Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) is a testicular germ cell toxicant that selectively targets spermatocytes. In rats, male-only EGME exposure reduces mating success and can lead to an increase in resorbed fetuses. In a previous study, five-day exposure to 50, 60, or 75 mg/kg/d EGME in male rats led to a decrease in sperm motility and increase in retained spermatid heads with a LOAEL of 75 mg/kg/d. At 60 mg/kg/d, EGME exposure altered the proportion of sperm small RNA reads mapped to different small RNA categories and the distribution of read lengths. Because there is evidence that small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in sperm regulate embryonic development, we analyzed sperm sncRNA data from EGME-treated male rats to identify differential expression at the individual RNA level. EGME treatment resulted in dose-dependent increases in the expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs), piRNAs, and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs). We identified 12 miRNAs that were differentially expressed at all EGME doses, with a monotonic, dose-dependent increase. High-confidence targets of these 12 miRNAs are known to be expressed in pre-implantation embryos and statistically enriched for Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes related to early development, such as cell fate commitment and regulation of developmental growth. These results demonstrated that the EGME-induced changes in sperm sncRNA levels were reproducible, dose-dependent, and provided a putative mechanism of paternal EGME effects on embryonic development, which will be investigated in future studies.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type of breast cancer with the poorest prognosis and lowest survival rate. Therefore, innovative therapeutic strategies, such as nucleic acid medicines, are required. However, vascular-mediated nucleic acid delivery remains a major challenge. In particular, when targeting tumors, it is more difficult to reach deep target cells because of the complex structures within the tumor microenvironment. A combination of physical energy and stimuli-responsive carriers is expected to easily break through barriers in this microenvironment. We have developed ultrasound-responsive nanobubbles (NBs) with lipid shells that serve as gene and nucleic acid delivery tools and ultrasound contrast agents. Furthermore, we reported that NBs containing anionic lipids have high in vivo stability and are useful as carriers of cationic molecules. In this study, we developed a simple and versatile method for loading nucleic acids onto the surfaces of anionic NBs, which are stable in vivo, by coating them with the cationic polysaccharide, methyl glycol chitosan (MGC). Additionally, the utility of the MGC-coated NBs (MGC-NBs) as systemic nucleic acid delivery tools was verified. Furthermore, we attempted to deliver microRNA-145, which serves as a tumor suppressor, to tumor-bearing mouse models of TNBC and evaluated the usefulness of our method for tumor therapy.

Combined chemotherapy (CT) and gene therapy (GT) represent a reliable modality toward drug-resistant tumor treatment. Yet, physical-chemical differences between chemodrugs and nucleic acids often hinder the construction of feasible delivery systems with synergistic activity. Herein, a smart supramolecular polymeric scaffold is reported to co-load chemodrug paclitaxel (PTX) and Bcl-2 small interfering RNA (siRNA), respectively via Hydrogen-bonding (H-bonding) association and electrostatic interaction, toward efficiently reversing drug resistance and significantly inhibiting tumor growth in a synergistic manner via GT-enhanced CT. Therefore, a cationic copolymer carrier, P(OEGA-co-DMAEA)-b-P(HFA-co-TU) (e.g., PODHT), serves as a structurally distinct drug-delivery platform. The hydrophobic section, P(HFA-co-TU) (poly((heptafluorobutyl acrylate)-co-acylthiourea)), incorporates pendant thiourea (TU) moieties that can selectively recognize hydrophobic PTX. Such molecular recognition and co-assembly are governed by TU/PTX double H-bonding association in concert with hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the cationic shell consisting of P(OEGA-co-DMAEA) (poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether acrylate-co-2-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate)) from resulting PTX-loaded micelles can steadily bind the negative siRNA via electrostatic interaction, finally to afford the targeted supramolecular micelleplexes PTX@PODHT/siRNA. Such nanoplatform not only possesses the enhanced co-loading capacity and transportation stability of distinct PTX and siRNA, but also can induce pH-responsive cargos release within the tumor zone, ultimately effectively inhibiting tumor growth via synergistic CT/GT.

Abstract Volumetric properties offer direct and sensitive insight into the specific interactions between solute and solvents. In the current work, key volumetric parameters—partial molar volume (PMV), apparent molar volume, excesspmv, and PMV at infinite dilution—were computed for three binary mixtures of 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide ([C 6 mim][Br]) with protic solvents: water, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGMME) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) across a range of temperatures. The dependence of these properties on concentration and temperature was analyzed to assess the nature and strength of solute–solvent interactions in these mixtures. The effect of the hexyl chain of the methylimidazolium cation on the solute‐solvent interactions was also investigated. Additionally, the Flory statistical theory (FST) was employed to predict, and the Jouyban‐Acree model (JAM) was used to correlate the molar volume of the given mixtures. It was found that JAM is a suitable model to correlate the molar volume for the given mixtures in the given concentration and temperature range. FST yielded accurate predictions of molar volume for the [C 6 mim][Br] + EGMME and [C 6 mim][Br] + water systems across the entire range of composition and temperature, though its applicability to the [C 6 mim][Br] + IPA system was limited to mole fractions X 1 >0.1.

Sustainability has become essential in addressing the substitution of depleting fossil-based resources with bio-renewable alternatives, including products active at interfaces, such as surfactants. Enhancing their efficiency reduces both ecological and economic impact. Here, we present amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(terpenyl glycidyl ether) diblock copolymers synthesized via anionic ring-opening polymerization from two terpenyl glycidyl ethers (TGE) based on the naturally occurring terpenoid farnesol, farnesyl glycidyl ether (FarGE), and its hydrogenated derivative hexahydrofarnesyl glycidyl ether (HHFarGE). Using poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (mPEG114) as a macroinitiator resulted in controlled molecular weights (5600 - 8400 g·mol-1) with low dispersitiesĐ (1.04-1.07). Fluorescence spectroscopy and light scattering revealed low critical micelle concentrations with a systematic decrease with increasing TGE block size due to the hydrophobic effect. The addition of small amounts of mPEG114-b-PTGEm to microemulsions leads to a significant increase of the solubilization efficiency not limited to conventional H2O/NaCl - n-decane - tetraethylene glycol monodecyl ether microemulsions, but also in sustainable H2O - isopropyl myristate - n-octyl β-D-glucopyranoside - farnesol formulations, serving as model systems for cosmetic applications. Using SANS, we observed that adsorption of the copolymer at the amphiphilic film leads to an increased structural order of bicontinuous microemulsions due to a higher film bending rigidity.

Since H2O and Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (EM) form a minimum-boiling azeotrope, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, and 1-heptanol are selected as entrainers to separate the azeotropic mixture (H2O/EM) using azeotropic distillation. The binary vapor liquid equilibrium (VLE) data were determined at 101.3 kPa, including H2O/EM, EM/1-pentanol, EM/1-hexanol, EM/1-heptanol, H2O/1-pentanol, H2O/1-hexanol and H2O/1-heptanol. Meanwhile, the Herington area test was used to validate the thermodynamic consistency of the experimental binary data. The VLE data for the experimental binary system were analyzed using the NRTL, UNIQUAC, and Wilson activity coefficient models, showing excellent agreement between predictions and measurements. Finally, molecular simulations were employed to calculate interaction energies between components, providing insights into the VLE behavior. The azeotropic distillation process was simulated using Aspen Plus to evaluate the separation performance and determine the optimal operating parameters. Therefore, this study provides guidance and a foundational basis for the separation of H2O/EM systems at 101.3 kPa.

We explore the performance of a chemiresistor sensorarray basedon thin layers of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The rGO is depositedwith a spray coating technique to fabricate three samples of differentlayer thicknesses, which are characterized by atomic force microscopy(AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. We expose the chemiresistors to watervapor, three volatile organic compounds (VOC), ethanol, acetone, andformaldehyde, and two simulants of chemical warfare agents (CWA),dimethyl–methyl phosphonate (DMMP) and dipropylene glycol monomethylether (DPGME). The rGO-based sensors show noticeable changes in resistanceupon parts per million variations of the analyte concentrations. Thelargest detection sensitivity 0.02%/ppm is observed with DPGME. Furthermore,we investigate a thickness-dependent signal that depends on the natureof the analyte. We show that comparing the signal measured with onlya few rGO layers of different thicknesses can be used to distinguishformaldehyde from other VOC and DMMP from DPGME. Our findings representa step toward the development of practical sensor arrays based onlow cost, scalable graphene-based materials, enabling both sensitiveand selective detection of analytes.

ABSTRACTThis systematic review shows an overview of the history of protocols used for genus Brycon sperm cryopreservation. Relevant studies were identified from Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Scielo databases. Thirty‐four studies published between 2001 and 2021 were included in the systematic review following the eligibility criteria. Selected studies showed cryopreservation protocols of nine species of the genus Brycon, with Brycon orbignyanus being the most studied species. The studies were conducted by Brazilian (76.5%) and Colombian (23.5%) researchers, with the majority (68.6%) carried out in hydroelectric plants promoting fish restocking programs. Two main protocols were extensively investigated across nine studied species: 10% methyl glycol +5% Beltsville Thawing Solution and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide +5% glucose. However, the protocols lacked standardization regarding equilibrium time and temperature, freezing and thawing curves, or sperm‐to‐cryoprotectant solution ratios. Limited collaboration among research groups from the two South American countries was identified as a significant factor in this lack of standardization. In addition, emerging approaches for sperm cryopreservation are necessary, such as developing less toxic alternative cryoprotectants. Implementing advanced cryopreservation methodologies and using artificial intelligence and machine learning can optimize protocols by modeling key parameters and enhancing post‐thaw sperm quality. These findings underscore the need for collaboration between research groups to develop standardized cryopreservation protocols and establish functionally accessible germplasm banks. Such measures are essential for the ex‐situ conservation and long‐term sustainability of aquaculture involving species of the genus Brycon.

Abstract Existing zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) suffer from limited cycle lives and instability at temperatures exceeding 60 °C, severely hindering their high‐temperature application. Herein, a self‐healing ionogel with an exceptionally high gel‐sol transition temperature (Tgel‐sol) is prepared, enabling stable ZAB operation at 100 °C. This ionogel, termed UGTS, is synthesized by copolymerizing 2‐(2‐benzoylhydrazine‐1‐carboxamido)ethyl acrylate with poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether acrylate and incorporating Zn(BF4)2/1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate electrolyte. The UGTS ionogel exhibits non‐volatility, a Tgel‐sol of 187 °C, high decomposition voltages at elevated temperatures, and the ability to suppress zinc dendrite growth and by‐product formation under high‐temperature conditions. Moreover, this ionogel exhibits a rapid, efficient, and repeatable room‐temperature self‐healing capability. These attributes are ascribed to its multiple‐hydrogen‐bond‐induced phase‐separated structure, which provides excellent high‐temperature thermal stability and dynamics. At 100 °C, the UGTS ionogel‐based ZAB achieves a 76 h cycle life and can reliably power a digital watch for over 6 days, a performance unattainable by previous ZABs. Moreover, after being severed, the electrochemical performance of this battery is fully restored within 3 s at room temperature. This work provides a novel strategy for developing high‐performance self‐healing ZABs for extreme temperature applications, addressing the critical challenges of thermal stability and self‐healing in next‐generation energy storage devices.

Quantification of Monomeric Formaldehyde in Aqueous Solutions by NMR Spectroscopy and Determination of the Chemical Equilibrium Constant of Methylene Glycol Formation

Due to their external characteristics, ability to reduce bisphenol A, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene levels in the air, and lack of special growing requirements, Dracaena plants are used for interior landscaping in residential and office spaces. The most common species are D. fragrans, D. surculosa, and D. sanderiana. Dracaena is placed indoors in bright areas where cats rest. The presence of a pleasant, specific odor when the leaves or flowers are damaged, due to the presence of multicomponent essential oils that irritate the senses, promotes the chewing of plant parts by companion animals. Consequently, veterinarians have recently reported an increase in cases of cat poisoning caused by Dracaena species. The study aims to analyze scientific studies of the content of toxic substances in Dracaena and their toxicodynamics in the organism of companion animals. Dhar, Maji and Ghosh (2013), Julsrigival, Julsrigival and Chansakaow (2020) and Ye et al. (2021) report on the spectrum of chemicals found in the flowers of D. fragrans. Julsrigival, Julsrigival and Chansakaow (2020) used solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identification to isolate 30 chemicals from Dracaena flowers overnight. Only eight of these chemicals (benzyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, cinnamaldehyde, 3 hydroxyl 4 4 phenyl 2 2 butanone, methylene glycol, α bergamotene, α farnesene, and tetradecanal) were found in amounts greater than 4%. The amount of each substance varied depending on the time of day. The plant synthesized most of the substances from 8 p. m. to 10 a. m. During the day, however, α-farnesene was dominant at 23.1–50.8%. It has a green apple smell, and the LD50 for rats when ingested orally is 1.5 g/kg body weight, and for rabbits when applied dermally is > 5 g/kg body weight. In general, all the substances identified by scientists have a local irritating effect and are low-toxic. In 2010, Calderón et al. reported that D. fragrans contains substances with anticholinesterase activity that excite M and H cholinergic receptors in animals. Therefore, the specific antidotes are acetylcholinesterase reagents or a 1% atropine sulfate solution administered subcutaneously. In the scientific articles by Zheng et al. (2004) and Rezgui et al. (2015), it was published that all species of the genus Dracaena contain steroidal saponins. Xu et al. (2010) identified six new representatives of angudrakanosides A F in the stems of D. angustifolia. Steroidal saponins are irritating and cause lacrimation, vomiting, and diarrhea. They form insoluble complexes with proteins and binders. Therefore, the goal of antidote therapy for suspected Dracaena poisoning is to reduce irritation caused by essential oils and steroidal saponins, as well as to restore the functional state of M and H cholinergic receptors

Self-healing thermoset polymers have attracted significant attention because they contribute to resource and energy savings by extending their service life. The reactions between glycerol ethoxylate (GCE), α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (MPEG), and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) at molar ratios of GCE:α-CD:MPEG = a:b:c produced polyurethane networks (GCM-abc, abc = 311, 411, and 511) containing α-CD and MPEG as host and guest moieties, respectively. To compare this with GCM-411, 1-dodecanol (DN) was used instead of MPEG as a guest molecule to yield a polyurethane network (GCD-411). Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed the formation of a polymer network, and the loss tangent (tan δ) peak temperature (Tα) and crosslinking density (νe) decreased with increasing GCE fraction for GCMs, and the Tα and νe values of GCD were slightly higher than those of GCM-411. The tensile strength of the GCMs decreased with increasing GCE fraction, and the tensile strength of GCD-411 was slightly higher than that of GCM-411. All cured films were healed at room temperature for 24 h, and the healing efficiency (ησ), based on tensile strength, increased in the order of GCM-311 < GCM-411 < GCM-511 < GCD-411. When the healing temperature increased from room temperature to 80 °C, ησ increased from 24-38% to 45-62%. GCM-411 and GCD-411 were self-healed thrice by treatment at 80 °C, and ησ gradually decreased with each healing cycle.

Effect of Bis (methyl glycol) phthalate on endoplasmic reticulum stress in endothelial cells

Synthesis and properties of a visual fluorescence-enhanced HClO/ClO- probe

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) is a toxicant with wide industrial and domestic use. Paullinia pinnata (PP) is a herb with medicinal properties as demonstrated scientifically. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible chemopreventive effect of PP on EGME-induced damagesin the liver and kidney. Seventy adults male Wistar rats were weight-matched into seven groups (n=10). Groups I and II served as controls and received distilled water and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively. Group III received EGME (200 mg/kg) only. Groups IV-VII each received EGME (200 mg/kg) and PP at 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg doses, respectively. All administrations were done orally daily for 14 consecutive days. On day 15, the animals were euthanized and the liver and kidneys were excised. The EGME significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced the activities and the levels of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. These deleterious effects were prevented by co-administration with PP at 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg dose but not at the 25 mg/kg dose. Paullinia pinnata methanol leaf extract barred the toxic effect of EGME at moderate doses in the liver and kidney.

The immobilization of catalase (CAT), a crucial oxidoreductase enzyme involved in quenching reactive oxygen species, on colloids and nanoparticles presents a promising strategy to improve dispersion and storage stability while maintaining its activity. Here, the immobilization of CAT onto polymeric nanoparticles (positively (AL) or negatively (SL) charged) was implemented directly (AL) or via surface functionalization (SL) with water-soluble chitosan derivatives (glycol chitosan (GC) and methyl glycol chitosan (MGC)). The interfacial properties were optimized to obtain highly stable AL-CAT, SL-GC-CAT, and SL-MGC-CAT dispersions, and confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of CAT in the composites. Assessment of hydrogen peroxide decomposition ability revealed that applying chitosan derivatives in the immobilization process not only enhanced colloidal stability but also augmented the activity and reusability of CAT. In particular, the use of MGC has led to significant advances, indicating its potential for industrial and biomedical applications. Overall, the findings highlight the advantages of using chitosan derivatives in CAT immobilization processes to maintain the stability and activity of the enzyme as well as provide important data for the development of processable enzyme-based nanoparticle systems to combat reactive oxygen species.

Zinc trifluorosulfonate [Zn(OTf)2] is considered as the most suitable zinc salt for aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) but cannot support the long-term cycling of the Zn anode. Here, we reveal the micelle-like structure of the Zn(OTf)2 electrolyte and reunderstand the failing mechanism of the Zn anode. Since the solvated Zn2+ possesses a positive charge, it can spontaneously attract OTf- with the hydrophilic group of -SO3 and the hydrophobic group of -CF3 via electrostatic interaction and form a "micelle-like" structure, which is responsible for the poor desolvation kinetics and dendrite growth. To address these issues, an antimicelle-like structure is designed by using ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) as a cosolvent for highly reversible AZIBs. The modified electrolyte shows lower dissociation ability to Zn(OTf)2 and higher coordination tendency with Zn2+ compared to the Zn(OTf)2 electrolyte, resulting in the unique solvation structure of Zn2+(H2O)1.2(OTf-)2(EGME)2.8, which significantly reduces the charge of micelle, damages the micelle-like structure, and boosts the desolvation kinetics. Moreover, the reduction of EGME and OTf- can form a robust dual-layered SEI with high Zn2+ ion conductivity. Consequently, the Zn/Cu asymmetric coin cell using ZT-EGME can work at a high rate and a capacity of 50 mA cm-2 and 5 mA h cm-2 for more than 120 cycles, while its counterparts using ZT can barely work. Moreover, a 505.1 mA h pouch cell with practical parameters including a lean electrolyte supply of 15 mL A h-1 and an N/P ratio of ∼3.5 can work for 50 cycles.

ABSTRACT This study examines intermolecular interactions in binary mixtures of N,N-dimethyl benzyl amine (DMBA) with short-chain alkoxy ethanols (2-methoxy ethanol (ME), 2-ethoxy ethanol (EE) and 2-butoxy ethanol (BE)). Densities (ρ), speeds of sound (u) and viscosities (η) were measured from 303.15 K to 313.15 K at atmospheric pressure for all compositions. These data were used to determine excess thermodynamic and transport properties: excess molar volume (V E ), excess isentropic compressibility (κs E ), viscosity deviation (Δη) and excess Gibbs free energy of activation (ΔG *E ). Partial and infinite dilution molar partial properties were also calculated. Results focus on complex formation driven by chemical forces. The Jouyban–Acree model predicted these properties, with accuracy assessed using mean relative deviations (MRDs) and individual relative deviations (IRDs). FTIR spectroscopy provided additional insights into intermolecular interactions.

ABSTRACT Glibenclamide (GBN) is a commonly used oral medication for treating type-II diabetes that acts by reducing high blood sugar levels. The effectiveness of GBN depends on the quality of the product. The quality is influenced by the solubility properties of a drug. This study aimed to measure the solubility of GBN in various solvent mixtures including some glycols and alcohols. The solubility was determined using a shake-flask method at 298.2 K under atmospheric pressure. The results showed that GBN had the highest solubility in ethylene glycol monomethyl ether and alcohol mixtures compared to the other tested glycols.

Copper-free synthesis of cationic glycidyl triazolyl polymers (GTPs) is achieved through a thermal azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction between glycidyl azide polymer and propiolic acid, followed by decarboxylation and quaternization of the triazole unit. For synthesizing nonfunctionalized GTP (GTP-H), a microwave-assisted method enhances the decarboxylation reaction of carboxy-functionalized GTP (GTP-COOH). Three variants of cationic GTPs with different N-substituents [N-ethyl, N-butyl, and N-tri(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (EG3)] are synthesized. The molecular weight of GTP-H is determined via size exclusion chromatography. Thermal properties of all GTPs are characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The ionic conductivities of these cationic GTPs are assessed by impedance measurements. The conducting ion concentration and mobility are calculated based on the electrode polarization model. Among three cationic GTPs, the GTP with the N-EG3 substituent exhibits the highest ionic conductivity, reaching 6.8 × 10-6 S cm-1 at 25°C under dry conditions. When compared to previously reported reference polymers, the reduction of steric crowding around the triazolium unit is considered to be a key factor in enhancing ionic conductivity.