The presence of heavy metals in chocolates and candies poses growing public health concerns, particularly for children who are frequent consumers. This review consolidates evidence on the occurrence, sources, toxicological impacts, and analytical monitoring of metals, including Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, Ni, and Al, in confectionery products. These metals originate from multiple pathways, including environmental contamination of raw materials, processing equipment, coloring agents, and metallic packaging. Prolonged exposure, even at low concentrations, has been associated with neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and developmental impairments. Comparative evaluation highlights Pb and Cd as the most prevalent contaminants, with Cd bioaccumulating in the kidneys and Pb causing irreversible neurological damage in children. Modern spectroscopic and chromatographic methods, including ICP‐MS, TXRF, and AAS, provide sensitive detection and quantification of metals, supporting regulatory compliance. However, disparities between permissible limits and detected concentrations in several studies emphasize weak enforcement and the need for standardized global monitoring protocols. The review also identifies major research gaps, limited region‐specific exposure data, inadequate assessment of combined metal toxicity, and a lack of longitudinal studies linking chronic exposure to contaminated confectionery and health outcomes. Strengthening analytical surveillance, adopting sustainable raw materials, and implementing safer packaging alternatives are essential to minimize heavy metal exposure and safeguarding consumer health.

ZnO/Fe 3 O 4 composite nanostructures synthesized by green methods are of interest because of the interesting combination of magnetic and semiconducting properties that make them appealing in antibacterial domains. In this work, ZnO and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs) and their composite nanocomposite (Fe 3 O 4 @ZnO) were synthesized and characterized to test the antibacterial activity. The prepared materials were analyzed by different methods including XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The XRD patterns showed the unique crystalline types of the materials; that is, ZnO had a hexagonal wurtzite‐type structure, and Fe 3 O 4 had an inverse spinel structure. The achieved peaks of ZnO and Fe 3 O 4 in the Fe 3 O 4 @ZnO nanocomposite suggested that both phases coexisted. The composite also exhibits a reduced crystallite size as compared to the pure Fe 3 O 4 NPs. To check antibacterial properties, the materials were tested against common bacterial strains: Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococcus aureus , and Streptococcus pyogenes . The results showed that the Fe 3 O 4 @ZnO nanocomposite shows significantly stronger antibacterial effects than the individual NPs, with larger inhibition zones in the disk diffusion assays. This improved antibacterial activity success results from the synergistic interaction between ZnO and Fe 3 O 4 , which improves stability and increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study shows the Fe 3 O 4 @ZnO nanocomposite as the best candidate for a variety of antibacterial applications due to its high performance and multifunctional properties.

The growing industrialization has caused the generation of highly toxic compounds such as nitroaromatic compounds. An adequate treatment to reduce the contamination of these organic compounds is necessary. The photocatalytic reduction of aromatic compounds using semiconductor materials favors the production of nitroaromatics. In the present work, NiO materials supported on MgAl hydrotalcite and with different NiO content (1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 5 wt.%, and 10 wt.%) were synthesized by the co‐precipitation method. The materials were characterized and evaluated in the photocatalytic reduction of 2,4‐dinitrophenol (2,4‐DNP) and 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (2,4,6‐TNP). The characterization results revealed the formation of lamellar solids with features typical of layered double hydroxides. The photocatalytic evaluation showed that the NiO/MgAl 1 wt.% photocatalyst is efficient in the reduction of 2,4‐DNP and 2,4,6‐TNP. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the reduction of 2,4‐DNP is higher than 2,4,6‐TNP. Additionally, it was verified that the photocatalytic reduction reaction proceeds via the photogenerated electrons, confirming the key role of the material in driving the reduction process.

The widespread use of antibiotics in poultry farming for disease treatment and growth promotion has raised significant environmental and public health concerns. This study investigates the environmental and public health risks associated with the excretion of antibiotics in poultry droppings, focusing on the types, concentrations, and potential impacts, such as antibiotic resistance, of these substances on ecosystems and human health. Using solid‐phase extraction and LC–MS analysis, antibiotic residues were quantified in 15 samples, with neomycin sulfate having the highest concentration (29.9 mg/kg) and ampicillin the lowest (16.1 mg/kg). Physicochemical analysis revealed slightly acidic pH (5.7–5.76), moderate electrical conductivity (608–611 μS/cm), and total dissolved solids (250–252 mg/L). Risk quotients (RQs) for ampicillin exceeded 1 in algae, daphnids, and fish, indicating high ecological risks. Environmental risk assessments revealed that ampicillin posed a significant risk to aquatic species, as indicated by RQs exceeding 1 in algae, daphnids, and fish. Microbiological analysis identified microbial loads ranging from 1 × 10 8 to 3 × 10 11 CFU/mL. A MALDI–TOF MS was used to confirm 26 Escherichia coli isolates, all of which showed resistance to at least two antibiotics. Multidrug resistance was observed in 8 isolates (31%). Resistance was highest to ticarcillin–clavulanic acid and norfloxacin (92%), while amikacin exhibited the highest susceptibility (92%). The highest MDR occurrence was linked to antibact 3x (oxytetracycline HCl, neomycin sulfate, and tylosin tartrate). A survey of 50 poultry farm workers revealed that 100% used antibiotics, with 50% administering them daily. Most disposed of droppings for crop use, yet all disposed of drug containers alongside manure, posing contamination risks. These findings underscore the urgent need for policy reform, farmer education, and stricter guidelines on waste treatment to minimize the spread of antibiotic resistance and protect environmental and human health.

Reishia clavigera , an edible marine gastropod consumed in Asia and used in traditional medicine, was investigated for its secondary metabolite content. Despite its widespread consumption and ethnomedicinal use, no comprehensive study has examined the secondary metabolites from whole‐body extracts. Sequential chromatographic fractionation of the whole‐body extract yielded six alkaloids whose structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and HRMS analysis. Six alkaloids ( 1 – 6 ), including four indole derivatives such as homarine ( 2 ), tyrindoxyl sulfate ( 3 ), and an inseparable mixture of oxazinins 1 and 2 ( 5 and 6 ), were obtained and identified. Notably, a previously undescribed sulfoxide derivative ( 4 ) of tyrindoxyl sulfate was also characterized. The growth inhibitory activities of isolated compounds against human leukemia (K562) and 6 pathogenic bacterial cell lines were measured. A mixture of oxazinins 1 and 2 ( 5 and 6 ) exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against K562 cells (IC 50 = 23.0 μg/mL), while tyrindoxyl sulfate derivatives ( 3 and 4 ) showed promising activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 4.0 and 2.0 μg/mL, respectively). This study represents the first report on the secondary metabolites from the entire body of R. clavigera . Considering that R. clavigera is one of the edible mollusks in several Asian countries and used as folk medicine in some regions, in‐depth studies regarding the biological activities and toxicities of the compounds discovered in this study should be followed.

This manuscript focuses on the application of imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM] + [PF 6 ] − ) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide ([BMIM] + [TFSI] − ) as potential entrainers for the separation of cyclohexane/benzene and heptane/toluene utilizing gas liquid chromatography (GLC) technique. The activity coefficients at infinite dilution were obtained for 20 solutes including both polar and nonpolar in each IL at different temperatures ranging from 323.15 to 363.15 K and at pressure 101.3 kPa. The COSMO‐RS model was applied to predict experimental data and to assess the solvent–solute interactions. The results indicate that the COSMO‐RS model is an effective screening tool, offering a cost‐effective and time‐saving alternative to extensive experimental procedures. Partial molar excess enthalpies at infinite dilution, , selectivities, , and capacities, , were also determined for each of the separations studied. The extraction efficiency of the evaluated ILs was also compared with previously studied ILs and conventional solvents such as NMP and sulfolane which are available in the literature. Based on the findings, the activity coefficients and intermolecular interactions of different solutes in ILs are highly dependent on the chemical structure of the IL. Moreover, it also determines the enthalpy behavior of the binary mixture.

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) remains the most common binder used in construction and accounts for nearly 7%‐8% of the world’s CO 2 emissions due to calcination of limestone and high energy use during clinker production. Reducing OPC content using SCMs is one of the major strategies to achieve sustainable construction. Stone‐cutting dust, coming from quarrying activities and having a very fine particle size with oxide composition, has come out recently as a prospective SCM. Its chemical and mineralogical composition may vary widely depending on the type of parent rock: granite and basalt dusts, rich in silica and alumina, in contrast with marble and limestone dusts, which are mainly composed of crystalline calcium carbonate with low pozzolanic activity. This review aims to compile and discuss the published works concerning the use of SCD as a partial replacement of OPC, providing detailed information about its physicochemical, mechanical, and durability performance. Studies showed that 10%–25% replacement of OPC with SCD results in improvement in compressive strength (10%–20%), reduction of water absorption, and refinement of the pore structure due to the filler effect and limited pozzolanic reactivity. However, the obtained results are still inconsistent because of varying stone type, mix design, and curing conditions. Moreover, some reports show losses of strength or reduced workability when higher replacement levels were applied or in the case of using SCD enriched in carbonates. SEM, XRD, and FTIR studies demonstrated microstructural densification and secondary C–S–H in silica‐rich systems, while calorimetric and long‐term durability studies remain limited. Overall, SCD has the potential to be a promising sustainable supplementary cementitious material; however, its performance is strongly dependent on mineralogy and processing conditions. It is recommended that a standardized testing framework should be developed in order to allow better comparability between the various published studies and to guide safe and effective application in low‐carbon cementitious systems.

Near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy probes overtone and combination bands, yet its application in pesticide residue analysis is often limited by chemometric models that ignore the vibrational origin of the signals. Herein, the anharmonic NIR spectrum of chlorothalonil was computed with second‐order vibrational perturbation theory using B3LYP and B2PLYP functionals and interpreted against experimental data. Two spectrally distinct overtone features were resolved: a weak envelope near 4400 cm −1 associated with the ν (C≡N) fundamental (≈2240 cm −1 ) and a sharp, intense band at 4551 cm −1 originating from an aromatic ring 3 ν (C–C) stretching mode. Pairwise Birge–Sponer analysis quantified these behaviors. For ν (C≡N), the calculated pairwise constants were small and negative ( = −2.6 ± 2.0 cm −1 ) and harmonic estimates clustered tightly ( = 2235 ± 6 cm −1 ), consistent with a near‐local mode. An external nitrile reference, CCl 3 CN, exhibited a similar pattern, supporting the use of ν (C≡N) as an internal reference. In contrast, the aromatic ring C–C stretching modes displayed large, positive pairwise constants ( = 190 ± 7 cm −1 , = 226 ± 45 cm −1 ) accompanied by widely dispersed harmonic estimates ( = 674 ± 23 cm −1 ; = 589 ± 138 cm −1 ). These features indicated substitution‐induced quartic distortions and strong vibrational coupling with torsions and out‐of‐plane motions. These anharmonically enhanced transitions were observed experimentally and served as chemically specific markers. Guided by these markers, principal component analysis (PCA) restricted to the corresponding spectral subregions successfully differentiated spiked from unspiked kale samples, whereas full‐range PCA failed. The results establish that theory‐guided analysis isolates compound‐specific NIR features, improving the robustness of spectral residue screening in complex food matrices.

Diseases caused by carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii can lead to death within 48 h of hospitalization, with an overall mortality rate of 68%. The reduced affinity of carbapenem and other β‐lactams for penicillin‐binding proteins 1A (PBP1A), a critical protein, is a key resistance mechanism in A. baumannii . PBP1A is essential for the formation, division, and maintenance of homeostasis and proper growth in A. baumannii , making it an important therapeutic target. In this study, a structure‐activity relationship approach, supported by molecular docking, was used to screen 12,000 phenolics for their affinity for PBP1A of A. baumannii . The top five phenolics, with the most negative docking scores and favorable drug‐like properties compared to the reference antibiotic (imipenem), were further analyzed using a 300,000‐ps molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results showed that the leading phenolics (ZINC12659587 at −25.20 kcal/mol, ZINC59466627 at −35.01 kcal/mol, ZINC04989868 at −19.67 kcal/mol, ZINC71285349 at −17.90 kcal/mol, and ZINC58836805 at −11.95 kcal/mol) had better affinity for PBP1A and were more compact (28.20–29.87 Å) than imipenem (−11.50 kcal/mol and 29.97 Å). Compared to the unbound protein (2.89 Å), the top five phenolics were more stable (2.28–2.76 Å), except ZINC12659587 (4.41 Å), while ZINC59466627 is the most effective and compact. Additionally, except for ZINC12659587, quantum calculations using DFT B3LYP/6‐31G+ (dp) indicated that the top five leads are more reactive than imipenem. These findings provide scientific credence to the profiled phenolics, especially ZINC59466627, as modulators of PBP1A in A. baumannii and may have therapeutic implications for managing ventilator‐associated pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Further validation through in vitro and in vivo studies will be conducted to confirm the exact mechanisms of action of the identified compounds.

Background Finger citron is a highly appreciated functional food. The volatile oil derived from finger citron is known to contain a range of bioactive compounds that enhance sleep quality, reduce alcohol‐induced liver damage, and improve liver lipid metabolism. However, there have been few comparative studies on the effects of different extraction methods on its volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Objective This study presents a comparative study of the volatile compounds and their antioxidant properties extracted from finger citron using two distinct methods (steam distillation and cold pressing). Materials and Methods In a controlled small laboratory environment, fresh finger citron is sliced before processing. Extract 0.5 kg of prepared finger citron volatile oil through steam distillation within approximately 5 h. Meanwhile, another 0.5 kg of finger citron was pressed and filtered using an oil press operated in cold pressing mode. Before collection, centrifuge the obtained volatile oil for 5 min and filter it. This study employed gas ghromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) in combination with principal component analysis (PCA), fingerprints, and orthogonal partial least squares–discriminant analysis (OPLS–DA) to examine the differences in volatile profiles from oils extracted by steam distillation and cold pressing. Simultaneously, comparative analysis was conducted on the antioxidant activity using the DPPH free‐radical scavenging assay and the ABTS radical scavenging assay. Result By comparing the results with a reference compound library, this research initially identified 66 VOCs across the two methods, including 13 aldehydes, 13 alcohols, 10 esters, 7 terpenes, 6 ketones, 6 heterocycles, 4 sulfides, 4 hydrocarbons, 2 ethers, and 1 phenol. The findings indicated that the steam distillation technique yielded oil with a higher concentration of aromatic substances, such as (E)‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol, whereas the cold pressing method produced oil that was richer in pharmacologically active compounds, notably geraniol. Further, PCA analysis confirmed that the extraction methods resulted in distinctly different volatile profiles. Additionally, an OPLS–DA model was established, and 40 characteristic volatile components were identified based on variable importance projection (VIP) scores greater than 1. Discussion and Conclusions The results showed that the antioxidant activity of the volatile oil extracted by the cold‐pressing method was stronger than that of the volatile oil extracted by the steam distillation method. This study reveals the effects of two extraction methods, steam distillation and cold pressing, on the volatile components and antioxidant activity of finger citron, providing a scientific basis for optimizing the application of citrus essential oil in functional foods, natural flavors, and related industries using different extraction techniques.