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Transfer RNA‐derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) refer to a newly established family of non‐coding RNAs that regulate a diverse set of biological processes. However, the function of tsRNAs in skin photoaging remains unclear. This research aims to investigate the potential correlation between tsRNAs and skin photoaging. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were irradiated with UVA at 10 J/cm2 once a day lasting for 14 days, resulting in the establishment of a photoaging model induced by UVA. To identify the expression profiles and functions of tsRNAs, tsRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were conducted. qPCR was employed to validate the results of differentially expressed (DE) tsRNAs. A total of 34 tsRNAs exhibited significant differential expression between the UVA and control groups (n = 3), with nine upregulated and 25 downregulated (log2 fold change >1.5, p‐value <0.05). Six tsRNAs were selected at random and validated by qRT‐PCR. The enrichment analysis of DE tsRNAs target genes indicated that the dysregulated tsRNAs appeared to be connected with cell cycle, DNA replication and the AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway. The expression of tsRNAs was found to be aberrant in UVA‐HDF. These findings provide insights into the UVA‐induced damage and potential target genes for skin photoaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant volumes of wastewater, particularly from the textile industry, pose environmental concerns due to the presence of hazardous substances such as ortho-toluidine (OT). The photo-Fenton process can be used to break down and remove this hazardous organic compound. Previous studies on the photo-Fenton process have focused on local optimization of operating variables without considering cost factors. The photo-Fenton process is studied in this paper with UVA irradiation, Fe2+ dosage, and H2O2 concentration considered as variables. The study uses fuzzy optimization in a multi-objective framework for making decisions to determine the optimal values of OT degradation with its corresponding cumulative uncertainty error (YA), and the total operating cost (CT), both of which are essential for assessing the techno-economic feasibility of the process. The Pareto front was generated from the objective functions to establish the boundary limits for YA and CT. The results show an overall satisfaction level of 71.81% for the objective functions, indicating a partially satisficing solution for maximizing OT degradation while minimizing operating cost. The optimum conditions of the variables require 85.70 W m−3 UVA irradiation, 0.5177 mM for Fe2+ dosage, and 7.85 mM for the H2O2 concentration. These conditions yielded an OT degradation value of 83.22% and a total operating cost of 768.61 USD·m−3. Comparison with previous literature showed an OT degradation efficiency that was 16.78% lower. However, this tradeoff in the process efficiency is offset by a total operating cost that is 2.28 times cheaper, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of the fuzzy optimized solution.

Background: SPRY1 is associated with the invasiveness and prognosis of various tumors, and TET3 affects aging by regulating gene expression. Aims: We investigated the roles of SPRY1 and TET3 in natural skin aging, replicative aging, and photoaging, along with the effect of UVA on genome‐wide DNA methylation in HaCaT cells. Methods: TET3 and SPRY1 expression were measured in the skin of patients of different age groups, as well as in vitro human skin, HaCaT cell replicative senescence, and HaCaT and HaCaT‐siTET3 cell photoaging models. Senescence was verified using β‐galactosidase staining, and DNA damage was detected using immunofluorescence staining for γ‐H2A.X. 5‐Methyl cytosine (5‐mC) content in the genome was determined using ELISA. Results: SPRY1 expression increased with age, whereas TET3 expression decreased. Similarly, SPRY1 was upregulated and TET3 was downregulated with increasing cell passages. TET3‐siRNA upregulated SPRY1 expression in HaCaT cells. UVA irradiation promoted HaCaT cell senescence and induced cellular DNA damage. SPRY1 was upregulated and TET3 was downregulated upon UVA irradiation. Genome‐wide 5‐mC content increased upon TET3 silencing and UVA irradiation, indicating a surge in overall methylation. Conclusions: SPRY1 and TET3 are natural skin aging‐related genes that counteract to regulate replicative aging and UVA‐induced photoaging in HaCaT cells. The cell photoaging model may limit experimental bias caused by different exposure times of skin model samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next-generation photodynamic therapy (PDT) is envisaged to be based on light-activated photosensitizers with small sizes and high performance, eradicating microbial and deadly cancer cells without harming healthy cells. Here, nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) are hydrothermally synthesized and composited with TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). The resulting N-GQDs/TiO2 nanocomposite is then examined as a PDT photosensitizer with an average size of 21 nm. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by photo-excited N-GQDs, TiO2, NPs and N-GQDs/TiO2 nanocomposite is investigated using anthracene and methylene blue as chemical probes for the identification of singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical. The ROS-production ability of the nanocomposite is found to be considerably higher than that of N-GQDs and TiO2 NPs, achieving reduction rates of 94% and 93% in the absorption intensity of anthracene and methylene blue under UVA irradiation for 75 and 60 min, respectively. The higher ROS production is attributed to the efficient energy transfer from N-GQDs to TiO2 NPs due to the fluorescence resonance energy transfer effect as well as a reduction in the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Furthermore, afterglow emission intensity of the nanocomposite irradiated by UVA light slightly changes after 360 s. Alternatively, no decrease is observed in the absorption intensity of the chemical probes in the presence of N-GQDs/TiO2 nanocomposite under no irradiation, indicating its lack of dark toxicity. Therefore, the proposed biocompatible TiO2-based nanocomposite with long-lived afterglow, intense photoluminescence, and high ROS production ability can be employed as a photosensitizer for cancer treatment using PDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Some ancient Chinese paper artifacts dyed with amur cork tree bark extracts are currently preserved to different extents in museums and libraries worldwide. As traditional natural plant dyes, the long-term performance of the amur cork tree bark extract-dyed handmade paper has been questioned under a preserved environment. The photodegradation process of the extract-dyed papers was examined under accelerating artificial UVA irradiation conditions according to China national standard-paper and board- accelerated aging (exposure to light). Changes during aging were analyzed by optical observation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), pH, and tensile strength and folding endurance tests. The results showed that the main components from extracted dyes played an important role in affecting the photodegradation properties of dyed paper. The changes in surface color, pH, morphology and mechanical properties after the artificial UVA accelerated degradation tests revealed that a suitable concentration of the extract dyes for maintaining the long-term irradiation stability of the paper is important.

Some ancient Chinese paper artifacts dyed with amur cork tree bark extracts are currently preserved to different extents in museums and libraries worldwide. As traditional natural plant dyes, the long-term performance of the amur cork tree bark extract-dyed handmade paper has been questioned under a preserved environment. The photodegradation process of the extract-dyed papers was examined under accelerating artificial UVA irradiation conditions according to China national standard-paper and board- accelerated aging (exposure to light). Changes during aging were analyzed by optical observation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), pH, and tensile strength and folding endurance tests. The results showed that the main components from extracted dyes played an important role in affecting the photodegradation properties of dyed paper. The changes in surface color, pH, morphology and mechanical properties after the artificial UVA accelerated degradation tests revealed that a suitable concentration of the extract dyes for maintaining the long-term irradiation stability of the paper is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decolorization of azo dye Orange II using a UVA-Fe3+-PMS-oxalate system was studied. A series of experiments was performed to investigate the effects of several variables, including the pH, PMS dosage, Fe3+ concentration, oxalate concentration, and coexisting anions. The results revealed that a lower pH facilitated the decolorization, and relatively high decolorization efficiency (97.5%) could be achieved within 5 min at pH 3.0. The electron paramagnetic resonance (ESR) and radical quenching experiments revealed that SO4•− played a crucial role in the decolorization of Orange II (85.8%), •OH was of secondary importance (9%), and 1O2 made a small contribution to the decolorization (5.2%). Furthermore, the formation of •OH in the experimental system strongly depended on HO2•/O2•−. These reactive oxidants were able to directly attack the azo bond of the luminescent group in Orange II and initiate the decolorization process. The efficient UVA-Fe3+-PMS-oxalate system showed great application potential in the treatment of wastewater contaminated by azo dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Keratoconus is a condition characterized by biomechanical instability of cornea presenting in a progressive asymmetry and bilateral way. Corneal collagen cross-linking with riboflavin and UVA is a technique that has influenced the treatment of Keratoconus by arresting the progression. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the short-term efficacy and safety of collagen cross-linking in Keratoconus. Materials and Methods: This prospective, nonrandomized, interventional case study was conducted at Aravind Eye hospital and PGI, Puducherry from June 2012 to April 2013. Statistical analysis was done using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferonn’s using IBM SPSS Inc. 20.Version. Results: A total of 30 patients were enrolled in this study and standard cross linking procedure was done. It was found that UCVA, BSCVA both improved about 40%. Spherical Equivalent reduced by 0.7 D, cylinder reduced by 0.8 D and total astigmatism decreased by about 0.4 D. Steepest K value reduced by 2 D, Irregularity and astigmatism at 3 and 5 mm also changed significantly (P

Abstract We aimed to identify skipjack elastin hydrolysate‐derived peptides, and explore its mechanism of photoprotection against ultraviolet A (UVA) induced skin damage. Two peptides, TGVLTVM (peptide A) and NHIINGW (peptide B), were successfully identified using Sephadex G‐15, analyzed and detected using LC‐MS/MS fitted with electrospray ionization (ESI‐MS/MS), and further synthesized using the Fmoc strategy. A UVA radiation‐induced damage cell model of Human keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT) was established and applied. We found that both peptides significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, reversed mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by 12.40%–13.13% and 10.80%–12.90% and reduced cell apoptosis by 3.43%–6.44%, and 4.56%–6.03% for peptide A and B, respectively, compared to the UVA model group. In conclusion, peptides TGVLTVM and NHIINGW protected against UVA‐induced photoaging through the attenuation of oxidative stress, thus both peptides might be useful as promising ingredients in sunscreens or antiaging cosmetic products.

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of skin photoaging, and the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Acacetin on skin photoaging in UVA‐irradiated mice and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Healthy dorsal depilated rats were irradiated with UVA 30 J/cm2 daily, every other day, for 1 month. Acacetin (40, 80 mg kg/day) was coated to the bare skin of the rats' backs 1 h before UVA irradiation. HDF were treated different concentrations of Acacetin (5, 10, 20 μg/ml) and then irradiated with UVA (20 J/cm2). Acacetin was found to be effective in ameliorating UVA‐induced oxidative stress and cell death. Acacetin also prevented the UVA‐induced decrease of SIRT3, reduced the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs, p‐38 and p‐JNK) and blocked the down‐regulated activation of oxidative stress in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition, Acacetin increased the expressions of collagen‐promoting proteins (TGF‐β and Smad3). Finally, the SIRT3 inhibitor 3‐TYP blocked all protective effects of Acacetin, indicating that the protective effect of Acacetin against UVA photoaging is SIRT3‐dependent. Acacetin effectively mitigated photoaging by targeting the promotion of SIRT3, inhibiting the UVA‐induced increases in MMPs and pro‐inflammatory factors, and promoting TGF‐β and Smad3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dead Sea basin is the lowest terrestrial site on the globe. A meteorological station monitoring the global, UVB and UVA irradiation, and the dry bulb temperature was established in 1995 in conjunction with a study of bio-climatological properties of the region with regard to photoclimatherapy treatment of dermatological diseases. The availability of such irradiation and dry bulb temperature databases has been utilized to perform a study to determine if any trends regarding either irradiation or dry bulb temperature exists at this unique site. The global irradiation database included the time interval 1995–2021, whereas the corresponding time interval for the UVB and UVA irradiation databases was 1995–2018. There was no indication of any trends, based upon a p value analysis with regard to the global and UVB and UVA irradiation with the exception of global irradiation during September (− 120.7 Wh/m2/decade; ~ 2%/decade) and UVA irradiation during March (+ 11.1 Wh/m2/decade; ~ 4%/decade) and September (− 9.1 Wh/m2/decade; ~ 0.6%/decade). The dry bulb temperature database consisted of the time interval 1995–2021 and trends were observed during the months of August, September, and October. The dry bulb temperature data were analyzed as a function of time (Israel Standard Time) interval; viz., diurnal from 06:00 to 18:00, nocturnal from 18:00 to 06:00, and daily from 00:00 to 24:00. The trends observed during these three months varied between 0.38 and 0.70 °C/decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin is continuously exposed to oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the ultraviolet (UV) light, and it is important to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Carbonylated proteins (CPs) are candidate markers of oxidative modification as a result from the ROS. We aimed to develop the CP‐based method to assess the efficacy of antioxidants in human skin. Methods: Ten healthy females were enrolled in the study to determine the UVA dosage for CP production, and another 10 females were included to evaluate the antioxidative activity. The stratum corneum was collected from test skin using D‐Squame tape, and CPs from the SC were stained by fluorescence labeling and observed using a fluorescence microscope. Results: CP level significantly increased with UVA irradiation from 15J/cm2 to 50J/cm2 compared to the control (non‐UVA) area. CP production significantly increased by 34.38% and 35.22% in UVA irradiation and squalene (vehicle) areas. 5% α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene significantly increased the CP production by 20.77% and 19.34% after 2 hours of 30J of UVA irradiation compared to control area. Inhibition rate of CPs in 5% α‐tocopherol and 5% β‐carotene showed 41.45% and 45.37% after 2 hours of UVA irradiation. Conclusion: This study developed the simple, visual, and direct in vivo method to evaluate the antioxidative activity for products in human skin by measuring the CP level as an oxidative modification caused by UVA‐induced ROS generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Keratoconus is a condition characterized by biomechanical instability of cornea presenting in a progressive asymmetry and bilateral way. Corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin and UVA is a technique that has influenced the treatment of Keratoconus by arresting the progression. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the short-term efficacy and safety of collagen cross-linking in Keratoconus. Materials and Methods: This prospective, nonrandomized, interventional case study was conducted at Aravind Eye hospital and PGI, Puducherry from June 2012 to April 2013. Statistical analysis was done using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferonn's using IBM SPSS Inc. 20.Version. Results: A total of 30 patients were enrolled in this study and standard cross linking procedure was done. It was found that UCVA, BSCVA both improved about 40%. Spherical Equivalent reduced by 0.7 D, cylinder reduced by 0.8 D and total astigmatism decreased by about 0.4 D. Steepest K value reduced by 2 D, Irregularity and astigmatism at 3 and 5 mm also changed significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: Collagen cross-linking arrests the progression of Keratoconus. It seems to improve the UCVA and BCVA and it is a safe and effective procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Crosslinking is a process that uses UVA irradiations together with riboflavin to reduce the collagen's laxity. Controlled amounts of UVA light are already used in medicine to cure different skin diseases or keratoconus, but certain amount of irradiation could be harmful for tissues. Latest research targets crosslinking on tarsus, with the purpose of curing certain types eyelid laxity. However, when these irradiating procedures are performed, UVA also reaches surrounding tissues. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the histology of eyetissues are affected by UVA irradiations, and what is the amount of UVA that penetrates specific tissues. Material and methods: For this experiment, 7 pig eyes were dissected. Small parts from sclera, eyelid, cornea, lens and vitreous body were harvested for irradiation with UVA light, at CCAMF Targu Mures. The intensity of irradiation was 75 mW/cm2, for 3 minutes. Measurements regarding tissue penetration were recorded. Afterwards, the samples were preserved formalin and histology analysis was performed after hematoxylin-eosin standard staining. Optical microscope was used for morphology evaluation. Results : The irradiation process revealed that UVA light cannot pass through the sclera and that just a limited amount of the radiations penetrated through the cornea, lens and vitreous body. Histological examination showed that there were no micropathological modifications in the eyelid, sclera and cornea after 3 minutes UVA exposure. Conclusions: The UVA irradiation with 75 mW/cm2 for 3 minutes seems to be harmless for tissues of the eye. However, further extension of the study is necessary to evaluate neurons of the retina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, greywater reusability was investigated with UVA enhanced electrocoagulation process using aluminum and iron electrodes in a hybrid reactor. Optimum operating conditions were found as pH 7.4 and 3 mA/cm2 for both electrode types with 1 g Na2SO4/L and in 40 min final time. Escherichia coli (E. coli), COD, turbidity, TSS, TN, TP and BOD5 removals were found as 100, 88, 97, 62, 44, 98 and 88% with Al electrodes and 100, 79, 99, 80, 8.5, 98 and 78% with Fe electrodes, respectively. On the other hand, BOD5 removal was efficiently enhanced using UVA irradiation for reclamation purposes of greywater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation leads to the formation of free radicals, which may cause immunological modulations, skin aging or skin cancer. Sunlight exposure in the UVA region according to CIE 85 promotes almost 46% of radical formation in skin. A critical radical concentration characterized by the inversion of the domination of primary ROS (reactive oxygen species) to an excess of secondary LOS (lipid oxygen species) is proven for the spectral regions UV and or VIS light and is intended to be a marker for an imbalance in the redox system, which can no longer compensate harmful effects. To investigate whether this transition point is also universally valid for one spectral region, the radical formation during and after targeted UVA in situ- irradiation at 365 ± 5 nm and three different irradiances (31, 94 and 244 mW/cm2) was investigated in ex vivo porcine skin using x-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The quantification was performed with the spin probe 3-(carboxy)-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidin-1-oxyl (PCA), the spin trap 5,5-Dimethyl-1-Pyrroline-N-Oxide (DMPO) was used to characterize the radical species. Furthermore, the viability of the skin cells after irradiation was controlled by an MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, skin integrity was examined by histological analysis. A significant dose dependence in the radical formation is given at higher irradiance. The transition point was detected in the range of 0.5 MED after irradiation with the highest irradiance. From this point on the proportion of LOS increases with increasing dose and the proportion of ROS decreases. After switching off the UVA irradiation no further quantitative changes were detected, but rapid changes in the radical pattern were observed demonstrating the importance of in situ irradiation during the use of spin traps. Heat-pre-stressed skin showed more LOS than ROS already at the beginning of the irradiation, leading to the assumption that the transition point to the distress-level has already been reached. In summary, a postulated transition point could be verified for the UVA spectral region using only one spin trap combined with in-situ irradiation. A certain degree of stress is necessary to detect an inversion of the ratio of ROS to LOS. This reversal indicates an imbalance in the redox status. However, at low intensities no changes at all in radical pattern appeared over time (dose), probably it can be compensated by adaptation processes of the skin. Image 1 • EPR is able to quantify and characterize radicals formed in skin due to irradiation. • Mainly ROS and LOS are produced. • The dose influences the type of radical formed; at low dose.●OH is prominent; at high dose LOS increases • At low power, adaptation processes occur. • Radical types do not depend on dose, a threshold value must be overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, effects of different concentrations of riboflavin (0, 0.02, and 0.1 μmol/g protein) on myofibrillar protein (MP, Scomberomorus niphonius) gel were characterized. The gel structure and properties were studied with or without Ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation. Electron spin resonance results showed that riboflavin produced ·OH under UVA irradiation, which subsequently oxidized the MP. Compared with the control group, the addition of riboflavin with UVA irradiation increased the strength of the MP gel. The rheological results showed that under UVA irradiation, addition of riboflavin facilitated the sol–gel transition between 45 and 52°C, indicating that oxidation led to significant structural changes which in turn resulted in a more compact and uniform gel network. The presence of riboflavin led to increased carbonyl content and decreased sulfhydryl and free amino groups, which decreased the protein solubility and promoted alpha‐helical conformational loss in the secondary structure of the MP. These results all indicated that the MP has been oxidized. Electrophoresis revealed that myosin heavy chains were aggregated in the UVA‐treated riboflavin‐added MP gel, indicating that protein cross‐linking has been induced. All the results indicated that the ·OH produced by riboflavin under UVA irradiation oxidized the MP, and improved protein crosslinking and gel properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of phlorotannin extracts (PTE) (from sporophyll of Undaria pinnatifida) added at different concentration (0, 1.6, 8, and 40 mg/g protein) with and without ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation treatment on gel properties of mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius) mince (MM) were investigated. The results indicated that both the breaking force and water‐holding capacity (WHC) of the MM gel increased with addition of PTE, and the highest breaking force and WHC were observed with 40 mg/g PTE under UVA irradiation. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance revealed that free water significantly decreased in this PTE‐MM gel as well. UVA irradiation treatment led to reduction of total sulfhydryls and free amines in the PTE‐MM gel, indicating more cross‐linking between proteins. Electrophoresis results indicated that myosin heavy chains were aggregated in the UVA‐treated PTE‐MM gel. The microstructure of the UVA‐treated PTE‐MM gel showed that protein formed more evenly distributed cross‐linked structures and was more compact than the untreated control gel. As a conclusion, PTE addition with UVA irradiation is shown to improve gelling properties of mackerel mince. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to characterize zein fibers and capsules prepared by electrospinning and electrospraying techniques, respectively, and then use them to encapsulate folic acid. Folic acid containing fibers and capsules (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%, w/v) were submitted to thermal treatment (100, 140, and 180 °C) and ultraviolet A light (UVA) irradiation to evaluate the resistance of folic acid. Zein fibers and capsules containing folic acid showed high encapsulation efficiency (>80%). Unencapsulated folic acid showed a reduction in folic acid content from 17.17 μg/mL to 5.44 μg/mL (approximately 70%) when exposed to 180 °C. Photodegradation of unencapsulated folic acid lowered its concentration from 17.17 μg/mL to 12.58 μg/mL (~26% of reduction), when exposed for 1 h to UVA irradiation. However, folic acid concentration when encapsulated in fibers (1.5%) was maintained or only slightly reduced from 9.73 μg/mg to 8.88 μg/mg after thermal treatment at 180 °C. The capsules containing 1.5% of folic acid also presented a slight reduction in folic acid concentration from 8.84 μg/mg to 7.88 μg/mg when exposed to 24 h of UVA irradiation. Zein fibers and capsules containing folic acid present promising characteristics for application in foods that require thermal processing or exposure to irradiation. Unlabelled Image • Solutions of pure zein and folic acid were able to form uniform fibers and capsules. • Zein fibers and capsules showed high encapsulation efficiency for folic acid. • Folic acid encapsulation increased its resistance to thermal treatment and irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • UVA irradiation induced FeIII-NTA reduction for S 2 O 8 2− activation at neutral pH. • Both SO 4 − and HO were involved in UVA/FeIII-NTA/S 2 O 8 2− process. • The rate constant of NTA reacting with SO 4 − was determined at 5.89 × 107 M−1 s−1. • The critical NTA:FeIII molar ratio for UVA/FeIII-NTA/S 2 O 8 2− process was 1:1. • UVA/FeIII-NTA/S 2 O 8 2− was less effective than UVA/FeIII-NTA/H 2 O 2 in degrading CBZ. Abstract Ferrous ion (FeII)-induced activation of persulfate (S 2 O 8 2−), reference to the generation of sulfate radical (SO 4 −), has attracted considerable attention in water treatment for refractory organic contaminants removal. However, two major challenges, i.e., the required acidic pH condition and the extremely slow FeIII/FeII redox cycle, limit the application of FeII/S 2 O 8 2− process. Herein, the present work addresses S 2 O 8 2− activation in aqueous solutions at neutral pH by a ferric-nitrilotriacetic (FeIII-NTA) complex under low pressure UVA irradiation. The results showed that UVA irradiation-induced FeIII-NTA reduction could effectively enhance FeIII/FeII redox cycle for the S 2 O 8 2− activation under neutral pH condition. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) and radicals quenching tests indicated that the major reactive species included SO 4 − and hydroxy radicals (HO) in UVA/FeIII-NTA/S 2 O 8 2− process, which contributed more than 80% degradation of a model compound carbamazepine (CBZ). In addition, comprehensive investigations were conducted on the important parameters including NTA:FeIII molar ratio, initial pH, FeIII-NTA and S 2 O 8 2− dosages and their impacts on CBZ degradation kinetics. The critical NTA:FeIII molar ratio was determined at 1:1, above this ratio the excess NTA would act as a scavenger of SO 4 −/HO thereby inhibiting the degradation of CBZ. The secondary reaction rate constant of NTA with SO 4 − was determined at 5.89 × 107 M−1 s−1. Moreover, the degradation of CBZ by UVA/FeIII-NTA/S 2 O 8 2− process in real water matrix (lake water, groundwater and tap water) with environmentally relevant concentration were conducted, and the efficacies were compared with UVA/FeIII-NTA/H 2 O 2 (i.e., photo-Fenton-like) process. The degradation mechanism and pathway of CBZ were proposed on the basis of the identified intermediates by using LC-QTOF-MS technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repair of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) is a very important nuclear process due to the most active transcription of ribosomal genes. Proper repair of rDNA is required for physiological biogenesis of ribosomes. Here, we analyzed the epigenetics of the DNA damage response in a nucleolar compartment, thus in the ribosomal genes studied in nonirradiated and UVA-irradiated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). We found that the promoter of ribosomal genes is not abundant on H4K20me2, but it is densely occupied by H4K20me3. Ribosomal genes, regulated via UBF1/2 proteins, were characterized by an interaction between UBF1/2 and H4K20me2/me3. This interaction was strengthened by UVA irradiation that additionally causes a focal accumulation of H4K20me3 in the nucleolus. No interaction has been found between UBF1/2 and H3K9me3. Interestingly, UVA irradiation decreases the levels of H3K9me3 and H4K20me3 at 28S rDNA. Altogether, the UVA light affects the epigenetic status of ribosomal genes at 28S rDNA and strengthens an interaction between UBF1/2 proteins and H4K20me2/me3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common polyamines, putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd), and spermine (Spm), are cationic compounds known as beneficial factors for many cellular processes including cell division, proliferation, differentiation, and stress response in all living organisms. Effects of exogenous Spm on the protective responses of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 exposed to UVA were investigated. The presence of 0.5 mM Spm in the culture medium significantly reduced cell growth after 60 min under white light condition but protected the cells after growing for 60 min under UVA. The stress-tolerant response of Synechocystis cells represented by the ratio of putrescine/spermidine (Put/Spd) showed about a 6-fold increase after 60 min UVA in the presence of Spm. In addition, those levels of chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and photosynthetic oxygen evolution were increased by Spm supplementation in UVA-treated cells. Exogenous Spm induced the activity of catalase but not superoxide dismutase in cells under UVA treatment. On the other hand, Spm treatment enabled cells to apparently decrease the intracellular free radical H2O2 and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels. Overall results suggested that Spm supplementation could protect Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 cells via the increase of Put/Spd ratio and the reduction of both H2O2 and MDA levels in conjunction with the induction of catalase activity. Interestingly, UVA-treated cells as compared to non-treated cells with exogenous Spm showed a decrease of Spm with an increase of Put and no change in Spd. This suggested the back conversion of Spm to Spd and finally to Put as cellular mechanism in response to UVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is a growing interest in Fenton oxidation processes based on natural catalysts, the use of laterite soil to promote sequential adsorption/oxidation treatments of fluoroquinolone antibiotics has been scarcely investigated. In this work, the ability of an african laterite containing goethite and hematite to remove flumequine (FLU), used as a representative compound of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, was evaluated under dark and UVA irradiation. Batch experiments and liquid chromatography analyses showed that the presence of laterite can enhance FLU removal from heavily contaminated water through both sorption and oxidation reactions (up to 94% removal of 77 μmol L −1 of FLU and 72% of mineralization). The heterogeneous reaction rate is dominated by the rate of intrinsic surface chemical reactions including sorption and oxidation of FLU, and light-induced reduction of Fe III sites to produce Fe II . Based on the probe and scavenging experiments, OH radicals were mainly involved in the heterogeneous oxidation reaction. The photo-assisted Fenton process showed a high efficiency of FLU removal even in the presence of a second fluoroquinolone antibiotic, norfloxacin (NOR), which can be co-found with FLU in affected environments. Determinations of kinetic rate constants and total organic carbon (TOC) for five sequential adsorption/oxidation cycles showed that laterite exhibited no deactivation of surface sites and an excellent catalytic stability. This cost-effective and environmentally friendly remediation technology may appear as a promising way for the removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotics from multi-contaminated waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation is toxic to skin as it penetrates deep into the dermis and damages cellular components through excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which accelerates photoaging and skin cancer. We evaluated the dermato-protective efficacies of zerumbone (natural sesquiterpene of Zingiber zerumbet ) in UVA-irradiated human skin keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and mouse epidermis. Zerumbone pretreatment (2–10 μM) substantially suppressed UVA (15 J/cm 2 )-induced HaCaT cell death and lactate dehydrogenase release in a dose-dependent manner. UVA-induced excessive ROS production, DNA single-strand breaks, apoptotic DNA fragmentation and a dysregulated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were remarkably reversed by zerumbone in keratinocytes. Zerumbone-mediated cytoprotective properties were associated with increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and elevated antioxidant response element (ARE) luciferase activity. Activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling was accompanied by induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and γ-glutamyl cysteine ligase (γ-GCLC) genes in zerumbone-treated keratinocytes. Zerumbone-induced Nrf2 transcriptional activation was mediated by the p38 MAPK, PI3K/AKT and PKC signaling cascades. Notably, silencing of Nrf2 (siRNA transfection) significantly diminished zerumbone-mediated cytoprotective effects, as evidenced by impaired antioxidant genes, uncontrolled ROS/apoptotic DNA fragmentation and keratinocytes death, following UVA irradiation. In vivo evidence demonstrated that zerumbone treatment to nude mice (55 and 110 μg/day) significantly ameliorated UVA (15 J/cm 2 /every 2-day/14-day) cytotoxicity via increased nuclear localization of Nrf2 and Nrf2-dependent antioxidant genes (HO-1 and γ-GCLC) in UVA-treated skin tissues. Our findings emphasized the significance of Nrf2/ARE-signaling in zerumbone-mediated induction of antioxidant genes against UVA-toxicity. The molecular evidence suggests zerumbone can be a natural medicine to treat/prevent UVA-induced skin damage/photoaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of biomarkers for Parkinson's disease (PD) is challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of this disorder, and a poor correlation between the underlying pathology and the clinically expressed phenotype. An ideal biomarker would inform on PD-relevant pathological changes via an easily assayed biological characteristic, which reliably tracks clinical symptoms. Human dermal (skin) fibroblasts are accessible peripheral cells that constitute a patient-specific system, which potentially recapitulates the PD chronological and epigenetic aging history. Here, we compared primary skin fibroblasts obtained from individuals diagnosed with late-onset sporadic PD, and healthy age-matched controls. These fibroblasts were studied from fundamental viewpoints of growth and morphology, as well as redox, mitochondrial, and autophagic function. It was observed that fibroblasts from PD subjects had higher growth rates, and appeared distinctly different in terms of morphology and spatial organization in culture, compared to control cells. It was also found that the PD fibroblasts exhibited significantly compromised mitochondrial structure and function when assessed via morphological and oxidative phosphorylation assays. Additionally, a striking increase in baseline macroautophagy levels was seen in cells from PD subjects. Exposure of the skin fibroblasts to physiologically relevant stress, specifically ultraviolet irradiation (UVA), further exaggerated the autophagic dysfunction in the PD cells. Moreover, the PD fibroblasts accumulated higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) coupled withlower cell viability upon UVA treatment. In essence, these studies highlight primary skin fibroblasts as a patient-relevant model that captures fundamental PD molecular mechanisms, and supports their potential utility to develop diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are differentially expressed across stages of differentiation and development, but the role of lncRNA in human skin photoaging mechanisms remains poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to determine lncRNA expression changes in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) induced by repeated UVA irradiation and to explore correlations between lncRNA and skin photoaging prognosis. Methods: In the UVA-HDF group, HDF were subjected to repeated UVA irradiation (10 J/cm² UVA twice daily for 7 days); in the control group, HDF received no irradiation. High-throughput sequencing was used to detect lncRNA expression profiles. Functional annotation analysis and pathway enrichment were preformed via Gene Ontology and KEGG. Predicted lncRNA target genes were identified by bioinformatic analysis. Results: In the UVA-HDF group, 1,730 lncRNA exhibited over 2-fold expression changes compared with the control group: 1,494 were upregulated, and 236 downregulated. Predicted lncRNA targets were associated with matrix metalloproteinases, cathepsin D, mitogen-activated protein kinase and TGF-β signaling pathways, and collagen fiber metabolism following repeated UVA damaging mechanisms. Conclusions: lncRNA profiles were aberrantly expressed in UVA-HDF and might play a key role in skin photoaging. This study provides novel insights into the repeated UVA-damaging pathology and potential targets for treatment of human skin photoaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deposition of soot on building surfaces darkens their colour and leads to undesirable black crusts, which are one of the most serious problems on the conservation of built cultural heritage. As a preventive strategy, self-cleaning systems based on the use of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) coatings have been employed on building materials for degrading organic compounds deposited on building surfaces, improving their durability and performance. In this study, the self-cleaning effect of TiO 2 -containing mortars coated with diesel soot has been appraised under laboratory conditions. The mortar samples were manufactured using lime putty and two different doses of TiO 2 (2.5% and 5%). The lime mortars were then coated with diesel engine soot and irradiated with ultraviolet A (UVA) illumination for 30 days. The photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated by visual inspection, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and colour spectrophotometry. Changes in the chemical composition of the soot particles (including persistent organic pollutants) were assessed by analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS) and solid state 13 C NMR spectroscopy. The FESEM and colour spectrophotometry revealed that the soot-coated TiO 2 -containing mortars promoted a self-cleaning effect after UVA irradiation. The combination of analytical pyrolysis and 13 C solid state NMR showed that the UVA irradiation caused the cracking of polycyclic aromatic structures and n -alkyl compounds of the diesel soot and its transformation into methyl polymers. Our findings also revealed that the inclusion of TiO 2 in the lime mortar formulations catalysed these transformations promoting the self-cleaning of the soot-stained mortars. The combined action of TiO 2 and UVA irradiation is a promising proxy to clean lime mortars affected by soot deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) in a wide range of products (specially biomedical applications) in day-to-day life and the notable fact that it is photoactive and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) create curiousness among researchers to study their effects on different biological systems. Heme-enzymes are known to operate redox reactions in living system in tandem with ROS. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) being a model heme-enzyme from the peroxidase family was systematically studied for enzymatic changes after interaction with TiO 2 NPs under physiologically relevant pH and irradiation conditions. This study gives us an extensive idea of the changes in enzyme kinetics, intrinsic fluorescence, interaction efficiency, and stability of the protein–nanoparticle complex formed. The effect of ROS generated by TiO 2 NPs under different irradiation conditions was substantially considered as one of the major factors that influenced the enzyme kinetics apart from protein adsorption on the surface of nanoparticles. The impact of excessive use of TiO 2 NPs on the activity of HRP can be discerned from the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginsenosides have many biomedical efficacies, such as anti-aging, antioxidation, and anti-inflammatory activities. Compound K (CK), one of the major metabolites of ginsenosides, mediates the antimetastatic and anti-allergic activities of the ginsenosides. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CK on level of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 activity, and protein level in ultraviolet (UV)A-irradiated fibroblasts. Methods: Fibroblasts were cultured with and without CK (0.01 μM, 0.1 μM or 1 μM) for 2 hours. Cells were sham-irradiated and irradiated with 50 kJ/m2, 100 kJ/m2 or 200 kJ/m2 UVA, and incubated in serumfree Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, with or without CK for 24 hours. MMP-1 activity in the supernatants and protein levels in the cells were assessed by zymography and western blotting, respectively. Level of type I collagen was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: MMP-1 activity and protein level were increased by UVA, which was downregulated by CK. Production of type I collagen was inhibited in UVA-irradiated fibroblasts, which was upregulated by CK. Conclusion: CK is a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of skin photo-aging.

"nBackgrounds and Objectives: Textile industrial wastewaters are one of the important sources of environmental contaminants. In the recent years, use of advanced oxidation processes, by producing highly active and reactive components such as hydroxyl radicals has been proposed. The aim of this research is photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye using the ZnO-nanoparticle with UVA irradiation. "nMaterials and Methods: photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue color using the ZnO- nanoparticles excited with UVA irradiation. In this research, photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye was study using different concentration of ZnO-nanoparticles under UVA irradiation in a batch reactor. "nResults: The results of this research show that removal of methylene blue dye has direct correlation with UVA intensity. The best results of dye degradation were reported in concentration of 150 mg/L ZnO nano-particles and the radiation intensity of 240 µW/cm2. Rate of dye removal was decrease with increasing of color concentration. Subsequent of color degradation, the initial COD were decresed by %60. "nConclusion: The photocatalytic degradation process using ZnO nano-particles under UVA irradiation could be remove the methylene blue dye and 60% of COD.

Ultraviolet blood irradiation has been used as a physical therapy to treat many nonspecific diseases in clinics; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Neutrophils, the first line of host defense, play a crucial role in a variety of inflammatory responses. In the present work, we investigated the effects of ultraviolet light A (UVA) on the immune functions of human neutrophils at the single-cell level by using an inverted fluorescence microscope. N-Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), a classic physiological chemotactic peptide, was used to induce a series of immune responses in neutrophils in vitro. FMLP-induced calcium mobilization, migration, and phagocytosis in human neutrophils was significantly blocked after treatment with 365nm UVA irradiation, demonstrating the immunosuppressive effects of UVA irradiation on neutrophils. Similar responses were also observed when the cells were pretreated with H2O2, a type of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, UVA irradiation resulted in an increase in NAD(P)H, a member of host oxidative stress in cells. Taken together, our data indicate that UVA irradiation results in immunosuppression associated with the production of ROS in human neutrophils.

Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB), a traditional herbal medicine, has been used to treat a wide range of neurological disorders ( e.g., paralysis and stroke) and skin problems ( e.g., atopic dermatitis and eczema) in oriental medicine. This study was designed to investigate the antioxidant ability of GEB and its antiaging effect on human dermal fibroblast cells (HDF). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of GEB were 21.8 and 0.43 mg/g dry weight (DW), respectively. The ergothioneine content of GEB was 0.41 mg/mL DW. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of GEB at 5 and 10 mg/mL approximately ranged between 31% and 44%. The superoxide dismutase activity of GEB at 10 and 25 mg/mL was 57% and 76%, respectively. GEB increased procollagen type 1 (PC1) production and inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production and elastase-1 activity in UVA-irradiated HDF. PC1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels decreased upon UVA irradiation, but recovered in response to high doses of GEB in HDF. On the contrary, GEB significantly decreased MMP-1 and elastase-1 mRNA levels, which were markedly induced in UVA-irradiated HDF. Collectively, these results suggest that GEB has sufficient antioxidant ability to prevent the signs of skin aging in UVA-irradiated human skin cells, suggesting its potential as a natural antiaging product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

7- ethyl 9-ethyl-6-oxo-6,9-dihydro[1,2,5]selenadiazolo [3,4-h]quinoline-7-carboxylate (E2 h ) is a new synthetically prepared quinolone derivative, which in our primary study showed cytotoxic effects towards tumor cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing activities of E2 h towards human cervical cancer cell line HeLa with/without the presence of UVA irradiation. Further, the molecular mechanism involved in E2 h -induced apoptosis in HeLa cells was investigated. Our results showed that both non-photoactivated and photoactivated E2 h caused morphological changes and inhibited the cell growth of HeLa cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Irradiation increased the sensitivity of HeLa cells to E2 h . Quinolone induced S and G2/M arrest and apoptosis in HeLa cells, as characterized by DNA fragmentation and flow cytometry. In addition, E2 h elevated the level of reactive oxygen species and activated caspases 3. In conclusions, E2 h alone/in combination with UVA irradiation induced apoptosis in HeLa cells through the ROS-mitochondrial/caspase 3-dependent pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus ( S. japonicus ) shows a strong ability of autolysis, which leads to severe deterioration in sea cucumber quality during processing and storage. In this study, to further characterize the mechanism of sea cucumber autolysis, hydroxyl radical production induced by ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation was investigated. Homogenate from the body wall of S. japonicas was prepared and subjected to UVA irradiation at room temperature. Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectra of the treated samples were subsequently recorded. The results showed that hydroxyl radicals (OH ) became more abundant while the time of UVA treatment and the homogenate concentration were increased. Addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, EDTA, desferal, NaN 3 and D 2 O to the homogenate samples led to different degrees of inhibition on OH production. Metal cations and pH also showed different effects on OH production. These results indicated that OH was produced in the homogenate with a possible pathway as follows: O 2 − → H 2 O 2 → OH , suggesting that OH might be a critical factor in UVA-induced S. japonicus autolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet blood irradiation has been used as a physical therapy to treat many nonspecific diseases in clinics; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Neutrophils, the first line of host defense, play a crucial role in a variety of inflammatory responses. In the present work, we investigated the effects of ultraviolet light A (UVA) on the immune functions of human neutrophils at the single-cell level by using an inverted fluorescence microscope. N-Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), a classic physiological chemotactic peptide, was used to induce a series of immune responses in neutrophils in vitro. FMLP-induced calcium mobilization, migration, and phagocytosis in human neutrophils was significantly blocked after treatment with 365nm UVA irradiation, demonstrating the immunosuppressive effects of UVA irradiation on neutrophils. Similar responses were also observed when the cells were pretreated with H2O2, a type of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, UVA irradiation resulted in an increase in NAD(P)H, a member of host oxidative stress in cells. Taken together, our data indicate that UVA irradiation results in immunosuppression associated with the production of ROS in human neutrophils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure of tryptophan (Trp) in aqueous solutions to UVA radiation resulted in decrease of Trp (C1) but generated an unknown fluorescent component (C2) with fluorescence emission maxima extending into wavelength range characteristic of humic substance (HS)-like material. The intensity of the two components (C1 and C2) could be operationally fit to linear functions of the illumination time t (0~40 h). However, C1 and C2 decreased and increased nonlinearly respectively in a mixture (Trp mixed with a reference sample of natural organic matter, i.e., NOM) which was exposed to the same UVA illumination, and the change of both C1 and C2 was faster than that in the absence of NOM. Moreover, the UV-Vis absorption maximum (ex = 278 nm) of Trp was faster removed for the mixture (after 5 h) than for Trp solutions without NOM (after 20 h). These observations suggested NOM-facilitated photobleaching of Trp and photoproduction of a new FDOM component under UVA illumination. Meanwhile, the fluorescence of the NOM in the absence of Trp was well represented by two HS-like components which decayed monotonically upon exposure to UVA light, while the photoinduced decay became nonmonotonic in the presence of Trp, and one component even increased with illumination during certain time window, indicating Trp-facilitated production of HS-like fluorescence signatures from NOM. The findings show that UVA-induced optical signature changes of tryptophan and HS-like materials are coupled and highlight the potential impact of absorption of solar UVA light by natural dissolved organic matter (DOM) on using the optical signatures to trace sources and sinks of DOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]