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Hearing loss, a prevalent sensory impairment, poses significant challenges worldwide. Recent research has shed light on the intricate interplay between ferroptosis, a newly recognized form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of hearing loss. In this review, we delve into the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis and oxidative stress in various forms of hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss (ARHL), noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) ototoxic drug-induced hearing loss and genetic hearing loss. We discuss the pivotal role of molecules such as FSP1, ACSL4, LKB1-AMPK, and Nrf2 in modulating these pathways in hearing loss. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the antioxidant system and ferroptosis, including iron chelators, lipid peroxide inhibitors, and antioxidants, highlighting their potential in mitigating hearing loss progression. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis and oxidative stress, this review offers insights into novel therapeutic avenues for the treatment of hearing loss and underscores the importance of targeting these pathways to preserve auditory function.

Background: Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) — also termed presbycusis — is prevalent among older adults, leading to a range of issues. Although considerable progress in the understanding of ARHL over the decades, available reports lack data from recent years and do not comprehensively reflect the latest advancements and trends. Therefore, our study sought to assess research hotspots and trends in ARHL over the past 5 years to provide the basis for future research. Materials and methods: The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched and screened from January 1, 2019 to October 21, 2023, according to the inclusion criteria. CiteSpace (5.8.R3), VOSviewer (1.6.19), and Microsoft Excel 2019 were employed for bibliometric analysis and visualization. Results: 3084 articles from 92 countries led by the United States and China were included. There has been a steady upward trend in the number of publications from 2019 to 2023. The most productive institutions, authors, and journals are Johns Hopkins University (n = 113), Lin FR (n = 66), and Ear and Hearing (n = 135), respectively. Trend topic analyses revealed that “cochlear synaptopathy” and “dementia” were the predominant foci. Keywords, including “individuals” and “national health”, began to appear. Conclusion: Over the past 5 years, the annual number of publications has increased significantly and will continue to do so. Research on the mechanism of ARHL, represented by “oxidative stress”, is a continuing focus. Emerging topics such as “individual differences” and “national health” may be potential future hotspots in this field.

This research explored the effect of water-binder ratio (w/b) and curing age on the mechanical properties, microstructure, and damage mechanism of modified recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) with metakaolin (MK). The consequence appeared that the mechanical properties of the specimens were positively correlated with curing age, but negatively correlated with w/b. In addition, the incorporation of MK increased the peak stress and peak strain of the specimens with w/b of 0.65 by an average of 17.46% and 8.42% at six ages. Through microscopic test, it was found that the mechanical properties of the specimen were related to the hydration reaction, and the continuously generated gel products made the matrix structure more compact. Based on the statistical damage theory, the influence of w/b, age and MK on the damage evolution of mesoscopic fracture and yield were quantitatively analyzed, and a correlation between macroscopic mechanical properties and the mesoscopic damage mechanism was established.

Handwriting verification represents an important area in forensic science. Herein, handwritings based on different types and brands pen ink samples made in China were investigated by non-invasive micro-identification methods. Scanning electron microscopy and energy spectrum (SEM-ES) were employed to measure the micro elements and component analysis of the written traces, and spectral mapping (surface scanning) function was focused. The exact assessments of elements in handwriting traces can distinguish the microcosmic differences between different types and brands ink in handwriting, which provides a new means of analysis and research methods of pen handwriting detection in forensic science.