Complexes of bivalent metal cations in electrospray mass spectra of common organic compounds

In the standard electrospray ionization mass spectra of many common, low molecular mass organic compounds dissolved in methanol, peaks corresponding to ions with formula [3M + Met](2+) (M = organic molecule, Met = bivalent metal cation) are observed, sometimes with significant abundances. The most common are ions containing Mg(2+), Ca(2+) and Fe(2+). Their presence can be easily rationalized on the basis of typical organic reaction work-up procedures. The formation of [3M + Met](2+) ions has been studied using N-FMOC-proline methyl ester as a model organic ligand and Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+), Fe(2+), Ni(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+) and Zn(2+) chlorides or acetates as the sources of bivalent cation. It was found that all ions studied form [3M + Met](2+) complexes with N-FMOC-proline methyl ester, some of them at very low concentrations. Transition metal cations generally show higher complexation activity in comparison with alkaline earth metal cations. They are also more specific in the formation of [3M + Met](2+) complexes. In the case of alkaline earth metal cations [2M + Met](2+) and [4M + Met](2+) complex ions are also observed. It has been found that [3M + Met](2+) complex ions undergo specific fragmentation at relatively low energy, yielding fluorenylmethyl cation as a major product. [M + Na](+) ions are much more stable and their fragmentation is not as specific.     

Transition metal ions in black tea: an electron paramagnetic resonance study

Tea (Camellia Sinensis) is the most widely consumed beverage in the world and is known to have therapeutic, antioxidant and nutritional effects. It contains dimeric flavanols and polyphenols which are known as the most important organic compounds in tea infusions, and can make strong and stable complexes with metal ions. In this study, we carried out a series of electron paramagnetic resonance experiments on well-known paramagnetic transition metal ions, namely Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, VO²⁺, and Cr³⁺ doped in black tea cultivated along the shore of Black Sea, Turkey, to see the effects and structures formed.     

Tiliacora triandra (Colebr.) Diels Leaf Aqueous Extract Inhibits Hepatic Glucose Production in HepG2 Cells and Type 2 Diabetic Rats

This study investigated the effects of Tiliacora triandra (Colebr.) Diels aqueous extract (TTE) on hepatic glucose production in hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells and type 2 diabetic (T2DM) conditions. HepG2 cells were pretreated with TTE and its major constituents found in TTE, epicatechin (EC) and quercetin (QC). The hepatic glucose production was determined. The in vitro data were confirmed in T2DM rats, which were supplemented daily with 1000 mg/kg body weight (BW) TTE, 30 mg/kg BW metformin or TTE combined with metformin for 12 weeks. Results demonstrate that TTE induced copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase genes, similarly to EC and QC. TTE decreased hepatic glucose production by downregulating phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and increasing protein kinase B and AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in HepG2 cells. These results correlated with the antihyperglycemic, antitriglyceridemic, anti-insulin resistance, and antioxidant activities of TTE in T2DM rats, similar to the metformin and combination treatments. Consistently, impairment of hepatic gluconeogenesis in T2DM rats was restored after single and combined treatments by reducing PEPCK and G6Pase genes. Collectively, TTE could potentially be developed as a nutraceutical product to prevent glucose overproduction in patients with obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes who are being treated with antidiabetic drugs.     

Curative Effect of Catechin Isolated from Elaeagnus Umbellata Thunb. Berries for Diabetes and Related Complications in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Model

In this study, catechin (CTN) isolated from Elaeagnus umbellata was evaluated for in vitro antioxidant potential and inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase). The compound was also tested for its in vivo antidiabetic potential using Sprague-Dawley rats as experimental animals. The effects of various doses of catechin in STZ (Streptozotocin) induced diabetic rats on fasting blood glucose level, body weight, lipid parameters, hepatic enzymes, and renal functions were evaluated using the reported protocols. The CTN exhibited the highest percent antioxidant for free radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS free radicals, and inhibited the activity of carbohydrate digestive enzymes (with percent inhibition values: 79 ± 1.5% α-amylase and 80 ± 1.1% α-glucosidase). Administration CTN and standard glibenclamide significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose level and increased the body weight in STZ-induced diabetic rats. CTN significantly decreased the different lipid parameters, hepatic, and renal function enzyme levels along with Hb1c level in diabetic rats, while significantly increasing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level with values comparable to the standard glibenclamide. Further, the altered levels of glutathione and lipid peroxides of liver and kidney tissues were restored (by CTN) to levels similar to the control group. CTN significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme activities, total content of reduced glutathione, and reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in rat liver and kidney tissues homogenates, and also corrected the histopathological abnormalities, suggesting its antioxidant potential.     

反萃分散组合液膜分离提取氨基酸

建立了分离提取蛋氨酸、亮氨酸、苯丙氨酸和色氨酸的磷酸二（2-乙基己基）酯(D2EHPA) 煤油-HCl反萃分散组合液膜体系,考察了料液相pH值、载体D2EHPA浓度、液膜相与反萃相体积比、反萃相组成、料液相与反萃分散相流速、传输时间以及支撑膜重复使用次数对氨基酸渗透系数和传输效率的影响。 在优化的条件下,建立的反萃分散组合液膜体系对4种氨基酸均可以获得大于35%的传输效率,其中色氨酸和亮氨酸的传输效率超过了79%,且传输效率呈Et,Trp＞Et,Leu＞Et,Phe＞Et,Met的趋势。 支撑膜重复使用25次,对氨基酸的传输效率没有明显改变。建立的液膜体系对考察的氨基酸展示了较高传输效率和优越的传输选择性,是一种简单和环境友好的分离技术。     

Cation transport at 25°c from binary Na+Mn+, Cs+Mn+ and Sr2+Mn+ nitrate mixtures in a H2OCHCl3H2O liquid membrane system containing a series of macrocyclic carriers

Cation fluxes from binary mixtures of either Na⁺, Cs⁺ or Sr²⁺ with other alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, and Pb²⁺ through a H₂OCHCl³H₂O bulk liquid membrane system containing one of several macrocyclic carriers have been determined Nitrate salts were used in all cases. The most selective transport of Na⁺ over all other cations studied was found with the carrier cryptand [2.2.1]. Selective transport of Na⁺ relative to Li⁺, Cs⁺ and the alkaline earth cations was found with cryptand [2.2.2B] and cryptand [2.2.2D]. The ligands 21-crown-7 and dibenzo-24-crown-8 showed selective transport of Cs⁺ over the second cation in all cases. Several macrocycles showed selectivity for Sr²⁺ over the second cation with the macrocycle 1,10-diaza-18-crown-6 showing the highest selectivity for this cation of all ligands studied. Relative fluxes from binary cation mixtures are rationalized in terms of macrocycle cavity size, donor atom type and ring substituents.     

Enhanced anodic Ru(bpy)3(2+) electrogenerated chemiluminescence by polyphenols

Anodic Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) can be enhanced by polyphenols in alkaline solution. Spin trapping-electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments verified that reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated during the electrolysis of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ in alkaline solution, and oxidation of quercetin enhanced Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ ECL at anodic potential by producing additional ROS. This ECL enhancement can be used to analyze real sample and evaluate antioxidant activity of polyphenols.     

Conductance Switch of a Bromoplumbate Bistable Semiconductor by Electron‐Transfer Thermochromism

Electron‐transfer (redox) thermochromism was successfully used for switching the conductance of semiconductors, by introducing a thermally active organic component into an inorganic semiconducting framework. A moisture‐resistant semiconductor {(MV)₂[Pb₇Br₁₈]}_n (MV²⁺=methyl viologen cation) has been prepared through an in situ synthetic method for MV²⁺. It features a rare 3D haloplumbate open framework and unprecedented electron‐transfer thermochromic behavior in haloplumbates. The electrical conductivity of this compound dropped significantly after coloration and restored after decoloration, which was satisfactorily explained by valence band XPS and theoretical data. This work not only offers a new approach to modify electrical properties of semiconductors without altering components or structures, but may lead to the development of over‐temperature color indicators, circuit overload protectors or photovoltaic materials.     

The Effects of Trivalent Lanthanide Cationization on the Electron Transfer Dissociation of Acidic Fibrinopeptide B and its Analogs

Electrospray ionization (ESI) on mixtures of acidic fibrinopeptide B and two peptide analogs with trivalent lanthanide salts generates [M + Met + H]⁴⁺, [M + Met]³⁺, and [M + Met –H]²⁺, where M = peptide and Met = metal (except radioactive promethium). These ions undergo extensive and highly efficient electron transfer dissociation (ETD) to form metallated and non-metallated c- and z-ions. All metal adducted product ions contain at least two acidic sites, which suggest attachment of the lanthanide cation at the side chains of one or more acidic residues. The three peptides undergo similar fragmentation. ETD on [M + Met + H]⁴⁺ leads to cleavage at every residue; the presence of both a metal ion and an extra proton is very effective in promoting sequence-informative fragmentation. Backbone dissociation of [M + Met]³⁺ is also extensive, although cleavage does not always occur between adjacent glutamic acid residues. For [M + Met – H ]²⁺, a more limited range of product ions form. All lanthanide metal peptide complexes display similar fragmentation except for europium (Eu). ETD on [M + Eu – H]²⁺ and [M + Eu]³⁺ yields a limited amount of peptide backbone cleavage; however, [M + Eu + H]⁴⁺ dissociates extensively with cleavage at every residue. With the exception of the results for Eu(III), metallated peptide ion formation by ESI, ETD fragmentation efficiencies, and product ion formation are unaffected by the identity of the lanthanide cation. Adduction with trivalent lanthanide metal ions is a promising tool for sequence analysis of acidic peptides by ETD.

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Highly selective transport of lead cation through bulk liquid membrane by macrocyclic ligand of decyl-18-crown-6 as carrier

The liquid membrane transport of Pb²⁺ cation using decyl-18-crown-6 as selective ion carrier was studied. The transport of lead ion across the liquid membrane in the presence of S₂O ₃ ^2? , P₂O ₇ ^4? , CN^?, SCN^?, and DDC^? as stripping agents in the receiving phase shows that the nature and the concentration of the stripping agents affect on Pb²⁺ cation transport and the maximum transport occurs when the sodium thiosulfate (Na₂S₂O₃) was used. The effects of various parameters influencing the transport efficiency such as the pH of the source and receiving phases, the concentration of picrate ion as counter ion in the source phase were also studied. Five replicated experiments show that a value 82.12 ± 2.09% of the initial concentration of the Pb²⁺ cation in the source phase is extracted into the receiving phase after 4 hours. Also the selectivity and efficiency of lead ion transport from the source phase containing equimolar mixtures of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Ag⁺ metal cations were investigated.     

Membrane Transport of Pb(II) with a Cooperative Carrier Composed of Dibenzyldiaza‐18‐Crown‐6 and Palmitic Acid

A chloroform membrane system containing a given mixture of dibenzyldiaza‐18‐crown‐6 and palmetic acid was applied for transport of Pb²⁺ ions. The transport was capable of moving metal ions “uphill”. Thus, it was possible to follow the transfer of Pb(II) from the aqueous source phase to the organic layer and from the organic layer to the receiving phase. The effects of thiosulfate concentration in the receiving phase, palmetic acid and dibenzyldiaza‐18‐crown‐6 concentration in the organic phase on the efficiency of the transport system were examined. By using S₂O₃^2? ion as metal ion acceptor in the receiving phase, the amount of lead ion transport across the liquid membrane after 150 minutes is 96 ± 1.5%. The selectivity and efficiency of lead transport from aqueous solution containing Cu²⁺, Tl⁺, Ag⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ca²⁺ were investigated. In the presence of thiosulfate as a suitable masking agent in the source phase, the interfering effects of Ag⁺ and Cu²⁺ were diminished drastically.     

Octaethylporphyrin as an ionophore for aluminum potentiometric sensor based on carbon paste electrode

A new sensor to quantitatively sense aluminum in real sample conditions is presented that uses the potentiometric ion selective electrodes. Aluminum is a cation that plays an important role in the environmental process. This approach is proposed to determine aluminum levels in real samples in the required range (10^?6–10^?2 M). Carbon paste electrode (CPE) is introduced here as a potentiometric sensor to measure free concentration of aluminum ion. Octaethylporphyrin (OEP) acts as a selective aluminum recognition agent in the CPE. The suitable selectivity coefficient is obtained for the CPEs compare to interfering cation. The Nernstian slope and detection limit are achieved 18.4 mV/decade and 2.5 × 10^?6 M Al³⁺, respectively. Finally, the proposed method is applied to determine aluminum concentration in real water samples and the result of this method is in agreement with the result of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).     

Non-dispersive extraction separation of metals using hydrophilic microporous and cation exchange membranes

Non-dispersive extraction of Zn(II) and Cu(II) from single and binary solutions across a flat-sheet membrane to an organic solution containing di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) was studied. Hydrophilic microporous and cation exchange membranes were used. Experiments were performed as a function of the pH (2–6), metal concentration (0.31–3.13 mol/m³), and D2EHPA concentration (50–500 mol/m³). It was shown that the presence of one metal retarded the transport of the other. Compared to the hydrophilic microporous membrane, the cation exchange membrane gave a low extraction rate of both metals in either single or binary systems, but gave a higher selectivity of Zn(II) over Cu(II) in binary systems at high D2EHPA concentrations.     

Evaluation of a cloud point extraction approach for the preconcentration and quantification of trace CuO nanoparticles in environmental waters

The cloud point extraction (CPE) of commercial copper(II) oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs, mean diameter of 28 nm) in water samples was fully investigated. Factors such as Triton X-114 (TX-114) concentration, pH, incubation temperature and time, were optimized. The effects of CuO NP behavior like agglomeration, dissolution, and surface adsorption of natural organic matter, Cu²⁺, and coating chemicals, on its recovery were studied. The results indicated that all the CPE factors had significant effects on the extraction efficiency. An enrichment factor of ∼89 was obtained under optimum CPE conditions. The hydrodynamic diameter of CuO NPs increased to 4–5 μm upon agglomeration of NP-micelle assemblies, and decreased at pH >10.0 at which the extraction efficiency was also lowered. The solubility and therefore, the loss of NPs were greatly enhanced at pH <8.5 and in the first 60 min of incubation, whereas it declined at elevated incubation temperatures. Our results showed that the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) >5 mg C L⁻¹ and Cu²⁺ >2 times that of CuO NPs, lowered and enhanced the extraction efficiency, respectively. Pre-treatment of samples with 3% w v⁻¹ of hydrogen peroxide and 10 mM of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid minimized the interferences posed by DOC and Cu²⁺, respectively. The decrease in CPE efficiency was also evident for ligands like poly(ethylene glycol). The TX-114-rich phase could be determined with either inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry following microwave digestion, or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The detection limits for CuO NPs were 0.02 and 0.06 μg L⁻¹ using these techniques, respectively. The optimum sample pre-treatment and CPE conditions were successfully applied to the river and wastewater samples. The relative recoveries of CuO NPs spiked at 5–100 μg L⁻¹ (as Cu) in these samples were in the range of between 59.2 and 108.2%. The approach demonstrates a robust analytical method for detecting trace levels of CuO NPs at their original states and assessing their exposure risks in real aquatic environments.     

The Hypoglycemic,Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Diabetic Nephritic Activities of Zeaxanthin in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats

Zeaxanthin (ZA), an important compound found in Lycium barbarum, shows various pharmacodynamic effects. In our present study, a high-fat, high-sucrose diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model was used to investigate the antidiabetic activities of ZA. After a 4-week administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg of ZA and 100 mg/kg of metformin hydrochloride, various blood biochemical indexes were detected. ZA strongly normalized the reduced bodyweight and enhanced fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats. The positive data obtained from the oral glucose tolerance test further confirmed its antidiabetic effects. ZA displayed significant hypolipidemic activities indicated by its modulation of serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. The antidiabetic nephropathy of ZA was confirmed by its regulation of pathological kidney structures, urine levels of n-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase and albuminuria, and serum levels of urea nitrogen. ZA inhibited the serum levels of inflammatory factors including interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear factor kappa B, further confirming its renal protection. Moreover, the serum imbalances in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, methane dicarboxylic aldehyde, and catalase were normalized by ZA, suggesting its antioxidant properties. Altogether, ZA produced hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic nephritic effects in a diet-STZ-induced diabetic rat model.     

Metal Cation Transport Studies Comparing Dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) with N,N,N′,N′-Tetrakis (n-propyl)-2,3- naphthalenedioxydiacetamide (NPr)

The previously synthesized3,6-dioxa-4,5-disubstitutedoctanedicarboxamides including NPr bind cationsin methanol in the order: Ca²⁺ > Sr²⁺ >Ba²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺,K⁺. These compounds also extract Group II cations better thanGroup I cations from water to dichloromethane. In contrast, thesediacetamides were found by W. Simon et al., to sense Na⁺ >Ca²⁺ when they were incorporated into ion-selective electrodesusing a low dielectric constant solvent. It was of interest to determine theorder of Group I and Group II cation transport rates of these compoundsusing a three-phase system with a liquid organic phase of low dielectricconstant. We now report that NPr transports thiocyanates in such a systemusing dichloromethane in the order K⁺ (7.2) >Ca²⁺ (6.6) > Ba²⁺ (5.8) > Na⁺(1). The transport rate for KSCN with DB18C6 is 20.5 times faster than withNPr.     

Transport number and current–voltage of a cation exchange membrane equilibrated in aqueous and organic solutions

A physical-chemistry study of a Nafion 117 membrane is undertaken and a correlation between the transport number and current–voltage data of this cation exchange membrane is established. The current–voltage characteristics of the membrane are obtained with the voltamperometric technique, by means of two feed platinised titanium electrodes and two measuring silver–silver chloride electrodes. Previous measurements show that the membrane presents low electrical resistance and weak permselectivity towards the proton in the presence of other metallic cations. However, its chemical modification with the conducting polymer highly improves the proton conduction and gives better selectivity towards the monovalent cation (Na⁺) against the divalent cation (Zn²⁺). The effects of the co-ion (anion), charge, solvent and chemical modification are made in evidence by the current–voltage curves. As a result of its pre-concentration near the anionic layer, the divalent cation increases the value of the limiting current density. Besides, the presence of an organic solvent inside the polymeric matrix of the membrane decreases the limiting current density. Different graphical methods are applied to deduce the limiting current density and the derivative method is found to be more reliable.     

Effect of extraction method on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of mistletoe extracts from Viscum album subsp. abietis

The total content of polyphenols and flavonoids determined in the same plant and their corresponding antioxidant activities may vary widely, depending on the extraction conditions applied. This study was conducted to optimise the extraction conditions of phenolics and flavonoids from the mistletoe plant. Various extraction methods, i.e. ultrasound-assisted extraction technology, maceration, maceration with stirring, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), and extraction under reflux were evaluated for their percentage extraction of polyphenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) from Viscum album subsp. abietis. In addition, the anti-radical activity of extracts was analysed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. The effects of temperature, solvent type, and concentration on the phenolic extraction efficiency and antioxidant activity were studied using chemometric and statistical methods. The results showed that the extracts of V. album subsp. abietis contained large amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids (up to 57.673 mg g^?1 and 9.955 mg g^?1 of dry extract, respectively) and exhibited potent antioxidant activity, hence representing promising sources of powerful antioxidants. Due to its high extraction efficiency and considerable saving of time and solvent, ASE was more effective than the other extraction techniques. Extracts prepared with water-polar solvent mixtures displayed the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity, while organic polar solvents were the least efficient extractants.     

Selective and efficient liquid membrane transport of gold as gold cyanide using an anion carrier

The facilitated transport of Au(III) from cyanide solutions through a bulk liquid membrane is reported. The organic phase consisted of a chloroform solution containing Victoria blue dye as the Au(CN)⁻₄ carrier. The effects of pH of source phase, potassium cyanide concentration in source phase, Victoria blue concentration in the organic phase and sodium hydroxide in the receiving phase on the efficiency of transport process were examined. Under optimum conditions the extent of Au(CN)⁻₄ transport across the liquid membrane was about 97% after 180 min. The carrier can selectively and efficiently transport Au(CN)⁻₄ ion from the aqueous solutions containing other cations such as alkali and alkaline earth, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Pt²⁺, Pd²⁺ and Ni²⁺.     

Two Keggin Templated Supramolecular Compounds by Exerting the Chelate and Linking Dual Roles of the Ligand 2, 2′‐Biimidazole

Two new Keggin templated supramolecular compounds, [Zn₂(H₂biim)₅(SiM₁₂O₄₀)] · 4H₂O [M = W ( 1 ), Mo ( 2 )] (H₂biim = 2, 2′‐biimidazole), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions by using the ligand 2, 2′‐biimidazole. They were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analyses, IR and photoluminescence spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry. The two isostructural compounds are constructed by two discrete supramolecular moieties: the inorganic chains consist of Keggin anions and metal‐organic chains constructed by [Zn₂(H₂biim)₅]⁴⁺ subunits. In the dinuclear [Zn₂(H₂biim)₅]⁴⁺ subunit, the H₂biim ligands exhibit a dual role, chelating and linking. The metal‐organic chains further construct a 3D supramolecular framework with channels, in which the Keggin‐based inorganic chains are accommodated. The electrochemical behaviors of compounds 1 and 2 bulk‐modified carbon paste electrodes ( 1 ‐CPE, 2 ‐CPE) were studied.