ. The change of active species with oxidant molar ratio was investigated in the UVA365/ClO2/NaClO process. When ClO2 acted as the main oxidant, HO• and Cl• were the main active species, while when NaClO was the main oxidant, ClO• played a role in the system. Both chloride ion (Cl-), bicarbonate ion (HCO3-), and nitrate ion (NO3-) can promote the reaction system. As the concentration of NaClO in the reaction solution increased, the generation of chlorates will decrease. The UVA365/ClO2/NaClO process can effectively control the formation of volatile disinfection by-products (DBPs), and with the increase of ClO2 dosage, the formation of DBPs can also decrease.

Effect of chlorination and ultraviolet on the adsorption of pefloxacin on polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride.

During the water treatment process, chlorination and ultraviolet (UV) sterilization can modify microplastics (MPs) and alter their physicochemical properties, causing various changes between MPs and other pollutants. In this study, the impact of chlorination and UV modification on the physicochemical properties of polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were investigated, and the adsorption behavior of pefloxacin (PEF) before and after modification was examined. The effect of pH, ionic strength, dissolved organic matter, heavy metal ions and other water environmental conditions on adsorption behavior was revealed. The results showed that PS had a higher adsorption capacity of PEF than PVC, and the modification increased the presence of O-containing functional groups in the MPs, thereby enhancing the adsorption capacity of both materials. Chlorination had a more significant impact on the physicochemical properties of MPs compared to UV irradiation within the same time period, leading to better adsorption performance of chlorination. The optimal pH for adsorption was found to be 6, and NaCl, sodium alginate and Cu2+ would inhibit adsorption to varying degrees, among which the inhibition caused by pH was the strongest. Chlorination and UV modification would weaken the inhibitory effect of environmental factors on the adsorption of PEF by MPs. The main mechanisms of adsorption involved electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding. The study clarified the effects of modification on the physicochemical properties of MPs, providing reference for subsequent biotoxicity analysis and environmental protection studies.

A dopant-assisted iodide-adduct chemical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer based on VUV lamp photoionization for atmospheric low-molecular-weight organic acids analysis.

Formic and acetic acids are the most abundant gaseous organic acids and play the key role in the atmospheric chemistry. In iodine-adduct chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS), the low utilization efficiency of methyl iodide and humidity interference are two major issues of the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) lamp initiated CIMS for on-line gaseous formic and acetic acids analysis. In this work, we present a new CIMS based on VUV lamp, and the ion-molecular reactor is separated into photoionization and chemical ionization zones by a reducer electrode. Acetone was added to the photoionization zone, and the VUV photoionization acetone provided low-energy electrons for methyl iodide to generate I-, and the addition of acetone reduced the amount of methyl iodide by 2/3. In the chemical ionization zone, a headspace vial containing ultrapure water was added for humidity calibration, and the vial changes the sensitivity as a function of humidity from ambiguity to well linear correlation (R2 > 0.95). With humidity calibration, the CIMS can quantitatively measure formic and acetic acids in the humidity range of 0%-88% RH. In this mode, limits of detection of 10 and 50 pptv are obtained for formic and acetic acids, respectively. And the relative standard deviation (RSD) of quantitation stability for 6 days were less than 10.5%. This CIMS was successfully used to determine the formic and acetic acids in the underground parking and ambient environment of the Shandong University campus (Qingdao, China). In addition, we developed a simple model based formic acid concentration to assess vehicular emissions.

Development of strontium aluminate-printed nonwoven fabric from recycled cotton cellulose for smart wearable photochromic applications.

Smart photochromic and fluorescent textile refers to garments that alter their colorimetric properties in response to external light stimulus. Cotton fibers have been reported as a main resource for many textile and non-textile industries, such as automobiles, medical devices, and furniture applications. Cotton is a natural fiber that is distinguished with breathability, softness, cheapness, and highly absorbent. However, there have been growing demands to find other resources for cotton textiles at high quality and low cost for various applications, such as sensor for harmful ultraviolet radiation. Herein, we present a novel method toward luminescent and photochromic nonwoven textiles from recycled cotton waste. Using the screen-printing technology, a cotton fabric that is both photochromic and fluorescent was developed using aqueous inorganic phosphor nanoparticles (10-18 nm)-containing printing paste. Both CIE Lab color coordinates and photoluminescence spectra showed that the transparent film printed on the nonwoven fabric develops a reversible green emission (519 nm) under ultraviolet light (365 nm), even at low pigment concentration (2%) in the printing paste. Colorfastness of printed fabrics showed high durability and photostability.

Fabrication and Application of Tannin Double Quaternary Ammonium Salt/Polyvinyl Alcohol as Efficient Sterilization and Preservation Material for Food Packaging.

Food packaging films play a vital role in preserving and protecting food. The focus has gradually shifted to safety and sustainability in the preparation of functional food packaging materials. In this study, a bisquaternary ammonium salt of tannic acid (BQTA) was synthesized, and the bioplastics based on BQTA and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were created for packaging applications. The impact of BQTA on antibacterial effect, antioxidant capacity, opacity, ultraviolet (UV) protective activity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and anti-fog of the resultant bioplastics was examined. In vitro antibacterial experiments confirmed that BQTA possesses excellent antimicrobial properties, and only a trace amount addition of BQTA in PVA composite film could inhibit about 100% of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Compared to BQTA/PVA bioplastics with pure PVA, the experiment findings demonstrate that BQTA/PVA bioplastics show strong antioxidant and UV protection action and the performance of fruit preservation. It also revealed a small improvement in thermal stability and tensile strength. The small water contact angle, even at low BQTA concentrations, gave BQTA/PVA bioplastics good anti-fog performance. Based on the findings, bioplastics of BQTA/PVA have the potential to be used to create packaging, and they can be applied as the second (inner) layer of the primary packaging to protect food freshness and nutrition due to their antioxidant activity and biocompatibility.

Trifarotene alleviates skin photoaging injury by inhibition of JNK/c-Jun/MMPs.

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces skin photoaging, which manifests as oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen degradation. Multiple approaches (topical or systemic retinoids, antioxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids, laser, surgery) are used in the treatment of photoaged skin, and the use of topical retinoids is currently a primary clinical treatment. Previous studies revealed that retinoic acid promotes keratinocyte proliferation and reduces melanin deposition and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion; it also causes potential allergic and inflammatory damage to the skin. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of trifarotene, a functional retinoic acid analog, on UV-irradiated photoaging ICR and BALB/c nude mice and UVB photodamaged human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells by examining indicators such as collagen, oxidoreductase, and inflammatory factor presence through histochemical staining, Western blot, and ELISA. Results suggested that trifarotene significantly reduced UV-induced photoaging in mouse skin tissue, potentially by reducing oxidative stress damage and inflammatory factor release, and inhibiting melanin deposition and collagen degradation by downregulating MMP expression. Concentrations of malondialdehyde, tyrosinase, interleukin-6, interleukin- 12, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in photoaged skin decreased, while SOD content in photodamaged HaCaT cells significantly increased. Trifarotene (3.3 µmol L-1) inhibited phosphorylated JNK and c-Jun expression both independently and collaboratively with the JNK activator anisomycin, demonstrating that trifarotene mitigates UV-induced collagen degradation and apoptosis through inhibition of the JNK/c-Jun/MMPs signaling pathway.

Synergistic Toxicity of Pollutant and Ultraviolet Exposure from a Mitochondrial Perspective.

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure and atmospheric pollution are both independently implicated in skin diseases such as cancer and premature aging. UVA wavelengths, which penetrate in the deep layers of the skin dermis, exert their toxicity mainly through chromophore photosensitization reactions. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon originating from the incomplete combustion of organic matter, could act as a chromophore and absorb UVA. We and other groups have previously shown that BaP and UVA synergize their toxicity in skin cells, which leads to important oxidation. Even if mitochondria alterations have been related to premature skin aging and other skin disorders, no studies have focused on the synergy between UV exposure and pollution on mitochondria. Our study aims to investigate the combined effect of UVA and BaP specifically on mitochondria in order to assess the effect on mitochondrial membranes and the consequences on mitochondrial activity. We show that BaP has a strong affinity for mitochondria and that this affinity leads to an important induction of lipid peroxidation and membrane disruption when exposed to UVA. Co-exposure to UVA and BaP synergizes their toxicity to negatively impact mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial metabolism and the mitochondrial network. Altogether, our results highlight the implication of mitochondria in the synergistic toxicity of pollution and UV exposure and the potential of this toxicity on skin integrity.

RcTRP5 Transcription Factor Mediates the Molecular Mechanism of Lignin Biosynthesis Regulation in R. chrysanthum against UV-B Stress.

UV-B stress destroys the photosynthetic system of Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. (R. chrysanthum), as manifested by the decrease of photosynthetic efficiency and membrane fluidity, and also promotes the accumulation of lignin. The MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog) family of transcription factors can be involved in the response to UV-B stress through the regulation of lignin biosynthesis. This study indicated that both the donor and recipient sides of the R. chrysanthum were significantly damaged based on physiological index measurements made using OJIP curves under UV-B stress. The analysis of bioinformatics data revealed that the RcTRP5 transcription factor exhibits upregulation of acetylation at the K68 site, directly regulating the biosynthesis of lignin. Additionally, there was upregulation of the K43 site and downregulation of the K83 site of the CAD enzyme, as well as upregulation of the K391 site of the PAL enzyme. Based on these findings, we conjectured that the RcTRP5 transcription factor facilitates acetylation modification of both enzymes, thereby indirectly influencing the biosynthesis of lignin. This study demonstrated that lignin accumulation can alleviate the damage caused by UV-B stress to R. chrysanthum, which provides relevant ideas for improving lignin content in plants, and also provides a reference for the study of the metabolic regulation mechanism of other secondary substances.

Effects of UV-B and UV-C Spectrum Supplementation on the Antioxidant Properties and Photosynthetic Activity of Lettuce Cultivars.

Indoor farming systems enable plant production in precisely controlled environments. However, implementing stable growth conditions and the absence of stress stimulants can weaken plants' defense responses and limit the accumulation of bioactive, health-beneficial phytochemicals. A potential solution is the controlled application of stressors, such as supplemental ultraviolet (UV) light. To this end, we analyzed the efficiency of short-term pre-harvest supplementation of the red-green-blue (RGB, LED) spectrum with ultraviolet B (UV-B) or C (UV-C) light to boost phytochemical synthesis. Additionally, given the biological harm of UV radiation due to high-energy photons, we monitored plants' photosynthetic activity during treatment and their morphology as well as sensory attributes after the treatment. Our analyses showed that UV-B radiation did not negatively impact photosynthetic activity while significantly increasing the overall antioxidant potential of lettuce through enhanced levels of secondary metabolites (total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins), carotenoids, and ascorbic acid. On the contrary, UV-C radiation-induced anthocyanin accumulation in the green leaf cultivar significantly harmed the photosynthetic apparatus and limited plant growth. Taken together, we showed that short-term UV-B light supplementation is an efficient method for lettuce biofortification with healthy phytochemicals, while UV-C treatment is not recommended due to the negative impact on the quality (morphology, sensory properties) of the obtained leafy products. These results are crucial for understanding the potential of UV light supplementation for producing functional plants.

Photodegradation of Amoxicillin in Aqueous Systems: A Review.

Amoxicillin (AMX) is utilized in the treatment of several infectious diseases, and its concentration in wastewater has increased quite significantly over the years, posing high health hazards for humans and other living organisms. Investigations are in progress globally to eliminate AMX and other related pollutants using several methods that include adsorption, photolysis, photocatalytic degradation, photoelectrocatalytic degradation, and electrochemical conversion. AMX can be eliminated efficiently from the environment using photodegradation, either by photolysis or a photocatalytic process. Several types of semiconductor NMs have been used to eliminate AMX and other related drugs present in wastewater. This review spans the photodegradation studies conducted during the years 2018-2024 to degrade and eliminate AMX in aquatic systems. Several studies have been reported to eliminate AMX from different water streams. These studies are categorized into TiO2-containing and non-TiO2-based catalysts for better comparison. A section on photolysis is also included, showing the use of UV alone or with H2O2 or PS without using any nanomaterial. A tabulated summary of both types of catalysts showing the catalysts, reaction conditions, and degradation efficiency is presented. Researchers have used a variety of reaction conditions that include radiation types (UV, solar, and visible), pH of the solution, concentration of AMX, number of nanomaterials, presence of other additives and activators such as H2O2 as oxidant, and the influence of different salts like NaCl and CaCl2 on the photodegradation efficiency. TiO2 was the best nanomaterial found that achieved the highest degradation of AMX in ultraviolet irradiation. TiO2 doped with other nanomaterials showed very good performance under visible light. WO3 was also used by several investigators and found quite effective for AMX degradation. Other metal oxides used for AMX elimination were derived from molybdenum, zinc, manganese, copper, cerium, silver, etc. Some researchers have used UV and/or visible irradiation or sunlight, without using solid catalysts, in the presence of oxidants such as H2O2. A summarized description of earlier published reviews is also presented.

Rapid preparation of injectable dual-network hydrogels for biomedical applications using UV-triggered sulfhydryl click reactions.

The use of hydrogels to mimic natural cartilage implantation can effectively solve the current problems of insufficient cartilage donors and low rate of injury healing. In particular, injectable hydrogels are less invasive in clinical applications and better able to fill uneven injury surfaces. Here, we prepared NorCS and CS-SH by modifying chitosan with 5-norbornene-2-carboxylic acid and N-Acetyl-L-cysteine, respectively. Dual-network hydrogels were prepared by using UV-triggered thiol-ene click reaction between NorCS and CS-SH and the metal coordination between SA and Ca2+. The prepared hydrogels can be cross-linked quickly and exhibit excellent degradability, self-healing and injectable properties. At the same time, the hydrogel also showed good cytocompatibility and could significantly restore the motor function of mice. This study provides an effective strategy for preparing injectable hydrogels capable of rapid cross-linking.

Physical radiation induced the yield of triterpenoids in hypha of Inonotus obliquus to increase.

HSD-IO01, a new pure strain of I. obliquus, was isolated and purified from the sclerotium of I. obliquus of Daxing'an Mountains. Physical radiation-assisted liquid fermentation technology was explored to increase the triterpenoids yield of HSD-IO01. In the 100 mL optimized liquid fermentation system, the hypha dry weight of HSD-IO01 was 1.7734 g, and the triterpenoids yield was 43.43 mg. Yields of triterpenoids increased after induction with ultrasound, microwave, or UV light, respectively. Among them, ultrasonic treatment had the most remarkable induction effect. The yield of triterpenoids would be increased to 68.35 mg (57.38 %) when the HSD-IO01 was treated by 100 W ultrasonic for 45 min. Establishing ultrasonic-assisted liquid fermentation technology could further promote the detailed development and comprehensive utilization of I. obliquus resources.

Modified Chitosan-Based Coating/Packaging Composites with Enhanced Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and UV-Resistant Properties for Fresh Food Preservation.

Chitosan-based biomass packaging materials are a promising material for food preservation, but their limited solubility, antioxidant capacity, UV resistance, and mechanical properties severely restrict their application. In this study, we developed a novel chitosan-based coating/packaging composite (QCTO) using quaternary ammonium salt and tannic acid (TA)-modified chitosan (QCS-TA) and oxidized chitosan (OCS). The introduction of quaternary ammonium salt and TA effectively improves the water solubility and antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV-resistant properties of chitosan. The Schiff-base bond formed between OCS and QCS-TA, along with the TA-mediated multiple interactions, conferred the prepared composite film with good mechanical properties (69.9 MPa tensile strength) and gas barrier performance to water (14.3 g·h-1·m-2) and oxygen (3.5 g·mm·m-2·h-1). Meanwhile, the prepared QCTO composites demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and safety and are applied as coatings for strawberries and bananas as well as packaging films for mushrooms. These preservation experiments demonstrated that the prepared composites are able to effectively reduce weight loss, prevent microbial growth, maintain color, and significantly prolong the shelf life of fresh products (bananas, strawberries, and mushrooms extended shelf life by 6, 5, and 6 days, respectively). Therefore, the developed QCTO coating/packaging film shows great potential for applications in the field of food preservation and packaging.

The m6A writer KIAA1429 regulates photoaging progression via MFAP4-dependent collagen synthesis.

BACKGROUND: N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, a common form of RNA modification, play an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases and in the ontogeny of organisms. Nevertheless, the precise function of m6A methylation in photoaging remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the biological role and underlying mechanism of m6A methylation in photoaging. METHODS: m6A dot blot, Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), western blot and immunohistochemical (IHC) assays were employed to detect the m6A level and specific m6A methylase in ultraviolet ray (UVR)-induced photoaging tissue. The profile of m6A-tagged mRNA was identified by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and RNA-seq analysis. Finally, we investigated the regulatory mechanism of KIAA1429 by MeRIP-qPCR, RNA knockdown and immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: m6A levels were increased in photoaging and were closely associated with the upregulation of KIAA1429 expression. 1331 differentially m6A methylated genes were identified in the UVR group compared with the control group, of which 1192 (90%) were hypermethylated. Gene ontology analysis showed that genes with m6A hypermethylation and mRNA downregulation were mainly involved in extracellular matrix metabolism and collagen metabolism-related processes. Furthermore, KIAA1429 knockdown abolished the downregulation of TGF-bRII and upregulation of MMP1 in UVR-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Mechanically, we identified MFAP4 as a target of KIAA1429-mediated m6A modification and KIAA1429 might suppress collagen synthesis through an m6A-MFAP4-mediated process. CONCLUSIONS: The increased expression of KIAA1429 hinders collagen synthesis during UVR-induced photoaging, suggesting that KIAA1429 represents a potential candidate for targeted therapy to mitigate UVR-driven photoaging.

Human Serum Albumin/Selenium Complex Nanoparticles Protect the Skin from Photoaging Injury.

Introduction: Photoaging-induced skin damage leads to appearance issues and dermatoma. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) possess high antioxidant properties but are prone to inactivation. In this study, human serum albumin/SeNPs (HSA-SeNPs) were synthesized for enhanced stability. Methods: HSA-SeNPs were prepared by self-assembling denatured human serum albumin and inorganic selenite. The cytotoxicity of HSA-SeNPs was assessed using the MTT method. Cell survival and proliferation rates were tested to observe the protective effect of HSA-SeNPs on human skin keratinocytes against photoaging. Simultaneously, ICR mice were used for animal experiments. H&E and Masson trichromatic staining were employed to observe morphological changes in skin structure and collagen fiber disorders after UVB irradiation. Quantitative RT-PCR was utilized to measure changes in mRNA expression levels of factors related to collagen metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress regulation, and senescence markers. Results: The HSA-SeNPs group exhibited significantly higher survival and proliferation rates of UVB-irradiated keratinocytes than the control group. Following UVB irradiation, the back skin of ICR mice displayed severe sunburn with disrupted collagen fibers. However, HSA-SeNPs demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating these symptoms compared to SeNPs alone. In a UVB-irradiated mice model, mRNA expression of collagen type I and III was dysregulated while MMP1, inflammatory factors, and p21 mRNA expression were upregulated; concurrently Nrf2 and Gpx1 mRNA expression were downregulated. In contrast, HSA-SeNPs maintained the mRNA expression of those factors to be stable In addition, the level of SOD decreased, and MDA elevated significantly in the skin after UVB irradiation, but no significant differences in SOD and MDA levels between the HSA-SeNPs group with UVB irradiation and the UVB-free untreated group. Discussion: HSA-SeNPs have more anti-photoaging effects on the skin than SeNPs, including the protective effects on skin cell proliferation, cell survival, and structure under photoaging conditions. HSA-SeNPs can be used to protect skin from photoaging and repair skin injury caused by UVB exposure.

Spectral transmission of commercially available high-energy visible light-filtering spectacle lenses.

SIGNIFICANCE: High-energy visible (HEV) light-filtering spectacle lenses are being widely promoted despite limited evidence to support their use. The spectral transmission properties of commercially available lenses varied, particularly in the HEV light region, and they do not perform in the same way for transmission of ultraviolet (UV)-A and HEV light. PURPOSE: Although HEV light is important for several visual and nonvisual functions, there are concerns over the potential adverse effects of increased HEV light exposure. High-energy visible light-filtering spectacle lenses are being widely marketed to promote ocular health and improve sleep by reducing exposure to HEV light. This study reports on the spectral transmission characteristics of commercially available HEV light-filtering spectacle lenses based on the recommendations of the Spectral Bands Task Force technical report. METHODS: The spectral transmission of light through nine afocal plastic lenses, including eight commercially available HEV light-filtering lenses and one clear uncoated control lens, was evaluated using a Cary 5000 UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer (Agilent Technologies, Johannesburg, South Africa) for wavelengths 250 to 780 nm. The percentage transmission values are reported for UV radiation and visible light, with emphasis for HEV light (380 to 500 nm) and the three subbands therein. RESULTS: All lenses blocked UV-C and UV-B radiation (250 to 315 nm). For UV-A radiation (315 to 380 nm), six lenses showed optimal 100% absorption, whereas three lenses allowed ≤12%. The transmission values for the HEV light-filtering lenses ranged from 55 to 90% and 75 to 95% for HEV light of wavelengths 400 to 455 nm and 455 to 500 nm, respectively. In contrast, the control lens showed 92 (400 to 455 nm) and 93% (455 to 500 nm) transmission. CONCLUSIONS: The HEV light-filtering spectacle lenses varied in their transmission properties and do not necessarily perform in the same way for transmission of UV-A and HEV light. Optometric personnel should consider these transmission properties, particularly for HEV light, when making recommendations to patients about HEV light-filtering spectacle lenses.

Pilose Antler Protein Relieves UVB-Induced HaCaT Cells and Skin Damage.

Extended exposure to UVB (280-315 nm) radiation results in oxidative damage and inflammation of the skin. Previous research has demonstrated that pilose antler extracts have strong anti-inflammatory properties and possess antioxidant effects. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of pilose antler protein in repairing photodamage caused by UVB radiation in HaCaT cells and ICR mice. Pilose antler protein (PAP) was found to increase the expression of type I collagen and hyaluronic acid in HaCaT cells under UVB irradiation while also inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress in vitro. In vivo, the topical application of pilose antler protein effectively attenuated UVB-induced skin damage in ICR mice by reducing interleukin-1ß (IL-ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and inhibiting skin inflammation while alleviating UVB-induced oxidative stress. It was shown that pilose antler protein repaired UVB-induced photodamage through the MAPK and TGF-ß/Smad pathways.

Effect of vacuum UV and UV-C treatment on degradation and ecotoxicity of tire wear microrubber leachates.

Tire wear microrubber particles (TWMP) are a major source of environmental contamination. Degradation of TWMP is slow and leachates contain toxic constituents including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organic additives. Few studies have addressed methods to mitigate the potential ecotoxicity of TWMP leachates. This study investigated the effects of UV-C (254 nm) and combined UV-C and vacuum UV (185 nm) treatment (VUV-UV-C) of TWMP leachates on degradation and ecotoxicity. VUV-UV-C treatment mitigated dissolved zinc and degraded the TWMP constituents fluoranthene, pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene by up to 90%, and the additives benzothiazole and phthalates by up to 70%. The potential ecotoxicity and genotoxicity of TWMP constituents were examined before and after UV treatment in bioassays with Escherichia coli, the luminescent bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri, the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata and the crustacean Daphia magna. VUV-UV-C treatment decreased the potential ecotoxicity up to five-fold as indicated by changes in median effective concentrations (EC50). This was likely due to the formation of less toxic and less bioavailable transformation products. The VUV-UV-C treatment did not require the addition of oxidants or catalysts, and the study indicated a potential of VUV-UV-C as an advanced oxidation process to mitigate toxic compounds in TWMP leachates from urban or industrial sources.