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Thirdhand vaping exposures are associated with pulmonary and systemic inflammation in a mouse model.Journal of Environmental Exposure... Oct 2023Thirdhand smoke (THS) is the accumulation of secondhand smoke on surfaces that ages with time. THS exposure is a potential health threat to children, partners of...
Thirdhand smoke (THS) is the accumulation of secondhand smoke on surfaces that ages with time. THS exposure is a potential health threat to children, partners of smokers, and workers in environments with current or past smoking, and needs further investigation. In this study, we hypothesized that thirdhand Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) exposures elicit lung and systemic inflammation due to resuspended particulate matter (PM) and inorganic compounds that remain after active vaping has ceased. To test our hypothesis, we exposed C57BL/6J mice to cotton towels contaminated with ENDS aerosols from unflavored vape fluid (6 mg nicotine in 50/50 propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin) for 1h/day, five days/week, for three weeks. We assessed protein levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using a multiplex protein assay. The mean ± sd for PM and PM measurements in exposed mouse cages were 8.3 ± 14.0 and 4.6 ± 7.5 μg/m, compared to 6.1 ± 11.2 and 3.7 ± 6.6 μg/m in control cages respectively. Two compounds, 4-methyl-1, 2-dioxolane and 4-methyl-cyclohexanol, were detected in vape fluid and on ENDS-contaminated towels, but not on control towels. Mice exposed to ENDS-contaminated towels had lower levels of serum Il-7 ( = 0.022, = 7), and higher levels of Il-13 in the BALF ( = 0.006, = 7) than those exposed to control towels ( = 6). After adjusting for sex and age, Il-7 and Il-13 levels were still associated with thirdhand vaping exposure ( = 0.010 and = 0.017, respectively). This study provides further evidence that thirdhand ENDS aerosols can contaminate surfaces, and subsequently influence lung and systemic health upon exposure.
PubMed: 38741701
DOI: 10.20517/jeea.2023.27 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 2024In this work, we explore the use of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) facilitated by a second-generation Grubbs catalyst (G2) for the development of advanced...
In this work, we explore the use of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) facilitated by a second-generation Grubbs catalyst (G2) for the development of advanced polymer membranes aimed at CO separation. By employing a novel copolymer blend incorporating 4,4'-oxidianiline (ODA), 1,6-hexanediamine (HDA), 1-adamantylamine (AA), and 3,6,9-trioxaundecylamine (TA), along with a CO-selective poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(propylene glycol) copolymer (Jeffamine2003) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) units, we have synthesized membranes under ambient conditions with exceptional CO separation capabilities. The strategic inclusion of PDMS, up to a 20% composition within the PEG/PPG matrix, has resulted in copolymer membranes that not only surpass the 2008 upper limit for CO/N separation but also meet the commercial targets for CO/H separation. Comprehensive analysis reveals that these membranes adhere to the mixing rule and exhibit percolation behavior across the entire range of compositions (0-100%), maintaining robust antiplasticization performance even under pressures up to 20 atm. Our findings underscore the potential of ROMP in creating precisely engineered membranes for efficient CO separation, paving the way for their application in large-scale environmental and industrial processes.
PubMed: 38733403
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02865 -
A New Sustainable PPT Coating Based on Recycled PET to Improve the Durability of Hydraulic Concrete.Polymers May 2024A new, sustainable polypropylene terephthalate (PPT) coating was synthesized from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and applied onto a hydraulic concrete...
A new, sustainable polypropylene terephthalate (PPT) coating was synthesized from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and applied onto a hydraulic concrete substrate to improve its durability. For the first step, PET bottle wastes were ground and depolymerized by glycolysis using propylene glycol (PG) in a vessel-type reactor (20-180 °C) to synthesize bis(2-hydroxypropyl)-terephthalate (BHPT), which was applied as a coating to one to three layers of hydraulic concrete substrate using the brushing technique and polymerized (150 °C for 15 h) to obtain PPT. PET, BHPT, and PPT were characterized by FT-IR, PET, and PPT using TGA, and the PPT coatings by SEM (thickness), ASTM-D3359-17 (adhesion), and water contact angle (wettability). The durability of hydraulic concrete coated with PPT was studied using resist chloride ion penetration (ASTM-C1202-17), carbonation depth at 28 days (RILEM-CPC-18), and the absorption water ratio (ASTM-C1585-20). The results demonstrated that the BHPT and PPT were synthetized (FT-IR), and PPT had a similar thermal behavior to PET (TGA); the PPT coatings had good adhesion to the substrate, with thicknesses of micrometric units. PPT coatings presented hydrophilic hydrophilic behavior like PET coatings, and the durability of hydraulic concrete coated with PPT (2-3 layers) improved (migration of chloride ions decreased, carbonation depth was negligible, and the absorption water ratio decreased).
PubMed: 38732766
DOI: 10.3390/polym16091297 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Investigation of chiroptical polymers in the solution phase is paramount for designing supramolecular architectures for photonic or biomedical devices. This work is...
Investigation of chiroptical polymers in the solution phase is paramount for designing supramolecular architectures for photonic or biomedical devices. This work is devoted to the case study of poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) optical activity in several solvents: benzonitrile, carbon disulfide, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and -dioxane. To attain information on the interactions in these systems, rheological testing was undertaken, showing distinct variations of the rheological parameters as a function of the solvent type. These aspects are also reflected in the refractive index dispersive behavior, from which linear and non-linear optical properties are extracted. To determine the circular birefringence and specific rotation of the PPO solutions, the alternative method of the channeled spectra was employed. The spectral data were correlated with the molecular modeling of the PPO structural unit in the selected solvents. Density functional theory (DFT) computational data indicated that the torsional potential energy-related to the O1-C2-C3-O4 dihedral angle from the polymer repeating unit-was hindered in solvation environments characterized by high polarity and the ability to interact via hydrogen bonding. This was in agreement with the optical characterization of the samples, which indicated a lower circular birefringence and specific rotation for the solutions of PPO in ethyl acetate and -dioxane. Also, the shape of optical rotatory dispersion curves was slightly modified for PPO in these solvents compared with the other ones.
Topics: Solvents; Propylene Glycols; Polypropylenes; Polymers; Models, Molecular; Rotation; Hydrogen Bonding; Rheology
PubMed: 38731902
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094682 -
Food Chemistry Sep 2024This study investigated the effects of ethanol, 1,2-propanediol, and glycerol on the structure and aggregation behavior of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)...
This study investigated the effects of ethanol, 1,2-propanediol, and glycerol on the structure and aggregation behavior of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) myosin. All alcohols induced extensive alteration in the tertiary structure of myosin. Both ethanol and 1,2-propanediol further promoted an increase in the content of β-sheets in myosin and induced myosin aggregation. While glycerol had almost no impact on the secondary structure of myosin. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that increasing the concentration of ethanol and 1,2-propanediol affected the overall structural changes in the myosin heavy chain (MHC), while glycerol exerted a more pronounced effect on the MHC tail when compared to the MHC head. Disruption of the hydration layers induced by ethanol and 1,2-propanediol contributed to local structural changes in myosin. Glycerol at a concentration of 20% induced the formation of a larger hydration layer around the MHC tail, which facilitated the stabilization of the protein structure.
Topics: Animals; Carps; Glycerol; Ethanol; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Fish Proteins; Propylene Glycol; Myosins; Protein Aggregates; Protein Structure, Secondary
PubMed: 38728898
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139542 -
BMC Chemistry May 2024This study aimed to measure both the solubility and thermodynamics of salicylic acid in binary solvent mixtures of (2-propanol + ethylene glycol) and...
This study aimed to measure both the solubility and thermodynamics of salicylic acid in binary solvent mixtures of (2-propanol + ethylene glycol) and (2-propanol + propylene glycol) at different temperatures in the range of 293.2-313.2 K. The experimental solubility data were analyzed using various linear and nonlinear cosolvency models, such as the van'tt Hoff, Jouyban-Acree, Jouyban-Acree-van'tt Hoff, mixture response surface and modified Wilson models and to evaluate the models, the mean relative deviations of the back-calculated solubility data were compared with experimental values. Through this analysis, the apparent thermodynamic parameters, including Gibbs energy, enthalpy, and entropy were calculated using the van'tt Hoff and Gibbs equations for this system. Additionally, the density values for salicylic acid saturated mixtures were also measured and represent mathematically using the Jouyban-Acree model.
PubMed: 38724985
DOI: 10.1186/s13065-024-01188-1 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces May 2024Polyurea has found applications in protective coatings. Yet, the too fast polymerization and lack of functions limit its application. Herein, we report a...
Polyurea has found applications in protective coatings. Yet, the too fast polymerization and lack of functions limit its application. Herein, we report a high-performance polyurea via the stepwise polymerization of an isocyanate (NCO)-terminated prepolymer consisting of poly(propylene glycol)--poly(ethylene glycol)--poly(propylene glycol) (PPG--PEG--PPG) with a nanocluster synthesized via the hydrolysis of -phenylaminomethyltriethoxysilane. Such a nanocluster contains low-reactivity secondary amines, so the polymerization of polyurea can be slowed down (over 1 h), which improves its wetting and adhesion to a substrate. The residual silanol groups on the nanocluster further increase the adhesion. Such polyurea exhibits high adhesion on various substrates, including glass, ceramic, steel, copper, titanium, wood, and natural rubber (∼2.35-14.64 MPa). Besides, the nanoclusters can cross-link the prepolymer into a tough network, endowing the polyurea with a high mechanical strength of ∼25 MPa, much higher than the traditional polyaspartic ester polyurea. On the other hand, the PEG segments enable the polyurea to have good fouling resistance against proteins (fibrinogen absorption was reduced by over 90%), bacteria (RBA of sp. was less than 10%), as well as diatom (diatom density was less than 100 cells/mm). The polyurea is expected to find applications in biomedical engineering and marine antifouling.
PubMed: 38718383
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02070 -
Chemosphere Jul 2024With the increasing production and use of polyurethanes (PUs), it is necessary to develop sustainable techniques for the remediation of plastic pollution. The use of...
With the increasing production and use of polyurethanes (PUs), it is necessary to develop sustainable techniques for the remediation of plastic pollution. The use of microorganisms capable of biodegrading PUs may be an environmentally desirable solution for controlling these plastic contaminants. To contribute to the discovery of alternatives for the mitigation of plastics in the environment, this study aimed to explore the potential of StaphylococcuswarneriUFV_01.21, isolated from the gut of Galleria mellonellalarvae, for biodegradation of PU in pure culture and microbial co-culture with Serratia liquefaciensL135. S. warneri grew using Impranil® PU as the sole carbon source in pure culture and co-culture. With six days of incubation, the biodegradation of Impranil® in Luria Bertani broth was 96, 88 and 76%, while in minimal medium, it was 58, 54 and 42% for S. warneri, S. liquefaciens, and co-culture, respectively. In addition, S. warneri in pure culture or co-culture was able to biodegrade, adhere and form biofilms on the surfaces of Impranil® disks and poly[4,4'-methylenebis (phenyl isocyanate)-alt-1,4-butanediol/di(propylene glycol)/polycaprolactone] (PCLMDI) films. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed biodegradation by detecting the formation of cracks, furrows, pores, and roughness on the surfaces of inoculated PU, both with pure culture and microbial co-culture. This study is the first to demonstrate the potential of S. warneriin PU biodegradation.
Topics: Biodegradation, Environmental; Polyurethanes; Coculture Techniques; Staphylococcus; Biofilms; Plastics; Serratia liquefaciens
PubMed: 38710416
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142169 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) May 2024While vaping has increased significantly among young individuals, the effects of vape aerosol constituents on cardiac electrophysiological dynamics remain unknown.
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
While vaping has increased significantly among young individuals, the effects of vape aerosol constituents on cardiac electrophysiological dynamics remain unknown.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 22-year-old female with a history of energy vaping presented with cardiac arrest. Found to have no pulse, CPR was started and an initial rhythm of ventricular tachycardia was obtained. Shock was administered with a follow-up rhythm of ventricular fibrillation. She was emergently defibrillated and entered atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Toxicology and troponins were all negative. Left heart catheterization and cardiac MRI were unremarkable. She was discharged with an external defibrillation vest and a tentative plan for outpatient electrophysiology study in the setting of negative work-up for cardiopulmonary arrest.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Vaping-induced sudden cardiac arrest may be attributed to a reduction in cardiac repolarization reserve. Exposure to vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol, substances present in nearly all vape products, have been found to incite arrhythmias and disrupt cardiac conduction in animals. Acrolein, an aldehyde byproduct of glycerin, has also been found to induce arrhythmias due to autonomic dysfunction. Increased intracellular calcium concentration and free radical damage, which occur as a result of inhaling particulate matter generated from e-cigarettes, further propagates the risk of arrhythmia.
CONCLUSION
The effects of inhaling vape aerosols remain not fully understood. While there is a perceived notion that nicotine-free aerosols may be harmless, that remains unclear. Further studies are needed to evaluate proarrhythmogenic effects and autonomic dysfunction from the various chemical substances present in vape aerosols.
PubMed: 38694286
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001907 -
Journal of Aerosol Medicine and... Apr 2024Recent studies show e-cigarette (EC) users have increased rates of chronic bronchitic symptoms that may be associated with depressed mucociliary clearance (MCC). Little...
Recent studies show e-cigarette (EC) users have increased rates of chronic bronchitic symptoms that may be associated with depressed mucociliary clearance (MCC). Little is known about the acute or chronic effects of EC inhalation on MCC. MCC was measured in young adult vapers ( = 5 males, mean age = 21) after controlled inhalation of a radiolabeled (Tc99m sulfur colloid) aerosol. Whole-lung clearance of radiolabeled deposited particles was measured over a 90-minute period for baseline MCC and associated with controlled periodic vaping over the first 60 minutes of MCC measurements. The vaping challenge was administered from a fourth generation box mod EC containing unflavored e-liquid (65% propylene glycol/35% vegetable glycerin, 3 mg/mL freebase nicotine). The challenge was administered at the start of each 10-minute interval of MCC measurements and consisted of 1 puff every 30 seconds for 5 minutes (i.e., 10 puffs for each 10-minute period for a total of 60 puffs during the initial 60 minutes of MCC measurements). Compared with baseline, peripheral lung average clearance (%) over the 90 minutes of MCC measures was enhanced, associated with EC challenge, 12 (±6) versus 24 (±6), respectively ( < 0.05 by Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Acute enhancement of MCC during EC challenge is contrary to recent studies showing nicotine-associated slowing of ciliary beat and mucus transport at higher nicotine levels than those used here. However, our findings are consistent with an acute increase in fluid volume and mucin secretion to the bronchial airway surface that is likely short lived. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institutes of Health R01HL139369 and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03700892).
PubMed: 38687136
DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2023.0027