Search Results (6,605)

Background: 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propanoic acid (GenX) is a perfluoroether carboxylic acid that has been detected in drinking water sources. Its potential hepatotoxicity has raised concern, although the associated molecular alterations remain incompletely understood. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has been reported to affect oxidative stress and metabolic homeostasis. Methods: Adult male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to GenX (2 mg/kg/day) with or without CGA (30 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 12 weeks. AML12 cells were treated with GenX (10–800 μM) for 24 or 48 h to assess cell viability, and intracellular lipid accumulation was evaluated after exposure to 200 μM GenX for 24 h. Results: GenX exposure induced hepatomegaly, microvesicular steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and a reduction in hepatic glycogen stores. It also decreased hepatic glutathione concentrations and increased hepatic malondialdehyde concentrations. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were elevated. In AML12 cells, GenX increased intracellular lipid accumulation, as assessed by Oil Red O staining. Transcriptomic analysis identified significant enrichment of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. Consistently, GenX altered the expression of genes and proteins involved in lipogenesis, fatty acid uptake, lipid storage, and fatty acid oxidation, suggesting disturbed PPAR-related lipid metabolic regulation. Moreover, the decreased p-mTOR/mTOR ratio, increased LC3-II/I, and overexpression of Beclin1, p62, and inflammatory mediators in the GenX group might suggest changes in autophagy-related proteins and inflammatory response. CGA coadministration partially attenuated several GenX-induced hepatic alterations, including liver enlargement, hepatic lipid accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and changes in selected autophagy- and inflammation-related proteins. Conclusions: Subchronic GenX exposure-induced adverse hepatic effects might be associated with disrupted PPAR-related lipid metabolic regulation, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and changes in autophagy-related proteins. CGA might exert potential modulatory effects. Full article

The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is an invasive pest causing substantial economic losses in berry production worldwide. Reliable monitoring is essential for effective integrated pest management; however, information on the field performance of locally produced vinegar-based attractants remains limited. This study compared the attractiveness of four vinegar-based attractants (homemade grape vinegar, homemade hawthorn vinegar, homemade apple vinegar, and commercial apple vinegar) for monitoring D. suzukii in blackberry (Rubus spp.) and blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) orchards in southeastern Türkiye during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. In addition, the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of the attractants were characterized using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC–MS). A total of 80,571 adult flies were captured during the study. Significant differences among attractants were detected in all host plant–year combinations (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). Generalized linear mixed model analysis further demonstrated significant effects of the host plant, attractant type, sampling week, and year on weekly trap captures (p < 0.05). Homemade grape vinegar consistently produced the highest trap captures, whereas commercial apple vinegar showed the lowest trapping performance. Fourteen volatile compounds belonging mainly to carboxylic acids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and monoterpenes were identified, revealing differences in the volatile profiles of the evaluated attractants. Overall, homemade grape vinegar proved to be the most effective vinegar-based attractant under the conditions of this study and represents a practical, low-cost option for monitoring D. suzukii in berry orchards. Further studies incorporating replicated chemical analyses and behavioural bioassays are needed to clarify the contribution of individual volatile compounds to insect attraction. Full article

Pichia manshurica (P. manshurica), a gas-producing spoilage yeast prevalent in fermented foods, causes package swelling, off-flavor formation, and quality deterioration, thereby shortening shelf life and reducing commercial value. Carvacrol, a natural phenolic compound from plant essential oils, has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, but its mechanism for inhibiting P. manshurica’s gas production is unclear. In this study, in vitro and in situ experiments confirmed that carvacrol significantly inhibits gas production by P. manshurica in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis identified 374 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were mainly enriched in biological processes such as nitrogen compound metabolism, lipid metabolism, and organic substance biosynthesis, as well as cellular components including the cell membrane, mitochondrion, and endoplasmic reticulum. Metabolomic analysis screened a total of 440 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), primarily involving carboxylic acids, phospholipids, fatty acids, and amino acids. Integrated transcriptome–metabolome analysis revealed that carvacrol disrupts cell membrane integrity, blocks the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, and interferes with energy, lipid, and amino acid metabolism in P. manshurica, thereby suppressing its gas production. This study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which carvacrol inhibits gas production by P. manshurica, providing a theoretical basis for the development and application of carvacrol as a natural preservative in fermented foods. Full article

Carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polyethylene (PE) composites have low density, outstanding corrosion resistance and good processability. These materials are widely promising for household appliances, automobiles and construction industries. Nevertheless, PE is a non-polar inert matrix with extremely low surface energy, leading to poor interfacial wettability and bonding force with CF. Interfacial debonding frequently occurs along with low load transfer efficiency, failing to meet the service requirements of high-performance structural components. In this study, CF was carboxylated with hydrogen peroxide, and Cu-BTC porous materials were in situ grown on the fiber surface to obtain modified CF (CF-Cu-BTC). The CF-Cu-BTC was then incorporated into a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix. The MOF layer improves the interfacial compatibility and bonding force between the fibers and the matrix and enhances the overall mechanical properties and structural stability of the composites. The mechanical performance of CF composites is remarkably superior to that of pure LDPE. Compared with the pristine sample with a tensile strength of 11.04 MPa, the composite exhibits an enhanced tensile strength of 26.63 MPa, an increase of 141.20%. Scanning electron microscopy results confirm that no gaps exist between the CF and LDPE, verifying favorable interfacial compatibility. MOF-modified CF effectively improves the mechanical properties of resin-based composites. This study provides practical guidance for advanced composite applications. Full article

The oxygen-evolving center (OEC) in photosynthesis is a unique biological Mn₄CaO₅-cluster that splits water into electrons, protons, and dioxygen. It is a great challenge for chemists to develop a robust and precise mimic of the OEC in the laboratory. Herein, we report the formation of a rare-earth-element-containing Mn₄YO₄-cluster that represents an excellent and robust model of the OEC. The key synthetic precursor, the Mn₃YO₂-cluster, is reported for the first time, which possesses an identical mixed-valence Mn^III₂Mn^IV metal core and a hydrogen-bonding network coordination sphere. This precursor is very reactive and can convert into various compounds in solution. Importantly, it has been found that the presence of organic bases significantly influences the distribution of intermediates and promotes the formation of the Mn₄YO₄-cluster. Meanwhile, two Mn₄YO₄-clusters are described, which closely mimic the main metal-oxide core and peripheral ligands, as well as the oxidation states of the four Mn ions in the OEC, revealing that both the terminal ligands and a bridging carboxylate are variable. This new Mn₄YO₄-cluster displays a remarkable stability in the presence of water in acetonitrile solution. These findings shed new light on the synthesis of rare-earth-element-containing clusters and the rational design of robust artificial water-splitting catalysts, and provide chemical insights into the dynamic structural changes of both biological and artificial clusters. Full article

Accurate ocean wave sensing in polar and other low-temperature marine environments is of great significance for marine environmental observation, climate research, and navigation safety. However, conventional wave sensors rely on external power supplies and suffer from poor stability under low-temperature and high-salinity conditions, making long-term self-powered waves sensing a significant challenge. Herein, a highly stable composite eutectogel electrode is developed by integrating sodium lignosulfonate, Fe³⁺ crosslinking, Zn²⁺-carboxylate coordination interactions, and a choline chloride/urea deep eutectic solvent (DES). The DES effectively suppresses solvent crystallization and endows the gel with excellent low-temperature tolerance, while the synergistic effect of metal coordination and multiple non-covalent interactions constructs a robust ion-conducting network with enhanced structural stability. Furthermore, eutectogel-based composite electrode architecture is designed to improve electrical conductivity and charge collection efficiency, thereby enabling stable electrical output under harsh marine conditions. Based on the as-prepared eutectogel electrode, a self-powered solid–liquid triboelectric nanogenerator is fabricated for ocean wave-motion sensing. The device can detect the wave amplitude, with an accuracy of 0.2 cm, and sense the frequency of waves ranging from 0.2 Hz to 1.6 Hz. More importantly, the SL-TENG exhibits excellent environmental adaptability, operating reliably in 3.5 wt% simulated seawater and at 0 °C. The current retention ratio reaches approximately 91% at 0 °C, which is significantly higher than that of the hydrogel-based device (≈6%). The remarkably low-temperature and salt-tolerant performance originates from the stable ion-transport network and anti-freezing characteristics of the eutectogel electrode. This work provides an effective strategy for constructing environmentally resilient eutectogel-based triboelectric devices and offers a promising route toward self-powered wave sensing systems for long-term deployment in harsh marine environments. Full article

Low-cost, efficient, and durable electrocatalysts for two-electron oxygen reduction (2e⁻ ORR) to synthesize hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) are essential for sustainable chemical manufacturing. Herein, we report a sustainable route to prepare activated carbon electrodes (ASC) from municipal sludge via chemical activation and pyrolysis. The electrode activated with 30 wt.% H₃PO₄ and calcined at 600 °C for 2 h exhibited high catalytic activity. This electrode featured a hierarchical micro-/meso-/macroporous structure with a high BET surface area of 806.20 m²·g⁻¹, abundant carboxyl groups (surface O content of 4.0 at.%), and high hydrophobicity (contact angle of 121.6°). The unique hierarchical porosity, high surface area, hydrophobic surface, and carboxyl functionalities synergistically enhanced O₂ mass transfer, exposed abundant accessible active sites, and stabilized the triple-phase interface. Electrochemical evaluation revealed that 30 wt.% H₃PO₄-ASC achieved a high H₂O₂ selectivity of 86–92% with an electron transfer number of 2.2, approaching the ideal 2e⁻ ORR pathway. Under optimized conditions (pH = 3, j = 5.0 mA·cm⁻²), it produced 997.3 mg·L⁻¹ of H₂O₂ in 90 min, with a current efficiency of 68.8% and an energy consumption of 27.6 kWh·kg⁻¹ H₂O₂. Moreover, the electrode retained 81.1% of its initial H₂O₂ production after 15 cycles, demonstrating good reusability and long-term stability. This work offers a sustainable strategy for high-value utilization of municipal sludge and advances the development of efficient electrocatalysts for green H₂O₂ production. Full article

Two thiourea-based chiral solvating agents (CSAs), S-1 and S-2, were evaluated for the enantiomeric discrimination of representative α-arylacetic acids by ¹H NMR spectroscopy in the presence of DMAP. Enantiomeric discrimination was assessed by monitoring chemical shift nonequivalence (ΔΔδ) arising from the formation of diastereomeric host–guest complexes. S-1 exhibited concentration-dependent enantiomeric discrimination toward all investigated carboxylic acid derivatives, reaching a maximum ΔΔδ value of 0.021 ppm. In contrast, S-2 failed to produce detectable signal splitting under identical experimental conditions. A 1D ROESY experiment together with association constant measurements supported the proposed diastereomeric host–guest complexation model and the preferential binding of one enantiomer by S-1. To further expand the substrate scope, two thiohydantoin derivatives were also examined, and S-1 produced measurable chemical shift nonequivalences, with the largest ΔΔδ value reaching 0.019 ppm. Comparison with previously reported thiourea-based CSAs further highlighted the importance of hydrogen-bonding ability, aromatic anisotropy, and overall molecular architecture in governing enantiomeric discrimination. Overall, these findings provide useful structural insights for the rational design of thiourea-based chiral solvating agents for NMR enantiomeric analysis. Full article

Functionalized nitrile oxides have attracted increasing attention because the incorporated functional groups not only influence cycloaddition reactivity but also provide valuable handles for subsequent molecular diversification. Despite their considerable synthetic potential, however, the development of practical methods for generating functionalized nitrile oxides has remained challenging because suitable precursors are often difficult to access and many functional groups are incompatible with conventional generation conditions. Consequently, only a limited number of reliable precursor systems have been established. This review summarizes recent advances in the generation of nitrile oxides bearing synthetically valuable acyl, ester, amide, and cyano functionalities, together with the development of synthetic equivalents that circumvent the intrinsic instability of these reactive intermediates. Particular emphasis is placed on 2-methyl-4-nitroisoxazoline-5(2H)-one (MeIOx), which serves as a practical precursor to (N-methylcarbamoyl)nitrile oxide. Remarkably, this nitrile oxide is generated simply by treatment with water under neutral conditions and undergoes efficient 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with alkenes, alkynes, nitriles, and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to afford structurally diverse isoxazol(in)e and 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives. Furthermore, post-cycloaddition transformation of the N-methylcarbamoyl group into carboxyl, ester, amide, acyl, and formyl functionalities enables MeIOx to function as a practical synthetic equivalent of a broad range of functionalized nitrile oxides. The review also highlights the unique chemistry of the pyridinium salt PyIOx, whose ring-opening reaction provides cyano-aci-nitroacetate as a synthetic equivalent of the highly unstable (cyano)nitrile oxide. These complementary strategies significantly expand the scope of nitrile oxide chemistry and establish practical platforms for the synthesis of highly functionalized heterocycles. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in digital, power and energy storage fields due to their high capacity and high cycle life advantages. This paper systematically screens the formulation system and designs a high-efficiency production line that can effectively improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, and lower energy consumption per unit product. The produced nano-silicon-enhanced graphite anode material has excellent performance. The selection of silicon raw materials, types of solvents, types of dispersants, and grinding processes is studied to investigate the influence of these four factors on the wet grinding process for preparing nano-silicon. Finally, metal silicon obtained by air flow pulverization is selected as the raw material, isopropanol is used as the solvent, FA01 (carboxylic acid type) is used as the dispersant, and a two-stage wet grinding process is adopted to prepare the nano-silicon dispersion solution. Zirconia beads of 0.5 mm and 0.2 mm size are used as the grinding media for the first and second stages, respectively, with filling rates of 80% and 90%, respectively. The final prepared nano-silicon dispersion is stable in dispersion and has a narrow particle size distribution. The nano-silicon dispersion solution and the multi-walled carbon nanotube dispersion solution are mechanically ground and mixed using a sand mill. At the same time, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes are coated with the nano-silicon. Then, artificial graphite is added for compounding. Finally, through spray drying, the Si@MWCNTs@graphite (SMG) nano-silicon-enhanced graphite negative electrode material is prepared. The SMG nano-silicon-enhanced graphite negative electrode material with a silicon content of 2% has a first Coulomb efficiency of up to 84.32%. Full article

Nanoplastic particles are increasingly detected in aquatic environments, yet whether cellular stress responses persist after exposure cessation remains unclear. Here, Lateolabrax maculatus rostral (LMR) cells from spotted sea bass were continuously exposed for up to 30 passages (105 days) to nominal 20 nm carboxylated fluorescent polystyrene particles (20 μg/mL), followed by 10 particle-free passages (recovery). Long-term exposure was associated with reduced proliferation and pronounced changes in cell surface morphology and ultrastructure. Although NP-associated fluorescence became undetectable during recovery, several nuclear-associated alterations persisted throughout the 10-passage recovery period, including TEM-observed nuclear-envelope alterations, filamentous actin (F-actin) reorganization, and sustained elevation of phosphorylated H2AX (γ-H2AX) foci. Several nuclear pore complex (NPC) genes were downregulated during exposure and rebounded after particle removal, whereas the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic distribution of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) remained shifted. Together, these findings indicate that prolonged exposure to this nanoscale polystyrene particle formulation was associated with nuclear stress responses that did not fully resolve within the 10-passage recovery window in fish cells. Because bulk-polymer and chemical-extract (leachate) controls were not included, nanoscale-specific effects cannot be distinguished from contributions of polymer chemistry, surface functionalization, fluorescent dye, or other formulation-related effects. Full article

Distinguishing seizures from other causes of transient loss of consciousness in the emergency department (ED) is challenging. This PRISMA-guided systematic review evaluated serum brain injury biomarkers for the acute diagnosis of seizures in adults. We searched PubMed and Web of Science for studies published between 2015 and 2025 and included 14 studies in which blood sampling occurred shortly after the event, reflecting the ED diagnostic window. Given the heterogeneity across studies, the overall certainty of the evidence was low. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) were consistently elevated after epileptic seizures compared to healthy controls. NSE effectively differentiated seizures from syncope, while UCH-L1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) distinguished epileptic from psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNESs). Neurofilament light chain (NfL) remained stable after a single seizure but increased markedly in status epilepticus (SE). S100B and BDNF results were inconsistent. Although no single biomarker serves as a standalone test, NSE and UCH-L1 are promising complementary diagnostic tools for identifying epileptic seizures in adults. Furthermore, NfL is a strong candidate marker for SE, reflecting neuroaxonal injury. Larger prospective, standardized studies are needed before routine ED implementation. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable, biocompatible, and non-toxic biomaterials has driven significant advancements in biobased gels for biomedical applications. Among these, cellulose—the most abundant renewable biopolymer—presents an ideal platform due to its inherent hydrophilicity, structural tunability, and biodegradability. This review reports the recent advancements in the processing and engineering of cellulose-based hydrogels for drug delivery systems. We systematically explore the primary synthesis routes, including physical, chemical, and hybrid cross-linking strategies. Special emphasis is placed on chemical modifications (e.g., sulfation, carboxylation, etherification, and polymer grafting) that allow precise tuning of the gel’s mechanical strength, swelling kinetics, and stimuli-responsiveness (such as pH, temperature, or enzyme sensitivity). Furthermore, the review highlights essential characterization techniques—spanning structural, morphological, and rheological evaluations—used to relate cross-link density to the water-holding capacity and network homogeneity. By leveraging their highly hydrated and porous 3D architectures, these modified cellulosic networks demonstrate exceptional efficiency in drug loading, controlled release, and targeted localized therapy. Finally, we discuss current challenges, including industrial scalability and mechanical stability, and provide future perspectives on integrating nanoparticles and bioactive moieties to develop “smart” drug-eluting matrices and wound care dressings. Ultimately, this review underscores the immense potential of cellulose-based gels in advancing both clinical outcomes and circular economy goals. Full article

Collagen-based biomaterials possess many advantages, such as low immunogenicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and ease of processability. Nevertheless, natural collagen has inherent limitations as an in vivo scaffold, including insufficient mechanical strength, low thermal stability, and low resistance to enzymatic degradation. To overcome these drawbacks, various approaches have been studied, such as mixing collagen with other biopolymers or inducing physical and chemical crosslinking. However, using non-biologically derived polymers or crosslinking agents carries the risk of persistence in the body, potentially causing cytotoxicity. Considering this, recent studies have reported that the molecular flexibility of collagen networks can be improved by activating the carboxyl groups of collagen chains using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide and then crosslinking them through amide bonding with the amino groups present in the collagen chains, or by adding free L-lysine to induce a crosslinking reaction. When the carboxyl groups of collagen are activated and form covalent bonds with amino groups, native ionic interactions (e.g., salt bridges) may be reduced, which can potentially influence the stability of its inherent higher-order structure. In this study, we proposed a selective amine-targeted cross-linking strategy designed to minimize modification of collagen carboxyl groups while enhancing mechanical properties and cellular compatibility. First, free L-glutamic acid was pre-activated to cross-link collagen chains through amide bonds with the amino groups of L-lysine residues, thereby providing a cross-linking pathway intended to reduce the involvement of collagen carboxyl groups in the reaction. By controlling the concentration of L-glutamic acid, the cross-linking rate of the collagen could be controlled within a range of 10.26% to 25.02%. All cross-linked collagen scaffolds exhibited higher tensile strength compared to non-cross-linked scaffolds. Although the scaffolds with a high cross-linking rate (25.02%) displayed excellent mechanical properties, their cellular compatibility was relatively low. Conversely, collagen scaffolds with cross-linking rates of 10.26% and 14.43% demonstrated excellent mechanical properties and very high cellular compatibility, suggesting potential applications in the fields of biomedicine and tissue engineering. The present findings are consistent with the proposed selective cross-linking strategy; however, direct experimental verification of collagen carboxyl-group preservation will require complementary analytical studies. Full article

Large-scale mining of rare earth resources has caused a series of ecological and environmental problems in mining areas, including soil structural degradation, nutrient depletion, acidification, and rare earth element (REE) accumulation. Conventional physicochemical remediation technologies are often limited by high costs, strong disturbance, and insufficient long-term stability. To compare the effects of different vegetation types on ecological restoration of ion-adsorption REE tailing soils, this study was conducted in an abandoned REE tailing area in Changfeng’ao, Ganxian District, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province. A small-scale field restoration experiment was established with three treatments: unrestored tailings (CK), slash pine (PE), and broadleaf paspalum (CS). Soil physicochemical properties, REE concentrations, bacterial and fungal community structures, and untargeted metabolomic profiles were comprehensively analyzed. Compared with CK, both PE and CS increased soil organic matter, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, and available potassium and were associated with lower concentrations of several REEs, including Dy, Nd, Er, Y, and Yb, whereas the response of Ce differed between vegetation types. The two vegetation treatments exerted inconsistent effects on microbial communities: PE significantly increased bacterial richness and Shannon index and increased fungal richness, but decreased fungal Pielou evenness and Shannon index; in contrast, CS did not markedly enhance bacterial alpha diversity. Community composition analysis showed that vegetation treatments altered the relative abundances of dominant bacterial and fungal taxa, which were closely associated with changes in pH, soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrients, and REEs. Metabolomic analysis indicated that fatty acyls, organooxygen compounds, and carboxylic acids and derivatives were the major classes of differential metabolites. Pathways such as ABC transporters, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, purine metabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis may participate in soil metabolic reshaping under vegetation restoration. Overall, this study indicates that broadleaf paspalum and slash pine have differentiated ecological effects in REE tailing restoration and provides preliminary field evidence for vegetation recovery and soil microecological reconstruction in REE mining areas of southern Jiangxi. Full article