Search Results (769)

Chiral pesticides, comprising enantiomers with identical physical and chemical properties but different biological effects, call for extra efforts in comprehensively evaluating their risk assessment. However, the defect regarding sensitive analysis of chiral pesticides limits the progress of research. Therefore, an efficient and highly sensitive analytical method for the trace-level analysis of chiral pesticides is imperative. Herein, normal micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), sweeping-MEKC, and anion-selective exhaustive injection-sweeping-MEKC (ASEI-sweeping-MEKC) were optimized to separate and enrich three chiral phenoxy acid herbicides (cloprop, dichlorprop, and fenoprop). Normal MEKC with 30 mM γ-cyclodextrin, 50 mM SDS, pH 2.5, and 50 mM phosphate buffer background electrolyte (BGE) achieved ideal chiral separation of target herbicides. Then, sweeping-MEKC was modified to enhance the detection sensitivity by 4690 to 10,630-folds with the conditions of pH 2.5, 100 mM phosphate buffer high-conductivity buffer (HCB), 60 s injection time + 30 mM γ-CD, 50 mM SDS, pH 2.5, 50 mM phosphate buffer BGE + 120 s sample injection time. ASEI-sweeping-MEKC achieved further improvement of detection sensitivity by 241,000- to 673,000-fold. And the optimal ASEI-sweeping-MEKC conditions for the target chiral phenoxy acid herbicides were 20% ACN water plug, 30 s injection time + pH 2.5, 100 mM phosphate buffer HCB, 60 s injection time + 30 mM γ-CD, 50 mM SDS, pH 2.5, 50 mM phosphate buffer BGE + 12 min sample injection time. All in all, these findings have validated ASEI-sweeping-MEKC as an efficient and powerful analytical method for the trace-level analysis of the enantiomers of three chiral phenoxy acid herbicides. This approach enables a comprehensive risk assessment and provides guidance for the sustainable application of chiral pesticides. Full article

As a typical representative of antibiotic contaminants, tetracycline (TC) remains persistent in surface water and wastewater. Coordination polymers have been confirmed to represent a highly efficient strategy for pollutant removal. In this study, a novel U(VI)-containing polymer, [UO₂(Htci)]·7.5H₂O, was obtained hydrothermally using uranyl nitrate hexahydrate and tris(2-carboxyethyl) isocyanurate (H₃tci). Structural characterization by single-crystal X-ray diffraction indicated a 2D layered crystalline architecture. The compound is interconnected by 3-connected Htci²⁻ anions to afford a characteristic (6, 3) honeycomb topological network. The ligand displayed a special cis-cis-trans conformation, and all carboxylic acid groups were bis-chelating. In addition, the compound was characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermal analysis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The photodegradation efficiency of TC reached 93.2% after 120 min under irradiation with UV light. At the same time, metal ion sensing of the compound revealed selectivity in recognition of Fe³⁺, with a detection limit of 0.77 mg·L⁻¹ being achieved. Full article

Developing earth-abundant photocatalysts that operate efficiently under visible light remains a central challenge in sustainable aerobic oxidation chemistry. We synthesized a binuclear cobalt(II) structure (Co₂) in which two redox-active metal centers are bridged by a polypyridine scaffold to integrate light-harvesting and catalytic functions within a single low-nuclearity unit. The complex exhibits a strong absorption band below 450 nm, undergoes facile charge separation upon photoexcitation, and channels molecular oxygen (O₂) toward superoxide radical anion (O₂^•–) under blue-light irradiation. Spectroscopic and mechanistic studies indicate that the polypyridine framework governs photon capture and excited-state delocalization, whereas the proximal Co(II) sites mediate the subsequent single-electron transfer to O₂. Driven by this dual-site synergy, Co₂ selectively oxidizes a broad scope of thioethers to the corresponding sulfoxides in yields exceeding 95%, with no over-oxidation to sulfones detected. The catalyst retains its structural integrity over five successive runs without measurable activity loss. By confining complementary photophysical and redox functions within a discrete bimetallic unit, this work establishes a design strategy for noble-metal-free, visible-light-driven organic transformations. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary non-fiber carbohydrate to neutral detergent fiber ratio (NFC/NDF) and allicin supplementation on serum electrolytes, urinary biochemical indicators, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus excretion, and fecal microbiota in beef bulls. Forty 12-month-old beef bulls were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design based on dietary NFC/NDF (0.75 and 1.02) and allicin supplementation (0 and 0.04% on a DM basis), resulting in four treatment groups with 10 replicates per group. Increasing dietary NFC/NDF decreased serum pH and increased the anion gap (p < 0.05). An interaction between NFC/NDF and allicin supplementation was observed for the serum concentrations of non-ionized calcium and total calcium (p < 0.05), with the highest concentrations detected in cattle fed high-NFC/NDF diets supplemented with allicin. Serum uric acid was elevated by high NFC/NDF (p < 0.05). High dietary NFC/NDF also increased urine pH (p < 0.05). Significant interactions between dietary NFC/NDF and allicin supplementation were observed for allantoin, creatinine, and urease activity (p < 0.05). High NFC/NDF increased N excretion, total N excretion, and N excretion rate (p < 0.01). Additionally, allicin supplementation reduced fecal N excretion and N excretion rate and increased the apparent total-tract digestibility of N (p < 0.05). Fecal microbiota Alpha diversity analysis showed that high NFC/NDF decreased the Chao1, observed features, and Shannon (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, high NFC/NDF increased Pseudomonadota but decreased Cyanobacteriota, and a significant interaction between NFC/NDF and allicin was observed for Spirochaetota (p < 0.05). At the genus level, high NFC/NDF reduced unclassified_UCG-010 but increased Succinivibrio, unclassified_Muribaculaceae, and Methanobrevibacter (p < 0.05). Allicin increased Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group abundance (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary NFC/NDF and allicin supplementation modulate acid–base balance, N utilization, and fecal microbial composition in beef bulls, providing a scientific basis for improving feed efficiency. Full article

Cationic surfactants are widely used in disinfectants, creating a need for rapid and reliable analytical methods for their determination in complex formulations. In this study, a new hydrophobic ion-pair, 1,3-didecyl-2-methylimidazolium tetrakis(perfluorophenyl)borate (DDMIm–TPFPhB), was developed and applied as an ionophore in a potentiometric sensor. The ion-pair was incorporated into a PVC membrane and evaluated by direct potentiometric measurements and titrations. The sensor exhibited near-Nernstian responses toward selected cationic surfactants (56.8–59.1 mV per decade), low detection limits (1.4–2.2 × 10⁻⁶ M), and stable signal behavior, along with good selectivity and stability over a pH range of 3–9. Application on commercial disinfectant samples showed good agreement with a commercial ion-selective electrode. According to the charge decomposition analysis performed using density functional theory calculations, the number of electrons donated from perfluorotetraphenyl borate to 1,3-didecyl-2-methylimidazolium is 0.25 e. In contrast, the back-donation from the cation to the anion is only 0.05 e, indicating a relatively substantial overall charge transfer of 0.20 e. This pronounced charge transfer, together with dominant dispersion interactions, contributes to enhanced ion-pair stability within the membrane phase, which is reflected in reduced signal drift and improved analytical performance. These findings establish a direct link between molecular-level interactions and sensor behavior, providing a rational basis for the design of potentiometric sensors for real-sample analysis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cytokinin and auxin are essential for vascular development in plants. This study aims to explore whether these two hormones exhibit crosstalk in the cambium, analogous to that observed in the apical meristem. Methods: Using the hybrid poplar (Populus alba × Purshia glandulosa clone ‘84K’), we integrated gravitropic induction with transcriptomic analysis and identified the cytokinin biosynthesis gene PagIPT5 as differentially expressed in a tension wood induction system. PagIPT5 overexpression lines were generated and assessed for growth-related phenotypes. The interaction between cytokinin and auxin was investigated via anatomical observation, cell proliferation assays, in situ PCR, and immunofluorescence detection of auxin and cytokinin. Results: Compared with the wild type, PagIPT5 overexpression lines showed growth inhibition and an auxin-deficient phenotype. High PagIPT5 expression in the vascular cambium elevated cytokinin levels while reducing auxin levels, leading to decreased cambial cell proliferation and suppressed xylem development. However, in the tension wood induction system, both auxin and cytokinin levels increased in the vascular cambium of tension wood relative to opposite wood. Treatment with a superoxide anion activator promotes the accumulation of both auxin and cytokinin in 84K plants. Conclusions: These results revealed an antagonistic interaction between the two hormones in the cambium zone. However, this antagonism is attenuated in tension wood, which may be induced by the accumulation of superoxide anion in tension wood. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypocalcemia is a major transition-cow disorder in dairy cattle, with clinical and subclinical forms differing in detectability, severity, timing, and herd-level consequences. This systematic review integrates evidence on calcium (Ca) homeostasis, classification of clinical hypocalcemia (CHC) and subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH), diagnostic interpretation, risk factors, systemic effects, and preventive and therapeutic strategies in dairy cows. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and CAB Abstracts were searched in February 2026 for 1994–2025 publications, and 23 reports were included in a qualitative synthesis; meta-analysis was not performed because of methodological and outcome heterogeneity. Results: The evidence indicates that hypocalcemia should be interpreted as a failure of homeorhetic adaptation to abrupt mammary Ca export rather than as a simple mineral deficiency. The parathyroid hormone–vitamin D axis, skeletal Ca mobilization, renal Ca conservation, intestinal Ca absorption, magnesium (Mg) status, dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD), dry matter intake, parity, and acid–base balance jointly determine whether blood Ca is maintained during early lactation. Total calcium (tCa) thresholds are useful decision aids for herd-level monitoring, but their interpretation depends on sampling time, parity, persistence pattern, clinical signs, and the relationship between tCa and ionized calcium (iCa). Subclinical hypocalcemia is most relevant when it is delayed, persistent, or occurs in high-risk cows because reduced Ca availability can impair smooth muscle function, feed intake, immune competence, uterine health, and metabolic resilience. Management should therefore combine prepartum ration control, Mg adequacy, DCAD and urine pH monitoring, selective Ca testing in high-risk cows, targeted oral Ca supplementation for standing cows, and intravenous Ca treatment for recumbent CHC cases. Conclusions: The evidence supports a risk-based, context-aware strategy rather than universal threshold-driven treatment. Full article

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) or gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) is an essential tool for determining the molecular weight and polydispersity of water-soluble polymers, including biopolymers used in hydrogels, sealants, bioinks, and other biomedical materials. However, aqueous SEC of polyelectrolytes, i.e., charged polymers, is often complicated by non-size interactions among polymer chains, porous column beads, pore surfaces, frits, tubing, and mobile phase. Salt addition to eluent is commonly used to screen these interactions, but the minimum salt concentration required to restore reliable SEC behavior remains poorly defined, and excessive salt may introduce tailing, refractive-index artifacts, deposits, or instrument concerns. In this study, aqueous SEC with refractive index (RI) and right-angle light scattering (RALS) detection was used to evaluate the effect of salt ($\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{a}}_2\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{O}}_4$) concentration on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), a nominally neutral reference standard polymer, and sodium alginate as a model anionic biopolymer. PEO retained a single bell-shaped peak across the tested salt range, but its elution volume and SEC/RALS-derived molecular weights varied slightly with salt concentration, showing that even a nominally neutral reference polymer is affected by mobile-phase conditions. Alginate showed much stronger salt dependence: eluent at very low salt concentration produced broad, noisy, and convoluted chromatograms, whereas increasing salt concentration progressively narrowed the main peak. The first condition that produced a clear, approximately symmetric RI/RALS main peak was $6.25\times {10}^{-3} \mathrm{M}$ $\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{a}}_2\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{O}}_4$, identifying it as the minimum effective salt concentration for this alginate/column/instrument system. To rigorously validate these observations, we propose a set of both qualitative and quantitative peak analyses that objectively confirm the optimal mobile-phase conditions. Ultimately, these results provide a practical workflow for identifying the minimum effective salt concentration required for reliable SEC analysis of water-soluble polymers. Full article

Lactic acid is a widely used component in cosmetics such as hair care products. High concentration of lactic acid or inappropriate enantiomeric form can have a negative impact on the skin. This study focuses on the development of methods of analysis for the separation, enantioseparation and determination of lactic acid in cosmetics and the confirmation of its enantiomeric form. Achiral reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) on a C18 stationary phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) on an amino-propyl stationary phase, combined with diode array detection (DAD; 210 nm), were applied for analysis. Chiral HPLC-DAD on a teicoplanin-based stationary phase was an effective method for verification of the enantiomeric form, confirming L-lactic acid in tested samples. The complex samples were treated by solid-phase extraction using an anion-exchange adsorbent. Recovery studies showed good results, 76.1–91.8% (RSD ≤ 5.0%). The methods provide linearity of response in the concentration ranges tested (R² > 0.996). This study demonstrated several approaches to the HPLC-DAD determination of lactic acid and proposed an effective sample preparation procedure. Developed methods were rapid, simple and applicable in the routine analysis of cosmetics for monitoring the safety of products. Full article

In recent years, cruor from slaughterhouse blood has garnered growing interest as a potential source of antimicrobial peptides obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis. In addition, electrodialysis with ultrafiltration membrane (EDUF) represents a strategy for valorizing peptide-rich hydrolysates, enabling the selective separation and concentration of antimicrobial peptides, according to their size and charge. Hence, this study evaluated the potential of EDUF to fractionate, for the first time, calf cruor hydrolysate and explore its use as a novel source of antimicrobial peptides. The resulting peptide fractions were characterized to investigate the selectivity of peptide migration in relation to peptide physico-chemical characteristics and membrane properties and to finally assess their antimicrobial activity. High migration rates of 12.75 ± 2.17 g/m²h and 8.94 ± 0.38 g/m²h were observed for the cationic (P⁺) and anionic (P⁻) recovery fractions, respectively. These results suggested that peptide migration from calf cruor hydrolysate to both recovery fractions during EDUF was influenced by the combined effects of molecular weight, net charge, hydrophobicity, specific amino acid residues (L, Y), and peptide–membrane interactions. Furthermore, the initial and final hydrolysates as well as P⁺ fractions exhibited antifungal activities against Paecilomyces spp. and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.312 to 0.615 mg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) ranging from 0.312 to 1.250 mg/mL. In contrast, the P⁻ fraction did not exhibit antifungal activity, but a slight anti-Listeria activity was detected, with a MIC of 10 mg/mL. These findings highlight the potential of upcycling calf blood into functional antifungal and antibacterial agents, supporting a circular economy approach and transforming waste streams into value-added ingredients that enhance food preservation. Full article

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCA) represents one of the most common aggressive malignancies worldwide. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), a typical member of the IGF superfamily, is closely linked to adverse prognosis in numerous cancers. Up to now, little is known about its functional relevance to cell migration and tumor progression in ESCA. This work focuses on clarifying the relationship between IGFBP1 expression and the progression and migratory characteristics of ESCA. Methods: mRNA expression profiles from ESCA patients were obtained from the TCGA and GEO databases. Differential expression analysis was performed using R software(version 4.2.2), followed by an intersection of DEGs between datasets. The STRING database was applied to establish PPI networks. Cytoscape software(Version 3.7.2) was then used for visual presentation and hub gene identification. IGFBP1 expression was validated in ESCA tissues versus adjacent normal tissues. Prognostic correlation was assessed using GEPIA, while diagnostic and predictive values were evaluated through ROC analysis and Cox regression. Genetic alterations of IGFBP1 were analyzed via cBioPortal. Immune cell infiltration patterns were investigated using TIMER. Functional enrichment analyses (GO, KEGG) were performed on IGFBP1-associated DEGs. In the in vitro experiments, esophageal cancer cell lines (such as Eca109 and TE-1) and normal human esophageal epithelial cell lines (such as HEEC) were selected. The transcriptional level of IGFBP1 was examined using RT-qPCR, while Western blot analysis was conducted to validate its protein expression changes. Changes in the proliferative capacity of cancer cells after IGFBP1 silencing were detected by the CCK-8 assay, and cell migration capacity was determined via wound scratch assays to clarify the related biological effects. Results: Overall, 2870 DEGs were screened from the GEO database, 153 DEGs were screened from the TCGA database, and 34 genes were found to be common to both databases; 10 core genes were screened from the PPI network. IGFBP1 was abnormally expressed in esophageal cancer. Cox regression confirmed that IGFBP1 is an independent risk factor, and prognostic analysis indicated that IGFBP1 is closely associated with poor prognosis. Gene mutation analysis showed that amplification mutations are the most common type of IGFBP1 gene mutation, and genetic alterations in IGFBP1 in ESCA patients are significantly associated with overall survival (OS) (p = 0.0002568). GO analysis indicated that IGFBP1-related differentially expressed genes were enriched in organic anion transport, epidermal development, apical cell components, and metal ion transmembrane transporter activity. Pathway enrichment based on the KEGG database illustrated the main enrichment of target genes in neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions, calcium signaling and cAMP signaling pathways. Additionally, remarkable differences in immune cell infiltration were observed between IGFBP1 high-expression and low-expression subgroups through tumor immune profiling. IGFBP1 expression differed significantly between esophageal cancer cells and normal esophageal epithelial cells, as detected by RT-qPCR (p < 0.05). Moreover, knockdown of IGFBP1 markedly inhibited the proliferation (p < 0.05) and migration abilities (p < 0.05) of TE-1 and Eca109 cells. Conversely, IGFBP1 overexpression facilitated these cellular processes. Conclusions: As a key oncogenic driver for ESCA, IGFBP1 may participate in the oncogenesis of ESCA, possibly influencing clinical outcomes via IGF signaling and the tumor microenvironment. Its dual functions in tumor and immune systems suggest it might be a candidate for ESCA immunotherapy research. Full article

Negatively charged molecules and anions are widely present in the natural environment and can pose a threat to aquatic life, affecting their survival and reproduction. As the understanding of the hazards of negatively charged molecules and ions deepens, the need for real-time monitoring governs the development of highly sensitive and convenient sensing materials. Here, highly luminescent Zn-Cu-In-S core–shell colloidal quantum dots were grafted onto cotton fabric to produce a fluorescence cotton fabric (FCF) optical sensor demonstrating photoluminescence response to the presence of several anions in water, such as phosphate (PO₄³⁻), hydroxide (OH⁻), fluoride (F⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), or bromide (Br⁻). After contact with water solutions containing these anions, PL output from FCF remarkably decreases, with specific functional dependence on the concentration of the selected anions. The fluorescent fabric sensing material is easy to operate, achieving real-time detection of negatively charged groups and showing great potential for application in environmental monitoring. Full article

An optical sensor based on a polymethacrylate matrix (PMM) with immobilized gold nanoparticles (Au⁰ NPs) has been developed for the determination of pollutants in environmental samples. The nanoparticles are synthesized by chemical reduction of Au(III) to Au⁰ using sodium borohydride, which yields conglomerates of spherical particles with an absorption maximum at 530 nm. The time stability of the nanocomposite is demonstrated, as well as the ability to control the nanoparticle loading in the matrix by varying the concentration of the HAuCl₄ solution. The analytical capability of the PMM–Au⁰ system is demonstrated for the direct determination of tetracycline in river water in two linear concentration ranges: 0.001–0.010 mg/L and 0.025–0.100 mg/L, with detection limits of 0.0005 mg/L and 0.012 mg/L, respectively. The determination of tetracycline is based on the enhancement of its intrinsic fluorescence at 520 nm by gold nanoparticles in the solid phase following solid-phase extraction from water in the anionic form H₂TC⁻ using PMM–Au⁰. The colorimetric determination of thiocyanate anions is based on a color change of the PMM–Au⁰ nanocomposite from red to blue, corresponding to a shift in the plasmon absorption maximum from 530 nm to 630 nm. The sensor exhibits a linear response in the thiocyanate concentration range of 0.3–50.0 mg/L, with a detection limit of 0.1 mg/L. Thus, the multifunctional PMM–Au⁰ sensor has been used for the determination of various analytes employing different modes of analytical signal readout after minimal sample preparation. Full article

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a toxic and biologically relevant gas, necessitating sensitive and interference-resistant detection methods for environmental monitoring. Here, we develop a donor–acceptor molecular platform incorporating a polarized conjugated double bond bridge and demonstrate its application, using YG2 as the representative probe, as a dual-peak ratiometric UV–Vis sensor for H₂S. UV–Vis spectroscopy, supported by ¹H NMR analysis, indicates HS^--induced interaction with the conjugated linkage, leading to disruption of π-conjugation, suppression the intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) band at 409 nm, and enhancing the locally excited (LE) band at 279 nm. The ratiometric parameter log(Abs₂₇₉/Abs₄₀₉) affords a linear response over the concentration range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁶–1.0 × 10⁻⁴ M with a detection limit of 8.3 × 10⁻⁷ M, providing approximately an order-of-magnitude improvement in analytical sensitivity compared with single-wavelength methods, and the reaction reaches completion within ~10 s. YG2 exhibits excellent selectivity toward H₂S over common anions and enables accurate quantification in real water samples, with recoveries of 95.43–105.86% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.56–9.58%. These results suggest that YG2 is a rapid, self-calibrating, and spectroscopically interpretable ratiometric probe suitable for reliable H₂S detection in complex aqueous environments. Full article

The use of sewage sludge for the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils remains insufficiently documented, particularly regarding microbial dynamics and material behavior during treatment. Although petroleum-hydrocarbon contamination severely disrupts soil functions, sewage sludge—through its high organic matter content, active bacterial communities, and fine mineral fraction—offers potential for the sustainable remediation of such soils. Three soil–sludge mixtures (P1:N1, P2:N1, P1:N2) were monitored to assess hydrocarbon degradation, bacterial community dynamics, and material behavior. Hydrocarbon-degrading and hydrocarbon-tolerant bacteria remained active, while sludge-derived Enterobacteriaceae declined below detection limits. Enrichment cultures of the sludge yielded three hydrocarbon-degrading strains (Providencia alcalifaciens IBBN1, Klebsiella pneumoniae IBBN2, Acinetobacter tandoii IBBN3), highlighting the metabolic potential of the active microbial communities. A moderate increase in surfactant concentrations reflected both residual anionic surfactants and biosurfactant production by these consortia, facilitating hydrocarbon mobilization. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) decreased by 45–60% (IR), and GC-FID analysis showed preferential degradation of C10–C40 fractions. Heavy-metal concentrations remained stable, indicating no geochemical changes or inhibitory effects on bacterial activity. Overall, the results confirm the potential of sewage sludge as a sustainable amendment that accelerates hydrocarbon biodegradation and supports integrated soil-restoration strategies. Full article