Abstract This study investigates\ the tribological performance of a novel nanodispersion lubricant system designed to improve the durability of high-carbon chromium alloy steel cutting tools. MoS 2 nanoparticles with lateral dimensions ranging from 60 to 100 nm and an average thickness of 12 nm were surface-modified with oleic acid and uniformly dispersed in PAO 6 base oil using ultrasonic treatment for 60 min. Three distinct MoS 2 mass fractions of 0.025, 0.1, and 0.2 wt.% (corresponding to nominal elemental Mo contents of ∼150, 599, and 1,199 mg/kg, respectively, based on MoS 2 stoichiometry) were evaluated under a constant load of 75 N, a rotational speed of 150 rpm, and a sliding distance of 1,000 m. Results demonstrated that the friction coefficient decreased from 0.16 for untreated substrates to 0.07 for the highest nanoparticle concentration, while wear scar widths reduced from 122 µm to 63 µm. Additionally, the wear rate was diminished from 1.8 × 10 −3 μm 3 /N·m to 0.9 × 10 −3 μm 3 /N·m with increasing nanoparticle content. Advanced characterization techniques, including SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS, confirmed the formation of a continuous protective tribofilm containing partially oxidized Mo species and transferred substrate elements. This composite layer effectively redistributed applied loads and mitigated surface damage through a self-healing mechanism, thereby enhancing oxidation resistance and overall lubrication efficiency. The experimental findings provide a systematic correlation between nanoparticle concentration and tribological improvement, offering valuable insights into the design of advanced lubricant formulations for high-performance machining applications. Overall, the present study conclusively confirms that nanostructured additives significantly enhance machining efficiency.

Abstract Miconazole, a well-known antifungal drug, has recently gained attention for its potential anticancer properties, prompting efforts to enhance its therapeutic performance through innovative delivery systems. This study explores the repurposing of miconazole for anticancer applications using a green nanoemulsion delivery system. Olive oil was selected as a natural, biocompatible carrier to improve miconazole’s bioavailability and therapeutic targeting. The formulated miconazole-loaded nanoemulsion exhibited an average particle size of 177.76 ± 5.2 nm and a zeta potential of −24 ± 0.94 mV, indicating physical stability. The formulation showed potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC 50 = 1.4 ± 0.4 μg/ml), with apoptosis induction of 70.31 ± 2.1 %. Broader anticancer activity was observed against HePG2 (IC 50 = 10.7 ± 1.2 μg/ml) and HCT-116 (IC 50 = 5.9 ± 0.7 μg/ml). Molecular docking revealed favorable binding of miconazole to target proteins, resembling interactions of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole, thereby supporting its anticancer potential. The findings support the use of olive oil-based nanoemulsions as an effective platform for repurposing miconazole in cancer therapy. This delivery approach enhances drug solubility, cellular uptake, and anticancer efficacy, offering a promising strategy for targeted and cost-effective treatment development.

Abstract It is a new field to improve oil recovery by reducing the viscosity of thin oil in low permeability reservoir, which has a breakthrough significance for the development of low permeability oilfield. But, the oil increase effect of viscosity reducer (VR) solution on thin oil lacks the experimental data and theory support. The viscosity of ground degassed crude oil from the thin oil reservoir is 26.4 mPa s at 72°C. The feasibility of the application of VR solution in thin oil reservoir was analyzed through the experiment and test of viscosity reducing ability, percolation capacity, and displacement effect of VR solution. The oil–water ratio is 5:5, the VR concentration ( C VR ) of oil–water dispersion (OWD) solution is 0.1%, and the viscosity reduction rate of VR solution reaches 92.4%. The maximum instantaneous injection pressure ( P max ) of the VR solution injected with the C VR of 0.1% is the lowest, which is 6.60 MPa, the P max decreases by 0.83 MPa than the P max in the basic water flooding experiment, the injection pressure in stable stage ( P min ) decreases by 0.80 MPa. When the bound water saturation ( s wi ) ({s}_{\text{wi}}) of core is 41.1%, the VR solution is directly injected before water flooding, from the initial stage of water flooding, the water content ( f w ) ({f}_{\text{w}}) at the producing end tends to rise more slowly than that at the producing end of water flooding, the final recovery rate ( E R,final ) is the highest, 42.5%, the residual oil saturation is only 33.9%. The decrease in P max and the increase in E R,final indicate that the injection of VR solution can improve the percolation capacity of crude oil, and the method of reducing thin oil viscosity can be applied to the development of special permeable thin oil fields.

Abstract Per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a group of anthropogenic chemicals used in a multitude of applications. Nevertheless, PFAS are considered emerging contaminants, posing significant threats to human health as a consequence of their stability, persistence in the environment, and potential toxicity. Probe electrospray ionization in conjunction with tandem mass spectrometry (PESI-MS/MS) presented in this study provides an alternative analytical method for simultaneous and rapid analysis of 19 short and long-chain PFAS in honey. The method was validated with criteria meeting all requirements of the method validation guidelines. Fourteen PFAS were detected at least once in 23.8% of more than 40 honey samples, in the concentration range of 0.05–0.77 ng/g. Health risk assessment using the herein produced data showed that consumption of the specific honey samples did not pose a threat to the health of adults and children.

Abstract Nitrogen and boron co-doped carbon dots were synthesized using boric acid and triammonium citrate as precursors. N,B-CDs are effective in detecting both mercury ions and biothiols. The linear detection range of mercury ion and biothiols is 0–150 and 0–100 μmol/L, respectively. The detection limit for mercury ions is 18 nmol/L, and for the three kinds of biothiols, it is 13.42, 23.13, and 28.74 nmol/L, respectively. N,B-CDs have proven effective for detecting both in tap water and in human serum samples. N,B-CDs have low cytotoxicity and can be used for HeLa cell imaging. Beyond their detection capabilities, N,B-CDs also possess antifungal activity, effectively eliminating Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. The findings indicate that N,B-CDs could be used as multifunctional probes for cellular labeling and hold potential in the development of antifungal drugs.

Abstract Freshwater fish demonstrate decreased survival in high-salinity environments, and effective strategies to improve it are lacking. We exposed goldfish (Carassius auratus) to saline conditions (0.36% NaCl), along with gentle music for 30 min daily. We then evaluated their survival rate and analyzed their liver antioxidant responses and gene expression. Salt stress exposure for 4 weeks significantly reduced the goldfish’s survival rate, body weight, and food intake. It also worsened oxidative damage to lipids and proteins and increased hydrogen peroxide accumulation. Moreover, it reduced the glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione ratio, GSH and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid contents, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities but increased glutathione peroxidase activity. Finally, it altered the gene expression of the aforementioned antioxidant enzymes. Nevertheless, music exposure effectively mitigated these detrimental effects of salt stress. Moreover, under standard environmental conditions, music significantly improved the survival rate and weight gain in goldfish. Thus, exposure to music may enhance the overall health status of goldfish in high-salinity environments, potentially via the activation of their antioxidant defense mechanisms. The current study provides a novel nonchemical approach to enhance fish welfare in aquaculture under salinity stress.

Abstract Purpose Catechins, the bioactive compounds found in green tea, are known for their beneficial health effects, but overconsumption may result in adverse effects. Thus, this study aimed to examine the influence of green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) catechin extract (GTCE) on liver metabolism and structure in rats. Methods GTCE was phytochemically characterized by LC-MS spectrometry. An in vivo study was conducted on female rats separated into four groups of five each, i.e., a control group and three catechin-treated groups D1, D2, and D3 received, respectively, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 g/kg b.w./day of GTCE by gavage for 28 days. The effects of GTCE were monitored through the analysis of plasma lipid, oxidative stress markers, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the liver. Furthermore, histopathological examinations of liver tissue were conducted. Results LC-MS analyses of GTCE revealed the presence of five phenolic compounds with a predominance of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) at 60.1%. Exposure to catechins with an elevated dose (0.8 g/kg) caused oxidative damage in the liver, as indicated by a considerable increase (p < 0.05) in MDA levels, a decrease in GSH content, and GPx activity (p < 0.05), along with a decrease (p < 0.05) in plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, and total lipids in comparison to the control group. These changes were confirmed by histological examination. Conclusion Although catechins offer known health benefits, high doses may induce oxidative stress and liver damage.

Abstract The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the botanical characteristics, chemical composition, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and metabolic pathways of the primary active compounds, especially flavonoids, found in Apocynum venetum and offer new insights and scientific evidence for further research on this plant. Information on A. venetum was obtained from traditional Chinese medicine books and electronic databases such as PubMed, CNKI, ScienceDirect, Scifinder, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020), and the Flora of China. A. venetum, with a long history of use, was valuable across multiple. A total of 174 compounds were identified; flavonoids were the primary active constituents. Numerous pharmacological studies demonstrated the leaf extract’s antidepressant, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, cardiotonic, anxiolytic, and antioxidant properties, with a high safety profile. A. venetum leaves contain diverse chemical constituents with broad pharmacological activities. Modern pharmacological research provides reliable evidence supporting the plant’s traditional uses, such as calming the liver and promoting diuresis. However, several issues remain unresolved. Further research on non-flavonoid compounds is needed. Additionally, the potential of A. venetum leaves in the treatment of epilepsy is discussed, highlighting future prospects for the plant’s development and utilization.

Abstract Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a new class of green solvents, have attracted considerable attention for CO2 capture. In this study, we synthesised DESs using a superbase, 1,5-diazabicyclo [4.3.0] non-5-ene (DBN), as the hydrogen bond acceptor and a weak acid, diethylene glycol (DEG), as the hydrogen bond donor in different molar ratios to achieve efficient and reversible CO2 absorption. Experimental results indicate that DES2 (DBN:DEG = 1:2) exhibits optimal CO2 absorption performance (a maximum absorption capacity of 0.275 gCO2/gDES. Deep eutectic solvents at 30°C and flow rate of 30 mL/min). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy reveals that DEG activated by DBN in DESs can react with CO2 to form carbonates, thereby enabling CO2 capture. In addition, monoethanolamine was added to the DESs as a promoter, thereby enhancing the CO2 absorption performance, with a maximum absorption capacity of 0.316 gCO2/gDES. 13C NMR and Fourier transform infrared analyses revealed that the amino and hydroxyl groups in the DESs can simultaneously react with CO2 to form carbamate and carbonate, achieving synergistic absorption.

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