Absolute Ethanol Research Articles

In-situ sonochemical formation of N-graphyne modulated porous g-C3N4 for boosted photocatalysis degradation of pollutants and nitrogen fixation

Herein, Nitrogen-doped graphyne/porous g-C3N4 composites are firstly in-situ synthesized via the ultrasound vibration of CaC2, triazine, and porous g-C3N4 in absolute ethanol. A variety of characterizations are performed to investigate the morphology, microstructure, composition, and electrical/optical features of the obtained composites, such as transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and so forth. It is found that N-doped graphyne with flexible folds lamellar structure is intimately attached to flake g-C3N4 in the as-prepared composites. An enlargement of 1.68 and 1.44 folds for the photocatalytic degradation of levofloxacin, rhodamine B, Methylene blue, and Tetracycline is realized by N-doped graphyne/g-C3N4 in comparison with that of pristine g-C3N4, respectively. In addition, the highest NH3 production rate attains 1.71 mmol⋅gcat−1⋅h−1 for N-doped graphyne/g-C3N4, which is 5.89 times larger than that of g-C3N4 (0.29 mmol⋅gcat−1⋅h−1). The improved mechanism of photocatalysis including higher photo-response and carrier separation rate is verified by transient photo-current, transient photo-potential, Mott-Schottky plots, Tafel plots, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, turn-over frequency, photoluminescence spectra, and UV–vis diffuse absorption spectra, etc. Overall, the current study shows that N-doped graphyne synthesized from CaC2 and triazine is a useful decoration to modulate the photocatalytic features of g-C3N4, which can also be widely extended for in-situ modification of other photocatalysts.

Uncovering the nutraceutical and biorefinery applications of two different marine macroalgae Sargassum polycystum and Rosenvingeaintricata

The marine ecosystem provides resources for various food products and nutraceuticals with multiple benefits to human health. In this study, two underexploited seaweeds such as Sargassum polycystum (Sp) and Rosenvingea intricata (Ri) were used to investigate their biological potentials. The seaweeds underwent for washing and the washed water was examined to identify the bioactive compounds by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The fucoxanthin was extracted from both seaweeds using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) with 100% of absolute ethanol and acetone, which resulted in higher fucoxanthin from unwashed Ri (0.8 ± 0.12 mg/g) and unwashed Sp (0.59 ± 0.03 mg/g). Further, the remnant biomass of both washed and unwashed forms was used for the fucoidan extraction by employing UAE and Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE). Among these, the MAE process had yielded 1.86 folds higher fucoidan after fucoxanthin extraction from unwashed Sp compared to the washed. Finally, the relic seaweed residue of Sp underwent separate hydrolysis and batch fermentation (SHF) for the production of bioethanol, which was quantified by GC-MS. Thus, this study suggests that the entire biomass of seaweed would be a plausible feedstock for producing bioproducts.

Mechanical Properties of Alkasite Material with Different Curing Modes and Simulated Aging Conditions.

This study aimed to evaluate the micro-mechanical and macro-mechanical properties of self-cured and light-cured alkasite and to investigate how accelerated degradation in acidic, alkaline, and ethanol solutions affects the macro-mechanical properties of self-cured and light-cured alkasite. The specimens of the alkasite material (Cention Forte, Ivoclar Vivadent) were prepared according to the following three curing modes: (1) light-cured immediately, (2) light-cured after a 5-min delay, and (3) self-cured. Microhardness was tested before and after immersion in absolute ethanol to indirectly determine crosslink density, while flexural strength and flexural modulus were measured using a three-point bending test after accelerated aging in the following solutions: (1) lactic acid solution (pH = 4.0), (2) NaOH solution (pH = 13.0), (3) phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH = 7.4), and (4) 75% ethanol solution. The data were statistically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. The results showed that the microhardness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus were significantly lower in self-cured specimens compared to light-cured specimens. A 5-min delay between the extrusion of the material from the capsule and light curing had no significant effect on any of the measured properties. A significant effect of the accelerated aging solutions on macro-mechanical properties was observed, with ethanol and alkaline solutions having a particularly detrimental effect. In conclusion, light curing was preferable to self-curing, as it resulted in significantly better micro- and macro-mechanical properties, while a 5-min delay between mixing the capsule and light curing had no negative effects.

Ethyl Cyanoacetate Reactions

Ethyl cyanoacetate is a chemical intermediate that has been frequently used. The esterification of cyanoacetic acid and absolute ethanol with a mixed catalyst yielded ethyl cyanoacetate (the same proportion of silicotungstic and p-toluene sulfonic acid as catalyst). The influence factors of the amount of catalyst, n (cyanoacetic acid): n (absolute ethanol), reaction time and reaction temperature on the esterification rate was investigated by orthogonal experiment of four factors and three levels. The product was analyzed by gas chromatography to determine the optimum reaction conditions

Influence of Ethanol Grade on Captures of Ambrosia Beetles in Tree Fruit Orchards, Ornamental Nurseries, and Lumber Yards.

Ambrosia beetles, particularly invasive species within the tribe Xyleborini, such as Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford, 1894), pose significant threats to various ecosystems and managed habitats worldwide. Monitoring these invaders is vital for effective pest management, typically accomplished through ethanol-baited traps. We compared trap efficacy using denatured ethanol versus absolute ethanol in orchards, tree nurseries, and lumber yards in northeastern Ohio, USA, finding that absolute ethanol traps captured significantly more X. germanus. Analysis revealed acetone, ethanol, and methyl isobutyl ketone in the denatured ethanol, likely impacting trap efficacy. Our study underscores the importance of using pure denatured ethanol without acetone for effective monitoring, especially for X. germanus. Exotic xyleborines dominated trap captures across various habitats, emphasizing the need for tailored pest management strategies. Further research is warranted to explore the chemical ecology of ambrosia beetles and the influence of ethanol impurities on trap effectiveness.

Design, Synthesis, and Photophysical Properties of 5-Aminobiphenyl Substituted [1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3-c]- and [1,2,4]Triazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines.

Two series of novel [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-c]- and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline fluorophores with 4'-amino[1,1']-biphenyl residue at position 5 have been prepared via Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling Suzuki-Miyaura reactions. The treatment of 2-(4-bromophenyl)-4-hydrazinoquinazoline with orthoesters in solvent-free conditions or in absolute ethanol leads to the formation of [4,3-c]-annulated triazoloquinazolines, whereas [1,5-c] isomers are formed in acidic media as a result of Dimroth rearrangement. A 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, as well as a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, unambiguously confirmed the annelation type and determined the molecular structure of p-bromophenyl intermediates and target products. Photophysical properties of the target compounds were investigated in two solvents and in the solid state and compared with those of related 3-aryl-substituted [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-c]quinazolines. The exclusion of the aryl fragment from the triazole ring has been revealed to improve fluorescence quantum yield in solution. Most of the synthesized structures show moderate to high quantum yields in solution. Additionally, the effect of solvent polarity on the absorption and emission spectra of fluorophores has been studied, and considerable fluorosolvatochromism has been stated. Moreover, electrochemical investigation and DFT calculations have been performed; their results are consistent with the experimental observation.

Investigation of the Inhibitory Effects of Illicium verum Essential Oil Nanoemulsion on Fusarium proliferatum via Combined Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis.

Fusarium proliferatum is the main pathogen that causes Panax notoginseng root rot. The shortcomings of strong volatility and poor water solubility of Illicium verum essential oil (EO) limit its utilization. In this study, we prepared traditional emulsion (BDT) and nanoemulsion (Bneo) of I. verum EO by ultrasonic method with Tween-80 and absolute ethanol as solvents. The chemical components of EO, BDT, and Bneo were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the antifungal activity and mechanism were compared. The results show that Bneo has good stability and its particle size is 34.86nm. The contents of (-) -anethole and estragole in Bneo were significantly higher than those in BDT. The antifungal activity against F. proliferatum was 5.8-fold higher than BDT. In the presence of I. verum EO, the occurrence of P. notoginseng root rot was significantly reduced. By combining transcriptome and metabolomics analysis, I. verum EO was found to be involved in the mutual transformation of pentose and glucuronic acid, galactose metabolism, streptomycin biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and other metabolic pathways of F. proliferatum, and it interfered with the normal growth of F. proliferatum to exert antifungal effects. This study provide a theoretical basis for expanding the practical application of Bneo.

Ethanol embolization of arteriovenous malformations in the buttock: ten-year experiences in diagnoses and treatment options

BackgroundClinically, arteriovenous malformations in the buttocks (bAVMs) are extremely rare. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ethanol embolotherapy in managing bAVMs.ResultsA total of 32 patients with bAVMs (14 females and 18 males) from 2012 to 2021 were included in this study. All patients underwent complete clinical and imaging examinations. Further, the AVMs lesions were analyzed according to Schöbinger staging and Yakes classification. Each patient had undergone a multistage ethanol embolization. The amelioration of clinical symptoms and devascularization on angiography were evaluated at regular follow-ups. In the present cohort, the 11–20 age group had the most patients (15/32; 46.88%). A total of 124 embolization procedures were performed (average 3.88 procedures per patient), and the average dose of absolute ethanol was 18.96 mL per procedure. Thirteen patients with dominant draining veins underwent additional coil deployment before ethanol embolization (13/32; 40.63%). During follow-ups, clinical improvement was found in 23 of 27 who presented with a pulsating mass (85.19%), 17 of 20 with abnormal local skin temperature (85%), 5 of 6 with bleeding (83.33%), and 5 of 5 patients treated for pain (100%). More than 75% angiographic devascularization was achieved in 18 patients (18/32; 56.25%). Finally, 12 out of 13 patients (92.31%) reduced from Schöbinger Stage III to a lower grade, and ten patients exhibited a complete response (10/32; 31.23%). There was a single serious complication of local necrosis, while neither paranesthesia nor infection was observed postoperatively.ConclusionsEthanol embolization assisted with coils can treat bAVMs effectively and safely. The Yakes classification contributed to the optimal ethanol embolotherapy of bAVMs.

Enhancing Quality Properties of Fresh Orange Juice through the Addition of Freeze-Dried Cassia javanica Extracts’ Coacervates

This study investigated the impact of freeze-dried coacervates at various concentrations (0.5, 1, and 1.5%) on physicochemical and microbiological properties of orange juice. Either 60% ethanol freeze-dried coacervates (EFC) or absolute ethanol freeze-dried coacervates (AFC) were used. The addition of EFC or AFC to orange juice did not significantly (p<0.05) affect pH, viscosity, or electric conductivity, as pH was unchanged for a 0.5% concentration and slightly increased from 3.99 to 4.01 at 1% and 1.5% concentrations. After adding AFC and EFC, viscosity were 52, 53, and 53 mPas at 0.5, 1, and 1.5% concentrations, respectively. Electric conductivity increased from 0.278 s.m-1 (control) to 0.334, 0.347, and 0.375 s.m-1 at 0.5, 1, and 1.5% concentrations after adding EFC, while were 0.325, 0.335, and 0.373 s.m-1 at the same concentration after adding AFC, respectively. However, after adding EFC, total phenolic content increased to 77.25, 115.96, and 154.95 mg.100mL-1, total flavonoid content (TFC)increased to 34.76, 52.18, and 69.73 mg.100mL-1, and antioxidant activity (AA) enhanced to 70.36, 74.36, and 79.58% at concentrations 0.5, 1, and 1.5%, respectively. Also, after adding AFC, total phenolic content increased to 79.26, 117.78, and 156.25 mg.100mL-1, TFC increased to 35.67, 53.00, and 70.31 mg.100mL-1, and AA enhanced to 71.65, 75.84, and 81.21% at concentrations 0.5, 1, and 1.5%, respectively. At concentrations 0.5, 1, and 1.5%, EFC decreased total plate count (TPC) to 2.12, 2.02, and 1.78 log cfu.mL-1, respectively and mold and yeast counts decreased to 1.5, 1.35, and 1.1 log cfu.mL-1, respectively. Also, adding AFC caused TPC to decrease to 2.18, 2.04, and 1.84 log cfu.mL-1, respectively and mold and yeast count decreased to 1.53, 1.33, and 1.12 log cfu.mL-1, respectively. Overall, the results indicate that adding EFC or AFC to fresh orange juice can enhance its nutritional and microbiological qualities without degrading its sensory qualities.

Investigating the pharmacological potential of phytol on experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats.

Phytol is a diterpene constituent of many essential oils, belonging to the group of unsaturated acyclic alcohols. Although phytol possesses antimycobacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, no reports of a gastrointestinal action are available from the literature. Due to the well-known shortcomings of classical anti-ulcer drugs (e.g. side effects or relapses), natural products may offer an attractive alternative. In this study, a potential gastroprotective activity of phytol was evaluated using acute and chronic ulcer models in rats. Phytol 12.5, 25 and 50mg/kg, administered orally 1h prior to induction of gastric lesions by absolute ethanol, inhibited the lesion area by 96, 90 and 95%, respectively. When lesions were induced by ischemia and reperfusion, phytol 12.5 and 25mg/kg per os decreased the lesion areas by 89 and 46%, respectively. In the third acute ulcer model (lesions induced by ibuprofen), phytol 12.5mg/kg reduced the lesion area by 55%. Phytol restored the decreased level of reduced glutathione, the increased levels of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde and the decreased levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase in rats with gastric ulcer induced by ethanol to levels obtained in vehicle group. Finally, in a chronic model in which gastric ulcer was induced by acetic acid directly instilled into the stomach, phytol administered orally over a time period of 7 days at 12.5, 25, 50 and 100mg/kg reduced lesion areas by 84, 81, 83 and 68%. Our data suggest a gastroprotective and cicatrizing effect of phytol, possibly associated with its antioxidant effect.

Protective effects of esomeprazole, curcumin, chitosan, and curcumin-chitosan mixture on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injuries in female rats

Gastric ulcer is the most common health concern due to alcohol consumption, smoking, and physiological stress. An ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in an animal model resembles the pathophysiology of the human ulcer. The present study attempted to detect the protective effects of esomeprazole, curcumin, chitosan, and a mixture of curcumin and chitosan on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in female rats. The present study included 60 rats with an average weight between 179.1 and 180.3 g, divided into two control groups and four treated groups (esomeprazole, curcumin, chi¬tosan, and mixture), where each group included 10 rats. All groups were treated for 30 days. In order to induce a gastric ulcer, absolute ethanol (2 mL/rat) was given orally to all groups (except the negative control ones) after a period of fasting of 20 h. All animals were sacrificed 5 h later. The gastric ulceration was studied by comparing the volume and the pH of the gastric juice, the ulcer index as well as the protective index. Our results revealed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the values of the ulcer index and the volume of gastric juice in the esomeprazole-, curcumin-, chitosan-, and mixture-treated rats as compared to those of the positive control group. The value of the gastric juice pH exhibited a significant increase (P<0.05) in these same groups.

Insights into wheat-starch biosynthesis from two-dimensional macromolecular structure

Starch structure is often characterized by the chain-length distribution (CLD) of the linear molecules formed by breaking each branch-point. More information can be obtained by expanding into a second dimension: in the present case, the total undebranched-molecule size. This enables answers to questions unobtainable by considering only one variable. The questions considered here are: (i) are the events independent which control total size and CLD, and (ii) do ultra-long amylopectin (AP) chains exist (these chains cannot be distinguished from amylose chains using simple size separation). This was applied here to characterize the structures of one normal (RS01) wheat and two high-amylose (AM) mutant wheats (an SBEIIa knockout and an SBEIIa and SBEIIb knockout). Absolute ethanol was used to precipitate collected fractions, then size-exclusion chromatography for total molecular size and for the size of branches. The SBEIIa and SBEIIb mutations significantly increased AM and IC contents and chain length. The 2D plots indicated the presence of small but significant amounts of long-chain amylopectin, and the asymmetry of these plots shows that the corresponding mechanisms share some causal effects. These results could be used to develop plants producing improved starches, because different ranges of the chain-length distribution contribute independently to functional properties.

New 2H‐Chromene‐Based Hydrazone Derivatives as Promising Anti‐Breast Cancer Agents: Efficient Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, Molecular Docking, and ADMET Studies

AbstractA new series of 2H‐chromene‐based hydrazones (10 a–w, 12 a–d, and 14 a–d) were efficiently synthesized by the reaction of substituted 2H‐chromene aldehydes (8 a–w) with various hydrazines (9, 11, and 13) in absolute ethanol under microwave irradiation as well as by lemon juice mediated conventional heating. The structures of synthesized target molecules were identified by spectroscopic analysis methods (1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT‐IR, and HRMS). The in vitro anticancer activity of the new 2H‐chromene‐based hydrazones were evaluated on the three breast cancer cell lines (MCF‐7, MDA MB‐231, and MDA MB‐468) by MTT assay. Among these synthesized compounds, 10 r and 12 b exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activities with IC50 values at 9.12±0.45 μM and 10.71±0.67 μM respectively, against MCF‐7 cell. Flowcytometric analysis revealed that these two potent compounds, 10 r and 12 b arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis of proteins in a dose‐dependent manner. It was further confirmed by Hoechst staining and Annexin V‐FITC assay. Additionally, compounds 10 r and 12 b were examined by in silico molecular docking, which revealed that compound 10 r displayed excellent binding affinity energy of around −10 kcal/mol with human HER2 receptor. Also, the ADME studies validated the hybrid compounds showing promising physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and drug‐like attributes. Broadly, these results underscored the potential of 2H‐chromene‐based hydrazone derivatives as promising anticancer agents.

Valorization of avocado (Persea americana) residual paste: Microwave-assisted extraction, optimization and addition to an artisanal pork ham

ABSTRACT Recovering biocompounds from industrial by-products is crucial to avoid food waste. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has been employed to recover some biocompounds from vegetal matrices using ethanol and his solutions as solvent. Optimization of MAE conditions over total soluble polyphenols (TSP) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) from avocado residual paste (ARP) from oil industry was carried out. Optimal extract was used to elaborate an artisanal ham. Using response surface methodology (RSM), optimal conditions for MAE were 480 W of power, absolute ethanol as solvent, and extraction time of 180 s. The extract contained TSP of 31.24 mg GAE/g DW, DPPH inhibition of 24.51 mg TE/g DW and FRAP inhibition of 21.58 mg TE/g DW. The extract was added in the ham formulation at 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5% w/w. Ham with 1% extract had the highest scores for acceptance. Extracts from ARP may be used in ham with adequate sensory attributes.

Unveiling the antimicrobial potency and binding interaction between sulfonamide substituted Schiff’s bases and BSA protein: An integrated experimental and theoretical approach

Sulfonamide derived Schiff’s bases encompass significant properties such as antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antiproliferative, and antioxidant and hold a central position in therapeutics and diagnostics. Hence, it is essential to comprehend their interconnection with carrier proteins such as Bovine serum albumin (BSA). Herein, two different sulfonamide derived Schiff’s base derivatives,N'-(2,5-Dimethoxybenzylidene)-4-methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide SB-1 and N'-(3-Bromo-4-methoxybenzylidene)-4-methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide SB-2 were synthesized by reacting respectivealdehydes with p-toluenesulfonyl hydrazide as the amine counterpart in absolute ethanol and structurally characterized by FT-IR,1H and13C NMR, elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mass spectrometry and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The binding interactions between BSA andSB-1 and SB-2were made by employing UV–vis. absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Information about the binding constant was obtained from the absorbance enhancement and fluorescence quenching of BSA in the presence ofSB-1 and SB-2respectively. However, the binding efficiency ofSB-1was found to be superior to that of BSA in comparison toSB-2. The antibacterial potential ofSB-1 and SB-2 wastested on E. coliandS. aureus using thewell diffusion method.In silicoADME properties forSB-1 and SB-2were checked to assess their stability. The binding mechanisms to the specific enzymes associated with the BSA interaction and the antibacterial capabilities of theSB-1 and SB-2were further supported by molecular docking calculations. The detailed studies provide comprehensive data to support the utility of prepared Schiff’s bases as potential biomarkers in therapeutics.

Synthesis of a fluorescent probe for rhodamine B and determination of Zn2+ content in pharmaceutical zinc gluconate

The intermediate LBXJ was prepared by Rhodamine B, hydrazine hydrate and HCl, and then the probe Y2ST was prepared by LBXJ, chromone 3-formaldehyde and absolute ethanol. NMR characterized the structures of the intermediate and probe, IR and MS. Compared the fluorescence selectivity of ions after the system was determined and tested the response time, pH value, cation interference, reversibility, linearity, detection limit, accuracy, coordination ratio, and recovery rate of the samples. The detection limit of Y2ST was 0.7×10-6 mol/L, and the detection rate of Zn2+ in zinc gluconate was 96.1% at 5×10-6 mol/L--5×10-5 mol/L. It can be used for the content determination of Zn2+.

Synthesis and structural determination of some 1,5-disubstituted-4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-hydroxy-3-pyrroline-2-one derivatives containing nitro group

2-Pyrrolidinone is a γ-lactam heterocycle consisting of four carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. In the family of 2-pyrrolidinone heterocycles, 3-pyrroline-2-ones, also named as 1,5-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-ones are important substructures of various natural products with promising biological activities. In addition, this γ-lactam heterocyclic ring also exists in synthetic medicinal compounds. In this manuscript, multi-component reactions (MCRs) were applied to synthesize three 1,5-disubstituted-4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-hydroxy-3-pyrroline-2-ones containing nitro group from aromatic aldehydes, 4-nitroaniline and sodium diethyl oxalacetate in absolute ethanol. Furthermore, the molecular structure of products has been proven via modern spectroscopic methods: nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR, 13C NMR) and electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry (ESI – HRMS).

Assessment of Antitick and Repellent Activity of Azadirachta indica Oil against Adults and Larvae Stages of Rhipicephalus microplus

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites and occur all over the world, especially in humid and subhumid nations such as India. They are very important vectors of many economically important livestock diseases, such as Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. Ticks were collected from organized and unorganized cattle farms situated in and around Mhow. The initially collected samples of ticks (≤200) were washed in tap water and identified as Rhipicephalus microplus. The study was carried out from June 2021 to May 2022. Ticks were treated with 0.625, 1.25, 2.50, 5, and 10% oil of Azadirachta indica in both the adult immersion test and larval immersion test. All the concentrations were prepared with absolute ethanol. In the present study, fipronil was used as a positive control using various concentrations (x/8, x/4, x/2, x, and 2x) and was prepared in distilled water. The LC50 values against fipronil were observed as 1.03 and 1.12 ppm for adults and larvae, respectively. Results of the study showed that the oil of Azadirachta indica was responsible for the mortality of adults (LC50 = 2.70%) and larval stages (LC50 = 1.27%) at all the concentrations used. Furthermore, it was observed that this oil was also responsible for the inhibition of oviposition and had excellent repellent activity at 10% concentration. Based on the study, we can conclude that the oil of A. indica can be used in an integrated tick management system to reduce the tick burden on animals.

Gastroprotective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Unripe Musa Paradisiaca (Banana) Fruit in Rats with Experimentally Induced Gastric Lesions

Background: Unripe banana fruit extract is used to relieve stomach distress in some countries. A few studies in India, China, Sudan, Nigeria and South Africa revealed protection of gastric mucosa after exposed to aggressive agent following administration of unripe banana fruit extract in experimental animals. Objective: To determine the protective effect of aqueous extract of unripe Musa paradisiaca (banana) fruit against ethanol induced gastric lesion in rats. Methodology: This was a prospective experimental study carried out in the department of Pharmacology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka within the period from January 2015 to June 2015. Aqueous extract of unripe banana fruit was prepared accordingly. Total 24 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 in each group. Group-A served as a control group and provided with distilled water (5 ml/kg/body weight) orally by gastric tube. Aqueous extract of Musa paradisiaca was administered orally as Group-B: 0.2 mg/kg/body weight/day, Group-C: 0.4 mg/kg/body weight/day and Group-D: 0.8 mg/kg/body weight/day for 7 days. After 7 days, 1 ml absolute ethanol (a known gastric lesion inducing agent) was orally administered to all groups by gastric tube. After 30 minutes of ethanol administration, all rats were sacrificed and dissected. After separating and opening stomachs, observed lesions were examined and measured with some morphological & histological parameters. Obtained data were subjected to analysis by Student’s unpaired t-test. p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: At the end of experiment, Group-A (control) showed a total of 33 gastric lesions. Group-B, Group-C and Group-D showed 22, 20 and 19 stomach lesions respectively. The difference between control group and experiment groups was statistically significant (p<0.01). Conclusion: The unripe banana fruit extract has dose-dependent gastroprotective effect on rats. So, it may be effective in treating peptic ulcer disease. Eastern Med Coll J. July 2023; 8 (2): 19-23

DETERMINING GOOD DNA QUALITY OF FFPE CRC TISSUES VIA A MACRODISSECTION-DNA EXTRACTION PROTOCOL

A good DNA quality and quantity from a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sample is crucial for a better downstream genomic analysis. Previous research has focused on comparing FFPE DNA extraction kits, but the improvement in kit outcome has yet to be studied. This study aimed to make some modifications to a selected Qiagen DNA extraction manual protocol using a manual macrodissected FFPE colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue sample. A variety of DNA extraction protocol-related variables, such as washing steps, tissue sections, and FFPE tissue age have been investigated to determine the DNA quality and quantity of the FFPE tissues. The prechilled absolute ethanol washing step showed the highest DNA concentration with good purity ratios. One, two, or four tissue sections using the washing step were sufficient to obtain adequate DNA concentrations with acceptable DNA purity ratios. 1% or 2% agarose gel electrophoresis with the pre-casting method allowed better visualisation of FFPE DNA. Based on the ideal quality and quantity, we chose a manual macrodissected DNA extraction protocol employing 4 x 10 µm FFPE tissue sections generated in recent years with an optimised prechilled absolute ethanol washing step.