Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pinku Tung, Neal P. Mankad
Summary: A light-mediated, Cu-catalyzed process has been developed for directly producing aliphatic, symmetric acid anhydrides from alkyl (pseudo)halides in a single step without the need for precious metal additives. This transformation utilizes simple Cu salts and abundant bases to generate a heterogeneous Cu0 photocatalyst in situ, maintaining high efficiency and selectivity upon scale-up, and operates via a radical mechanism with several advantageous features. This discovery will facilitate the engineering of efficient and sustainable bulk processes for producing commodity anhydrides.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aline Murawski, Carolin Tschersich, Enrico Rucic, Gerda Schwedler, Rebecca K. Moos, Monika Kasper-Sonnenberg, Thomas Bruning, Holger M. Koch, Marike Kolossa-Gehring
Summary: The study found that children and adolescents in Germany were exposed to various parabens through consumer products, with higher detection rates of methylparaben in urine samples. Higher concentrations of parabens in urine were associated with frequent usage of personal care products and cosmetics. Cumulative exposure to parabens raised concern in up to 14% of the population, mainly driven by n-propyl paraben.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Monika Bhattu, Deepika Kathuria, Vishal Mutreja, Meenakshi Verma
Summary: Recognition of disease biomarkers is crucial for predicting disease outbursts. In this study, a novel fluorescent organic cation was synthesized and its aggregates showed aggregation-induced emission enhancement when detecting biomarkers for tuberculosis and gastric cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jason Feijian Mao, Wenxuan Li, Choon Nam Ong, Yiliang He, Mui-Choo Jong, Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
Summary: This study provides a summary of global human exposure to benzophenone-type UV filters (BPs). BPs can be absorbed through the skin and undergo biotransformation in the human body. Urine has the highest burden of BPs, followed by blood and milk. Benzophenone-1 and benzophenone-3 are the most commonly detected BPs. The burden of BPs is associated with factors such as country of residence and lifestyle. The presence of BPs in maternal urine, placenta, and amniotic fluid suggests potential risks of prenatal exposure.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Mercedes Zurro, Luo Ge, Syuzanna R. Harutyunyan
Summary: In this study, a tandem strategy based on the generation of a reactive aza-p-quinone methide (aza-p-QM) intermediate followed by Cu(I)-catalyzed addition of Grignard reagents has been developed, leading to the successful synthesis of chiral 4-(sec-alkyl)anilines.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ting Chen, Haitang Liu, Sheng Qiang, Jie Li, Jing Liu, Beibei Chen, Lin Chen, Fufeng Liu, Rui Liu, Xue Jiang, Xiaoyuan Liao
Summary: In this study, a novel polysaccharide-based preservative named carboxymethyl hemicellulose p-hydroxybenzoate (P-CMHC) was synthesized by modifying hemicellulose extracted from eucalyptus waste liquor. P-CMHC showed excellent antioxidant activity, hygroscopic and moisturizing properties, and negligible cytotoxicity, suggesting its potential as a safe and healthy preservative.
CARBOHYDRATE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Yu-Jie Li, De-Guang Liu, Jin-Hu Ren, Tian-Jun Gong, Yao Fu
Summary: Photocatalytic oxidation is a widely used method in organic synthesis, and has applications in both academia and industry. In this study, we developed a blue light-induced alkylation-oxidation tandem reaction for the synthesis of diverse ketones. This reaction shows excellent functional group compatibility and can be used with a variety of radical precursors.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Fu-Cai Ren, Li Liu, Yong-Feng Lv, Xue Bai, Qian-Jin Kang, Xiao-Jing Hu, Hong-Dan Zhuang, Liu Yang, Jiang-Miao Hu, Jun Zhou
Summary: Twelve previously unknown tandem prenylated p-hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, named oberoniamyosurusins A-L, were isolated from the plant Oberonia myosurus, along with five known derivatives. Some of the compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The biosynthetic pathway of these compounds was investigated using transcriptome sequencing of O. myosurus, identifying potential enzymes involved in nervogenic acid biosynthesis.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ziga Tkalec, Garry Codling, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Darja Mazej, Jana Klanova, Milena Horvat, Tina Kosjek
Summary: This study used high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze organic contaminants in the urine of children aged 6-9 in Slovenia, identifying numerous harmful biomarkers. Additionally, it tentatively identified compounds not previously monitored in other studies, which could have adverse health effects on children.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jiaqi Lu, Ru Li, Binsong Mu, Yao Peng, Yi Zhao, Yuesen Shi, Li Guo, Li Hai, Yong Wu
Summary: In this study, pH-sensitive multi-targeted liposomes were developed for the co-delivery of doxorubicin and lonidamine to brain tumors. These liposomes exhibited excellent pharmacokinetic properties, crossed the blood-brain barrier, and targeted tumor cells. Once inside the cells, the liposomes were positively charged and accumulated in the mitochondria, resulting in the synergistic release of the two drugs and enhanced anti-tumor efficacy. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that these liposomes significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, induced apoptosis and necrosis, and interfered with mitochondrial function. They also prolonged the survival of mice with glioma, reduced tumor size, and inhibited tumor infiltration and metastasis.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiaoli Fan, Hengzhi Song, Xiaotian Xu, Xi Lu, Yuhui Wang, Xiaoqun Duan
Summary: The toxicity of sodium p-hydroxybenzoate was evaluated in rats through 90-day repeated oral toxicity experiments according to OECD guidelines. The results showed no adverse effects were observed below a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight per day.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anthi Parla, Eirini Zormpa, Nikolaos Paloumpis, Abuzar Kabir, Kenneth G. Furton, Zeljka Roje, Victoria Samanidou, Ivana Vinkovic Vrcek, Irene Panderi
Summary: A novel bioanalytical method was developed for quantitation of seven parabens in human plasma samples, and its efficiency was proven through analysis of samples collected from women undergoing breast cancer surgery and reconstructive surgery. The high plasma concentrations of certain parabens found in cancerous cases highlight the potential health risks associated with exposure to these compounds, emphasizing the need for further epidemiological research.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yaseen Mottiar, Shawn D. Mansfield
Summary: The occurrence of ester-linked p-hydroxybenzoate moieties in the lignin of poplar fibres is negatively correlated with syringyl units. This finding suggests alternative hypotheses on lignin acylation.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jun-Hui Choi, Seung Kim
Summary: This study explored the antithrombotic activity and hematological toxicity of three compounds (PA, IVA, and 4-HA) isolated from M. tricuspidata. The results showed that these compounds could reduce the formation and degrade existing blood clots, inhibit the activities of coagulation factors, prolong coagulation time, and lower platelet function and activation levels without being toxic to blood cells.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Biquan Xiong, Shipan Xu, Yu Liu, Ke-Wen Tang, Wai-Yeung Wong
Summary: This method efficiently thiolates sodium aryl/alkyl sulfinates with p-quinone methides under transition-metal-free conditions, giving good yields of the expected products. Control experiments were conducted to understand the generation mechanism of thiyl radicals and hydrogen-atom transfer process.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yumeng Shi, Shucong Chen, Mengqi Yan, Zhipeng Cheng, Leicheng Zhao, Yarui Liu, Bo Zhang, Hongkai Zhu, Tao Zhang, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: Nitrogenous flame retardants (NFRs) have raised global concern due to their nephrotoxic effect, but the mechanism of exposure-induced kidney injury remains unknown. This study measured eight NFRs, four oxidative stress biomarkers (OSBs), and one kidney injury biomarker (NGAL) in urine samples collected from residents in e-waste disassembly and reference areas. Higher concentrations of NFRs and biomarkers were found in the urine of e-waste site residents, indicating that chronic exposure to NFRs can induce oxidative stress and kidney damage. Structure equation modeling revealed that oxidative stress mediated a significant portion of the effect of NFRs on NGAL in e-waste related people. Overall, this study suggests the long-term chronic exposure to NFRs can lead to oxidative stress and renal injury in humans, but the pathogenesis may be scenario-specific.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alison G. Paquette, Samantha Lapehn, Sophie Freije, James MacDonald, Theo Bammler, Drew B. Day, Christine T. Loftus, Kurunthachalam Kannan, W. Alex Mason, Nicole R. Bush, Kaja Z. LeWinn, Daniel A. Enquobahrie, Carmen Marsit, Sheela Sathyanarayana
Summary: This study provides the first human transcriptomic assessment of PAHs in the placenta and identifies associations between prenatal PAH exposure and placental gene expression, shedding light on the mechanisms by which PAHs may disrupt placental function.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Zhong-Min Li, Mathusa Lakuleswaran, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: In this study, a method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of various disinfectants, including BACs, ATMACs, DDACs, and QACs, in human serum and urine. The method involved the use of isotopically labelled internal standards and solid-phase extraction. Different LC columns were utilized for the separation of different compounds. The method showed good sensitivity and accuracy, and it was able to detect the presence of QACs and their metabolites in human serum and urine.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY B-ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE BIOMEDICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chunmei Ran, Chunguang Liu, Chu Peng, Xinxin Li, Yu Liu, Ye Li, Wenjun Zhang, Hongming Cai, Lei Wang
Summary: The oxidative stress on terrestrial animals caused by heavy metal-contaminated soil was evaluated using oxidative potential (OP), which was found to be influenced mostly by water extractable Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd in the soil. The study also showed that oxidative stress in earthworms can be reflected through biomarkers and is negatively correlated with the OP of soils. Metabolomic analysis further confirmed the correlation between four ROS-related metabolites in earthworms and OP values, suggesting that OP can serve as an indicator for ecological risk assessment of heavy metal-contaminated soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zorimar Rivera-Nunez, Carolyn W. Kinkade, Leena Khoury, Jessica Brunner, Hannah Murphy, Christina Wang, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Richard K. Miller, Thomas G. O'Connor, Emily S. Barrett
Summary: The study found that maternal serum levels of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with sex steroid hormone levels during pregnancy. Specifically, PFHxS is associated with increased testosterone levels in male fetuses, while PFNA and PFDA are associated with increased free testosterone levels in male fetuses. For female fetuses, PFHxS is associated with increased levels of estradiol and estriol. No associations were found for PFOS and PFOA.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abigail Gaylord, Emily S. Barrett, Sheela Sathyanarayana, Shanna H. Swan, Ruby H. N. Nguyen, Nicole R. Bush, Kecia Carroll, Drew B. Day, Kurunthachalam Kannank, Leonardo Trasande
Summary: This study investigated the influence of prenatal exposure to the endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A on childhood atopic disease. The results showed that there were inverse associations between first trimester bisphenol A concentration and food allergy, while second trimester bisphenol A concentration was positively associated with food allergy. Additionally, prenatal exposure to bisphenol S was found to increase the risk of asthma among males.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wei Wang, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: This study collected 72 single-use medical products of four categories from a hospital in New York State in 2015 and analyzed their migration of 10 phthalates in an ethanol/water mixture. The results showed that the leached phthalate concentration ranged from 0.04 to 54,600 μg, with DEHP being the major phthalate found in 99% of the samples. DEHP was also found in notable concentrations in products labeled as DEHP-free. The study calculated the direct exposure to phthalates from medical devices and first aid supplies, as well as dermal intake from creams/lotions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Henglin Zhang, You Wang, Huimin Zhu, Shaoyou Lu, Yu Wang, Jingchuan Xue, Tao Zhang, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Hongwen Sun
Summary: This study investigated the exposure of infants in South China to neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs). The results showed that infants had detectable levels of NEOs in urine and blood samples, breast milk, infant formula, and tap water. The concentrations of specific NEOs varied in different samples, with dinotefuran and imidacloprid being the most abundant in urine, blood, breast milk, infant formula, and tap water. Older infants had higher NEO exposure than younger infants. Blood samples had higher concentrations of NEOs compared to urine samples, indicating that NEOs readily enter the bloodstream. Breast-fed infants had higher exposure levels than formula-fed infants. The study also found that external sources contributed to the majority of NEO exposure in infants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junjie Zhang, Miao Peng, Enkui Lian, Lu Xia, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos, Sihai Luo, Lei Wang
Summary: Micro/nanoplastics are a global pollutant that poses serious concerns to human and ecosystem health. However, the identification and visualization of these plastics, especially nanoplastics, have been challenging due to the lack of reliable analytical methods. This study reports an efficient surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate that can detect trace nanoplastics with high sensitivity and reliability in an aquatic environment. It was successfully used to detect nanoplastics in commercially bottled drinking water, estimating an annual consumption of 10^14 particles by humans.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qiuyue Zhang, Yu Wang, Meng Gao, Yongcheng Li, Leicheng Zhao, Yiming Yao, Hao Chen, Lei Wang, Hongwen Sun
Summary: A large-scale survey was conducted to measure the concentrations of five organophosphite antioxidants (OPAs) and three novel organophosphate esters (NOPEs) in 139 dust samples across China. The results showed that the concentrations of OPAs and NOPEs in outdoor dust were at median levels of 33.8 ng/g and 7990 ng/g, respectively. The distribution of NOPEs was significantly associated with annual sunshine duration and precipitation at each sampling site.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhong-Min Li, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of synthetic chemicals including DPG, DTG, and TPG in indoor dust samples from 332 locations in 11 countries. DPG was detected in all dust samples, with varying concentrations among the countries. DPG accounted for over 87% of the total concentrations of the three compounds in all countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhong-Min Li, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: A method using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the quantification of Diphenylguanidine, 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine, and 1,2,3-triphenylguanidine in human urine. The method had detection and quantification limits ranging from 0.002 to 0.02 ng/mL and 0.005 to 0.05 ng/mL, respectively. The method was applied to real human urine samples, revealing a detection frequency of 73% and a median concentration of 0.05 ng/mL for Diphenylguanidine in children's urine samples, and a detection frequency of 20% in adults' urine samples.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Liu, Hongzhi Zhao, Hao Chen, Xinxin Li, Chunmei Ran, Hongwen Sun, Lei Wang
Summary: Wearing masks can effectively prevent the spread of viruses, but their impact on skin health needs further evaluation. A non-invasive D-squame sampling method and untargeted metabolomics analysis were developed to identify changes in the skin metabolome caused by wearing masks. Seventeen differential metabolites were significantly downregulated, suggesting a potential risk of skin barrier disruption and inflammation. Intermittent mask removal can alleviate changes in the skin metabolome.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chu Peng, Xinyi Zhang, Mengxi Li, Yuan Lu, Chunguang Liu, Lei Wang
Summary: This study analyzed the shape and size of over 102,860 microplastic particles in indoor dust from 39 cities in China using laser direct infrared technology. It developed a shape index (fshape) based on the aspect ratio of the particles to assess the contribution of textile release. A composition index (fcomp) was proposed based on the mass concentration ratio of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to polyamide (PA) to estimate the contribution of textile and non-textile sources to indoor microplastics. The results showed that a significant portion of indoor microplastics comes from textiles, specifically polyester.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoxiao Li, Yiming Yao, Maosen Zhao, Ji Yang, Yumeng Shi, Hao Yu, Zhipeng Cheng, Hao Chen, Yu Wang, Lei Wang, Hongwen Sun
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants and plasticizers in rainfall runoffs and agricultural soils near a plastic recycling industrial park in North China. They identified novel organophosphorus compounds (NOPs) using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based nontarget analysis. The study found that plastic recycling and reprocessing activities are significant sources of OPEs and NOPs, posing risks to ecological and human health.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
