Search Results (13,052)

Over the past decade, the number and diversity of identified protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) have grown significantly. However, most PTMs occur at relatively low abundance, making selective enrichment of modified peptides essential. To address this, we developed a thermodynamic model describing the free beads enrichment in suspension enrichment process and derived a theoretical relationship between material dosage and analyte recovery. The model predicts a non-linear trend, with enrichment efficiency increasing up to an optimal dosage and declining thereafter—a pattern confirmed by experimental data. We validated the model using centrifugation-based enrichment for glycosylated peptides and magnetic-based enrichment for phosphorylated peptides. In both cases, the results aligned with theoretical predictions. Additionally, the optimal dosage varied among peptides with the same modification type, highlighting the importance of tailoring enrichment strategies. This study provides a solid theoretical and experimental basis for optimizing PTMs enrichment and advancing more sensitive, accurate, and efficient mass spectrometry-based proteomic workflows. Full article

Biodiesel, as one of the alternatives to fossil fuels, faces significant challenges in large-scale industrial production due to its high production costs. In addition to raw material costs, catalyst costs are also a critical factor that cannot be overlooked. This review summarizes various methods for preparing biodiesel catalysts from solid waste. These methods not only enhance the utilization rate of waste but also reduce the production costs and environmental impact of biodiesel. Finally, the limitations of waste-based catalysts and future research directions are discussed. Research indicates that solid waste can serve as a catalyst carrier or active material for biodiesel production. Methods such as high-temperature calcination, impregnation, and coprecipitation facilitate structural modifications to the catalyst and the formation of active sites. The doping of metal ions not only alters the catalyst’s acid-base properties but also forms stable metal bonds with functional groups on the carrier, thereby maintaining catalyst stability. The application of microwave-assisted and ultrasound-assisted methods reduces reaction parameters, making biodiesel production more economical and sustainable. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for the reuse of solid waste and ecological protection, emphasizes the development potential of waste-based catalysts in biodiesel production, and offers unique insights for innovation in this field, thereby accelerating the commercialization of biodiesel. Full article

Over the years, macromycete fungi have been used as a source of food, part of religious rites and rituals, and as a medicinal remedy. Species with strong health-promoting potential include Hericium erinaceus, Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus, Flammulina velutipes, and Inonotus obliquus. These species contain many bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, endo- and exogenous amino acids, polyphenols, terpenoids, sterols, B vitamins, minerals, and lovastatin. The level of some biologically active substances is species-specific, e.g., hericenones and erinacines, which have neuroprotective properties, and supporting the production of nerve growth factor in the brain for Hericium erinaceus. Due to their high health-promoting potential, mushrooms and substances isolated from them have found applications in livestock nutrition, improving their welfare and productivity. This phenomenon may be of particular importance in the nutrition of laying hens and broiler chickens, where an increase in pathogen resistance to antibiotics has been observed in recent years. Gallus gallus domesticus is a key farm animal for meat and egg production, so the search for new compounds to support bird health is important for food safety. Studies conducted to date indicate that feed supplementation with mushrooms has a beneficial effect on, among other things, bird weight gain; bone mineralisation; and meat and egg quality, including the lipid profile and protein content and shell thickness, and promotes the development of beneficial microbiota, thereby increasing immunity. Full article

(1) Background: The concentration of lamotrigine, an antiepileptic drug very often used in bipolar disorder, is most often determined in the blood, with many inconveniences. An alternative may be to use saliva as a diagnostic material for this purpose. The development of a method to determine lamotrigine in saliva as a biological material significantly improves patient comfort during sampling. The developed method uses solid-phase extraction for the isolation of the drug from saliva for the first time. (2) Methods: This study aimed to develop a method to determine lamotrigine in saliva using solid-phase extraction (SPE) for isolation and liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (LC-DAD) for quantitative analysis. (3) Results: The method was validated by determining its linearity in the concentration range 10–2000 ng/mL (R² > 0.99), and the intra- and inter-day precision expressed as coefficient of variation (CV%) did not exceed 15%. (4) Conclusions: The developed method was used to determine the salivary concentration of lamotrigine in patients treated with the studied compound, confirming its usefulness in bipolar disorder (BD). Full article

Background: This paper deals with the detection of amino acid composition of Iraqi Ocimum basilicum (basil) leaves and evaluation of the cytotoxic effects of the plant leaf extract on human colorectal cancer cells. Methods: Leaves of Ocimum basilicum were collected from Iraq in November 2024. After drying and powdering, the plant material went through cold methanol extraction. Initial phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenoids. Amino acid analysis was completed by an amino acid analyzer with fluorescence detection. The cytotoxic effect was evaluated via the MTT assay on HRT-18 cell lines. Morphological changes were further tested using dual Propidium Iodide/Acridine Orange assay fluorescent staining. Results: Seventeen amino acids were detected in the plant extract. The extract showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on HRT-18 cells, with significant reduction in cell viability at concentrations of more than 25 µg/mL. Morphological alterations of membrane blebbing and cell shrinkage were observed, suggesting apoptotic activity. The IC₅₀ value confirmed strong cytotoxic potential. Conclusions: The extract of Ocimum basilicum leaf cultivated in Iraq shows a rich amino acid profile and significant cytotoxic activity against colorectal cancer cells that highlights its potential effect as a natural source of anticancer compounds. Full article

Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) is a high-energy-density material known for its exceptional explosive performance, but it suffers from significant safety concerns due to its high sensitivity. To mitigate this issue, researchers have explored the synthesis of CL-20-based cocrystals with other energetic materials to achieve a balance between energy output and safety. Recent advancements in CL-20 cocrystals have focused on developing novel synthesis methods and leveraging computational design techniques to predict and optimize their physicochemical properties. However, the toxicity of CL-20 cocrystals, along with their environmental and health risks, remains a critical concern. This review systematically examines recent progress in CL-20 cocrystal energetic materials, emphasizing toxicity profiles and mechanistic insights into their components. The findings serve as a foundation for the development of safer energetic materials, thereby facilitating sustainable advancements in manufacturing technologies and industrial applications of CL-20. Full article

Barium chloride (BaCl₂), a known environmental pollutant, induces organ-specific oxidative stress through disruption of redox homeostasis. This study evaluated the protective effects and safety profile of sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) and ascorbic acid (ASC) against BaCl₂-induced oxidative damage in the liver and brain of mice using a two-phase experimental protocol. Animals received either SCC (40 mg/kg), ASC (160 mg/kg), or their combination for 14 days prior to BaCl₂ exposure (150 mg/L in drinking water for 7 days), allowing evaluation of both preventive and therapeutic effects. Toxicological and behavioral assessments confirmed the absence of systemic toxicity or neurobehavioral alterations following supplementation. Body weight, liver and kidney indices, and biochemical markers (Aspartate Aminotransferase (ASAT), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALAT), creatinine) remained within physiological ranges, and no anxiogenic or locomotor effects were observed. In the brain, BaCl₂ exposure significantly increased SOD (+49%), CAT (+66%), GPx (+24%), and GSH (+26%) compared to controls, reflecting a robust compensatory antioxidant response. Although lipid peroxidation (MDA) showed a non-significant increase, SCC, ASC, and their combination reduced MDA levels by 42%, 37%, and 55%, respectively. These treatments normalized antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH, indicating an effective neuroprotective effect. In contrast, the liver exhibited a different oxidative profile. BaCl₂ exposure increased MDA levels by 80% and GSH by 34%, with no activation of SOD, CAT, or GPx. Histological analysis revealed extensive hepatocellular necrosis, vacuolization, and inflammatory infiltration. SCC significantly reduced hepatic MDA by 39% and preserved tissue architecture, while ASC alone or combined with SCC exacerbated inflammation and depleted hepatic GSH by 71% and 78%, respectively, relative to BaCl₂-exposed controls. Collectively, these results highlight a differential, organ-specific response to BaCl₂-induced oxidative stress and the therapeutic potential of SCC and ASC. SCC emerged as a safer and more effective agent, particularly in hepatic protection, while both antioxidants demonstrated neuroprotective effects when used individually or in combination. Full article

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Significant challenges remain in developing effective and safe targeted therapies for psoriasis. Here, we reported the discovery of novel cystamine derivatives for the treatment of psoriasis. These compounds effectively attenuated LPS-induced inflammation in vitro, and the optimal candidate CS1 ameliorated imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in mice. Mechanistically, CS1 bound and inhibited the deacetylase HDAC6, subsequently inhibited the AKT, MAPK, and STAT3 pathways, attenuated the hyperproliferation and altered differentiation of keratinocytes and reduced the infiltration of immune cells. These findings suggest that HDAC6 may serve as a potential target for drug development in the treatment of psoriasis. Full article

Hydrogen energy holds immense potential to address the global energy crisis and environmental challenges. However, its large-scale application is severely hindered by the lack of efficient hydrogen storage materials. This study systematically investigates the H₂ adsorption properties of intrinsic C₂₆ fullerene and Li-decorated C₂₆ fullerene using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results reveal that Li atoms preferentially bind to the H_5-5 site of C₂₆, driven by significant electron transfer (0.90 |e|) from Li to C₂₆. This electron redistribution modulates the electronic structure of C₂₆, as evidenced by projected density of states (PDOS) analysis, where the p orbitals of C atoms near the Fermi level undergo hybridization with Li orbitals, enhancing the electrostatic environment for H₂ adsorption. For Li-decorated C₂₆, the average adsorption energy and consecutive adsorption energy decrease as more H₂ molecules are adsorbed, indicating a gradual weakening of adsorption strength and signifying a saturation limit of three H₂ molecules. Charge density difference and PDOS analyses further demonstrate that H₂ adsorption induces synergistic electron transfer from both Li (0.89 |e| loss) and H₂ (0.01 |e| loss) to C₂₆ (0.90 |e| gain), with orbital hybridization between H s orbitals, C p orbitals, and Li orbitals stabilizing the adsorbed system. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the microscopic mechanism underlying Li-enhanced H₂ adsorption on C₂₆ fullerene and offer insights into the rational design of metal-decorated fullerene-based systems for efficient hydrogen storage. Full article

Chiral liquid chromatography (cLC) using chiral stationary phases (CSPs) has become a crucial technique for separating enantiomers. Understanding enantiomeric discrimination is essential for improving chromatographic conditions and elucidating chiral molecular recognition; the computational methods are extremely helpful for this. To assess the relevance of the association of these two approaches and to analyze the current trends, in this review, a systematic analysis of the scientific literature was performed, covering recently published works (from 2015 to January 2025) on enantioseparation by cLC using CSPs and computational studies. CSPs based on polysaccharides and Pirkle-type were the most described (accounting for 52% and 14% of the studies, respectively). Regarding the computational methods, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) were the most reported (accounting for 50% and 25% of the studies, respectively). In the articles surveyed, a significant growth in research concerning both cLC enantioseparation and computational studies is evident, emphasizing the benefit of the synergy between these two approaches. Full article

The regio- and stereoselective adjacent bifunctionalization of olefins with amine and halogen groups can be effectively accomplished through catalytic haloamination methods. Stereoselective haloamination has emerged as a pivotal methodology for the introduction of halogen functional groups into chiral amines, demonstrating substantial applications in medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis. Since 1999, significant advancements have been achieved in this field, driven by innovations in catalytic systems and methodologies. The stereoselective haloamination of both functionalized and nonfunctionalized alkenes employing chiral catalysts has emerged as a prominent area of research. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress in stereoselective haloamination reactions from 1999 to 2023. It examines the innovations in catalyst design that have facilitated more efficient and selective transformations. The review also analyzes the optimization of reaction conditions, which has been crucial in improving the overall performance and applicability of these reactions. Furthermore, it explores the diverse range of haloamination reactions that have been developed, emphasizing their potential for the synthesis of complex and valuable chemical structures. Additionally, this review offers insightful perspectives on future research directions in stereoselective haloamination reactions. Full article

Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae), commonly known as the castor oil plant, is prized for its versatile applications in medicine, industry, and agriculture. It features large, deeply lobed leaves with vibrant colours, robust stems with anthocyanin pigments, and extensive root systems for nutrient absorption. Its terminal panicle-like inflorescences bear monoecious flowers, and its seeds are enclosed in prickly capsules. Throughout its various parts, R. communis harbours a diverse array of bioactive compounds. Leaves contain tannins, which exhibit astringent and antimicrobial properties, and alkaloids like ricinine, known for anti-inflammatory properties, as well as flavonoids like rutin, offering antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Roots contain ellagitannins, lupeol, and indole-3-acetic acid, known for anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effects. Seeds are renowned for ricin, ricinine, and phenolic compounds crucial for industrial applications such as biodegradable polymers. Pharmacologically, it demonstrates antioxidant effects from flavonoids and tannins, confirmed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays for antibacterial activity. It shows potential in managing diabetes via insulin signalling pathways and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Additionally, it has anti-fertility effects and potential anticancer activity against cancer stem cells. This review aims to summarize Ricinus communis’s botanical properties, therapeutic uses, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and industrial applications. Integrating the current knowledge offers insights into future research directions, emphasizing the plant’s diverse roles in agriculture, medicine, and industry. Full article

This work investigated the mechanistic role of chloride ions (Cl⁻) in the Belousov–Zhabotinsky (B-Z) oscillating reaction. We conducted a multivariate statistical analysis of the B-Z response, established a quadratic polynomial regression model, and determined the contributions of the experimental parameters to the induction time. The results indicate that the relationship between the experimental parameters and the induction time is often nonmonotonic, exhibiting secondary dependence. Then, we studied the influence mechanism by which Cl⁻ affects the B-Z reaction system. Both experimental and theoretical studies indicate that as the concentration of Cl⁻ increases, the system becomes more active as the activation energy increases. When the Cl⁻ concentration is less than 1 mmol/L, the induced apparent activation energy remains relatively constant. However, as the Cl⁻ concentration increases from 1.00 mmol/L to 2.00 mmol/L, the induced apparent activation energy increases rapidly from 50 kJ/mol to 120 kJ/mol, which severely hinders the induction period and then increases the induction time. Full article

The emission and presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air of houses and factories has been a growing topic of debate in the industry and related research fields. Given the extended times people in modern society spend indoors, monitoring VOCs is crucial due to the associated potential health hazards, with formaldehyde being particularly noteworthy. Wood and wood-based panels (WBPs) (the latter constituting a significant segment of the wood-transforming industry, being widely used in furniture, construction, and other applications) are known sources for the emission of VOCs to indoor air. In the case of the WBPs, the emission of VOCs depends on the type and species of wood, together with industrial processing and addition of additives. This review integrates perspectives on the production processes associated with WBPs, together with the evolving global regulations, and thoroughly examines VOC sources associated with WBPs, health risks from exposure, and current analytical methods utilized for VOC detection. It comprises an overview of the WBP industry, providing relevant definitions, descriptions of manufacturing processes and adhesive use, analysis of legal constraints, and explanations of VOC source identification and describing analysis techniques utilized for VOCs in WBPs. Full article

In Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharides (LPSs, also known as endotoxin) can induce extensive immune responses that will enable victims to produce severe septic shock syndrome. Because of the high mortality of sepsis in the face of standard treatment, advance detoxification schemes are urgently needed in clinics. Herein, we described a supramolecular detoxification approach via direct host–guest complexation by a giant macrocycle. Cationic pentaphen[3]arene (CPP3) bearing multiple quaternary ammonium groups was screened as a candidate antidote. CPP3 exhibited robust binding affinity toward LPS with an association constant of (4.79 ± 0.29) × 10⁸ M⁻¹. Co-dosing with an equivalent amount of CPP3 has been demonstrated to decrease LPS-induced cytotoxicity on a cellular level through inhibiting ROS generation and proinflammatory cytokine expression. In vivo experiments have further proved that post-treatment by CPP3 could significantly improve the survival rate of LPS-poisoned mice from 0 to 100% over a period of 3 days, and inflammatory abnormalities and tissue damage were also alleviated. Full article