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Efficient use of herbicides for plant protection requires the application of auxiliary substances such as surfactants, stabilizers, wetting or anti-foaming agents, and absorption enhancers, which can be more problematic for environment than the herbicides themselves. We hypothesized that the combination of sulfonylurea (iodosulfuron-methyl) anion with inexpensive, commercially available quaternary tetraalkylammonium cations could lead to biologically active ionic liquids (ILs) that could become a convenient and environment-friendly alternative to adjuvants. A simple one-step synthesis allowed for synthesizing iodosulfuron-methyl based ILs with high yields ranging from 88 to 96% as confirmed by UV, FTIR, and NMR. The obtained ILs were found to possess several favorable properties compared to the currently used sodium salt iodosulfuron-methyl, such as adjustable hydrophobicity (octanol-water partition coefficient) and enhanced stability in aqueous solutions, which was supported by molecular calculations showing cation–anion interaction energies. In addition, soil mobility and volatility of ILs were more beneficial compared to the parental herbicide. Herbicidal activity tests toward oil-seed rape and cornflower revealed that ILs comprising at least one alkyl chain in the decyl to octadecyl range had similar or better efficacy compared to the commercial preparation without addition of any adjuvant. Furthermore, results of antimicrobial activity indicated that they were practically harmless or slightly toxic toward model soil microorganisms such as Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus cereus.

Lately, ionic forms (namely, quaternary ammonium salts, QASs) of nicotinamide, widely known as vitamin B3, are gaining popularity in the sectors developing novel pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. However, the direct influence of these unique QASs on the development of various terrestrial plants, as well as other organisms, remains unknown. Therefore, three compounds comprising short, medium, and long alkyl chains in N-alkylnicotinamide were selected for phytotoxicity analyses, which were conducted on representative dicotyledonous (white mustard) and monocotyledonous (sorghum) plants. The study allowed the determination of the impact of compounds on the germination capacity as well as on the development of roots and stems of the tested plants. Interestingly, independently of the length of the alkyl chain or plant species, all QASs were established as non-phytotoxic. In addition, QSAR simulations, performed using the EPI Suite™ program pack, allowed the determination of the products’ potential toxicity toward fish, green algae, and daphnids along with the susceptibility to biodegradation. The obtained nicotinamide derivative with the shortest chain (butyl) can be considered practically non-toxic according to GHS criteria, whereas salts with medium (decyl) and longest (hexadecyl) substituent were included in the ‘acute II’ toxicity class. These findings were supported by the results of the toxicity tests performed on the model aquatic plant Lemna minor. It should be stressed that all synthesized salts exhibit not only a lack of potential for bioaccumulation but also lower toxicity than their fully synthetic analogs.

The use of chemicals for various purposes in agriculture has numerous consequences, such as the contamination of ecosystems. Thus, nowadays it is perceived that their development should adhere to the principles of green chemistry elaborated by Paul Anastas. Consequently, to create more environment-friendly herbicides, we elaborated a ‘green’ synthesis method of a series of ionic liquids (ILs) containing cations derived from glycine. The appropriately modified cations were combined with an anion from the group of phenoxy acids, commonly known as 2,4-DP. The products were obtained with high yields, and subsequently, their properties, such as density, viscosity and solubility, were thoroughly examined to elucidate existing structure–property relationships. All ILs were liquids at room temperature, which enabled the elimination of some serious issues associated with solid active forms, such as the polymorphism or precipitation of an active ingredient from spray solution. Additionally, the synthesized compounds were tested under greenhouse conditions, which allowed an assessment of their effectiveness in regulating the growth of oilseed rape, selected as a model dicotyledonous plant. The product comprising a dodecyl chain exhibited the greatest reduction in the fresh weight of plants, significantly surpassing not only a commercially used reference herbicide but also the potassium salt of 2,4-DP.

Esterquats constitute a unique group of quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) that contain an ester bond in the structure of the cation. Despite the numerous advantages of this class of compounds, only two mini-reviews discuss the subject of esterquats: the first one (2007) briefly summarizes their types, synthesis, and structural elements required for a beneficial environmental profile and only briefly covers their applications whereas the second one only reviews the stability of selected betaine-type esterquats in aqueous solutions. The rationale for writing this review is to critically reevaluate the relevant literature and provide others with a “state-of-the-art” snapshot of choline-type esterquats and betaine-type esterquats. Hence, the first part of this survey thoroughly summarizes the most important scientific reports demonstrating effective synthesis routes leading to the formation of both types of esterquats. In the second section, the susceptibility of esterquats to hydrolysis is explained, and the influence of various factors, such as the pH, the degree of salinity, or the temperature of the solution, was subjected to thorough analysis that includes quantitative components. The next two sections refer to various aspects associated with the ecotoxicity of esterquats. Consequently, their biodegradation and toxic effects on microorganisms are extensively analyzed as crucial factors that can affect their commercialization. Then, the reported applications of esterquats are briefly discussed, including the functionalization of macromolecules, such as cotton fabric as well as their successful utilization on a commercial scale. The last section demonstrates the most essential conclusions and reported drawbacks that allow us to elucidate future recommendations regarding the development of these promising chemicals.

Lately, ionic forms (namely, quaternary ammonium salts, QASs) of nicotinamide, widely known as vitamin B , are gaining popularity in the sectors developing novel pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. However, the direct influence of these unique QASs on the development of various terrestrial plants, as well as other organisms, remains unknown. Therefore, three compounds comprising short, medium, and long alkyl chains in -alkylnicotinamide were selected for phytotoxicity analyses, which were conducted on representative dicotyledonous (white mustard) and monocotyledonous (sorghum) plants. The study allowed the determination of the impact of compounds on the germination capacity as well as on the development of roots and stems of the tested plants. Interestingly, independently of the length of the alkyl chain or plant species, all QASs were established as non-phytotoxic. In addition, QSAR simulations, performed using the EPI Suite™ program pack, allowed the determination of the products' potential toxicity toward fish, green algae, and daphnids along with the susceptibility to biodegradation. The obtained nicotinamide derivative with the shortest chain (butyl) can be considered practically non-toxic according to GHS criteria, whereas salts with medium (decyl) and longest (hexadecyl) substituent were included in the 'acute II' toxicity class. These findings were supported by the results of the toxicity tests performed on the model aquatic plant . It should be stressed that all synthesized salts exhibit not only a lack of potential for bioaccumulation but also lower toxicity than their fully synthetic analogs.

Lately, ionic forms (namely, quaternary ammonium salts, QASs) of nicotinamide, widely known as vitamin B[sub.3] , are gaining popularity in the sectors developing novel pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. However, the direct influence of these unique QASs on the development of various terrestrial plants, as well as other organisms, remains unknown. Therefore, three compounds comprising short, medium, and long alkyl chains in N-alkylnicotinamide were selected for phytotoxicity analyses, which were conducted on representative dicotyledonous (white mustard) and monocotyledonous (sorghum) plants. The study allowed the determination of the impact of compounds on the germination capacity as well as on the development of roots and stems of the tested plants. Interestingly, independently of the length of the alkyl chain or plant species, all QASs were established as non-phytotoxic. In addition, QSAR simulations, performed using the EPI Suite™ program pack, allowed the determination of the products’ potential toxicity toward fish, green algae, and daphnids along with the susceptibility to biodegradation. The obtained nicotinamide derivative with the shortest chain (butyl) can be considered practically non-toxic according to GHS criteria, whereas salts with medium (decyl) and longest (hexadecyl) substituent were included in the ‘acute II’ toxicity class. These findings were supported by the results of the toxicity tests performed on the model aquatic plant Lemna minor. It should be stressed that all synthesized salts exhibit not only a lack of potential for bioaccumulation but also lower toxicity than their fully synthetic analogs.

This study examines historical water management practices as a means of addressing climate change, focusing on the Tyski Stream catchment in Upper Silesia, Poland, a region marked by extensive urbanization and industrial evolution. It investigates the effectiveness of historical hydrotechnical systems, such as bead-like ponds from the 15th to 18th centuries, in enhancing water retention, reducing flood risks, and supporting ecosystem services. In a critical period, over 54 years (1827–1881), the number of reservoirs decreased from 142 to 31 (the area of ponds decreased from 161 to 32 ha). Throughout the entire period, between 1748 and 2017, the surface area of the analyzed reservoirs decreased from 163 ha to 16.8 ha. This was related to progressive industrialization, urban sprawl, and changes in legal frameworks, such as land ownership laws, leading to ecosystem degradation, loss of biodiversity, and altered hydrological processes. The research emphasizes the potential of reviving historical water management systems on natural processes to mitigate the impacts of climate change. By analyzing historical cartographic resources, this study assesses the feasibility of reconstructing lake systems in areas with similar topographic and hydrological features. It also stresses the necessity of community engagement and securing widespread social and political support to ensure public acceptance and the success of renaturation initiatives. The findings indicate that restoring these systems can offer diverse benefits, including improved water management, enhanced biodiversity, and greater urban resilience, while addressing the socio-political complexities of implementing large-scale environmental restoration projects. The aim of this study is to utilize archival materials for engineering solutions to prevent flooding and enhance water retention.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between blood pressure (BP) and urinary angiotensinogen excretion (uAGT) and renal sodium excretion (uNa) in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Methods The study group consisted of 52 children with DM1 (28 males and 24 females) with albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) below 30 mg/g and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) above 90 ml/min/1.73 m 2 . BP was assessed by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Results The patients showed significantly increased uAGT values with respect to controls (median 0.00 and range 1.76 vs. 0.00 and 0.00 ng/mg, respectively). The significant increase of uAGT was observed even in prehypertensive patients. uAGT concentrations showed positive correlation with systolic and diastolic 24-h BP and with mean arterial pressure (MAP) ( r  = 0.594). uNa values were negatively correlated with BP parameters, uAGT, ACR and eGFR. Conclusions An increase in uAGT precedes hypertension (HTN) in normoalbuminuric children with DM1 and may be considered as a new marker of HTN. Decreased sodium excretion seems to be involved in the development of HTN and early renal injury. Both uAGT and uNa are associated with BP in normoalbuminuric diabetic children.

Clinically detectable diabetic nephropathy (DN) begins with the development of microalbuminuria (MA). However, early renal dysfunction may be overlooked despite using that method. On the other hand, the gold standard in DN detection—that is, renal biopsy—is highly invasive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and interleukin (IL)-18 and their relations to albumin excretion rate (AER) in children with normal-range albuminuria, e.g. in those considered as not presenting diabetic nephropathy. The study group consisted of 22 children (age 12.7 ± 3.5 years) with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Long-term glycemic control was assessed on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels (8.52 ± 1.78%). All patients presented normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (141 ± 23 ml/min/1.73 m 2 ) and normal urinary albumin excretion (13.09 ± 7.63 mg/24 h). Fourteen healthy children served as a control group. Children with T1DM showed increased NGAL values with respect to controls—interestingly, both in serum (sNGAL) (867.43 ± 341.98 vs. 655.29 ± 196.17 ng/ml; p  = 0.04) and in urine (uNGAL) (420.04 ± 374.16 vs. 156.53 ± 185.18 ng/ml, p  = 0.04). IL-18 levels were not different in both groups both in serum (58.52 ± 20.11 vs. 69.79 ± 58.76 ng/ml; NS) and in urine (14.53 ± 12.74 vs. 14.60 ± 10.92 ng/ml; NS). Despite the relatively small study group, the positive correlation between sNGAL and AER was found [AER (mg/24 h) = 3.1893 + 0.01141 × sNGAL (ng/ml); r  = 0.51; p  = 0.014] as well as between uNGAL and AER [AER (mg/24 h) = 8.7538 + 0.01032 × uNGAL (ng/ml); r  = 0.51; p  = 0.016]. No relationship between sNGAL and uNGAL, and GFR and HbA1c were found. Normal-range albuminuria does not exclude diabetic nephropathy defined as increased sNGAL and uNGAL concentration. NGAL measurement can be more sensitive than MA and may become a useful tool for evaluating renal involvement in diabetic children.

Genes encoding adipokines are important functional candidates for development of obesity. In this study we screened for polymorphism 5′-flanking regions of the adiponectin (ADIPOQ), leptin (LEP) and resistin (RETN) genes in a cohort of Polish obese children and adolescents (n = 243) and a control group of non-obese adults (n = 100). Altogether 13 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and 1 InDel (insertion/deletion polymorphism) were found. Among them five polymorphisms, localized in the LEP gene, turned out to be novel, but their distribution was insufficient for association studies. We found no consistent evidence for association between obesity and the SNPs demonstrating minor allele frequency (MAF) above 0.2 (ADIPOQ: −11377C>G, LEP: −2548C>T, 19A>G, RETN: −1300G>A, −1258C>T, −420C>G). Comparison of polymorphisms distribution in patients and control group suggested association with ADIPOQ −11377C>G (Pearson test P = 2.76 × 10⁻¹¹), however, we did not observe any effect of this polymorphism on BMI or relative BMI (RBMI) within obese patients (P = 0.41). We conclude that the tested SNPs are not useful markers of childhood and adolescence obesity in Polish population.